10 Best Restaurants around Place Saint Michel


 

Just as you cross over the island holding Notre Dame in Paris, into the Left Bank and Latin Quarter district, you’ll likely pass through what is known as the Place Saint Michel. 

Click here for 10 great places to eat in the Latin Quarter!

This is a public square and popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. The quart holds the famous Fountain of Saint Michel, which is a monumental structure for the 6th arrondissement. It is Paris’ tallest water fountain and a wonder to stand in front of for a few minutes of solace. 

There are a number of great things to eat surrounding the fountain and square — I’ll give you 10 of them!

1. Restaurant Fontaine Saint-Michel near Place Saint Michel

This is the closest restaurant to the Saint-Michel Fountain. So close, in fact, that is bears the same name. 

This is a traditional French brasserie and is a great place to eat if you want to bask in the energy of the square for as long as possible. Saint Michel is known for being one of the quieter public squares, so sitting outside at this restaurant is rather pleasant. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 10pm
ADDRESS: 11 Place Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

2. Maoz Vegetarian near Place Saint Michel

Something for everyone near Place Saint Michel, and this spot is strictly for the vegetarians and vegans. 

Maoz is a falafel chain that you’ll find all over Paris. The concept is very simple, and very tasty. Simply choose the form in which you’d prefer your falafel (wrap, pita, bowl) and then make your way to their all-you-can-eat toppings bar and go wild. 

Maoz – by Maoz – Uploaded by them

So long as there is falafel on your plate, you can use the topping bar as much as you’d like. This is simple, affordable and well-made vegetarian food for all. 

For more great vegan food in Paris, click here!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 11am to 11pm
ADDRESS: 8 Rue Xavier Privas, 75005 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

3. Café Latin near Place Saint Michel

If you’re in the mood for something a little more suave, I recommend the charming Cafe Latin on the western end of the square. 

This is a traditional French restaurant where dark wood and mood lighting take over in terms of ambience. For the area, the prices here are relatively cheap and the food is consistently good. 

Café Latin – by Café Latin – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday — 11:30am to 10pm
ADDRESS: 30 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

4. Restaurant Chez le Libanais near Place Saint Michel

A short walk west from the square will bring you to my personal favorite Lebanese restaurant on the Left Bank. Restaurant Chez le Libanais is a quirky, easygoing spot where you can snatch up some authentic Lebanese classics (kebabs, falafel, salads, dips) for the better part of the afternoon. 

Note that they close at 5:45pm sharp, so this is not the spot for a late dinner. 

Chez le Libanais – by Chez le Libanais – Sourced from their website

For more great falafel in Paris, click here!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 11am to 5:45pm
ADDRESS: 35 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

5. Bombay Cafe near Place Saint Michel

I make a point of trying as many Indian restaurants in Paris as I can. This one near the Place Saint Michel is particularly great, and I’ve been back twice since discovering it. 

The food is traditional, authentic and wonderfully cheap. The staff make you feel like you’re dining in your own home, and lest I mention the hearty portions they’ll give you no matter what you’re eating. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 11pm
ADDRESS: 12 Rue Xavier Privas, 75005 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

6. Il Gigolo near Place Saint Michel

There’s nothing like an atmospheric Italian dining experience right in the heart of the French capital. 

Il Gigolo is a hidden gem, and makes arguably the best pizza you’ll have while visiting Paris. They are open daily for lunch and dinner service, and the vibe in this restaurant is so appealing that almost no guests are able to tear themselves away before closing at 12am. 

Il Gigolo – by Il Gigolo – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 3:30pm // 6pm to 12am
ADDRESS: 11 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

7. Anatolie Durum near Place Saint Michel

How about something more off the beaten track, so to speak? Anatolie Durum is a Turkish wonder near to the Place Saint Michel. The staff will gently guide you through the range of dishes on offer, which includes quite the selection for vegetarian and vegan diners. 

Tasty, delicious and memorable — to say the least. 

Click here for wonderful Turkish food in Paris!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday — 11:30am to 12pm
ADDRESS: 9 Rue de la Harpe, 75005 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

8. Bonito y Sabroso near Place Saint Michel

Walk too quickly and you’ll miss the entrance to another hidden gem near Place Saint Michel. This is an authentic Cuban restaurant right here in the heart of Paris. 

The vibe? Well is Havana could have been brought right across the ocean, it would be done in the form of this dining spot. Everything from the drinks to the food to the staff creams “authentic”, and it’s a lot of fun to be part of each evening between 6pm and midnight. 

Bonito y Sabroso – by Bonito y Sabroso – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday — 6pm to 12am
ADDRESS: 6 Rue Suger, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

9. Jixiao’s Buns near Place Saint Michel

Keeping with the eclectic nature of this part of town, this Chinese dumpling spot is a short walk from the Place Saint Michel. 

Soup, pork buns, noodles, papaya salad, vegetarian options and incredibly service — Jixiao’s Buns didn’t come to mess around. What’s more, this is one of the most affordable dining options in this district, without skimping on quality in the slightest. 

Jixiao’s Buns – by Jixiao’s Buns – Uploaded by them

For great dim sum in Paris, click here!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Call for Hours 
ADDRESS: 21 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

10. Shu near Place Saint Michel

To end of this roundup, I’d like to introduce you to Shu, one of the best Japanese dining spots in all of Paris. 

Housed in an old cellar, Shu makes exquisite small plates of Osaka foods. The restaurant is clean, simple and authentic from flavor to decor. One of your most memorable meals while in Paris, I guarantee it. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday — 12:30pm to 5:30pm
ADDRESS: 8 Rue Suger, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

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