Paris, the city of steak frites, flaky croissants, and unfiltered wine. You’ve probably heard about the ubiquitous butter, the grumpy waiters, and the multi-course tasting menus. Whether you’ve already experienced these delights or not, it’s time to discover Paris and its 20 diverse arrondissements. Here is a selection of 10 of the best bistros, cafes, bakeries, and other essential spots in Paris.
Classic Bistros and Cafes
Le Bon Georges
Located near the Galeries Lafayette department store and just below the trendy part of Pigalle, Le Bon Georges is a steak frites bistro that feels like it dates from another era despite opening in 2013. With its mirror or chalkboard menu, wooden chairs, and wine bottles on display, Le Bon Georges is ideal for enjoying classic French dishes such as asparagus in spring and fish with truffles in autumn. The meat, in particular, should be ordered rare or medium-rare.
Bistrot Des Tournelles
This neighborhood bistro around the Bastille monument is perfect for an introductory or farewell traditional French meal. You’ll find simple starters like fried mushrooms and buttered artichoke hearts, as well as main courses like chicken cordon bleu. The dishes are served with thin crispy fries, mashed potatoes, or simple spinach.
L’Ami Jean
Near the Eiffel Tower, L’Ami Jean is a lively bistro with mismatched furniture and tilted artwork. The tasting menu includes smaller portions of the great classics as well as seasonal dishes like stuffed butternut and tuna belly sandwich stuffed with foie gras. Don’t leave without trying their famous rice pudding.
Parcelles
Located in a decades-old space, Parcelles offers both charm and sophistication with revisited French classics. Try the stuffed cabbage with minced pork and foie gras, or the scallops escargot-style. It’s an ideal spot for a date or to impress visitors.
Le Chardenoux
With its century-old marble bar and aristocratic decor, Le Chardenoux offers a fish-focused menu, with dishes like crispy crab cake and crispy rice with salmon and citrus. It is a perfect place for special occasions.
Café De Luce
Located in Montmartre, this classic corner cafe offers French dishes such as egg mayonnaise, beef tartare, and a duck fat burger. It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner after exploring Montmartre’s staircases and hidden cobblestone passages.
Non-Traditional and Trendy Restaurants
Clamato
Owned by the same people behind Septime, Clamato offers an à la carte menu almost entirely composed of seafood, such as raw cuttlefish with sesame and chili, and oysters. It’s a perfect spot for a no-reservation lunch or dinner.
Tekès
This creative vegetarian restaurant offers dishes like beet skewers and fried gnocchi with curry sauce. Its desert souk atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed evening.
Mokonuts
This small restaurant is run by a French-Lebanese and Japanese-American couple. They prepare delicious dishes like line-caught fish and satsuma mandarin almond cake. It’s a great place for breakfast or lunch.
Les Parisiens
Located inside the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain Hotel, Les Parisiens offers classic dishes like red wine coquelet and quail vol-au-vent. Perfect for a special occasion or dinner with parents.
Le Mary Celeste
This wine bar in the Marais offers small international plates like deviled eggs and duck tartare. It’s a great spot for a light dinner or weekend lunch.
Wine Bars and Small Plates
L’Avant Comptoir Du Marché
This wine bar offers a snack-and-sip experience with dishes like whipped tarama and dense sunflower seed bread. Ideal for a late-afternoon snack after a stroll through St.-Germain-des-Prés.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of classic French cuisine or looking for something more modern and innovative, Paris offers a multitude of restaurants for all tastes. Make sure to book in advance and fully enjoy every meal in this city of light and flavors.
