Welcome to the tantalizing tapestry of Parisian gastronomy, where every bite tells a story and every sip paints a picture of culinary excellence. In a city where romance meets gastronomy, navigating the Parisian food scene can be as thrilling as a whirlwind romance along the Seine.
But fear not, intrepid foodie adventurers! We’ve done the legwork, sifting through the city’s gastronomic treasures to curate a list of the top 10 food and wine spots that Paris has to offer. Yes, we’ve trimmed the fat (or should we say, foie gras?) to bring you only the crème de la crème of Parisian dining.
Join us on a mouthwatering journey through the City of Light in our exclusive 1.5-hour webinar, led by a local food and wine expert from Context Travel. From bustling markets to cozy bistros and artisanal boulangeries, our guide will navigate you through the labyrinth of Parisian epicurean delights, ensuring you experience the very best of local living in Paris.
What sets our chosen eateries apart? It’s simple—they all share the same recipe for success: impeccable cuisine, inviting ambiance, an extensive wine selection, and service with a side of French charm. Whether you’re craving
- Café des Deux Gares
Address: 1 rue des Deux Gares 75010 Paris
Mood: Sharing plates, inventive bistro dishes & desserts at an old-fashioned cafe with a railway theme.
Website: HĂ´tel Deux Gares
Café Les Deux Gares, once a quaint café adorned with vintage train seats, this gem has undergone a transformation, now boasting a spiffed-up decor and a tantalising menu crafted by the brilliant chef, Jonathan Schweizer.
But fear not, dear travelers, for while the train seats may be gone, the magic remains. Picture yourself on the terrace, soaking in the rare sight of the expansive Parisian sky, with a view of the newly pedestrianized Rue d’Alsace and the charming Jardin Marielle Franco just across the street.
Whether you’re embarking on a journey east or north from Paris’s bustling stations, or simply seeking a delicious best-valued meal in the heart of the city, CafĂ© Les Deux Gares is your ticket to culinary delight. So, hop on board and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey – because at CafĂ© Les Deux Gares, every meal is a destination worth savoring.
Pro tip: We highly suggest visiting for lunch. Like all our restaurant choices in the list, it is always a good idea to reserve
- 2. Le Train Bleu – most beautiful restaurant in the world
Address: Place Louis Armand 75012 Paris
Mood: Classic French dishes like foie gras & steak tartare in a lavish space with frescoes & chandeliers.
Website: Le Train Bleu
Welcome to the legendary Train Bleu – where history meets haute cuisine in a whirlwind of elegance and excitement! Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, this Parisian gem boasts not one, but two grand rooms classified as historical monuments, making it a must-see destination for foodies and adventurers alike.
At le Train Bleu restaurant, exceptional frescoes adorn every inch of the walls, gilded accents gleam in the soft glow of immense crystal chandeliers, and ceilings soar to dizzying heights of 8 meters. It’s a feast for the senses from the moment you set foot inside!
Located atop the Gare de Lyon, Train Bleu is the crown jewel of la Belle Epoque offering a spectacle both in the dining room and the kitchen but Train Bleu isn’t just about the food – it’s a destination in its own right. Hop aboard and let your senses be whisked away on a delicious adventure! Cheers to unforgettable moments and delectable delights !
Pro tip: stop over at the Bar Lounge to enjoy a glass of Champagne, sip on exceptional teas or indulge in a delectable pastry as you soak in the ambiance of this Parisian icon before taking your train to Provence. Open all day!
- 3. Maison Sota
Address: 3 rue Saint Hubert 75011 Paris
Mood: Stylish fine-dining restaurant by renowned chef Sota Atsumi with tasting menus & an open kitchen.
Website: Maison Sota
With his French cuisine infused with a modern twist, Atsumi takes diners on a delectable journey through the best market-fresh ingredients, served up in a tantalizing set menu.
Picture this: a loft-style dining room perched on the first floor, complete with a sprawling open kitchen that’s as lively as it is mesmerizing. Take a seat at the counter and watch the culinary magic unfold before your eyes, or gather ’round the communal wooden table for a shared dining experience like no other.
As you savor each mouthwatering dish – from raw scallops with spaghetti squash and butternut jus to confit ceps with chanterelles and a Savagnin sauce – you’ll be transported to a realm where flavor reigns supreme and creativity knows no bounds. With each bite, you’ll discover a new reason to fall in love with French cuisine all over again.
Pro tip: the lunch tasting menu is a bargain, best price-quality at 75 euros. Take advantage now before they obtain their first Michelin star.
- 4. Magma
Address: 9 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud 75011 Paris
Mood: French creative bistro with a Japanese flair
Website: Magma
Another Japanese chef shining bright in Paris. Like a culinary alchemist, the chef, Ryuya Ono crafts a menu that evolves daily, keeping diners on their toes with each tantalizing creation.
But it’s not just the food that captivates at Magma. The ambiance is equally enticing, with a black and white tiled floor, olive green bench seating, and modern wooden furniture creating a cozy yet chic atmosphere. And let’s not forget the vintage bar, adding a touch of retro charm to the proceedings.
Since the summer of 2022, Magma became a convivial and laid-back spot where each day brings a new array of indulgent dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients and a dash of Japanese flair.
And as for our experience? It was nothing short of unforgettable. With a 7-course tasting menu for lunch – every bite was a revelation, every dish a testament to Ono’s culinary wizardry. With each dish, you’ll discover a new reason to fall in love with the artistry of French cuisine infused with a touch of Japanese magic.
Pro tip: Explore the rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud before or after your lunch-diner. You will find a very local vibe to it.
- 5. The butcher of Paris
Address: 39 rue de Bretagne 75003 Paris
Mood: Carnivores paradise unleashed
Website: The Butcher of Paris
Welcome to The Butcher of Paris, a carnivore’s paradise delivering its nose-to-tail approach to dining. Owners Louis-Marie Martin and Robin Bassin are passionate about quality meat, having been involved in every stage of the animal’s journey – from the pasture to the plate. Their dedication to the land, respect for animals, and love of the table inspired them to create a butcher’s shop-restaurant unlike any other.
But the feast doesn’t stop there – indulge in a diverse wine list that caters to every palate, ensuring a perfect pairing for every dish. And with a friendly staff ready to welcome you year-round, you’ll feel right at home in the comfortable atmosphere of this culinary gem inside one of the oldest and now trendiest covered market in Paris « le marchĂ© des enfants rouges ».
Choose your meat straight from the butcher case and have it expertly cooked for you to enjoy at communal tables crafted from butcher block or at the bar. You will be surrounded by fellow food enthusiasts, restaurant owners, and wine makers indulging in platters of artisanal charcuterie, slabs of perfectly cooked meat, and magnums of natural wine. It’s a culinary spectacle that will have passers-by stopping in their tracks, drawn in by the irresistible aromas and convivial atmosphere.
Pro tip: highly suggest to arrive early to score a seat, otherwise, they opened a laid-back classic French restaurant « bouillon » right across.
- 6. Paloma
Address: 93 rue Julien Lacroix 75020 Paris
Mood: laid back creative bistro and wine bar in a off-the-beaten neighborhood
Website: Paloma on Instagram
Visualize this: a dune-colored facade kissed by the morning light on one side and bathed in twilight on the other – that’s Paloma for you. Inside, Marie-Anna Delgado works her magic in the kitchen while Olivia Brunet holds court on the terrace, creating a neighborhood canteen that’s as vibrant as it is inviting. This delightful spot is a celebration of all things harissa, cumin, and culinary wonders.
Step inside and you’ll find a charming chaos juxtaposed with culinary creations that’ll make your taste buds sing. Perfectionism takes a backseat here – it’s all about the fresh, vibrant approach to food. We were blown away by the hake tartare with hints of lime, a sprinkle of samphire, and a nettle coulis that transported us to paradise, it’s a dish that’s both exotic and comforting, just like the vibe at Paloma.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a flavor-filled adventure that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face, swing by Paloma and let the good times roll!
Pro tip: Do not miss a fine cocktail before or after diner at COMBAT. The experience will change you from the Louvre crowd.
- 7. Au Moulin Ă Vent
Address: 20 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard 75005 Paris
Mood: taste at the acclaimed best classic bistro of the year
Website: Au Moulin Ă Vent
Nestled in the heart of the city’s vibrant 5th arrondissement of Paris, this enchanting establishment has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its irresistible charm, impeccable hospitality, and unbeatable value for money.
Step inside and be transported to a bygone era, where the air is filled with the nostalgic aroma of traditional French cuisine and the unmistakable buzz of Parisian joie de vivre. Au Moulin à Vent embodies the quintessential Parisian bistro experience – chic yet approachable, elegant yet unpretentious.
Each dish is a celebration of tradition and innovation, served amidst the backdrop of charming tablecloths, gleaming copper hooks, and a magnificent counter so, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of Au Moulin Ă Vent. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Pro tip: They have a stellar wine selection at very descent prices so do not be shy, do ask for guidance. Remember, they know their wines! Enjoy!
- 8. La Boîte aux Lettres
Address: 108 rue Lepic 75018 Paris
Mood: Creative but unpretentious French mains, salads & cakes at a cozy bistro with a robust wine list.
Website: La Boîte aux Lettres
Welcome to the vibrant world of Antonin and Frédéric-Paul, the dynamic duo behind this charming Montmartre gem, where sincerity meets affordability in every bite.
In the kitchen, Chef FrĂ©dĂ©ric-Paul Chartier, a maestro trained at Ferrandi culinary school and Ducasse’s brasserie atop the Eiffel Tower, orchestrates a culinary symphony. Each dish is a fusion of flavors and textures, drawing inspiration from around the globe and showcasing the finest ingredients handpicked for their quality and taste.
Take your taste buds on a journey with their ever-evolving menu, featuring five enticing starters, mains, and desserts that change every three weeks. And don’t miss out on their show-stopping terrine de campagne, a masterpiece from the renowned Charcuterie de Millas in Lacaune. At la BoĂ®te Aux Lettres every dish is a celebration of creativity, passion, and joie de vivre.
Pro tip: This is a perfect stop for lunch after visiting Montmartre, avoid the crowds and eat like a locals do. If you are here at night, then head to its neighbour « Le bon, la butte » restaurant.
- 9. Le Pantruche
Address: 3 rue Victor Massé 75009 Paris
Mood: Classic French dishes like soufflés & beef in red wine with a modern touch, in a cozy bistro.
Website: Le Pantruche
Oh Le Pantruche! A neighborhood’s favourite, where the spirit of old Paris comes alive in every bite. Named after the city itself in vintage Parisian slang, this bistro is a delicious journey back to the 1930s, complete with a charmingly retro ambiance of dim lighting, plush banquettes, and walls adorned with mirrors reflecting the city’s rich history.
Nestled on a quiet street in the trendy SoPi neighborhood, Le Pantruche may seem unassuming from the outside, but don’t be fooled—behind its unremarkable facade lies a culinary gem beloved by Parisians and foodies alike.
Led by Chef Franck Baranger, the kitchen churns out exquisite French fare crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients. From the crispy veal head, a surprising delicacy that delights even the most discerning palates, to the matured duck bursting with flavor, every dish is a masterpiece of traditional bistro cuisine. And let’s not forget dessert—the soufflĂ© au Grand Marlier is a heavenly finale to your meal, perfectly balancing sweetness and sophistication.
Pro tip: SoPi neighborhood is filled with fantastic cocktail bars and live music such as le lipstick or Dirty dick at 5 and 10, rue Frochot, 75009, Paris.
- 10. Chez George
Address: 1 rue du Mail 75002 Paris
Mood: A long menu of bistro classics in an old-timey space with wood paneling & mirrors.
Website: Chez Georges on Instagram
Step into the time capsule of tradition and taste at Chez George, where the charm of old-world Parisian dining meets the buzz of the 2nd arrondissement. Sure, it might be a tad pricey, but isn’t that just part of the Parisian experience? With its classic bistro vibes, from the vintage mirrors to the snug tables, Chez Georges is the epitome of French culinary nostalgia. Sure, it may look a bit weathered on the outside, but that only adds to its allure. After all, isn’t a little rough around the edges part of the charm?
Now, onto the main event: steak frites and boeuf bourguignon. It’s the stuff dreams are made of, and here, it’s no exception. Unlike some other relics of the past, Chez Georges doesn’t just rely on its historic charm; the food is the real deal, consistently hitting all the right notes with every bite.
From the wooden tables to the checkered tablecloths, every detail oozes with Parisian flair. It’s like stepping into a scene from “Midnight in Paris,” with Hemingway and company whispering tales of days gone by. Let yourself feel like if you’d stumbled upon a true culinary gem in the heart of Paris because that is the case. Cheers to tradition, taste, and the timeless allure of Chez Georges!
Pro tip: Take your time choosing your wine and ask for advise, save yourself time!
