20 Best Traditional French Restaurants in Paris

20 Best Traditional French Restaurants in Paris

Updated by Vanessa M on September 2023.

What do I mean when I refer to a tractional French restaurant or cafe? Well, the essence of this lies in the cuisine. In France, dining is considered an event, no matter the time of day, and traditional French cuisine is like any other European tradition in terms of options, quality and accessibility. 

For foodies, don’t miss out on our Paris food tour, which gives you the chance to sample the city’s exquisite culinary delights. Immerse yourself in the local dining scene and savour the variety of flavours Paris has to offer.

Without further ado, here are 20 of my favourite traditional French restaurants in the city centre:

1. Cafe de Flore in Paris

This restaurant is known for having changed very little since the war; the same red interior, mirrors and draping are still the first thing to greet new guests, which makes it about as traditional as it gets!

Despite having slowly morphed into an undeniable tourist trap, the cafe is still wonderfully ambient and holds that traditional French feel regardless of the hype. Come for great coffee, fresh air, and the best French onion soup this side of the Seine. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY — 7:30AM TO 1:30AM

ADDRESS: 172 BD SAINT-GERMAIN, 75006 PARIS, FRANCE

METRO STATION: SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PREZ 

2. L’Éclair in Paris

When I’m looking for a Parisian escape without actually leaving Paris, this is the cafe that I head to. It’s cozy as heck and it offers a very different experience to other restaurants this close to the Eiffel Tower. 

Morning or night, you’ll enjoy a range of dynamic dishes to suit the respective mealtime. The food is always good, and their hot beverages come with a tiny chocolate to sweeten the deal.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY — 8AM TO 1AM

ADDRESS: 32 RUE CLER, 75007 PARIS

METRO STATION: TROCADERO

3. Au Pied de Cochon in Paris

Au Pied de Cochon is as authentically French as a street side cafe can get. It is also a well loved spot for the Parisian locals. Salvador Dali was known to frequent this restaurant back in the day.

My favorite dish here is the French onion soup. They also do wonderful red wine braised pork, escargots and a traditional crème brûlée.

Click here for the Most Famous Restaurants in Paris

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – Open 24 Hours

ADDRESS:  6 Rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Étienne Marcel

4. Les Deux Magots in Paris

It is though that a lot of modern thinking (French philosophy) occurred within the walls of les Deux Magots, as it attracted free-thinkers from far and wide, and gave them a safe space to express within, while ensuring bottomless absinthe and espresso. 

This brasserie is of equal French charm, and opened its doors back in 1885. The menu is traditional and modern; a fusion of yesteryear and the present, which feels apt considering the forward thinking that once emerged from this very hub. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY — 7:30AM TO 12AM

ADDRESS: 6 PL. SAINT-GERMAIN DES PRÉS, 75006 PARIS, FRANCE

METRO STATION: SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PREZ 

5. Carette in Paris

On the opposite end we have Carette, right on the edge of the entrance to the Trocadero. Carette is about as French as it gets, and is considered as being one of the best restaurants in all of Paris.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, pastries, brunch, lunch or a three course dinner menu, Carette has it all. You can come here virtually any time of day and except a vibrant buzz of people sipping on high teas, beers and/or wine. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY — 7AM TO 11:30PM

ADDRESS: 4 PL. DU TROCADÉRO ET DU 11 NOVEMBRE, 75016 PARIS

METRO STATION: TROCADERO

6. Wagon Bleu in Paris

The Blue Wagon is a bit of a hidden gem in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. As the name suggests, the restaurant is built into an old blue train car that wen tout of service during the resolution years.

The Wagon Bleu boasts an impressive range of French wines to pair with all of their traditional dishes. The interior is cosy and charming as anything! You’ll feel like you’re in some elegant express train carriage traveling to some exotic land by the night.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 5:30pm to 12:30am 

ADDRESS:  7 Rue Boursault, 75017 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Rome

7. La Fontaine de Mars in Paris

This chic restaurant is famed in this neighborhood, identifiable by the baby pink awnings that frame the arched entrances. 

Those who know this restaurant, love it. It’s one of the most charming spots in the area, and they do a fantastic lunch and dinner menu, also seven days a week. As expected, this place is full pretty much all the time. You’ll need to make a reservation if you want to really sit back and enjoy. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY — 12PM TO 3PM // 7:30PM TO 11PM

ADDRESS: 129 RUE SAINT-DOMINIQUE, 75007 PARIS

METRO STATION: TROCADERO

8. Chez Dumonet in Paris

Situated in the 6th arrondissement’s southern region, this restaurant is renowned for traditional dishes such as their duck confit. The rest of the menu is a classic tale of French culinary progression through the ages. It’s the perfect spot for lunch or dinner, traditional style.

The staff at Ches Dumonet will go out of their way to make your dining experience a memorable one. Trust them to take the reigns and give you the fullest enjoyment possible, tailored to your tastebuds. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Friday – 12:30 to 2:30 // 7:30 to 10:30

ADDRESS:  117 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Duroc

9. Café de deux Moulins in Paris

An exploration of traditional French restaurants isn’t complete without a visit to the Cafe de Deux Moulins in Paris. While the food is wonderfully average, the restaurant itself is the epitome of French charm and cliche! 

The Café des Deux Moulins is up the west end of Montmartre hill. The unique experience of the restaurant is what keeps people coming through the doors — as does the fifteen minutes of fame the cafe received in the film Amélie that debuted back in 2002.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY – 7AM – 1:30AM

ADDRESS: 15 RUE LEPIC, 75018 PARIS, FRANCE

METRO STATION: BLANCHE

10. Au Bouquet Saint Paul in Paris

The Au Bouguet Saint Paul sits on the corner of the Rue Saint Paul and Rue Saint-Antoine not far from the Seine in le Marais. The never-ending foot traffic on this road thanks to these sites leaves great need for places to stop and refuel; Au Bouquet Saint Paul is the restaurant for just that.

All of the dishes are authentically French; the herbed salmon pasta is a crowd pleaser as are the range of freshly baked desserts.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 8am to 2am

ADDRESS:  85 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Saint Paul

11. Le Jules Verne

Le Jules Verne, perched at a height of 410 feet (125 meters) in the Eiffel Tower and offering an unparalleled view of Paris, is the capital’s must-visit gastronomic attraction and measures up to the monument itself.

The restaurant debuted its new location and menu in July 2019, created by Chef Frédéric Anton, winner of the “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” award. He devised a menu that contains unprocessed and noble products from various regions of France, such as crab, prawns, free-range poultry, and even chocolate.

The restaurant’s dishes highlight the best of each item while highlighting scents and flavors through nuanced pairings. The chef meticulously chops the ingredients for each meal paying homage to the construction of the Eiffel Tower. The chef produced his delectable dishes by combining flavors, colors, and materials while using seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss this one.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 12-1:30 pm, 7-9 pm

ADDRESS:  Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Bir-Hakeim

12. Le Comptoir du Relais

This famed Parisian bistro does not accept reservations, and there is often a huge line of foodies wanting to sample bistronomy at its best. It’s not easy to get a table here. The patio has an interesting perspective of the Carrefour de l’Odeon and provides some great Paris people-watching to accompany your lunch.

It’s not the quietest place, so I wouldn’t eat outside for a romantic date, but it’s a nice setting for a work lunch near Saint Germain. Le Comptoir du Relais offers two different set menus, one for weekday lunch and one for weekends. Both menus are fairly large, with 10 starters, 10 main courses, and 10 desserts to choose from.

For beginnings, choose from oeuf mayonnaise, foie gras, or escargots, and for mains, choose from entrecôte de veau (veal rib steak), pied de cochon (pig’s feet), or brandade de morue (whipped salt cod gratin). You will not be disappointed with any of the classic French dishes you choose.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 12-11 pm

ADDRESS: 9 Carr de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris, France 

METRO STATION: Odéon

13. Le Tour d’Argent

This beautiful auberge on the banks of the Seine, founded in 1582, became a restaurant in 1780. André Terrail bought it at the turn of the century and had the brilliant idea of raising the building one level to install a dining room, giving him one of the best (and unique) views of the Seine and Notre Dame cathedral.

The Tour Argent’s soul has evolved, and its menu, a true palimpsest reinvented by MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) chef Yannick Franques, has retained the memories of several decades of French haute cuisine.

Purists can be assured, however, that the flawlessly honed service remains as magnificent as ever, topped by the incredible wine cellar, which has over 300,000 bottles.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Saturday – 12-2:15 pm, 7-10:30 pm

ADDRESS: 15 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Saint-Paul

14. Le Procope

This historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés café claims to be Paris’s oldest café, with La Tour d’Argent (1582) and A La Petite Chaise (1680). This could be real, but since there is no documentation for any of the three facilities, we can trust it.

The property has two entrances, one of which leads onto the courtyard of Commerce Saint-André, which is a pleasant 12-minute stroll from the Relais du Louvre. Le Procope is a historic site that was designated a historical monument in 1962.

Note that the prices are pretty exorbitant here, and the value for money is not particularly humane, as clients on review sites have complained. The restaurant serves seafood as well as traditional home cooking.

Read here on 15 Most Expensive Restaurants in Paris

You can come for tea and have flamed pancakes with Grand Marnier sauce, chocolate profiteroles, or iced amaretto sabayon because the restaurant’s schedule is highly flexible.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO sunday – 12 pm-12 am

ADDRESS: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Odéon

15. Chez L’Ami Jean

Stéphane Jego, the chef was an early pioneer of the bistronomie movement, enhancing classic bistro food with fine-dining techniques and an emphasis on quality ingredients. Despite the fact that his simple, bright dining room at Chez l’Ami Jean is packed with visitors expressing delight in foreign tongues, the dining room’s quality has not dipped.

In his enormous plates, he combines tradition and innovation: the terrine de champagne comes in a wide wedge studded with pistachio, and veal and Jerusalem artichoke hide beneath a quilt of truffle shavings. Come prepared because the atmosphere may be as hearty as the cuisine.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Friday – 12-2 pm, 7-11 pm/Saturday -12-2 pm

ADDRESS: 27 Rue Malar, 75007 Paris, France

METRO STATION: La Tour-Maubourg

16. Le Petit Cler

This adorable tiny cafe spills out into the pedestrian market strip rue Cler and serves high-quality but basic dishes at extremely reasonable costs. While there are no red and white checks, there is conventional cafe fare (steaks with sautéed potatoes, omelets, open-faced grilled sandwiches, and so on) as well as a daily special, which could be roast chicken (Sun) or fresh fish (Fri).

You can also order a full breakfast (with eggs) for 14€, as well as cheese and cold meat platters (from 8.50€), or show up later in the day to drink up all the wine on the menu.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 8 am-1 pm

ADDRESS: 29 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris, France

METRO STATION: La Tour-Maubourg

17. Le Dome

The Dome du Marais, located in the center of the old Mont de Piété auction room, which opened in 1777, is an attractive restaurant that offers fine, traditional French food with an Asian twist. Before finding more wonderful meals, try the seabream tartare with lime, ginger, and herb salad (16 euros) or green tea ice cream with mint (9 euros).

Lamb with ratatouille jam (26 euros) or veal liver and carrot puree with bacon and caramelized sherry (27 euros) melt your tongue. Lunch selections are very appealing. In the afternoon, it transforms into a lovely tea room where time appears to stand still. In the beautiful winter garden, enjoy a lovely range of teas and relax.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 12-2:45 am, 1-10:30 pm

ADDRESS: 108 Bd du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Vavin

18. L’Ambroisie

L’Ambroisie is a love letter to classical French dining, with no tasting menus or wine flights, just the right servings in three proper courses. The restaurant has been run by chef-owner Bernard Pacaud and his wife Danièle since the 1950s, and it’s known for long-standing classics and superb meals.

Traditional French meals such as frogs’ legs, snails, lobster, veal sweetbreads, and pigeon are served alongside the feuillantine of langoustine with sesame and curry sauce and the hot-cold egg with sorrel, asparagus, and golden caviar.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Saturday – 12-1:45 pm, 8-9:45 pm

ADDRESS: 9 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Saint-Paul

19. Le Voltaire

Le Voltaire, a “chic” Parisian address anchored on the same-named quay, serves an innovative and exquisite traditional French cuisine prepared from the precious products of the French soil. It has an iconic table located on the ground floor of the building where the writer François-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, lived. It is decorated in a warm and elegant style with huge woodwork.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 8 am-11:30 pm

ADDRESS: 27 Quai Voltaire, 75007 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Rue du Bac

20. Le Duc

Since 1967, Le Duc has been a must-visit gourmet destination for anybody who enjoys superb fish. A characterful establishment a short distance from César and Dali’s workshops, with a menu based on daily arrivals.

Read more on the 20 Best Restaurants in Paris in 2023

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Saturday – 12-2 pm, 7:30-10:30 pm

ADDRESS: 243 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Raspail