Paris is known as one of the world’s best food cities for good reason. It has over 400 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, and 20 of those have two or more stars. Of course, some require reservations six months in advance and you might have to sell a kidney to afford the bill. But many Paris restaurants offer three-course set menus for a reasonably low price, making it possible to eat well without breaking the bank. With so many incredible options, it can feel impossible to choose. Hopefully this list will help you decide where to eat in Paris. [Updated for 2024!]
- Les Canailles
- Bistrotters
- Le George at the Four Seasons
- Juveniles
- Le Hide
- L’Assiette
- Le Soufflé
- Milagro
- Vins des Pyrenees
- Riviera Fuga
- Les Papilles
- Le Pantruche
- Breizh Cafe
- Terra Corsa
- Itacoa Paris
- Hardware Société Paris
- Holybelly
- Kafkaf
- Kozy Bosquet
- Brasserie Dubillot
Les Canailles
Tucked in a former butcher’s shop, Les Canailles is a star of the Pigalle food scene. The restaurant’s name translates to “the scoundrels” and is a play on the space’s origins; plats canailles are typically made with offal. But there was nothing awful about my meal here!
The owners hail from France’s Brittany coast and the head chef is Japanese, so I figured seafood was the way to go. I started with a lovely, frothy soup, and then enjoyed the fish plat of the week. It turned out to be a tender piece of sea bass, the skin perfectly crisp, atop an array of vegetables and a luscious sweet potato puree. Both dishes paired perfectly with a citrusy Jean Reverdy Sancerre.
I went for the chocolate fondant for dessert and it was scrumptious. If a molten chocolate cake and a Beard Papa’s cream puff had a baby, this would be it. A crunchy cake filled with rich creamy chocolate and a perfect quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream. Heaven!
Bistrotters
This chic eatery has been delighting diners since opening its doors in 2012. Bistrotters specializes in modern French cuisine with an international flair. My meal began with a complimentary cup of an exquisite foie gras mousse that I wanted more of. This was followed with two plump Fin de Claire oysters swimming in a smoky Bloody Mary foam. The grapefruit notes of a Clarendelle Bordeaux blanc made a nice pairing.
My main course was surprising in that it reminded me of a classic Chinese dish called Dong Po Rou. The pork belly was well caramelized and so tender it practically melted. It was served with assorted root vegetables and a cider sauce with hints of soy and Chinese five-spice. The dish paired well with the robust fruity flavor of a Les Lanes Corbieres.
Le George at the Four Seasons
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, dining at Le George is an unforgettable experience. This Michelin starred restaurant is in the Four Seasons Hotel, but it is anything but fussy. There’s no dress code, and the waiters are attentive and friendly. I was able to snag a reservation about a week before my visit.
There are several tasting menus available, but you can also order a la carte. My meal began with a complimentary bowl of tiny crispy shrimps and Le George’s famous olive focaccia, served piping hot in a cast iron skillet. This bread is the reason I was too full for dessert.
Next came a delicate scallop crudo seasoned with lemon, horseradish, and caviar. My second course, a gorgeous Candied tomato tart tatin with savory cacio e pepe ice cream, was outrageously delicious. I’d go back weekly just for that dish! This was followed by a bowl of luscious saffron risotto with ossobuco sauce. I’m still sad I didn’t try one of the delicious-sounding desserts, but was pleased with the free dark chocolate truffles the waiter surprised me with at the end.
Juveniles
This cozy family-run bistro and wine bar has been a fixture of the Paris food scene since 1987. Juveniles is known for its simple but satisfying plates featuring the best seasonal products. Expect a different menu every time you go.
I started with the white asparagus appetizer, since it was in season and is such a rare treat, but nearly everyone around me ordered the cauliflower soup and it smelled wonderful. My celebration of spring continued with the veal dish, which came with market-fresh veggies and a silky bearnaise sauce. Somehow, despite being surrounded by bottles, I forgot to make a note of the accompanying wines. Trust that they were well paired by the knowledgeable host.
The salted caramel rice pudding seemed to be the most popular dessert, but I ended on a more refreshing note with the orange crémeux. It was topped with juicy tangerines and golden kiwi, which was new to me and much tastier than its green cousin.
Le Hide
For a restaurant in a prime location near the Arc de Triomphe, Le Hide is surprisingly unpretentious. Japanese chef Hide Kobayashi puts his unique spin on classic French cooking with mouthwatering results. The prix-fixe menu, which you can mix and match to your preference, is an absolute steal! I also happily devoured the free bread and herbed cheese.
Le Hide claims to have the best pan-fried foie gras in Paris, so naturally I had to start with that. It came on a pile of crisp green beans for a pleasant texture contrast. I haven’t tried enough versions to know if it’s the best, but it was unctuous and creamy and extremely satisfying.
I had a tough time decided between several enticing main courses. My waitress recommended the seared scallops, and I’m very glad she did! The succulent scallops were complemented by a butternut squash puree, peas, fresh herbs, and an umami soy sauce vinaigrette. Both dishes paired well with the citrus notes of a Mérieau Sauvignon Blanc. As a solo diner, I appreciated that it was possible to order a half bottle of several different wines.
L’Assiette
If you are wondering where to eat near the Paris Catacombs, L’Assiette is an excellent choice. Open for both lunch and dinner, this homey restaurant serves up some of the best cassoulet in Paris. A dish from the Languedoc region of France, (check out my guide to Toulouse,) cassoulet is a thick stew of white beans and assorted meats, often pork and duck.
Le Soufflé
Open since 1961, Le Soufflé is the place to go if you want dependable soufflés in Paris. And the set menu is a really great value. I started with escargot, another French classic. The buttery snails came with a savory soufflé stuffed with cheese, spinach, garlic, and herbs.
I wasn’t sure I could handle soufflés for every course, so opted for seared scallops as the main. The accompanying beurre blanc sauce was so yummy I mopped it up with the crispy shoestring fries.
Dessert was the pièce de résistance. I skipped over the traditional versions with chocolate and Grand Marnier in favor of the apple and Calvados soufflé. The pleasantly surprised waiter told me I’d made an excellent choice. How right he was! The towering soufflé was packed full of jammy apples, and came with a bottle of apple brandy that I poured over the top. I can see why this place has been in business so long.
Milagro
Vins des Pyrenees
My meal at Vins des Pyrenees was so good I would have it again from start to finish without changing a single thing. The foie gras appetizer was perfection on a plate, its earthiness offset with sea salt, balsamic vinegar and caramelized onion jam. Next came a scrumptious cod fillet roasted with a breadcrumb-and-mustard crust, served atop butter-braised cabbage. Both dishes were complemented with a dry Cotes de Gascogne, a wine from the French Pyrenees after which the restaurant is named.
Riviera Fuga
Les Papilles
Le Pantruche
Le Pantruche is an old slang term for Paris, and you’ll certainly feel like you’ve stepped back in time at this retro bistro. My meal was as old school as the atmosphere. Foie gras to start and a Grand Marnier soufflé with salted butter caramel sauce to finish. Good as they both were, the main course was the star of the show. The succulent lamb was fork tender and served with wonderfully cheesy potatoes and a spinach puree. This was successfully paired with a full-bodied Minevois from southern France.
Breizh Cafe
No trip to Paris would be complete without crepes, and I savored mine Breton-style at Breizh Cafe. These crepes, also known as galettes, are made from organic buckwheat flower and usually accompanied with a bowl of apple cider. Mine featured a sunny-side up egg, smoked duck breast, and white asparagus, which was in season. I ended on a sweet note with a traditional wheat crepe topped with pear slices, whipped cream, and 70% dark Valrhona chocolate. It was so delicious I seriously considered ordering a second!
Terra Corsa
Terra Corsa is a gourmet deli and wine bar specializing in products from Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean. I ordered the full charcuterie plate to try a wide selection of cured meats and cheeses. You know, in the name in research. It came bread and some delightful fig jam. My favorite cheese had a wonderfully aromatic herb crust and I regret not buying a wheel to take home.
Itacoa Paris (might be closed)
Itacoa is named for a beach in Brazil, and its food is infused with all the sunshine you’d expect. Impossibly light pork croquettes make me think of tossing a ball around in the sand. A chilled salad of tender octopus and charred corn brings the bright acidity of the sea to the table. Swordfish was the catch of the day, and it came BBQ-style with carrots two ways and a zingy ginger jelly.
I didn’t take a picture of dessert because it didn’t look like much when it came to the table. But appearances are definitely deceiving! In the chef’s signature dessert, tart passionfruit sorbet tops a pillow of Greek yogurt blended with decadent white chocolate. This dish helped him win MasterChef Brazil, so don’t even think about ending the meal with something else.
Where to Eat in Paris for Brunch
Hardware Société Paris
If you are looking for one of the best places to have brunch in Paris, head directly to the Hardware Société. Originally hailing from the laneways of Melbourne, this hip eatery sets a new standard for breakfast fare. Everything on the menu sounded so good I had a hard time deciding what to order. Then the waitress walked by with this gorgeous plate of pancakes and my mind was made up.
A stack of tender buckwheat blinis come topped with gin-cured salmon, caviar, and two perfect poached eggs. Cucumber labneh and beet jelly round out the flavors. The serving size seemed overly generous at first glance, but my plate was clean when the table was cleared. I plan to go back and eat my way through the entire menu.
Holybelly
Another great choice for brunch in Paris in Holybelly. You can go full English with scrambled eggs, mushrooms, and baked beans in tomato sauce. Or maybe you’re in the mood for American-style pancakes with maple syrup, bacon, and eggs sunny-side up. Either way, you are sure to leave happy and full.
Holybelly is so popular, it has two locations on the same street about two blocks apart. On weekends, you can scan the QR code outside the restaurant to join a virtual queue. I really appreciated this system, which gave me the freedom to wander around the neighborhood while waiting for my table.
Kafkaf
Kozy Bosquet
Brasserie Dubillot
Are you ready to try some of the best places to eat in Paris?
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Looking for fun activities to keep you busy between meals? Check out my Paris City Guide for ideas!
Do you have any recommendations for where to eat in Paris?
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) says
Wow! If we ever wind up in Paris again, I’m going to use this as my dining guide. I suspected during our visit that we might have been more “wowed” by the food if we had not stuck to such a strict budget, and I think this post proves that point perfectly. Even though you didn’t go to the super high-end places or go bankrupt eating your way through Paris, clearly it was well worth it to loosen the purse strings (and your waistbands!) and spend an extra 15 – 20 euro more per meal.
Heather Hall says
It’s definitely a challenge to balance eating well with a strict budget in Europe. It was manageable for us in Paris because we knew going in that we wanted to splurge a little, but Oslo was a whole other story. Wow, that place is pricey! It made Paris seem like Thailand in comparison. We’re still in sticker shock!
Speaking of waistlines, can you believe that I actually LOST two pounds in Paris?! I chalk it up to the miles and miles we walked everyday, plus simple breakfasts of cappuccinos and croissants. Now I just need to figure out how to recreate this every day for life 🙂
mom says
I’m glad you enjoyed everything! You’re lucky you inherited your Dad’s metabolism. If you had mine you would weigh 200 pounds LOL! I know if Ann is reading this, she is so envious 🙂
Heather Hall says
Poor Ann 🙂
Yii Ming says
Hi Heather,
Silent reader/fan of yours here!
Did you have to make a reservation for breizh cafe?
If yes, was it through email or they could speak English through the phone?
Thank you.
Heather Hall says
Hi Yii Ming, it’s nice to hear from you! We went to Breizh Cafe and did not have a reservation, but we did get the last free table. The people who arrived after us were told they’d have to come back in an hour. This was in March, so I think reservations would be a good idea in busier months. Our waiter was actually British and everyone else who worked there spoke English. In fact, we didn’t have trouble speaking English at any of the places we went to. This was another pleasant surprise! 🙂
Yii Ming says
Hi Heather,
Thank you for the tip, hopefully we’ll manage to snag a seat at Breizh cafe too 🙂
Cheers.
Lucian says
Oh my god! It was painful to read this article on an empty stomach, ha! Everything looked fabulous and I am sure that the taste was even better. And I love the fact that the places themselves look great too for a complete experience.
Heather Hall says
Sorry, haha! And yes, the food tasted even better than it looked! 🙂
Traveling Rockhopper says
looks so delicious!
Heather Hall says
It definitely was! 🙂
Renate Flynn says
A delightful culinary excursion through truly some of the greatest food in the world. “Butter chief among them” – YES!
Heather Hall says
Everything is better with butter 🙂
Jenny @ Till the Money Runs Out says
That all looks amazing, but I am such a sucker for a fancy charcuterie board that that photo had me wanting to go to Paris more than any of the others! Bon Appetit 🙂
Heather Hall says
As soon as we got that free plate of sausage with our wine, I knew we’d go back for the full shebang. And it was definitely worth it! 🙂
A Lady in London says
Wow, looks like you ate really well! Thanks for the recommendations!
Heather Hall says
Food is always a top priority of my travels, especially in Paris! 😉
Audrey says
Great post, Heather! I’m travelling to Paris this summer so I really appreciate all the foodie recommendations. I can’t wait to eat my way around the city – everything looks so delicious!
Heather Hall says
Thanks, Audrey! I hope you have a delicious time in Paris! I’ll be eagerly looking forward to your own food recommendations to try out my return visit 🙂
Agness says
I spent Valentine’s Day in Paris so there was a lot of macarons and chocolate involved. Love love love French cuisine. My roommate is French so it’s lovely to have a nice dinner together from time to time!
Heather Hall says
Mmmmm macarons and chocolate. I definitely didn’t eat enough of them while I was there! Will just have to go back 🙂
Elaine says
Man, French food is the stuff of dreams … hope it hasn’t ruined food at home for you now that the bar has been set so high!
Heather Hall says
Haha, that’s a valid concern! We actually traveled to Oslo a few weeks later and the food there definitely wasn’t as good as in Paris. That was a tough act to follow! 🙂
Lily La says
I haven’t always had the most amazing time whenever I go to Paris, but I can not deny that the food I eat there is amazing! I haven’t been to these places you mention though, so next time, I’ll have to 🙂 Great pictures!
Heather Hall says
Thanks, Lily! I hope you thoroughly enjoy your next trip to Paris 🙂
Sara @ Simply Sara Travel says
This all looks fantastic! I lived almost around the corner from Breizh Cafe for three years and I swear they make the best galettes and crepes in the city!
Heather Hall says
I would be in serious trouble if I lived near Breizh Cafe!! 🙂