Let’s talk about where to eat in Paris!
Paris is one of my favorite cities to visit, and after my fourth trip, I feel ready to share a few of my favorite spots to eat. I say a few, because there are many great places in Paris. It’s not possible to write a comprehensive list, but these are the places I’ve gone to recently and loved.
I’ve included options at all price points and photos of the food here so you can find ideas and great places to eat in Paris next time you travel.
Tips to Find Great Food in Paris:
- Don’t choose places with American or English names. They’re geared towards tourists, and while the food will taste OK, another place close will be fantastic. It’s important to know that while there is a ton of good food in Paris, there are also a good amount of mediocre restaurants. I’m not going to point those out, just know to stay away from tourist traps that have an English or American names and avoid places that have large menus in English displayed in the front.
- Ask the concierge: This is potentially the best and most important tip. Concierges have always led me to the best spots. You can also ask the people at the front desk where they would eat if your hotel doesn’t have a concierge.
- Google ratings on Google Maps are pretty accurate: Look for something 4 stars and over. However, with the massive number of restaurants in Paris, not all of them show up on Google Maps. A few of the bistro (bistrot) recommendations below weren’t on Google Maps, so I’m glad the concierge at our hotel recommended them.
- Embrace Local Neighborhoods: Small streets are brimming with hidden gems. Take a leisurely stroll, and you might stumble upon a quaint bistro that quickly becomes your new favorite spot.
- Timing Is Key: Parisians dine later than most of us are used to, with lunch typically between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM and fine dining and dinner starting around 7:30 PM. Many bistros in central Paris are open all day.
Paris Restaruant Recommendations
I’ll divide this into 3 sections: Bistros (casual dining), Famous Paris Bakeries, and Fine Dining.
The last few times I’ve been in Paris we stayed mostly on the right bank of the river, near the Louvre Museum in the 1st Arrondissement (Arrondissements are neighborhoods in Paris). There are many amazing places in Paris; these are simply a few great recommendations if you find yourself in central Paris.
Paris Bistro Recommendations
A bistrot (bistro) in Paris is a cozy, casual spot where you can enjoy traditional French dishes like onion soup, cheese plates, steak frites, and croque monsieur (aka an incredible ham and cheese sandwich). It’s the perfect place for a laid-back meal, offering great food without the fuss of fine dining and often much more affordable than a fancy restaurant.
1. Bistrot Richelieu
Located just a short walk from the Louvre and Palais Royal, Bistrot Richelieu is where I had the best chicken sandwich of my life. The burger was equally amazing, the salad fresh and flavorful, and the coffee and wine perfectly complemented the meal.
I’d go back to Bistrot Richelieu any day of the week. It’s a cozy spot that captures the essence of Parisian dining.
2. Bistrot Vivienne
If you’re in the mood for a classic French experience, Bistrot Vivienne is a must-visit. The onion soup (or French Onion Soup as the rest of the world calls it) is incredible—rich, savory, and comforting.
My husband raved about the veal, and we both loved the cheese plate, which offered a variety of delicious options.
The ambiance here is everything you’d expect from a Parisian bistro: warm, inviting, and filled with charm.
3. Café Blanc
Recommended by the concierge, Café Blanc is where the locals go, and it shows. It’s a set a block or two back from the touristy cafes right near the Louvre, offering a relaxed atmosphere with top-notch food. If you’re near the Louvre and want a quick coffee, glass of wine, or a leisurely lunch, Café Blanc delivers an authentic Paris experience.
I had a typical croque monsieur (fancy French ham and cheese sandwich), my husband got the tartare, and the girls got pasta and Nutella crepe. And the fries were amazing everywhere we went—they’re called French fries for a reason 😉
4. Café 52 Paris 1er
This last time we were in Paris, we stayed at Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, which is a beautiful hotel right near the Louvre and next to the Palais Royal (Royal Palace, which is now a public park and the seat of the Ministry of Culture).
They have a cute little cafe called Café 52 Paris 1er in the bottom of the hotel with healthy options and quick bites. We had lunch there a few times and loved it. It’s a limited menu, so I’d say it’s an option if you’re in the 1st and want something small, quick and healthy (you’ll still sit down, Paris doesn’t do a lot of food on-the-go.) I needed some veggies, and it hit the spot.
And side note: I knew I recognized the building in the courtyard where the little patio is—it’s the front of the “office” that Emily in Emily in Paris works in! That was a fun moment.
Famous Paris Bakery Recommendations
1. Cedric Grolet Paris Take Away
Cedric Grolet is Instagram famous, and if you’re a fan of donuts, you have to try Cedric Grolet’s take on this classic treat. It’s the best “donut” I’ve ever had, and it turns out it’s actually a deep-fried croissant.
The pastries were so good, in fact, that I don’t have a single photo of them. Oops. I’ll try to get one next time.
This bakery is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional pastries, and this creation is a perfect example of why Cedric Grolet is one of the most celebrated pastry chefs in the world. If you have a chance, get one of the donuts or anything from the takeaway spot.
2. Ladurée
Ladurée is more than just a bakery; it’s a Parisian institution.
While their macarons are world-famous, what truly impressed me was the sit-down experience inside their Champs-Élysées location. If you’re on or near the Champs-Élysées (a famous street in Paris that leads to the Arc de Triomphe), then I highly recommend stopping at their patio for a bite.
The croque monsieur here is the most incredible I’ve ever had—perfectly balanced, rich, and satisfying. We also indulged in caviar, salad, and, of course, some of their exquisite cakes and macarons.
The outside patio is a lovely spot for lunch or dinner, offering a bit more variety on the menu, so I actually prefer to sit outside. Yes, it can feel a bit touristy, but the quality of the food and the overall experience make it worth a visit. It’s a French staple for a reason.
I made a reservation for 4 in the dining room in advance, so they gave us this gorgeous table to enjoy!
Note: There are many incredible bakeries in Paris, and honestly, you can’t go wrong. Whether you’re picking up a quick croissant or enjoying an elaborate pastry, the city is full of delicious options.
Fancier Sit-Down Restaurant Recommendations
For most of us, the bistro experience is already quite fancy compared to what you’ll find elsewhere. However, if you’re in the mood for something even more special, Paris has plenty to offer.
Paris is renowned for its fine dining, where you’ll see the true definition of culinary arts. If you’re looking for a truly elevated dining experience, the Paris fine-dining scene can be the experience of a lifetime.
Tip: Fine dining in Paris often requires a reservation months in advance. Prepare early!
Plénitude at Cheval Blanc
On a previous trip, we dined at Plénitude, one of the few 3-Michelin-star restaurants in the world.
This was, without a doubt, the best dining experience of my life. It was the first time I felt the true definition of the word exquisite.
It’s a 3-4 hour affair, with a prix-fixe menu that is meticulously crafted by one of the world’s best chefs. The grandeur of the experience is almost indescribable—each dish a masterpiece, each moment unforgettable.
If you’re a food lover, this is a bucket list experience that you absolutely must try. Just make sure to go hungry—you’ll eat more than you can imagine.
BTW: The only reason we got a reservation was that we were staying at the Cheval Blanc (a spectacular 40th birthday treat from my husband!), and they prioritize hotel guests. They had a cancellation, and we got very lucky. In general, when looking for places to eat in Paris, plan far in advance and book early to get these types of reservations.
Madame Brasserie
Situated on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, Madame Brasserie offers a beautiful dining experience. The real draw here is that you’re eating in the Eiffel Tower.
I’ll be completely honest, the food is good—not spectacular, but definitely enjoyable. What you’re really paying for here is the experience of dining inside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. While it wasn’t at the top of my personal list, it was a wonderful experience, especially for my girls (ages 12 and 14) who absolutely loved it.
Ok, there you have it! Some great spots to eat in Paris.
It’s worth saying again that these are places we enjoyed, and there are a ton of amazing places to eat in Paris. Ask the concierge and rely on Google Maps reviews (anything over 4 stars is usually good)! Note that not all restaurants show up on Google Maps, so taking the concierge or people at the front desk of your hotel is always my top tip.
I’ll keep updating these Travel posts the more we travel. In the meantime, if you’ve had an amazing meal in Paris, share it with us in the comments below.
Cheers!
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