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Paris is known most famously as the city of love, but people sometimes forget about all of the good food this French city has to offer. As you walk down the rue, you’ll see a mix of traditional french cuisine as well as ethnically diverse dishes.
France is an international reference for gastronomy, with chefs all over the world drawing inspiration from French cooking methods and dishes. Some of the best restaurants in the world are in France. From a quaint brasserie to a michelin-star restaurant, small plates to steak frites, you just cannot leave France hungry. And many of these outstanding restaurants are in Paris.
With so many eateries to choose from, what are the best Paris restaurants for tourists and travelers? You certainly want more than ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches from a classic french bistro. But we’re not all cut out for Michelin stars level dining.
9 Restaurants in Paris You’ll Love
Sampling the variety of Parisian food is one of the best things about visiting Paris; however, going out on the town in Paris can get expensive. Remember to budget a bit more on food so that you get the chance to try out the restaurants in Paris.
After a day out sightseeing, or just lounging on the terrace, treat yourself by stopping by one of these amazing restaurants for lunch or dinner before exploring the Paris nightlife.
9. Granite
Granite is a fast-growing restaurant in terms of popularity, and calling ahead is a must if you want to get a table.
Once you're in, submerge yourself in traditional French cooking led by chef Thomas Meyer. He celebrates his eastern French origins in his creative gastronomic endeavors.
If you try the tasting menu, you’ll find dishes made with seasonal ingredients, meaning you get the freshest possible food.
Start with succulent tomatoes cooked with bourbon and chamomile. Taste roasted pigeon with herbs and a special house sauce, and finish with dessert in the form of a chocolate tart flavored by Earl Grey essences.
Price: $$$
8. Le Servan
Le Servan blends classic French cooking techniques with flavors and ingredients from South East Asia.
The restaurant's owners, Katis and Tatiana Levha, are two sisters born in the Philipines and raised in Paris. After training in Michelin-starred kitchens around the city, Tatiana created the menu of Le Servan.
The menu changes frequently but seafood always plays a significant role in the dishes. For instance, try scallops with bone marrow and spinach or cuttlefish with peppercorn and chilies.
Le Servan is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Paris if you’re craving seafood.
Take the opportunity to join the crowds for a mid-week lunch, exploring flavors that escape classic french cooking but are still delicious.
Price: $$
7. Bistrot Paul Bert
Bistrot Paul Bert is a bargain amidst one of Paris's most trendy gastronomic rue and neighborhoods.
Kick off your day with brunch or try the ~US$18 three-course lunch menu that goes for ~US$34 in the evening. A tantalizing bargain!
The dishes here are simple in presentation but prepared with extreme care and attention. For their speciality, order the house-famous milk-fed pork, slow-cooked with prunes, almonds, and apricots. Extremely tender and delicious!
This location used to be a butcher shop and then a wine bar. Now it’s one of the best restaurants in Paris. Although you won't see much elegance, this is the perfect spot to try French cooking at an affordable price.
Price: $
6. Le Baratin
Le Baratin is a bohemian spot where all other Parisian chefs go when they want to relax and unwind.
From the kitchen, you’ll be served the creations of Argentinian chef Raquel Carena. She truly explores her passion for sweet-and-sour and tart flavors. A tuna steak with black cherries or rabbit ragout with red wine sauce is the perfect example.
The menu here is constantly changing and simply written on a chalkboard. However, you’ll be pleased to find affordable pricing with some of their main dishes costing between US$15 to US$20.
Le Baratin may not serve the most complex of French foods, but this is where you'll find the artistic crowds of Paris indulging in good food, wine, and conversation.
Price: $
5. Miznon
Miznon serves Israeli food with a French touch. Possibly the best pita bread in the world, outside of Israel! When you visit, dipping their pita in traditional sauces is an excellent way to start your meal.
If you feel like taking a break from traditional French food and all the butter that comes with it, this is the ideal restaurant in Paris to pop into. Miznon also has locations in Vienna, Melbourne, and New York City.
Mizon is one of the best restaurants in Paris for vegetarians. The menu is filled with plant-based options like roasted cauliflower, falafel burgers with tahini and green chili peppers, ratatouille and baked potatoes and so much more.
Additionally, you’ll come out of this delicious eatery with a fairly unphased wallet. With most of their menu items costing under US$15, you’ll get to enjoy great international eats at an affordable price!
Price: $
4. Mokonuts
Mokonuts is one of the best restaurants in Paris if you’re looking for a break from sit-down-and-dine eateries. It’s also one of the most popular spots to eat in eastern Paris.
This café-bakery is run by an immigrant couple who blend their own culinary traditions and add a pinch of French classicism to it, creating something unique and aromatic.
Omar Koreitem brings the flavors of Lebanon with his savory dishes, like the bonito fish with tabbouleh.
Meanwhile, Moko Hirayama is from Japan and serves baked goods like almond cookies, flourless chocolate cake, and other delicacies.
Mokunuts is a casual and friendly affair, perfect for a small lunch or a pastry to-go as you explore the city.
Price: $ - $$
3. L'Ami Jean
For some traditional French bistro dishes, head to Chez L'Ami Jean. Here you’ll find dishes inspired by authentic and classic farmhouse food from the southwestern regions of France.
The restaurant is always packed with regulars craving French comfort food.
Since it first opened its doors in the 1930s, the decor and set-up of the place have changed very little. This lends itself to the easy, comforting atmosphere that appeals to so many of L’Ami Jean’s regular customers.
Try traditional dishes like a roast pigeon with thyme and garlic or the comforting parmesan soup on a rainy day.
The restaurant has been featured in the World 50 Best List, a staple of quality food in France.
Price: $$
2. Septime
Septime is a restaurant that may trick you at first. Because it’s so hard to get a reservation, you’d assume Septime is a pretentious and elegant establishment. But what you find instead is a balanced, spontaneous, and casual setting and menu.
Once you step into this little gem, you’ll find that the service is friendly and the dining room is spacious and welcoming. It’s definitely worth the effort of getting a booking!
The restaurant is a modern bistro with chef Bertrand Grébaut leading the kitchen. The result is a menu that displays simple yet delicate dishes, like mushrooms with foie gras and oysters or tuna with raspberries and tomato water, seared to perfection.
Price: $$ - $$$
1. Breizh Café
Breizh Cafe is a favorite among true Parisians, where you can taste the simple side of such a complex cooking culture. The star of the show at Breizh is the crepes. They’re probably the best crepes in all of Paris!
With multiple locations spread across the city, this is a must-try if you want to feel like a real Parisian.
If you’re feeling indecisive then go for the original savory Breton galette. This is a gluten-free crepe made with buckwheat flour and filled with something savory.
No matter your choice of filling, all the crepes have that buttery softness in the middle and scrumptious crunchy corners.
They also have a home version of sushi, a hand-rolled buckwheat dough cut in the shape of Japanese maki. Pair your crepe with a house cider and experience the authenticity of a Parisian meal!
Price: $$
Eat Your Way Through Paris
Paris is the world's gastronomic capital, and picking its best restaurants is a challenging task.
Now you’ve been introduced to some of the best restaurants in Paris, but that doesn't exclude the infinite ocean of good food and experiences you can find around every corner of this incredible city.
If your mouth is watering then it’s probably a sign that it’s time for you to spoil yourself with the Parisian experience. Have a look at the best places to stay in Paris on a budget and perhaps you’ll realize a trip to France isn’t such a far-fetched idea.
There’s no harm in starting to plan and nothing more fun than putting together your dream itinerary! The best way to do that is a travel planning app that will make your life easier.