We could wile away the hours talking about the glories and downfalls of bistros, brasseries, wine bars and fine dining experiences throughout Paris, we’ll do you a solid and cut to the chase in this tried + true curation of the best restaurants, fromageries, boulangeries, patisseries and more… in other words, this is our Paris City Guide for Foodies. Whether you’re an aspiring chef who fancies shopping for copper pans where Julia Child once frequented or you’re a simple lover of the finer things – ahem, well-prepared food – we hope this extensive, yet vetted, list that’s been years in the making proves to be a veritable goldmine for you. We’ve outlined many of these well-known institutions and rarefied gems by arrondissement (Paris’ fancy way of saying neighborhood/quarter of the city), along with short tidbits about each. Use this guide in tandem with our recommendations for where to stay or where to wander and prepare to call yourself a bona fide INSIDER.
1st & 2nd Arrondissements (the Heart of Paris)
Le Soufflé (1ème) As the name suggests, the headliners of this charming institution are sweet + savory soufflés inspired by the seasons. Following a stroll in the adjacent Jardin des Tuileries, opt for the all-soufflé menu (starter, main dish and dessert) and brace yourself for winning flavors of asparagus, foie gras, morels, truffles and even Grand Marnier. Reservations are essential!
Poulette (1ème) Steak frites might be the major draw on the menu, but on the walls, it’s the tiled Belle Epoque frescoes. Petite as the restaurant may be, it has the kind of nostalgic Midnight in Paris ambiance so many travelers seek when rambling through the city.
Loulou (1ème) At Loulou, rich marbled floors, vertical lines, rattan-cloaked walls, high ceilings and saffron velvet sofa seats marry milky white swivel chairs we can only compare to futuristic pods you might find on Interstellar’s Endurance spaceship. The result is sleek, yet comfortable – a perfect parallel to the French + Italian Riviera led cuisine that awaits you in this distinguished location. Nestled inside the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, our favorite atmosphere for dining or drinks has to be the terrace, which boasts 360° views of the Jardin des Tuileries it sits within.
E. Dehillerin (1ème) A staple of the French kitchen scene since 1820, E. Dehillerin is the famous supplier of copper pots, paring knives, whisks and a million other ingenious gadgets championed by the likes of Julia Child and her Le Cordon Bleu comrades. Enter madeleine molds, duck presses and turbot kettles (to name a few). Part of the thrill is scavenging the narrow aisles packed to the rafters with specialty gear. It’s borderline chaos. And we love it.
Kodowari Tsukiji (1ème) Modeled after the world’s most famous fish market in Tokyo, this ramen institution in the heart of Paris offers a creative menu based around seafood. As in Japan, long lines equal extraordinary ramen. The whole experience is immersive. From the subtle, yet distinctive sounds of authentic Tokyo market chatter to the regular shouts of “Irrashaimase!” (or Welcome!), this vibrant atmosphere is totally unforgettable. And, in case we haven’t hammered home the point, so is the ramen.
Brasserie Emil (1ème) The hygge is palpable at this cozy snug inside the newly opened Chateau Voltaire. With tiled floors and wooden tables, you get all the warm fuzzies that a classic Parisian brasserie promises, without a menu that feels cold or obsolete. Archetypal dishes like crispy pommes frites are served on monogrammed silver platters, while mousse au chocolat is exquisitely light and fluffy. The heavenly glow that halos each dish isn’t just your imagination. This distinguished brasserie’s MO seems to be elevated comfort food in a friendly and approachable setting – and if that isn’t worth the aesthetic garnish of angels, then we don’t know what is!
Chez Georges (2ème) Practically Julia Child’s “Ground Zero”, the year is always 1946 inside this classic Parisian bistro that’s cliché in all the best ways. Think: furniture arranged so tightly that it becomes a group effort to move tables so you can shuffle inside your tufted read leather banquette, brusque waitresses clad in all-black, well-preserved handwritten menus in barely decipherable French, tile floors + antique mirrors that could use a good clean (though you’d never dare for risk of scrubbing away history). The best part is, the food is veritably delicious. Regular diners come for the escargots, the veal sweetbread, the sole meunière, the steak au poivre and the mountains of pommes frites, though the history of the place is compelling enough.
G. Detou (2ème) This might just be every pâtissier’s fantasy. Wall-to-wall sugars, extracts, pastes and chocolates, G. Detou quite literally has everything. Load up on impossibly affordable bags of vanilla beans from Madagascar, pistachios from Iran, and specialty mustard from Burgundy while you’re here!
Frenchie (2ème) The rumors are true: Frenchie is in fact the most difficult spot to snag a table in all of Paris. It shouldn’t come as a surprise once you taste the otherworldly flavors and consider the incredible value for the prixe-fixe menu that belies its level of sophistication. If you find yourself lucky enough to get a reservation in this cozy 26-seat dining room with only 2 seating times per evening, you’re in for a daring and creative meal inspired by seasonal ingredients. Chef Grégory Marchand’s past menus have featured bold dishes like Smoked ricotta tartlet with burnt cherry tomatoes, shallot pickles, basil sabayon, puffed buckwheat & celery flowers, chives and tagetes. (Is it too late to get an apprenticeship here? We’ll taste test 24 hours a day, we promise.) Hardly a “worst case” scenario, Marchand’s in-demand extensions of the restaurant, Frenchie’s Wine Bar and Frenchie To Go, are always fabulous alternatives if you can’t get yourself a table at the flagship.
Épices Roellinger (2ème) A spice emporium to write home about (although we’re convinced that if you keep the secret to yourself, your fam will sign your prodigy-self up for the next season of Top Chef). The unique flavor combinations are just that promising. Laid out like a library with floor-to-ceiling shelves, this storied hub of exotic spices features a rolling ladder encouraging all-day perusal. The associates are all-too-eager to make pairing suggestions + recipe recommendations should you go for one of the pre-made blends that are so unprecedented, you won’t find them in any of your cookbooks at home. Olivier Roellinger is the master behind the mixtures, and you’ll find such delightful combinations as juniper, cumin, fennel, cardamom, seaweed, rosemary, salt and spices (found in the Poudre Botanique) or West Indian bay, cloves, orange zest, juniper, bay leaf, salt and spices (found in Poudre Gallo).
Daroco (2ème) Ideally situated at the end of the dazzling Galerie Vivienne, we’re at a loss for words about Daroco, other than to steal the remarks from Derek Zoolander and proclaim this authentic Italian trattoria in the heart of Paris as “really, really good looking.” We’ll also warn that you might find it impossible to commit to only one of the 9 pizzas on offer here. Maybe France (and Italy) weren’t made for monogamy after all…. hey now, I’m talking about food!
Racines Paris (2ème) Trading bells + whistles for a bare-bones ambiance, the Passage des Panoramas set Racines is helmed by Sardinian chef Simone Tondo. You can expect earthy, slow-cooked comfort food like burrata from Puglia, homemade tagliatelle with a beef cheek ragù and deceivingly “simple” tiramisu at this revelatory fusion of an Italian-trattoria cum French-bistro where the flavors speak for themselves.
3rd & 4th Arrondissements (Le Marais)
Maison Plisson (3ème) A culinary hub of meat, cheese, fruits and vegetables lovingly hand-picked from artisans all over Europe. Thousands of products are on offer at this grocer-café hybrid with quite the cult following these days.
Le Mary Celeste (3ème) Oysters and cocktails are the stars of this nautically-designed café in the Marais. Even with its vibrant ambiance for Happy Hour, we love it most for the fact that its oysters come from nearby Brittany.
Miznon (3ème) The falafel district of Paris might very well be the Marais, and if you aren’t careful, you might miss this tiny Tel Aviv transplant with some of the best Israeli-French fusion of street eats we’ve come across yet. Order the beef bourguignon pita with a side of whole-roasted cauliflower, and prepare to have an out-of-body experience.
Breizh Café (3ème) This steadily-packed creperie boasts the city’s best buckwheat crêpe complète (ham, cheese, egg), though we’re pretty fond of their sweet galettes as well. Following Breton traditions, they use only the freshest products available… and you really can tell the difference. Excitingly inventive flavor combinations are in full force too, so don’t be surprised when you find a crêpe with poached peaches, raspberry sauce, vanilla ice cream and fresh mint on the menu alongside one galette boasting smoked herring with Saint Malo potatoes and other featuring yuzu, ginger and seaweed filling. Pair your selection with one of the 60 ciders on the menu, and you’re truly living like a Parisian local. Bottom line: don’t waste your afternoon snack in the Marais on a corner street vendor when this rather classic, yet modern joint brings an unparalleled twist to the table… literally!
Carette (3ème) Okay, Carette is not so much a secret, but it’s always worth a mention. Our very best days in Paris start out with scrambled eggs and paté feuilletée here.
Brasserie Bofinger (4ème) An Alsatian brasserie with dreamy Belle Epoque interiors (the colorful stained glass dome ceiling in the central dining room is a masterpiece!), this 1864 establishment is reputedly Paris’ oldest brasserie. This is the spot for you if you love two things in particular: seafood and sauerkraut. Six different types of oysters are on offer (alongside lobsters, mussels, scallops, langoustine and several different types of whole fish), but considering the chef’s roots in Alsace which straddles the French and German border, the sauerkraut is the real show-stopper. It’s presented with elegant flair, on a two-tiered silver platter with a flame underneath and sausages spooning the main event.
Chez Julien (4ème) A classic French bistro with black truffle foie gras, steak frites, crème brûlée and other time-honored staples, Chez Julien is only a stone’s throw away from the Seine. Whether you choose a table on the outdoor terrace for people-watching and city views or opt for a romantic perch inside the formal dining room, you can expect delightful old-school service and sophisticated fare.
Au Petit Fer à Cheval (4ème) Cleverly named after its horseshoe-shaped bar, this tiny Marais bistro features its original 1903 decor and serves a mean kir (white wine and crème de cassis). Locals come for the cheeseboards, the old-fashioned plats du jour and the prime people-watching opportunities out front.
6th Arrondissement (Saint Germain des Pres)
Poilâne (6ème) An essential stop on your weekend itinerary, this iconic boulangerie is the heart of traditional breadmaking in Paris. You’ll find locals and tourists alike making the daily pilgrimage to this sourdough sanctuary. Whether you’re in a search of a sweet apple tartine, an open-faced sandwich topped with soft Saint-Marcellin cheese or a handful of punitions, their signature shortbread cookies, you’ll soon realize that it’s Poilâne’s world and we’re all just living in it.
Chez Fernand (6ème) One of the first meals I ever had in the city of Paris was at this traditional bistro with red + white checkered tables, chalkboard menus and shoulder-to-shoulder seating inside the narrow, dimly lit dining room. Indeed, I tried their famous boeuf bourguignon, and my life has never been the same. You’ll witness a delightfully noisy cacophony of languages here, as it’s a regular haunt for locals and a word-of-mouth-referred destination for many American and European tourists alike.
Lapérouse (6ème) The once glitzy hideout for A-listers has undergone a fancy facelift at the magic-imbued hands of Laura Gonzalez. The classic salons retain their original character – courtesan-engraved initials on the vintage mirrors and all – though the bar and parlor have been completely reinterpreted. Rich cherry red textiles with exotic palm motifs envelope everything from the swivel chairs to the bar facade to the walls in one space, while metallic silk scenics and plush fringed sofas featuring Asian chinoiserie motifs offer a perfect lesson in collaboration in the next. The food surpasses expectations as well. Noirmoutier potatoes to start, roasted lobster next and iced millefeuille for dessert… all to the tune of smooth jazz? We can’t imagine anything more classically Parisian.
Marsan par Hélène Darroze (6ème) Break out your church shoes for this Left Bank address with almost too-pretty-to-eat dishes inspired by the namesake chef’s childhood home in Landes. As southwestern France borders Spain, you can expect to try dishes like Gilthead bream with Colonnata back-fat, Paris cep and black truffle or Armagnac-infused ake with vanilla syrup and candied pears on the prixe-fixe menu here. Sit at the Chef’s Table if you can, and enjoy a truly remarkable dining experience!
Sauvage (6ème) An unassuming restaurant-cum-wine bar, this sophisticated Scandi-style bistro specializes in dynamic plates with unexpected combinations of healthy ingredients and natural wines by the glass.
Allard (6ème) If the baseline for classic French bistros is crisp white tablecloths, red leather banquettes and dark wood paneling, chef Alain Ducasse-owned Allard soars well above that with floral toile wallpaper, copper pots + pans and elegant champagne carts that roll towards your table toot sweet. Aside from the radiant design hallmarks, the food is seriously good too. Piping hot frog legs in garlicky butter, roasted duck (crisp + golden), herby-buttery escargots, fluffy profiteroles drizzled with hot chocolate sauce… the bill won’t be cheap, but a feast fit for kings never is.
Freddy’s (6ème) Lauded as having the best selection of wines by the glass in Paris, this easygoing bar à vins has had a considerable influence on locals, who regularly pack the place to the gills. A full selection of tapas from zucchini beignets and lamb kebabs to crispy falafel and charcuterie sliced table-side is “the get” for this corner coop. When in doubt, Freddy’s is absolutely worth the squeeze, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more approachable bar in the 6th.
Marché Raspail (6ème) One of the best markets for health-conscious travelers, the Marché Raspail happens 3 times per week and is chock-full of organic produce, locally made fruit jams and canned goods spread out across 150 stalls, making it one of the largest open-air markets in Europe. As a bonus, this market allows you to sample produce while you shop! Don’t let the fresh ingredients detract you from a visit should you be staying in a hotel without a kitchenette. Marché Raspail offers a dizzying selection of premade meals to boot.
Semilla (6ème) With an eclectic but cosmopolitan menu of small-plate comfort food, this 60-seat bistro-cum-brasserie is always a crowd pleaser. Did we mention they have A/C on full blast in summer?
Ralph’s Restaurant (6ème) The kind of #VeryTandC setting you’d expect from the Ralph Lauren flagship store’s next-door neighbor, Ralph’s is simply a rhapsody in blue. With airy white umbrellas, potted rose centerpieces, and garden furniture tables hidden beneath leafy trees, the garden courtyard setting encourages the kind of casual and social atmosphere so fitting for couples, friends and special occasions. It’s the kind of place you can linger all day, sipping G&Ts, nibbling on caramel popcorn or treating yourself to a juicy burger that transports you, for a moment, to the States.
7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower)
Barthélémy (7ème) Connoisseurs of cheese, unite. And then head to this slightly intimidating, but oh-so-worth-it, fromagerie with an old-school spirit. The facade is hand-painted, but that’s just the beginning of its universally-accepted charm. Owner Nicole Barthélemy and her team of cheesemongers are particularly knowledgable having been in business for 50 years, and they have organized their extensive varieties of cheeses by milk type and style. A crowd favorite is the Ossau-Iraty, an aged sheep’s milk cheese which they sell at 2-3 different ages, though the selection of goat cheeses is unusually deep too. Ask for their recommendations and be prepared to whip out your wallet for whatever they tell you is best right now. Add a jar of jam, some honey, and a bottle of wine from the shelves and you’re well on your way to achieving the Parisian picnic of dreams.
La Fontaine de Mars (7ème) A charming + authentic old-fashioned bistro near Champ de Mars, the pink tablecloths, mirrored walls and retro floor tiles are just the start of a classic French dining experience. Who wouldn’t want to become a graduate of this Parisian institution alongside past patrons like the Obamas? In the spirit of the setting, the dishes are heavy on the butter, generous with the red wine and lawless with the portion sizes (at least by French standards)! We’re particularly fond of the coq au vin, the confit de canard and the rich cassoulet options here.
Marché Saxe-Breteuil (7ème) Sprinkled with pop-up seafood + produce stalls every Sunday and Thursday morning, this sycamore-lined avenue flaunts some pretty impressive Eiffel Tower views. In addition to the main draws of this open-air market, visitors will also find a smattering of meat, eggs and home goods.
Marie-Anne Cantin (7ème) A swanky fromagerie not too far from the Eiffel Tower with boundless selections of both French and international cheeses. Here, you can taste everything from aged Charolais goat cheese, nutty Comté, gooey raw milk Mont d’Or, Roquefort and Brie to Greek Feta, Italian Parmigiano, English Stilton and Portuguese Queijo Serra da Estrella. C’est merveilleux! Create a bespoke cheese board following the cheesemonger’s recommendations and saunter over to the Champs de Mars for a picnic of dreams, though you may want to consider signing up for an educational tasting session with Marie-Anne Cantin herself before you leave!
8th Arrondissement (Champs Élysées)
Mimosa (8ème) The original design clique (wood, velvet and brass) are on full display in this dressed-to-impress restaurant tucked within the freshly revamped Hôtel de la Marine. This tour de force of vibrantly layered and texture-forward interiors is enough of a reason to pay a visit, but the Mediterranean cuisine from chef Jean-François Piège has made just as much of a splash since the opening. It doesn’t take long for you to immerse yourself fully in the sensory experience of 60’s South of France once you step through the doors of this Place de la Concorde icon. Don’t leave without ordering the oeufs mimosa – essentially a twist on traditional deviled eggs, with toppings like lobster or caviar. It’s a revolution.
Beefbar (8ème) You’d be forgiven for falling under a trance when visiting this Belle Epoque steakhouse for the first time, but make sure you bring a friend who can shake you out of your stupor. There’s not a second to lose when so much history, decor and, well, meat are at your fingertips! Beefbar is regularly listed in roundups like “Prettiest Restaurants in the World” – hardly a surprise considering the Art Nouveau atrium with glass ceilings, flirty mosaics, floral light fixtures, ruby-red and olive green velvet seating, mirrored walls, Gatsby-style carpeting and green marble wainscoting throughout. Remarkably, the 19th c atrium had been walled-in during WWII in an effort to protect it from the Nazis, though it wasn’t rediscovered by Parisians for another 80 years! While you’re reveling in the brilliance of the storied past, sample some of the signature Asian-inspired meat dishes like the beef gyozas, Korean bao buns and jasmine tea smoked beef served atop timeless porcelain plates from the acclaimed and long-established maker, Bernardaud.
La Maison Du Caviar (8ème) With dashing golden-bathed glamour reminiscent of the luxury interiors found in the Orient Express, this dreamlike aquarium-styled caviar house specializes in classic Russian cuisine from smoked salmon blinis and beef stroganoff to coulibiac and a myriad of caviars.
9th Arrondissement (Opéra)
Pink Mamma (9ème) Usually places you’ve seen all over Instagram aren’t worth the hype, but trust me, Pink Mamma is. The daylight-flooded restaurant spans four floors and is teeming with haphazardly placed furniture, lush foliage, gallery art and even a skylight. You’ll need reservations, and even with them, you can expect a bit of a wait. Pass the time away in the secret basement bar for some cocktails or specialty whisky. All hail palette cleansers. Once you’re seated, pick your pasta poison from a lineup of Truffle pasta with mascarpone, Paccheri with San Marzano tomato sauce, and Pappardelle alla Genovese (to start). Leave some room for the Secondi – they’re famous for their Fiorentina (a grill-cooked T-bone steak at least 3 fingers thick!).
10th Arrondissement (Canal Saint Martin)
Taka & Vermo (10ème) Stock up on artisan cheeses prepared from both modern and traditional methods at this clean-cut fromagerie that encourages out-of-the-box pairings. From fresh goat’s cheese topped with yuzu confit and lime zest to brie stuffed with candied chestnuts and buckwheat, patrons learn to approach cheese in a whole new light after a single visit to Taka & Vermo. And for anyone seeking a graduate degree in cheese mongering, the owners offer formal vertical raclette tastings that follow a similar format to more familiar wine tastings. Oui, s’il vous plaît!
Raviolis Nord-Est (10ème) Anything the world calls “dumpling-obsessed” gets our attention in a snap. And this dim sum hot spot certainly adds up to the hype. At least 10 varieties of Beijing jiaozi, steamed or grilled, are always on offer and made to be enjoyed in situ.
Early June (10ème) Traveling circuses, step aside. The concept of traveling chefs is here to stay at this charming buvette. As a result, residents along the Canal Saint Martin and regular visitors can experience wildly varied cuisines from Myanmar to Vietnam to Denmark! While some of these menus are not for the faint of heart (past entrées have been punctuated by ingredients like veal brain with getaria anchovies), innovative fare that’s objectively crowd-pleasing (think elderflower glazed carrots with mussel sauce and smoked bone marrow) are also there for the taking.
Holybelly (10ème) You’ll never find Holybelly without a line outside. The Aussie-owned “breakfast all day” café is famous for fluffy pancake stacks topped with fried eggs and maple-drenched bacon. It’s a far cry from the traditional French experience, but sometimes it’s nice to break from the decadent 19th c interiors with this clean subway-tiled diner where the Beastie Boys meets Lilly Allen soundtrack only enhances the air of familiarity that the savory bites + English-speaking staff promises.
Le Comptoir Général (10ème) A Canal Saint Martin dive with bric-a-brac interiors, it’s difficult to put a label on this rather anonymous spot. It’s a bar, a restaurant, a gallery, a greenhouse, a thrift shop, a coffee café and a museum wrapped up in one! Inside, you’ll find a mixed bag of gritty and globally-inspired decor from vintage armchairs and fringed lampshades turned chandeliers to Caribbean plants and African objects d’art. (As one of our past couples described it, Le Comptoir Général is painfully hip.) The cocktail menu feels tropical and bright, while the tapas plates are a melting pot of international cuisine – mezze platters, lentil soups, samosas and beyond. It’s a wonderful spot for late night drinks or Sunday brunch!
11th Arrondissement (Bastille)
Le Chardenoux (11ème) You’ve probably seen the Belle Epoque era dining room flood all of your social feeds since 2018 when consummate designer Martin Brudnizki reinvigorated the space with its now signature sage, burgundy, chestnut and white palette. Mature and sophisticated to the nth degree, the room transports you to “old Paris” within mere milliseconds. While you can always come for a cocktail before jet setting to your next destination, the flash mob service of lip-licking fare from celebrity chef Cyril Lignac is sure to challenge your original plans mid-drink. The dishes are elegant, refined and modern in a way that appeals to a younger generation. You’ll find the siren calls of Mussels Gratin, Avocado-Frosted Crab and Satay Chicken Breast beckoning from the menu’s chicken scratch, and we suggest surrendering to all three.
Saigon Sandwich (11ème) If you’re on the go or on a budget, tuck inside this counter-service hot spot for one of the most excellent bánh mìs you’ll find in Paris.
Le Rigmarole (11ème) Blending Japanese yakitori-style grilling with French techniques and ingredients, this is the kind of place where you can (and should) ditch the menu and trust the kitchen to send out dishes according to your personal flavor preferences. Unpretentious and reasonably priced, this dazzling array of miniature dishes will have your taste buds screaming in delight.
Ober Mamma (11ème) More is always more at the restaurants within the Big Mamma Group. Think: Pink Mamma and Libertino in Paris and Ave Mario and Circolo Populare in London. There’s a “fun first” attitude these restaurants take in their stride, and Ober Mamma is certainly the ring-leader for the company’s seriously unserious manifesto. Alongside the theatrical interiors, colorful hand-painted ceramics and cheeky names for dishes on the menu, this trattoria delivers exceptional Italian fare in the heart of Paris. We can never quite go a month without devouring a wood-fired, Neapolitan style pizza here, I’ll be honest.
Septime (11ème) This Nordic-inspired fine dining experience offers a five-course tasting menu without the pretentiousness one might expect from a destination of such international acclaim. The focus is unmistakably on the ingredients. Chef Grébaut is a master at harmonizing flavors and textures in his creative, plant and vegetable rooted dishes that change every two weeks.
Dong Huang Restaurant (11ème) This gastronomic pilgrimage is a must if you’re a fan of pho + Vietnamese dishes. Located near the Belleville metro, the flavors are authentic, the portions are huge and the locals are ever-present.
Chambre Noire (11ème) This daring and youthful wine bar bumping shoulders with Republique & Oberkampf feels at-once homey and cosmopolitan. While the focus is more on the natural wines than the bar snacks (think sautéed vegetables, razor clams and yummy charcuterie boards), this humble spot is absolutely worth a visit.
Double Dragon (11ème) It’s the Deep-fried Comté bao buns in XO sauce for us. A laidback bistro bent towards East Asian cuisine, Double Dragon dishes up highly affordable comfort food with the perfect amount of spice. Other highlights of the menu include the Sweet, spicy Korean fried chicken and the Red spinach curry with egg yolk.
Bistrot Paul Bert (11ème) Hardly a new kid on the block, Bistrot Paul Bert has undergone its fair share of metamorphosis. In its lifetime, its been a butcher shop, a bar and now a deservedly hyped restaurant serving up ultra-simple dishes crafted using elevated techniques. The result is a certain je ne sais quoi of flavors that we’re happy to keep researching through return visits. Order the milk-fed pork, slow-cooked with apricots, prunes and almonds until its cuttable with a spoon, though the Côte de Boeuf for two is the backbone of the menu for a reason.
12th Arrondissement (Reuilly)
Vandermeersch (12ème) Admittedly, this vintage boulangerie is in the middle of nowhere. Even so, it’s well-worth getting out of bed for, and you’ll definitely need to leave at dawn… especially on weekends when their most sought-after confections, kouglofs, are on offer. You’ll need to arrive around 8am if you want to score one of these buttery cakes yourself. Tinged with orange flower water and rolled in sugar, these perfectly moist cakes with a light crackle + crunch feature an undulating profile much like a bundt cake. The resulting flavor profile is absolutely divine.
16th Arrondissement (Passy)
Sir Winston (16ème) Straddling the line between Bahamas and Bombay, the interiors are bright, cheerful and awash in yellows. Block print fabrics interact with wicker furniture, while Rajasthani floral motifs bedeck the bistro tables throughout. We can’t help but feel like Amanda Lindroth shared some design direction at one point. While the interiors alone are worth a visit, the trailblazing menu mixing British pub classics with Indian cuisine’s finest is a star in its own right.
Maison Russe (16ème) It’s a culinary ballet: an overture of Russian pickles, taramasalata and smoked salmon, followed by show-stopping acts of blue lobster, caviar-topped potatoes, coulibiac of salmon and a shot of vodka (obviously). The finale beckons a standing ovation – crisp, yet chewy Pavlova with blueberries + candied chestnuts. Whether you dine in the library-style parlor with a crackling fireplace and fringed velvet chairs (floral textile backs for good aesthetic measure), or one of the private lounges of the 16th c mansion replete with decadently opulent decor, the experience is unforgettable. The terrace is a standout as well, but don’t take our word for it. Their Instagram tells all.
20th Arrondissement (Belleville)
Le Grand Bain (20ème) Locals simply flock to this humble wine bar dishing up yummy, yet elevated tapas plates like bite-sized chickpea fritters and cheese gougères.
Le Baratin (20ème) Attracting gourmands from all over the city, this simple + authentic wine bar is as spartan as can be. But what it lacks in design, it makes up for in the impressive bistro fare from Argentine-born chef Raquel Carena. From melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek to nostalgia-inducing strawberry shortcake, we’d trust the whimsies of Mme. Carena any day.
Amagat (20ème) A modern take on a Catalan tavern, Amagat is the kind of place that’s truly worth going out of the way for. You’ll find Padron peppers, Ham croquettes, Patatas bravas with aoili and other traditional Catalonian dishes on the menu, though your infatuation will be cemented with dishes like the lamb chops with roasted cherry tomatoes. That and a pitcher of strawberry-rhubarb-cherry sangria, of course.
Skimming this list down has been one of the greatest challenges we’ve faced yet. Paris is a foodie city – bar none – and every one of these establishments boats unforgettable experiences and high quality fare. Now that you’re neck deep in trip planning mode, sneak a peek at our favorite boutique and luxury hotels in the city here next!
We hope you enjoyed our Paris City Guide for Foodies. If we missed any of your favorite epicurean discoveries in the city, be sure to leave a comment so we and others can pay them a future visit!
Featured Image: Garden Terrace Dining at Ralph’s Restaurant ANASTASIA YUKHTMAKHER
[…] Ralph’s (6ème) Go for the wrought-iron garden furniture crowned with mismatched cushions in a thousand shades of blue. Stay for the burger. That exceptionally classic American burger. More on this beloved Saint-Germain-des-Prés gem here. […]
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