Top Restaurants in Paris—and Recommended Dishes

Paris truly lives up to its title as one of the culinary capitals of the world. Here, food is not merely a hobby; it’s woven into the fabric of Parisian life, just like leisurely summer evenings by the Seine, an appreciation for subtle fashion, and the love for strong, bitter espresso shots. This city thrives on two-hour lunches, where award-winning baguettes steal the spotlight, the trendiest eateries boast months-long reservation lists, and traditional bistros cling to their classic menus year after year. In between, innovative chefs showcase the beauty of French ingredients—from artichokes to prized Bresse chickens—with a farm-to-table approach that’s hard to match. We’ve curated a list of 13 essential restaurants in Paris—and the dishes you shouldn’t miss at each one.

1. Soces

19th arrondissement

Nestled in the distant 19th arrondissement, adjacent to the expansive Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a low-key corner eatery specializing in elegantly crafted seafood has emerged as one of the trendiest dining spots in Paris. Be sure to reserve a bar seat at Soces ahead of time, as well as one of the unpretentious wooden tables; the experience is well worth it as soon as you take a seat.

Begin with the signature amuse bouche, featuring an oyster, possibly from St. Vaast or Oléron depending on the season, paired with a zesty margarita shot. This sets the tone for the seafood-centric menu crafted by chef Sam Schwarz. Dishes are perfect for sharing and far more intricate than they may appear. The tuna tartare is complemented by Roman-style crispy artichokes and a ham gel, while cuttlefish is served raw alongside red cabbage and kumquats.

For meat lovers, there’s a substantial pork chop ideal for two, but do save some appetite for the exceptional cheese selection. A slice of triple-cream Brillat-Savarin or aromatic époisses paired with a glass of natural cabernet franc is the perfect finale to a meal at Soces.

2. Brasserie Dubillot

2nd arrondissement

Believe us, “chicken fingers” crafted from tête de veau (calf’s head) might just be the culinary surprise you’ve been longing for. You can’t go wrong ordering at Brasserie Dubillot, part of the Nouvelle Garde group’s eclectic collection of vibrant brasseries, where the atmosphere rivals the menu. Under Belle Époque-inspired posters and stained-glass lamps, the dishes promise as much enjoyment as they do taste.

Everything is fait maison (made from scratch) by the energetic young staff, utilizing locally sourced ingredients from the Paris area whenever possible. The standout offerings are charcoal-grilled meats, with steaks and pork ribs paired with rich sauces (expect to spend around €30, about US$32, per person). If you’re keen to sample snails or steak tartare, this is an excellent destination for classic dishes.

For dessert, don’t miss the impressive Paris-Brest, a choux pastry ring filled with hazelnut cream, before heading out for drinks at one of the nearby dive bars.

3. Vantre

11th arrondissement

Here’s a little secret: Vantre boasts one of the finest wine selections in the city. This modest bistro is the place for the quintessential Parisian long lunch, featuring a series of beautifully presented dishes in a bright, airy dining space. Expect a business crowd enjoying the extensive list of about 3,000 wines, ranging from somewhat out-of-place magnums of Dom to some of Burgundy’s most captivating premier crus.

Order at least two courses. Begin with a light pairing of roasted cauliflower and anchovies or a red pepper mousse, followed by hake served with a creamy rosemary beurre blanc and beef cheek. Typically, there are just a few options to choose from, each dish rich in flavor without being overwhelming, allowing one ingredient to shine. The presentation is exceptionally beautiful.

4. L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre

6th arrondissement

Yves Camdeborde, the pioneer of the bistronomy movement, has turned L’Avant-Comptoir de la Terre into a Left Bank legend. Its motto could easily be “No seats, no problem.” Instead, you stand by the bar, slicing off pieces of butter from a massive shared block for your crusty bread. The menu hangs on cards from the ceiling.

The food is served tapas-style and is hearty, though vegetarians can delight in a truffled Comté croque monsieur or homemade fries dipped in tarragon mayo. Other offerings vary from classic to inventive depending on the day, including beef tataki with asparagus, peas, and surprisingly, peanuts; an exquisite pâté en croûte; or the timeless black pudding terrine.

No reservations are taken, so be sure to arrive early, or consider its neighboring sister seafood bar, L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer.

5. Bistrot des Tournelles

4th arrondissement

It’s rare for a new bistro to make such an immediate splash as Bistrot des Tournelles did when it opened in July 2022. Two years later, the excitement surrounding Édouard Vermynck’s tribute to traditional French cuisine remains strong. You’d hardly guess this charming venue hasn’t been serving steaks drenched in pepper sauce for ages.

Behind delicate half-height lacy curtains, you’ll discover Parisian romance without a trace of cheesiness (unless you opt for the cheese course). The focus here is on refined French comfort food, prepared with care. Main dishes range from €30 to €40, with the standout being the roast chicken, which may come with a creamy sauce and morels in winter or oyster mushrooms dressed in persillade (an herby garlic and parsley oil) in summer. You can select from fries, mashed potatoes, or spinach as sides. It’s rare for newer restaurants to exude as much historic charm and character.

6. Passerini

12th arrondissement

Looking for excellent Italian cuisine in Paris? Look no further than Passerini, led by one of the city’s most celebrated Italian chefs, Giovanni Passerini, situated near one of the finest markets, Marché d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement, is the sophisticated answer.

The contemporary and unpretentious ambiance—large picture windows and minimal decor save for stylish light fixtures—creates a relaxed dining experience. It’s a refreshing change if you’ve been indulging in onion soup, creamy sauces, and decadent pastries.

Fresh, authentic pasta is a must-order, with three varieties typically available each day. Be sure to try the tortellini in brodo or the tagliolini with lamb meatballs, if you’re fortunate enough to find them. Following that, you might encounter classic dishes like vitello tonnato alongside plats showcasing the day’s freshest seafood or poultry (think turbot paired with an onion and fennel gratin or a whole pigeon served in two courses). For a lighter option, check out its wine bar, Passerina cave à manger, located on the same street.

7. Amagat

20th arrondissement

Tucked away in a cobbled, fairy-light-adorned alley in the 20th arrondissement, Amagat is off the typical tourist path. Yet, many Parisians and curious visitors find their way to this not-so-hidden tapas gem.

It embodies both the quintessential Parisian vibe (the lively service, the outdoor seating) and a delightful Spanish flair (the menu without translations, the padron peppers sizzling on the grill).

Sharing is essential here. Combine crowd-favorite tapas—jamon ibérico, crispy croquetas, and manchego grilled cheese—with more refined small plates. Throw in baked Jerusalem artichokes in miso butter and presa ibérica marinated in gochujang for a splendid feast for two.

8. Huguette

6th arrondissement

This Left Bank seafood eatery feels like it was plucked from a stylish seaside resort on the Brittany coast and placed in the heart of Paris. Seafood takes center stage at the outdoor tables beneath Huguette’s striped awnings, where friendly staff in Breton-stripe shirts expertly navigate through pedestrians while balancing impressive platters of oysters, lobster, and crab alongside chilled champagne buckets.

You can almost hear the waves crashing as you drizzle mignonette (a mix of minced shallots and red wine vinegar) over a dozen fines de claire oysters. While there are non-shellfish options like ceviche and poke bowls, the true allure lies in the classic offerings of the raw bar. However, you might want to indulge in the fried calamari or fritto misto as a tasty exception.

9. Kodawari Yokocho

6th arrondissement

At Kodawari Yokocho, the steaming bowls of ramen are just part of the charm. The decor is wildly yet wonderfully themed—a lush forest of paper lanterns and bamboo screens that transport you to a moonlit alleyway in Tokyo, making it a destination in itself.

This ramen spot stands out from the rest in the city, drawing inspiration from the ambiance of a traditional Japanese izakaya. The menu features six distinct ramen options, including a vegetarian choice with a base of sesame, miso, and cauliflower, all customizable with various toppings like nori, extra chashu pork, and spicy sauce.

All dishes are crafted from scratch, with ingredients sourced to perfection; even the wheat for the noodles is cultivated and milled just outside the city.

10. Le Servan

11th arrondissement

Sisters Tatiana and Katia Levha have been delighting patrons at Le Servan for a decade, yet their menu feels as fresh and innovative today as it did when they opened this charming eatery in 2014. Their culinary style blends Asian flavors with French techniques, emphasizing seasonality and sustainability throughout.

They gained recognition for transforming veal brains and sweetbreads into some of Paris’s most sought-after (and Instagrammable) dishes. Just as intriguing is their unique raw scallop dish paired with sour cream and chili crisp, alongside their rendition of magret de canard (duck breast) served with a vibrant carrot puree and spicy jus.

Dining here is a bit of an indulgence—anticipate spending around $60–$70 per person before adding wine—but it’s truly worthwhile for the stunning dining space (don’t miss the exquisite ceiling moldings), unforgettable dishes, and delightful service.

11. Le Doyenné

Saint-Vrain

A brief drive or a ride on the RER (the suburban trains extending beyond the metro) and a taxi will take you to the quaint village of Saint-Vrain, where Le Doyenné is well worth the detour during your Parisian culinary journey. This farm, restaurant, and accommodation, run by James Henry and Shaun Kelly (formerly of Au Passage and Yard), perfectly exemplifies the field-to-plate movement, with vegetables harvested from the gardens surrounding the stunning conservatory-style converted stables where you dine at rustic wooden tables.

What’s on the menu? Everything fresh from the garden that morning, alongside wild game, seafood, and sustainably sourced meats. Once you’ve made the trip, consider opting for the carte blanche (€95, plus €80 for wine pairings at lunch), which offers a masterful four-course taste of their culinary philosophy.

After earning a Michelin green star, reservations are essential well in advance, especially if you wish to stay overnight in one of the 10 rustic-chic rooms available.

12. Oobatz

11th arrondissement

Absolutely, pizza can be a highlight of your Paris dining experience. Oobatz is the exciting new offshoot of the former Michelin-starred Le Rigmarole, led by Daniel Pearson, who shifted the restaurant's focus from Japanese barbecue to exceptional sourdough after the owners, Jessica Yang and Robert Compagnon, decided to prioritize family life over reopening post-pandemic.

The transition was so successful that he now has his own place, where the spotlight is on 36-hour leavened dough. Pizzas are thin and crisp, featuring classic tomato bases as well as white varieties adorned with seasonal ingredients like zucchini. Just be aware that sharing a pizza on the fly isn’t an option—reservations open two weeks ahead and often come with a waitlist.

13. Fulgurances L’Adresse

11th arrondissement

For those seeking the next wave of culinary talent, securing a table at Fulgurances is a smart move. This self-proclaimed incubator restaurant hosts emerging chefs for residencies lasting three to five months, showcasing menus that are often among the city’s most thrilling, blending international influences with French ingredients.

As of this writing, Alexandre Aziza and Etienne Dupuy are taking charge of the kitchen during the city’s Olympic summer. Originating from the nearby northwestern regions of Brittany and Normandy, they are expected to delight diners with a whimsical mix of flavors inspired by their childhood favorites and personal journeys. Fulgurances also aims to remain open throughout late July and August, a time when many restaurants shut down, offering service five days a week: dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and lunch on Thursdays and Fridays.

This article was first published in June 2023 and was refreshed in June 2024.