The ultimate Paris restaurant guide, by arrondissement
Embarking on a culinary pilgrimage to Paris is a rite of passage. (Image: Alex Harmuth)
Dining out in Paris has never been so easy.
Embarking on a culinary pilgrimage to Paris is a rite of passage for food enthusiasts worldwide. From the historic cobblestone streets of the Marais to the chic boulevards of the 7th arrondissement, each neighbourhood boasts its own unique Paris restaurants.
Whether you’re seeking traditional bistro fare, a local fromagerie, or elaborate pastries, these are some of the best places to eat in each of Paris’ arrondissements.
1st and 2nd arrondissement: The Heart of Paris
1. Le Souffle
Le Souffle has been dishing out souffles from their charming baby blue storefront since 1961. Their menu ranges from foie gras to wild sea bass with artichoke cream, but the stars of the show, as you may guess, are the sweet and savoury souffles.
Order a fluffy Soufflé Chocolat at Le Souffle.
2. Cafe Verlet
Just steps away from the Louvre and Palais Royal, Cafe Verlet is the oldest Parisian coffee company still in operation. Head upstairs for a cozy nook for breakfast, lunch or even afternoon tea.
Cafe Verlet is the oldest Parisian coffee company still in operation.
3. Angelina
Angelina is an iconic 1903 tearoom on Rue de Rivoli. Be sure to stop by after going to the Louvre for one of their refined pastries and famous hot chocolate.
Stop by Angelina after visiting the Louvre.
3rd and 4th arrondissement: The Marais
4. L’As du Fallafel
If you’re surprised to see a falafel spot on a Paris food guide, then you definitely haven’t yet been to L’As du Fallafel.
Thick pitas are filled with crisp, flavourful falafel and topped with all sorts of goodies: the marinated eggplant being my personal favourite.
L’As du Fallafel is a famed falafel spot in Paris.
5. Le Cafe des Musées
Founded in 1924, Le Cafe des Musées is a time capsule of a 1930s Parisian cafe, with its mosaic, woodwork, and open kitchen. It’s well-known for its bœuf bourguignon served with a pile of creamy mashed potatoes.
Dine and travel back to the 1930s at Le Cafe des Musées.
5th arrondissement: Latin Quarter
6. La Pie Noir
La Pie Noir is a hidden, local French spot with Breton influences. The razor clams in snail butter are a must-order and the andouillette sausage is a regional, family recipe handed down to the chef.
La Pie Noir is a hidden, local French spot with Breton influences.
7. Le Petit Châtelet
Located on a cobbled street by the River Seine, Le Petit Châtelet is a great spot for lunch (and a little people-watching) after visiting Notre Dame. Be sure to end your meal with one of their excellent crème brûlées.
Le Petit Châtelet is ideal for people-watching. (Image: @dr_difilippo)
6th arrondissement: St. Germain-des-Prés
8. Semilla Paris
Semilla offers contemporary, bright French cuisine with Mediterranean accents surrounded by exposed brick.
Hit up Semilla Paris for indulgent desserts.
There are a few course options to choose from: the two-course, three-course and recommended five-course tasting menu. Plus, it’s open on Sunday.
Indulge in two-, three- or five-course menus at Semilla Paris.
9. Cafe de Flore
Cafe de Flore is a storied, corner cafe with a long history of famous patrons, from Ernest Hemingway to Karl Lagerfeld.
10. Michalak
Michalak is a contemporary patisserie serving showstopping, creative treats. Check out the glossy mango filled with soft coconut biscuit, mango guava passion fruit confit, and crispy almond or the play on a classic Paris-Brest with peanut praline mousseline cream. There are three Paris locations.
7th arrondissement: Eiffel Tower
11. La Fontaine de Mars
La Fontaine de Mars, a few steps away from the Eiffel Tower, is an old-world cafe with checkered tablecloths, red leather benches, and retro tiled floors.
The perfect place to enjoy some Paris classics, such as steak frites or escargot, preferably with a large glass of red wine.
Settle into the iconic La Fontaine de Mars.
8th arrondissement: Champs Elysées
12. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is a famous, somewhat kitschy restaurant that has just one item on the menu: steak frites. A green salad with walnuts is followed by an extra-tender sirloin of beef and its legendary secret sauce, accompanied by thin golden French fries. There are two other locations in Paris– this one is located between the avenue Georges V and the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in the heart of Paris’ Golden Triangle.
9th arrondissement: Opéra/Pigalle
13. Pétrelle
Pétrelle is a small, quaint restaurant with a romantic, candle-lit setting decorated with flea-market pieces. Chef Lucie Boursier-Mougenot and sommelier Luca Danti serve delicate and healthy market-fresh cuisine paired with fantastic wine.
Red Mullet or Rouget Barbet is a staple dish at Pétrelle.
Get the four-course menu with the wine pairing for the full experience.
Head to Pétrelle for a romantic meal.
14. Le Pantruche
Awarded with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award, Le Pantruche offers classic French dishes like soufflés and beef in red wine at a reasonable price.
15. Fromagerie Crèmerie Frescolet
This artisan cheese shop in Pigalle is the perfect place to pop into to select cheeses for a picnic. Ask which ones are from the owner’s family farm!
Pop into Fromagerie Crèmerie Frescolet to select cheeses for a picnic.
10th arrondissement: Canal Saint-Martin
16. Du Pain et des Idées
This internationally beloved bakery is a must-stop for those looking to experience the best in Parisian bread (and aren’t we all?).
Try one of the best Parisian breads at Du Pain et des Idées.
From the hand-painted glass ceiling to their signature Pain des Amis, this place is truly special from your first step into the shop to your first bite.
Step into the beloved boulangerie.
17. Ten Belles
Ten Belles is a sustainable sourdough bakery and specialty coffee roaster. There are two other Paris locations as well, but this little corner shop in Canal Saint-Martin is the original location.
18. Viande et Chef
This butcher shop offers high quality meat with an ethos of respect for animals, breeders and the environment. The shop works directly with small farmers and breeders to source delicacies like lamb from the salt meadows of Mont-Saint-Michel, beef from Aubrac, and Kintoa pigs from the Basque Country.
18th arrondissement: Montmartre
19. Les Choupettes de Chouchou
This store does one thing and does it well: chouquettes (aka choux puffs). The little balls of choux pastry are filled with fresh whipped cream when you order. Chocolate, lemon and coffee flavored whipped creams are available as well!
Head to Les Choupettes de Chouchou for chouquettes.
20. Le Grenier à Pain
Le Grenier à Pain is a bakery that has several locations around the outskirts of Paris. Make sure you stop into one of them for the perfect croissant. It’s flaky and crisp, yet soft and chewy. Incredibly buttery, yet not a bit greasy.
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