Best restaurants in Paris : You are certainly lost for choosing a restaurant in Paris. It is the unavoidable question about the best new, famous, traditional, unusual restaurants to try. For those who are wondering where to eat and drink in Paris, we help you to find answers for your breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner.
Best Restaurants in Paris Recommendation
PARIS BY EMY offers tailored restaurant recommendations based on your location—whether it’s near your hotel, a museum you’re visiting, or a neighborhood you’re exploring. We can suggest dining options for both lunch and dinner, taking into account your preferences, and even make reservations on your behalf for a seamless experience.
Indeed, Paris has more than 25,000 restaurants including brasserie, café, street food, gourmet restaurants… Thus, we help you to make a selection depending on your tour location, hotel, budget and of course taste !
During Kingship of Middle Ages, the king and his court, the nobility would hold feasts with over 10 different dishes served. The food’s presentation was just as important as the taste and quality of the ingredients.
Top Paris Restaurant Recommendations
Paris Restaurants upon Your Taste Buds
PARIS BY EMY ensures that every aspect of your culinary journey is meticulously planned and executed according to your taste buds.
PARIS BY EMY recommends the “best” restaurants in Paris of French traditional cuisine, with great design, a Parisian soul according to your taste buds and budget. Paris hosts 3,279 cafes, 13,489 traditional restaurants, and 7,802 fast food establishments. No partners, vendors have signed a contractual agreement with PARIS BY EMY.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, PARIS BY EMY offers a myriad of restaurants, cafés, brasseries,… thanks to insider knowledge and based on the right location for your planned Paris itinerary.
To start, think about what type of restaurants you are craving :
- Traditional, small individual restaurant, serving traditional meals
- “Themed” restaurants such as crêperie, wine bar, pizzeria, vegan…
- Type of their cuisine, creative, modern, traditional, fish, meat, du terroir…
- Gourmet or gastronomic restaurants with or without stars
- Hotel restaurants in palaces or 5 stars hotels
- Brunch and Tea Time in legendary sites
- Restaurant caterer such as Fauchon
- Dinner shows and cabarets such as The Moulin Rouge
- The brasserie or bistro or bouillon, café and restaurant at the same time
- World food restaurant, a large choice in the City of Lights
- River cruise dinner on the Seine River or bords de Marne
- Famous and historical restaurants in Paris
Paris, often referred to as the “City of Love,” is equally a city of food lovers. The French capital boasts a culinary scene that’s as diverse as it is delightful.
What are your desires for meals to try ?
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Tea time
- Happy hour
- Dinner
Best Restaurants Recommendations in Paris
PARIS BY EMY offers a mouthwatering experience for every palate and every budget.
- It includes in our services recommendations and reservation when possible
- In addition, you can ask us a gourmet diner in Paris within a Michelin Star restaurant
- According the location of your hotel, and the places you are going to visit
- These establishments offer a slice of local life, serving a variety of traditional French dishes.
French Cuisine in Paris is amazing for brunch, lunch, dinner, and tea time.
Best Typical French Dishes
When we think of French people’s favorite cuisine, we imagine the small dishes simmered for hours… French favorite dishes are seafood, steak with fries and roasted chicken with fries :
- Le gratin dauphinois (potatoes gratin)
- Le pot au feu (stew with veggie and meats)
- Le coq au vin (stew with vine, veggie and rooster meat)
- La quiche lorraine (pie with eggs, cheese, bacon)
- La salade au chèvre chaud (salad with warm goat cheese on toast)
- La salade niçoise (tomatoes, green peppers, beans, boiled eggs, anchovy fillets)
- Le steak tartare (uncooked ground beef steak with dressing)
- Le cassoulet (white beans and meats)
- La choucroute (white cabbage, sausage, meat, potato)
- Le bœuf bourguignon (beef with red wine sauce, potatoes and veggies)
- La blanquette de veau (veal with rice, carrot, mushroom and cream)
- La bouillabaisse (soup of fishes with croutons)
- La soupe à l’oignon (oignon soup)
- Les moules marinières (mussels with white wine and cream)
- Les escargots à la bourguignonne (snails with butter, parsley and garlic)
- La raclette (melted cheese with potatoes, charcuterie for winter )
- La tartiflette (potato, bacon and cheese gratin)
- Le hachis parmentier (mashed potatoes over ground meat gratin)
- Le filet mignon à la moutarde (pork filet mignon)
- Le confit ou magret de canard (confit or duck breast)
- La ratatouille (cooked veggies such as tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant with garlic)
- Le lapin à la moutarde (rabbit with mustard, rice or potato)
- Les tomates farcies (stuffed tomatoes with ground meat)
- Le gigot d’agneau (leg of lamb with rice or potato) …
Regions of France and their dishes
The regions of France have different dishes and specialties :
- In Brittany, a famous dish is crêpes (thin pancakes)
- In Normandy the Andouillette d’Alençon and the cheese camembert
- In the Alsace, la choucroute is cabbage with pieces of sausage
- The Loire Valley has a Lotte fish dish only found in the Loire River
- From Burgundy is the bœuf bourguignon (my favorite French dish)
The climate and soil of France offer excellent conditions for farming. Although 4 percent of the population earn their living from farming, the country is self-sufficient.
Budget for Restaurants in Paris
You need to have a budget in mind when you start to look for a restaurant in Paris. Overall, you need around 40 Euros for a full meal, appetizer, main course and desert without wine, only non-alcoholic beverages, per person, for a traditional restaurant, on average.
You need to add 6 Euros for a glass of wine, red or white, 15 Euros for a glass of champagne. We like to finish a meal with a coffee, expresso type, after lunch or even dinner during celebrations and feasts.
Traveling on a budget? Don’t worry; Paris has affordable dining options too. From delicious crepes on the street to small, local eateries, you can enjoy mouthwatering food without breaking the bank.
The Brasserie the most typical restaurant
For Paris, the most typical restaurant are the breweries (in French les brasseries) also called “bistro” or “bouillon”. Beer consumption developed significantly in France in the 19th century, starting in Alsace pretty close to Germany. The industrial revolution launched better quality products (pasteurization) on the market. The breweries (in French les brasseries), which manufactured and sold this drink, were increasing in every city in the country, attracting a petty-bourgeois clientele eager for new sensations.
The Origin of brasserie
Paris in particular is home to several hundred breweries (brasseries in French), especially after the Universal Exhibitions during the Second Empire Napoleon nephew, with the famous “breweries for women” and other “café-concerts”. The use of beer generally leads to eat and to the use of hot tobacco, pipes, cigars and cigarettes. At that time, it was legal to smoke inside. Nowadays, it is forbidden to smoke inside. Lots of brasseries have their own typical terrace where you can have meal, drink and talks, summer and winter with external heater to keep you warm.
“The counter of a cafe is the parliament of the people.”
Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850)
He left one of the most impressive works in French literature. In his novels, he describes the rise of capitalism and the absorption by the bourgeoisie of the aristocracy/nobility incapable of adapting to new realities.
Tourists, locals and famous artists
There are the legendary brasseries of the capital, frequented by big names at the time, full of History and Art decoration, adored by Parisians, famous people and tourists today, immortalized in the cinema … they are essential. Tourists, locals and famous artists mix to taste local or traditional specialties with friends. They also meet there just to have a drink. This diversity has contributed to the success of the brasserie, making it an essential meeting place.
Above, this is the Zimmer brasserie since 1896 started by an Alsatian family, the Zimmer. Emile Zola, Sarah Bernhardt, Marcel Proust used to go there. It is highly connected to the Théâtre du Châtelet. Before or after the show, people would gather there. During World War II, this place hosted police resistant to Nazism and Vichy. They saved Jewish families by hidden them in the cellar.
Differences between the bouillon, bistro and brasserie
You may have already wondered what the differences are between the bouillon, bistro and brasserie, which are often confusing. Originally, a major difference separates them: the culinary offer. In a brasserie, we always find the same dishes, which are usually French traditional specialties. Its menu can sometimes even be limited to a single dish. While the bistro menu varies with the seasons, and is reinvented at regular intervals. Created by the butcher Pierre Duval in 1860, the restaurant known as bouillon offers a unique menu like the brasserie, based on boiled meat (hochepot or stew), more affordable than the brasseries. Those places are very popular and the food is excellent.
Top Paris brasseries, bistros, bouillons and café restaurants
Paris is known for its vibrant café culture and exquisite dining experiences. Here are some of the top Parisian cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a true taste of the city:
- Brasserie Lipp: Established in 1880, this iconic brasserie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is known for its traditional Alsatian cuisine, including choucroute (sauerkraut) and hearty beer.
- La Couple : A Montparnasse institution, La Coupole is known for its grand Art Deco interiors and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great place to experience traditional French brasserie fare.
- Le Grand Colbert: Located near the Palais Royal, this classic brasserie boasts a beautiful Belle Époque setting and serves up French brasserie fare with a touch of elegance.
- Bistrot Paul Bert: Tucked away in the 11th arrondissement, this cozy bistro is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its seasonal dishes and warm ambiance.
- Chez Janou: A charming bistro in the Marais district, Chez Janou is famous for its Provencal-inspired cuisine, particularly its delicious chocolate mousse.
- Bouillon Chartier: Dating back to 1896, Bouillon Chartier is a historic institution known for its affordable French comfort food served in a bustling, no-frills atmosphere.
- La Poule au Pot: This traditional Parisian bistro, located in the Les Halles neighborhood, is renowned for its hearty French cuisine, including its signature dish, “poule au pot” (chicken in a pot).
- Le Comptoir du Relais: Situated in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this bustling bistro offers a cozy atmosphere and serves up delicious French classics with a contemporary twist.
- Angelina : Famous for its decadent hot chocolate and pastries, especially the Mont Blanc. The Belle Époque décor adds to the charm of this luxurious tearoom…
These establishments offer a mix of traditional and modern Parisian dining experiences, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the city.
Famous Cafés in Paris
In addition to serving quality coffee and pastries, Parisian cafés are celebrated for their culinary offerings, from classic French bistro fare to innovative fusion cuisine.
The café de Flore in Saint Germain
1. Café de Flore
Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
About: Perhaps the most iconic literary café in Saint Germain, in the 1940s and 1950s, Café de Flore served as a meeting place for existentialists and intellectuals. It still exudes elegance and atmosphere, with its Art Deco interiors remarkably preserved.
2. Les Deux Magots
Address: 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris
About: A rival and neighbor to Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots was just as famous among the Left Bank’s literary and artistic crowd. Today, the café continues to award the Prix des Deux Magots, a prestigious French literary prize.
3. Le Procope
Address: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne-Comédie, 75006 Paris
About: Established in 1686, Le Procope regarded as the oldest café in Paris, was a favorite meeting spot for Enlightenment philosophers and revolutionaries. Legend has it that Voltaire consumed up to 40 cups of coffee a day here!
Great writers of Paris, poets, and artists once gathered in Paris cafés – legendary meeting places for creativity, debate, and inspiration.
Best restaurants in Paris for Michelin-Star Dining
If you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience, Paris has an array of Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. Savor exquisitely prepared dishes while basking in the elegance of these world-renowned establishments. PARIS BY EMY recommends 1 to 3 Michelin Star restaurants of Paris.
Best restaurants in Paris with a View
For a romantic and scenic dining experience, choose restaurants with breathtaking views of iconic Parisian landmarks. Enjoy your meal while taking in the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Girafe
Address: 1 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75116 Paris
Located at Trocadéro, Girafe is famous for its stunning Eiffel Tower views and elegant Art Deco setting—perfect for a chic, romantic dinner.
- La Tour d’Argent
Address: 15 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris
Overlooking the Seine and close to Notre-Dame Cathedral, this historic Michelin-starred restaurant offers refined French cuisine with one of the most classic views in Paris.
Restaurants in Paris for Street Food
Delve into the world of Parisian street food. Try mouthwatering crepes, gourmet hot dogs, or a warm baguette with cheese while strolling through the city streets.
- L’As du Fallafel
Address: 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
A legendary spot in the Marais, famous for its generous and flavorful falafel sandwiches—perfect for enjoying while walking through the neighborhood.
- Crêperie Beaubourg
Address: 43 Rue Saint-Merri, 75004 Paris
A classic place to enjoy sweet or savory crêpes, ideally located near the Centre Pompidou for an authentic Parisian street food experience.
Iconic Cruise Dining Experiences
Paris offers unique and unforgettable dining experiences, such as dinner cruises on the Seine River or dining in historic settings. These moments will create lasting memories.
- Bateaux Parisiens – Seine Dinner Cruise
Address: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
A classic Parisian dinner cruise offering refined French cuisine while sailing past the city’s most famous illuminated landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower.
- Le Calife – Gourmet Dinner Cruise
Address: Port des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris
An elegant glass-covered boat providing an intimate dining experience on the Seine, combining fine cuisine with panoramic views of historic Paris.
Paris Private Tour for Foodies
If you’re a true food enthusiast, consider a dedicated food tour. I can take you on a culinary journey through the city, revealing hidden culinary treasures.
Best Restaurants Recommendations in Paris
Booking restaurants in Paris through PARIS BY EMY is a decision you won’t regret. With our expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence, we ensure that your culinary journey exceeds expectations in every way. Whether you’re a fan of traditional French cuisine, eager to explore international flavors, or on the hunt for Paris hidden gems, Paris has something for everyone. This city is truly a food lover’s paradise, where every meal is a delightful experience.