From world-famous restaurants to tiny bistros, the City of Lights has something to offer everyone who loves to eat.
Simeon is a Senior Editor at Tozome, an amateur wine connoisseur, and a mediocre Tennis player.
Paris is a city known for its food. From Michelin-starred restaurants to tiny bistros, there is something for everyone in the City of Lights. Some areas of the city are home to specific types of cuisine. For example, the Latin Quarter is known for its traditional dishes, while the Marais offers some of the best ethnic foods.
But with so many options to choose from and everything in French, it can be difficult to know where to go. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. From the classics that shouldn’t be missed to the hidden gems, our list of best restaurants in Paris will point you in the right direction for a meal you won’t soon forget.
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This bistro in the 7th arrondissement where chef Stéphane Jégo stays true to the legacy of the 1930 establishment, serves classic French cuisine in a cosy atmosphere sat on red-leather banquettes. The foods are rustic and delicious, with dishes like cassoulet, steak tartare, and Farm pig work with flavour juice.
While Jégo’s regulars might not appreciate the invasion of new fans, he has legions of them. His dishes are both inventive and classic: the terrine de champagne for instance is a huge wedge of pistachio-studded pate, and veal and Jerusalem artichoke are hidden under a quilt of truffle shavings.
27 Rue Malar, 7th arrondissement, Paris, 75007 Paris
This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on French cuisine. In the hands of chef Pierre Gagnaire, classic dishes are given a modern twist with touches of Mediterranean and Asian influences.
The tasting menu is an epicurean delight, starting off with a cup of poached oysters topped with caviar and ending with rhubarb pudding and brown butter meringue.
Each course is a masterful mix of texture, flavour and presentation, and while the tastes are exquisite, it’s not so much a meal as a demonstration with each dish serving as a miniature artwork.
The chef also comes out to greet each guest after they arrive and before they leave, adding a personal touch to the experience. If you have some extra cash to spend, you won’t regret it here.
6 Rue Balzac, 8th arrondissement, Paris, 75008 Paris
The iconic La Tour d’Argent (The Silver Tower) is a historic restaurant in the 5th arrondissement of Paris and for many oenophiles – the last bastion for quintessential french wines. The restaurant’s roots go back to 1582, and its wine cellar houses an impressive collection of over 500,000 bottles from around the world, many of which most restaurants can only dream of listing.
Today, this experience is enhanced by the cooking of chef Philippe Labbé and his team with dishes such as foie gras cooked in duck fat and caviar served on freshly baked bread. For the main course, try some classics like roasted pigeon or wild salmon. La Tour d’Argent also offers stunning views of Paris and the Seine River – perfect for a romantic evening out.
19 Quai de la Tournelle, 5th arrondissement, Paris 75005
Located in the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Le Cinq is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that stands at the apex of French modern and elegant cuisine. Here, self-described “real Parisian at heart” chef Christian le Squer knocks up classic French fare executed with masterful techniques honed at his previous post as chef of the Pavillon Ledoyen, where he also earned three Michelin stars.
While the menu at Le Cinq changes seasonally, some of his signature dishes include Vanilla from Madagascar and crispy pancakes, Royal Oscietra Caviar, and crispy prawns from Bretagne. The majestic dining rooms offer a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable gastronomic experience with luxurious high ceilings, velvet curtains and sparkling chandeliers setting the tone for a night of fine dining.
31 Avenue George V, 8th arrondissement, Paris 75008
Situated inside the Monnaie de Paris, the world’s oldest continuously running minting institution – this three-Michelin-starred restaurant is helmed by the man Gordon Ramsay calls his mentor, chef Guy Savoy, who is widely considered one of the most talented chefs working today.
The menu features seasonal French cuisine with a focus on simplicity and perfectionism, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through.
Some of the standout dishes include roasted John Dory with black truffles, Iberian Pork Saddle and an amazing celery root and truffle soup. The dining room is reminiscent of an art gallery with paintings lining the walls and sculptures encased in glass cabinets. The pale pink walls and mirrored ceilings accentuate the restaurant’s glamorous atmosphere which is only surpassed by the food’s exquisite flavour and design.
Monnaie de Paris, 11 Quai de Conti, 6th arrondissement, Paris, 75006
Since its opening in 1784, this jewel on the northern edge of the Jardin du Palais Royal has had a storied past and is a staple among the list of best Restaurants in Paris, hosting the likes of Napoléon and Jean Cocteau.
Today, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant is considered one of the most important historical restaurants in Paris, with an impressive collection of art adorning its walls, many commemorating the famous patrons who once dined here.
The menu takes classic french ingredients and techniques to create sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dishes such as roasted truffle ravioli served on a bed of earthy mushrooms; deboned pigeon stuffed with foie gras, black truffles, and veal; and caramelised onions and potatoes.
End your meal with a dessert soufflé made with freshly picked pears or a selection of cheese bouchons paired perfectly with wines from around the globe.
17 Rue de Beaujolais, 75001
This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is the embodiment of modern French gastronomy, combining traditional techniques with contemporary plating and presentation.
It offers a variety of tasting menus that showcase a range of flavours and textures from around the globe, from buttery grilled scallops served with crisp green apples to smoked duck breast served with pumpkin puree.
The theatrical open kitchen allows diners to watch the talented chefs at work as they prepare each dish with meticulous precision and infinite care. The sleek and stylish interior gives an industrial feel to this chic eatery, making it one of the most sought-after tables in Paris.
5 Rue Montalembert, Saint-Germain, Paris, 75007
In a corner of the elegant Place des Vosges is the restaurant many gourmets consider the best restaurant in France Paris. The three-Michelin-starred L’Ambroisie has been a favourite of royalty, celebrities, and gourmands since its opening in 1981 and has been run by Chef Bernard Pacaud (b. 1947) together with his wife Danièle from day one.
Deciding on the menu at the L’Ambroisie is no easy task as it is a multi-course gourmet degustation accompanied by the restaurant’s extensive wine list which features over 1,000 labels from all over the world.
Each dish on the menu is created using only the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers around France, like scallops served with artichokes and capers or confit of duck leg in blackberry sauce. The white marble interior creates an elegant backdrop to showcase the innovative dishes, while high-quality service ensures the perfect dining experience.
9 Place des Vosges, 75003 Paris, France
Named after a wildflower indigenous to Chef Pascal Barbot’s native Auvergne, L’Astrance is a small but charming two-Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy in Paris’s 16th arrondissement opposite the Eiffel Tower.
The restaurant was opened in 2000 by Chef Barbot and has since become one of the most coveted tables in the City of Lights. The menu is a reflection of Barbot’s lifelong dedication to perfecting techniques, combining French culinary traditions with modern global influences.
It offers a spectacular array of dishes such as veal sweetbreads on a bed of exotic vegetables or lobster served with artichokes and smoked garlic mayonnaise. Many dishes are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients like truffles when they are at their peak flavour, while others remain on the menu all year round due to their timeless appeal.
32 Rue de Longchamp, 75016 Paris, France
Situated in the Bois de Boulogne, Le Pré Catelan is a stunning three-Michelin-starred restaurant set within an elegant 19th-century building and surrounded by lush gardens.
Here you can experience exquisite French cuisine created by the talented Chef Frédéric Anton (b. 1958), who has been awarded the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (Best Craftsman of France) for his outstanding achievements in gastronomy.
The menu features seasonal dishes such as seabream tartare or roasted pigeon with foie gras, accompanied by a selection of fine wines from over 500 labels on offer. There are also several tasting menus to choose from, which will take you on a journey of discovery through the world of gourmet French cuisine.
Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris, France
Paris is a city of culinary delights, and the ten restaurants listed above are some of the best places to experience fine dining. From contemporary French cuisine at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon to classical French haute cuisine at Le Pré Catelan, these restaurants offer something for every taste and budget.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate evening with your loved one or a memorable meal with friends, you won’t be disappointed by any of these top-notch establishments. Bon Appetit!
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