A foodies guide to Paris: Best restaurants and local eats.

Are you here because you’re looking for great places to eat in Paris?

You probably already have everything planned — your list of things to do in Paris, the hotel where you’ll stay, your flights, and even what to pack. But you might still be missing something just as important: a list of the best spots to enjoy the finest Parisian and international cuisine without spending a fortune.

To help you avoid surprises — on the menu or the bill — here’s a curated list of top restaurants in Paris, where you’ll find the perfect place to recharge and savor the best of this city. French gastronomy is world-renowned for its refinement and elegance, so don’t miss the chance to experience the savoir-faire of its chefs.

Recommended Areas to Eat Well in Paris

• Le Marais

This is the ultimate gastronomic neighborhood in historic Paris. Many of today’s top chefs began experimenting with flavors and ingredients here, in both high-end restaurants and cozy eateries with only a few tables.
Examples include the terrace restaurant at the Musée Carnavalet, the crêperie Tycoz, the fun and colorful Casa Loca, or Aldehyde, which offers a tribute to Tunisian cuisine.

• Latin Quarter – Saint Michel

You absolutely must eat or dine at one of the lively terraces in what is probably the most vibrant neighborhood in Paris. However, beware of tourist traps — especially when it comes to the bill.
Stick to reliable spots like the Japanese restaurant Wadon Izakaya, the gourmet Le Christine and Bistro des Livres, or the surprising Finnish-inspired Café Maa.

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Next to the Latin Quarter, this neighborhood offers fantastic dining options such as Shiro, which fuses French and Japanese cuisine; Sauvage, a contemporary bistro; Rech, specializing in seafood under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse; or Tina, a cozy tapas bar.

• Louvre – Rivoli

This elegant district — the heart of French culture and luxury shopping — is also home to some of Paris’s best restaurants and hotels. While it’s not the most budget-friendly area, quality and creativity are guaranteed.
Top picks include the refined Nolinski Paris, the emotional cuisine of chef Clément Vergeat at Tracé, the vegetarian cheese-based dishes at Maslow by the Seine, and Nhome, an intimate restaurant by chef Matan Zaken that seats only 20 guests.

• Champs-Élysées

Beyond shopping, the Champs-Élysées is also a great place to eat — though often at sky-high prices. Many Michelin-starred restaurants are located along or near this grand avenue.
Whether or not they have stars, excellent options include Bonne Table, which focuses on sustainability and social inclusion; Réséda Café, inside the Grand Palais under chef Thierry Marx; and Origine, for those who truly appreciate fine gastronomy.

• Montparnasse

This area is popular for shopping, its artistic atmosphere, and the views from the Montparnasse Tower — but it’s also a good dining spot, sometimes at reasonable prices.
Highlights include Papalito, serving Latin American cuisine from breakfast to dinner; Capsule, with a contemporary French menu; the Moroccan tea room Maison Ambré; and Binchotan, known for charcoal-grilled dishes.

 

Traditional Restaurants: Bistrots and Brasseries

• Brasserie des Prés (6 C. du Commerce Saint-André)

Located in the Latin Quarter, it offers a menu ranging from French classics to more contemporary dishes, prepared with simplicity and quality. The lively terrace is perfect for soaking up the neighborhood atmosphere.

• Bistro des Lettres (53 Boulevard Saint-Germain)

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this relaxed, literary bistro is perfect for traditional meals, ideal for both lunch and dinner.

• Bellanger (140 Rue du Faubourg Poissonière)

With a retro feel inspired by early 20th-century brasseries, it offers an affordable and varied menu. A great stop when visiting the northern neighborhoods of Paris.

• L’Alsace (39 Avenue des Champs-Élysées)

Open 24 hours a day, this brasserie is a classic on the city’s most famous avenue. It specializes in seafood and Alsatian dishes but also serves breakfast and pastries at any hour.

• Le Bistro des Augustins (39 Quai des Grands Augustins)

Small, cozy, and with views of the Seine, just steps from Notre-Dame. Its homemade gratins are very popular, and the laid-back vibe invites you to stay longer.

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Paris

• Bistrot Laurel

Located in the Occidental Paris Levallois Hotel, this restaurant specializes in contemporary French cuisine with a touch of sophistication, offering an intimate and elegant atmosphere. Pair your meal with a selection from Le Bar for the full experience.

• Epicure (112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré)

A gem of haute cuisine. Its classic dining room overlooks a beautiful garden, offering an elegant setting for chef Éric Frechon’s precise and exquisite creations.

• Alléno au Pavillon Ledoyen (8 Avenue Dutuit)

In the gardens of the Champs-Élysées, this 19th-century pavilion has been transformed by chef Yannick Alléno into a temple of innovation and culinary creativity.

• Pierre Gagnaire (6 Rue Balzac)

Just steps from the Champs-Élysées, this restaurant embodies chef Pierre Gagnaire’s poetic and avant-garde vision — constantly evolving dishes served in an elegant, modern dining room.

• Arpège (84 Rue de Varenne)

A cult favorite among vegetable lovers. Chef Alain Passard crafts delicate dishes using biodynamic produce from his own gardens, served in a minimalist, contemporary space.

Affordable Options & Street Food

Yes, it’s possible to eat reasonably well in Paris — even if it can sometimes feel like a challenge. The city offers fast-food chains, sandwich shops, crêperies, and diverse international cuisines from China to Mexico and Turkey to the U.S. Here are some good budget-friendly ideas:

• Burger & Fries (95 Boulevard Saint-Germain)

A burger joint with a French twist, open until 2 a.m. — perfect for late-night cravings.

• Faste-Croque Monsieur Paris (52 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin)

Specialists in the traditional French sandwich, with plenty of cheese and béchamel. Fillings include pastrami, ham, vegetables, and more.

• L’As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers)

As the name suggests, this is the place for falafel. Expect excellent quality and a central location in Le Marais.

• Chez Nicos (44 Rue Mouffetard)

Known for generous crêpes and galettes, both in size and filling. Located near the Curie Museum and the Great Mosque of Paris.

• Au P’tit Grec (66 Rue Mouffetard)

A popular spot serving pitas and crêpes filled with fresh, Mediterranean ingredients — healthy and affordable by Paris standards.

Exploring the restaurants and local spots in Paris is an experience that goes far beyond gastronomy. Every corner, from traditional bistros to street markets and charming cafés, reflects the essence of Parisian culture: elegance, passion, and artistry in every detail.