The best restaurants in Paris to try in 2024
There is no city quite as synonymous with excellent cuisine and fabulous food than Paris. With plenty of restaurants serving amazing dishes from coq au vin to crêpes, it can be difficult to narrow down one's list of ‘must-go’ spots. Indeed, one's choices often depends on the time of year and personality, too, further muddying the waters of restaurant selection. However, it needn't be so tricky, especially with our continually updated roundup of Paris' best restaurants.
Of course, there are a few key details to know ahead of reserving your wicker bistro chair and uncorking that bottle of Bordeaux.
Do you tip in Paris?
In Paris, the tip is almost included in the final price on your bill, called “l'addition” or the posher “la note” in French. Should your service have been extraordinary, however, feel free to leave a 10-15% tip ("pourboire" in French). With smaller bills for, say, an espresso or two, you can round up to the closest round number, too. However, if you feel compelled to leave a €1 or €2 coin, be warned: rather paradoxically, these modest, small tips are often taken as an insult by servers and should be avoided.
Is there ever a bad time to dine out in Paris?
While Paris is the most-touristed city in Europe, travellers should note that Parisian restaurateurs do not put their customers ahead of their holidays. Should you be heading to Paris in August, do take care to plan ahead, as the majority of Parisians will have cleared out and closed up shop for their summer holidays ("les grandes vacances" in French). Some restaurants and cafés will stay open, but for shorter hours or with limited service, so do call eateries well in advance or check the restaurant or café's social media, should they have it. Additionally, the weeks between and after Christmas and New Year's are additional times during which Parisians flee the city for their winter holidays, so you'd be wise to take the same proactive approach.
Where are the best restaurants to eat during the Paris Olympics?
Next summer's Olympic Games will be held in Paris, meaning that everyone from athletes to tourists to locals will be vying for a table en terrace. Luckily, Paris is full of excellent bistros and charming cafés, so there are plenty of great establishments from which to choose. We've rounded up a few of our favourite spots close to the Games' Parisian venues, as well as eateries known for their healthier, athlete-friendly treats and meals.
The best restaurants in Paris
1/28Allard, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Alain Ducasse may be best known in London for his ultra-fine-dining restaurant at The Dorchester, but among his many other projects is this century old bistro in Paris' magical Saint-Germain neighbourhood. Tradition reigns supreme here, from the wood-panelled exterior to the wallpapered interior, while the menu serves up impeccable French classics, from frogs' legs to roast chicken. It's not exactly a cheap eat, but for a deeply satisfying and utterly French experience, Allard is not to be missed.
41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France.
restaurant-allard.fr
2/28Parcelles, Le Marais
After working in haute cuisine for 10 years, Sarah Michielsen opened upmarket Marais bistro Parcelles with her partner, sommelier Bastien Fidelin, in 2021. Its nonchalant ambience shares obvious similarities with some of Sarah’s favourite addresses – icons like Le Bistrot Paul Bert and Le Baratin have clearly inspired its comfortable vibe. But what distinguishes Parcelles from more traditional places is her unapologetic approach to breaking the rules, with a menu that is not simple, but rather subtly complex – if not skilfully rebellious.
13 Rue Chapon, 75003 Paris, France
parcelles-paris.fr
3/28Soces, 19th Arr.
When seafood brasserie Soces opened in Belleville in 2022, owners Kevin Deulio (formerly of the Ritz Paris brasserie) and Marius de Ponfilly (formerly of Clamato), followed a classic brasserie formula. They soon realised, however, that many people preferred sharing plates, prompting them to try a more imaginative approach. The result is a rotating menu that fuses French and international flavours in a way that over-achieves by epicurean standards yet does not take itself too seriously. For €6, you can order their signature starter: a single oyster with a spicy margarita shot.
32 Rue de la Villette, 75019
soces.fr
4/28Lolo Bistrot, 9th Arr.
Christophe Juville shares the idea that Paris is more culturally curious and diverse than ever. He co-founded the popular Lolo Cave à Manger with Loïc Minel, followed by sister destination Lolo Bistrot in 2022. ‘Our chefs travel a lot and bring back a little of what they’ve seen,’ he says. This is evident at the bistrot, where Zac Gannat, formerly of Frenchie in London, serves up dishes with a strong English influence – like Scotch egg spiced with ’nduja.
53 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75009 Paris, France
instagram.com/lolobistro
5/28Early June, Canal Saint-Martin
Early June is a wine bar opened in the Canal Saint-Martin area at the end of 2018. When Camille Machet and Victor Vautier started out, they simply wanted to create a casual space where they could serve creative, seasonal food paired with good wines. Instead of hiring a new in-house chef post-pandemic, they decided to invite a stream of chefs from all over to bring fresh energy, ideas and culture to the kitchen.
19 rue Jean Poulmarch 75010 Paris
early-june.fr/MAY WE SUGGEST: The ten best (and butteriest) croissants in Paris, according to a former tour guide
6/28Brasserie Lipp, 6e
Perfect for those looking to live like French philosophers and artists (albeit well-fed ones).
A stalwart that has fed a whole host of artist-superstars including Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre and Agnès Varda, Brasserie Lipp is perhaps as French as French gets. Brasserie Lipp serves classic, hearty fare, their menu boldly proclaiming 'NO SALAD AS A MEAL'. Practise your French before dining and prepare yourself for potential surliness from waiters. Don't fret, however: the food makes up for any lack of hospitality. For the brave, the AAAA andouillette sausage made from pig intestines and served with buttery mashed potatoes is fabulous, as is their choucroute, an Alsatian dish of sausages and sauerkraut.
151 boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris.
brasserielipp.fr
Clément Le Coz/@clemlecoz7/28Café Varenne, 7e
Perfect for those long-awaited Parisian lunches that you simply never want to end.
It was difficult for me to add this to the list, as it's my favourite spot in Paris. A local favourite, too, in the chi-chi 7th arrondissement on the Left Bank, there is never a meal that is less than heavenly at Café Varenne. With a cheerful, bespectacled maître d' and equally happy waiters (an anomaly in Paris), stop by any time of day for a light bite, lavish lunch or early evening cocktail. Stopping in for a meal? (Lucky you!) Do yourself a favour and order the crisped goat's cheese salad, which pairs well with a cool glass of Chablis. For chilly days, their Irish coffee and vin chaud are fabulous winter warmers.
36 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris.
menuonline.fr/cafevarenne
Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo8/28Bistrot Paul Bert, 11e
Perfect for those seeking classic French fare done well, in the most perfectly Parisian of settings.
On an unassuming side street in a quieter section of Paris' 11th arrondissement resides the king of Parisian bistrots, Paul Bert. The interiors are fantastically Parisian, its mirrored walls stained with decades of cigarette smoke and its banquettes gently cracking under the pressure of thousands of diners. Order the steak frites and save room for dessert: a perfectly executed coffee-flavoured Paris-Brest pastry you'll be craving for years to come.
18 rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris.
bistrotpaulbert.fr.
9/28Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, multiple in Paris
Perfect for families and those on the hunt for a great plate of ‘steak-frites’.
Le Relais de l'Entrecôte (affectionately referred to simply as ‘Relais’ by locals) is the Parisian intersection of tourist and local, each clamouring for a seat at one of their pink tablecloth'd tables. Reservations are not allowed and the lines can be perilously long (however, not to worry – they move quickly). What's to eat? Only one thing: a heavenly, juicy, perfectly-cooked steak served with the crispiest frites imaginable and preceded by a frisée salad with walnuts and horseradish dressing. Not full? Don't worry: you'll get two servings of your main meal. Paired with a bottle of Relais' house red wine, the entire meal is perhaps one of the best you'll have in Paris – and one of the lightest on the wallet. If you've room for dessert, split a plate of profiteroles, each drowning in rich chocolate sauce.
While there are three locations across Paris, I'd recommend the Saint-Benoît location at 20 rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris.
relaisdentrecote.fr.
10/28Daroco Bourse, 2e
Perfect for those whose choice in restaurant is impacted by aesthetics, not just food.
Situated at the end of the iconic Galeries Vivienne in the former flagship store for designer Jean-Paul Gaulthier sits Daroco. Serving upscale, authentic Italian food in a jewel box of a space to an in-the-know fashion crowd, a dinner at Daroco is both a feast for the eyes and stomach.
6 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris.
daroco.fr
Le Graind Bain/@legrandbain11/28Le Grand Bain, 20e
Perfect for large groups seeking out the hip, hidden gems in Paris and natural wine lovers.
Each weekend, Paris' young in-crowd of fashion designers and editors flock to Le Grand Bain for elevated small plates served tapas style and generous pours of natural wine. Situated in the up-and-coming Belleville neighbourhood, the sleek restaurant is a perfect jumble of distressed wood and polished stainless steel. In warmer months, clientele spill out from the restaurant and onto the street, with eagle-eyed waiters at the ready to refill half-full wine glasses.
14 Rue Denoyez, 75020 Paris.
legrandbainparis.fr
Restaurant Le Voltaire/@le_voltaire_restaurant12/28Restaurant Le Voltaire, 6e
Perfect for the most fashionable people (or simply those who enjoy people watching the stylish set).
Beloved by the chicest of Parisiennes, Le Voltaire is a staple on the Left Bank. During Paris fashion weeks, expect fashion editors, designers and ‘it-girls’ to be crammed beside one another in the old-fashioned, dark-panelled dining room, comparing design notes over crisp glasses of Chablis. In summer months, opt to sit en terrace – some of the best people watching in the city is to be had from there. Food is traditional French fare, all excellent (as are, funnily enough, their margaritas, an off-menu cocktail).
27 Quai Voltaire, 75006 Paris.
restaurantlevoltaire.com
Marie Burris/@marieroseb via Pinterest13/28Chez l'ami Louis, 3e
Perfect for those seeking a bit of glitz, glamour and Parisian hospitality.
You'd find it difficult to name a more polarising restaurant in Paris. Equally loved by the fashion crowd (including the Beckhams and Hadid sisters, the latter of which I saw dining here during my last meal) and vehemently loathed by the likes of certain notables such as AA Gill, it is safe to say that L'Ami Louis is in the business of dividing opinions. It is also, however, in the business of serving delicious, proper French food. Served by white jacket-clad waiters, start with escargots, enjoy the roast chicken and salad; wash it all down a great glass of ruby red Burgundy. Reservations are difficult to get, so call in advance.
32 rue du Vertbois, 75003 Paris.
instagram.com/ami_louis_restaurant_
14/28Le Basilic, 7e
Perfect for families and quiet summer lunches.
One of my favourite hidden gems in Paris is the elegantly appointed restaurant, Le Basilic. With Art Deco detailing and a fabulous shaded terrace overlooking the Basilique Sainte-Clotilde, expect elevated French classics as well as lightened-up Italian fare brought to you by the owners of the always-chic Costes, just across the river. There is something for everyone here at Le Basilic, making it an excellent choice for families.
2 rue Casimir Périer, 75007
lebasilicparis.com
Challenges Luxes/@challenges.luxes15/28La Rôtisserie d'Argent, 5e
Perfect for families and those who simply cannot miss a Sunday roast, no matter where they are.
If your ideal Sunday is one spent sipping a rich Bordeaux and tucking into juicy roast chicken and incredibly creamy mashed potatoes long into the afternoon, you'll find no better place than at La Rôtisserie d'Argent. The younger sister to the inimitable Tour d'Argent restaurant just a street over, La Rôtisserie is all of the culinary glory without the white table cloths. Expect the restaurant to be filled with Parisian families breaking bread (and splitting the whole roast duck).
19 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005
tourdargent.com
Paris Cheese & Wine Week/@parischeeseandwineweek16/28Chez Georges, 2e
Perfect for star-gazers and French food fanatics.
‘Is that the ghost of Edith Piaf in the corner?,’ you may wonder aloud as a curmudgeon of a server leads you to your seat. Oh, no, hang on a second, false alarm - it's Bella Hadid. Welcome to Chez Georges, a Parisian brasserie frequented by stars and the ‘it-people’ of the moment for as long as it's been open. Serving truly incredible French food, a meal at Chez Georges is one that is unforgettable, from the poireaux vinaigrette to the pillowy profiteroles.
1 rue du Mail, 75002.
instagram.com/chezgeorgesruedumail.
Le Cafe Marly/@cafe_marly via @iidakulhua17/28Le Café Marly, 1er
Perfect for picky eaters and those looking for incredible views in the heart of Paris.
Sidled along the side of the Musée du Louvre is the wonderful Café Marly. In summer, diners will have perfect views onto I.M. Pei's famous pyramid whilst tucking into lovely plates of pasta and tuna tartare. Those looking to dine indoors, too, will be greeted with regal interiors, velvety and oh-so-Louis-XIV. Those looking for apéro hour will love the cafés small plates menu, which includes a caviar, blinis and a pata negra platter. The café is great for those travelling with picky eaters, too, serving plain but good omelettes, burgers and chicken club sandwiches ‘til 6 o’clock.
93 rue du Rivoli, 75001.
cafe-marly.com.
Clown Bar/@leclownbar18/28Clown Bar, 11e
Perfect for adventurous foodies and those looking for upscale, modern French fare.
Just minutes from Paris' Cirque d'Hiver, the city's winter circus, Clown Bar is one of Paris' finest contemporary bistros. With a seasonal menu and a wine menu focussed on that of the natural variety, Clown Bar is ideal for those looking to expand their culinary palettes and dig deep into the ever-modernising French food scene. The most adventurous of eaters will enjoy the lamb brains, accompanied only by a dashi broth; however, if sweetbreads aren't your thing, no worries – there is always something delicious to order. For oenophiles, splurging on the wine pairing is a must, as Clown Bar's sommeliers are some of the most knowledgeable in the city – especially for those perhaps wary of natural and orange wines.
114 rue Amelot, 75011.
clown-bar-paris.fr.
Pantobaguette/@pantobaguette via @dajasp19/28Pantobaguette, 18e
Perfect for those looking for something different from Paris standard foie gras fare and those in need of a fun night out.
Recently opened by a funky, talented group of friends, Pantobaguette is one of Paris' newest – and coolest – culinary destinations. Serving Franco-Japanese fusion, the menu at Pantobaguette is a triumph of seasonal tapas-style dishes. Servers are friendly and engaged (don't be shocked if they ask you to dance) and the music is extremely loud and incredibly hip. In summertime, diners can reserve a coveted picnic table and stay for hours, making it the perfect destinations for those group dinners where the wine is always flowing, the food is good and the people even better.
16 rue Eugène Sue, 75018.
pantobaguette.fr.
Amagat/@amagat_paris20/28Amagat, 20e
Perfect for those who love heading off the beaten path.
To say Amagat is out of the way is an understatement. Calling it a ‘hidden gem’ would be a bit too on the nose. You may wonder, on the way, even, if somehow you've taken a wrong turn on your way to this Spanish tapas restaurant. Tucked away under the foot of the Père Lachaise Cemetery, down a long cobbled-alley lined with a hip-hop dance studio and ironworks, Amagat is one of Paris' finest restaurants. The trek is worth it, if only for its croquetas, tortillas and the fabulous sharing platter of Iberian hams and cheeses. Sit under fairy lights come summer, or scooch up to the marble bar and watch the restaurant's capable chefs whisk, sauté and slice your dinner in wintertime.
23 Villa Riberolle, 75020.
amagatparis.fr.
Chez Janou/@chezjanou21/28Chez Janou, 2
Perfect for lovers of hearty Southern French cooking (and chocoholics).
When I think of Paris, I think of the Eiffel Tower, Monet's Water Lilies… and the chocolate mousse at Chez Janou. A stone's throw away from the Place des Vosges, this classic bistro serves some of the best Provençal-style food north of Nice. Enjoy a delightfully salty pissaladière (with extra anchovies, I dare you!) and, of course, do finish with the chocolate mousse, served table-side with a satisfying whuopp of a giant silver soon.
2 rue Roger Verlomme, 75002.
chezjanou.com.
22/28Parcelles, 3e
Perfect for those looking to eat well in a lovely, upscale and modern setting.
Parcelles is a fine-dining destination in Paris, and one of the city's best at that. Italian cuisine is on the menu, expertly executed the French way. Whilst costly, you will be hard pressed to find better food – and service – in Paris. Enjoy dinosaur-sized veal Milanese and perfect portions of ravioli, all paired with some of the finest wines Italy has to offer.
13 rue Chapon, 75003.
parcelles-paris.fr.
Le Bon Georges/@le_bon_georges via @stephanieriss23/28Le Bon Georges, 9e
Perfect for those looking for an excellent meal at intimate bistro.
While dining at Le Bon Georges, you may find it impossible not to smile wide, baring teeth and all. After leaving, probably, you'll likely want to kick yourself for not living down the street from this lovely little neighbourhood bistro. Ecstatic servers, sommeliers and chefs flit about the restaurant, pouring wine, taking orders and dishing up excellent versions of classic French dishes, including an unbelievable homemade terrine and boozy baba au rhum.
45 rue Saint-Georges, 75009.
lebongeorges.paris.
@jesuiscontenteee24/28Crêperie Breizh, multiple in Paris
Perfect for those hankering for a true taste of France (and families with pancake-loving children).
Whilst some may come to Paris searching for foie gras, caviar and vintage champagne, I've always favoured making a meal of the humble crêpe. And there's no better place to enjoy this French-style pancake than at Crêperie Breizh. Made of buckwheat flour (gluten-free!), these thin rolls are a Breton staple – and unbelievably delicious. Diners can order a wide range of fillings (though the classic is a combination of Emmental cheese and French ham, topped with an egg served sunny-side up). Do pair your crêpe with traditional cider from Brittany and save room for a wheat flour crêpe filled with chestnut jam and whipped farmer's cream.
Multiple locations throughout Paris, but I'd recommend the Le Marais or Odéon locations at 109 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 and 1 rue de l'Odéon, 75006.
breizhcafe.com.
25/28Marzo, 7e
Perfect for those looking to live – and dine – like a Parisian.
Frequented almost entirely by locals, this out-of-the-way Italian restaurant is one of the Left Bank's best-kept secrets. Enjoy Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven in an all-white, inviting space. If there's a wait for a table (the restaurant is on the smaller side), do enjoy a well-made Campari spritz at the bar and imagine your alternate life as a born-and-bred Parisian slipping out for an after-work pizza.
5 rue Paul-Louis Courier, 75007.
marzo-paris.com.
26/28Twenty Two Club, 1er
Perfect for those seeking an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
To dine at the Twenty Two Club is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed, should you have the opportunity. Located in a stunning apartment overlooking the glorious Palais Royal, twenty-two guests will dine together, eating meals prepared by a rotating roster of the world's best chefs. Planning in advance is essential to dine at the Twenty-Two Club, so do reserve well ahead of your trip to the French capital – your effort will be well-rewarded with an unforgettable meal.
Palais Royal, 75001.
twentytwoclubparis.com.
27/28Septime, 11e
Perfect for those seeking a world-class elevated fine dining experience.
At the centre of the Venn diagram of fine-dining enthusiasts and those with sourdough-starter in the fridge is the typical guest at Septime. One of Paris' finest (and best-looking) restaurants, Septime serves multi-course lunch and dinner menus with far-out ingredients, complete with excellent wine pairings and amuse-bouches. For those unlucky in the reservation lottery or simply averse to tasting menus, head next door to the walk-in-only Clamato restaurant, Septime's casual little seafood-selling sister or grab a pastry from Septime's newly-opened pâtisserie over in the 7e arrondissement.
80 rue de Charonne, 75011.
septime-charonne.fr.
Virginie Garnier28/28Frenchie, 2e
Perfect for those seeking the perfect French meal.
Now entered into the Pantheon of classic Parisian destinations, Frenchie is a French food-lover's idyll. Enjoy tasting menus and carte blanche offerings; wine lovers, be sure to not miss the restaurant's wine pairing – a true journey through the world's finest vineyards. My insider tip for those on a budget yet yearning for the Frenchie fine-dining experience: head down the road to Frenchie to Go, a shop serving delicious takeaway sandwiches and Le Cave du Frenchie, the restaurant's wine shop, and haul your goods to the Seine and – here's the best part – dig in. Santé!
5 rue du Nil, 75002.
frenchie-ruedunil.com.
