The Most Famous Restaurants in Paris


 

Updated by Vanessa M in August 2023.

There are some restaurants in Paris that are just as historic or renowned as many of the city’s famous monuments. Eating at these spots is a bucket list experience for many visiting diners, while for locals its a lot less exciting. 

Here are the ones you need to know about:

Click here for the 10 most expensive restaurants in Paris

Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Paris

This is arguably the most famous restaurant in Paris at present. Having secured its 3rd Michelin star back in 2007, this is one fine dining experience fit for a queen. 

Housed in the extraordinary Meurice Hotel, the restaurant was inspired by the salon room at the Palace of Versailles. To dine here, you need to be prepared to fork out over 500 euros a head if you want a starter to dessert experience. 

Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse – by Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse – Uploaded by them

10 Facts About the Palace of Versailles

It’s opulence and grandeur beyond what you can possible imagine — even for Paris! Alain Ducasse is the chef, and he holds several other establishments around the city, none of them quite. Like this. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday — 7pm to 11pm
ADDRESS: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Tuileries  

Le Fouquet’s in Paris

Le Fouquet’s is a historic brasserie that was founded back in 1899. It’s close to the Champs Elysees, so you can easily pop in for a meal whilst visiting the likes of the Arc de Triomphe or the famous George V Hotel. 

Le Fouquet’s is mostly famous for hosting the very prestigious post-dinner celebrations for they annual Cesar Awards in France, and has done so for the last 40 years. 

Le Fouquet’s in Paris – by DIMSFIKAS – Wikimedia Commons

It’s the perfect combination of French charm and traditional cuisine. The menu was created with a Michelin chef partner, featuring modern takes on classic dishes. This is an experience, and one that you’ll be grateful to get a taste of at least once while in the French capital. 

A guide to Michelin restaurants in Paris

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 7:30am to 10:45pm
ADDRESS: 99 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Metro STATION: George V

Septime in Paris

There never was a Michelin quality restaurant as laid back and inviting as Septime. If you’re not one for fancy dress, but still want to enjoy the best quality food and service — Septime is the one. 

It brands itself as a neo-bistro, with Bertrand Grébaut as the owner and head chef. They keep it real at Septime, charging just 30 euros for a Michelin star lunch. 

This spot is notoriously booked out months in advance! Get your reservations in as soon as possible if you’d like to experience the magic. Septime is situated close to Bastille Square. 

The Best Bistros in Paris

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday — 12:15 to 2:30pm // 7:30 to 11pm
ADDRESS: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Charonne

Tour d’Argent in Paris

What makes Tour d’Argent so famous? Well, for starters, it first opened its doors back in 1686. This makes it officially the oldest cafe in Paris, and these walls have seen more history (and heard more conspiracies) than any other public space in the entire city. 

More than this, the restaurant at Tour d’Agent claims to have been technically open since 1582, when the space was still functioning as an inn. This would make it the oldest restaurant on Earth. 

Tour d’Argent in Paris – by Tour d’Argent – Uploaded by them

Around the 16th century, the royals started to frequent this spot and things became more and more lavish as the times rolled by. It’s now a very indulgent cafe, run by a Michelin star chef. 

It has one of the best panoramic views over Notre Dame Cathedral. If you find the cost of this establishment too exorbitant, make your way into the more affordable sibling next door: La Rôtisserie d’Argent. Same food, sans the historic setting. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Call for hours
ADDRESS: 17 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Sully-Morland 

L’As du Fallafel in Paris

Next on this  list, I’m taking you to one of my favorite spots to eat in the city, and undoubtably the most famous street food restaurant in the country. 

At L’As du Fallafel, you eat for under €10 — always. Its situated in le Marais, on the famous Rosiers road where many falafel restaurants compete for the daily foot traffic. 

L’As du Fallafel in Paris – by Plot Spoiler – Wikimedia Commons

The shop isn’t much to look at, but people come from far and wide to eat these smashed chickpeas. It helps that Lenny Kravitz ate here once and publicly endorsed what a fantastic concept he found it to be. 

Expect a medium to lengthy queue outside of the shop, night and day. This is all part of the fun and I assure you it’s worth the wait. Don’t even think about eating in, always get a take away!

Tracking Down the Best Falafel in Paris

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday — 12pm to 11pm
ADDRESS: 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint Paul

Le Jules Verne

This famous eatery on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower is under the control of Frédéric Anton. The mystique of this 125m-high dining room, which is only accessible by a private lift, immediately mesmerizes the diner, who is further enthralled by the exquisite cuisine.

Stephan Juillard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Every detail has been studied and thought out, from the top-notch produce to the delicate, expertly judged cookery to the outstanding wine list. For instance, lamb in an aniseed-flavored jus, naturally cooked cod, spicy jus, fried garlic, and fresh coriander. When making a reservation, request a table beside the windows since the view of Paris through the tower’s intricate iron fretwork is simply breathtaking.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 12-1:30 pm to 7-9 pm
ADDRESS: Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Passy

L’Ambroisie

L’Ambroisie is one of the oldest three-star hotels in the world and is situated on the Place des Vosges in Paris. At L’Ambroisie, a restaurant that pays homage to traditional French cuisine there aren’t any tasting menus or wine flights; just proper quantities served in three proper courses.

NIeFH from Taipei, Taiwan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Since the 1950s, L’Ambroisie has been run by chef and owner Bernard Pacaud and his wife Danièle. It is renowned for its superb cuisine and time-honored classics.

Aside from the hot-cold egg with sorrel, asparagus, and golden caviar, and the langoustine with sesame and curry sauce, there are also traditional French meals including frogs’ legs, snails, lobster, veal sweetbreads, and pigeon.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday — 12-1:45 pm to 8-9:45 pm
ADDRESS: 9 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Paul (Le Marais)

Le Grand Véfour

Since the Revolution of 1789, Le Grand Véfour has been nestled in the gardens of the Palais Royal. It embodies the brilliance of French food in the opinion of worldwide critics.

Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Although it has undergone extensive modernization, the majority of the stunning neoclassical embellishments are still present, and the tables still bear the names of literary greats who once frequented the location (Victor Hugo, John Paul-Sartre, Voltaire).

Its terrace, which overlooks the gardens of the Palais Royal, guarantees a pleasant dinner away from prying eyes. The inside is a work of decorative art from the 18th century.

With Chef Guy Martin in charge, the restaurant’s menu, which includes duck and the best cheeses, is on par with its illustrious past. Make an appointment for lunch rather than a lavish dinner because the prices are outrageous and reflect the establishment’s two Michelin stars.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday — 12:15-2 pm to 7:15-9:30 pm
ADDRESS: 17 Rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Pyramides

Pierre Gagnaire

A must-try for intrepid diners with deep pockets. Pierre Gagnaire is a premium 3-star restaurant located on Rue Balzac and operated by renowned Chef Gagnaire.

Photo by Nadin Sh from Pexels

Growing up in the Michelin-starred kitchen of his family, Pierre Gagnaire’s eponymous restaurant at the Hotel Balzac is a refined manifestation of his excellent cooking. The humor and fun for which Gagnaire is renowned and adored are still present, and the descriptions of his meals read like poetry. 

It is impossible to name one archetypal dish, or even a primary attribute, other than perfection, because the poetic dishes are continually remade, like so many tiny “satellite” portions put into orbit by the chef.

Elegantly designed interiors provide the ideal environment for delectably prepared delights cooked to perfection. If you’re lucky, you might find Chef Gagnaire hosting you!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday — 12-1:30 pm to 7:30-9:30 pm
ADDRESS: 6 Rue Balzac 75008, 6 Rue Balzac, 75008 Paris, France
Metro STATION: George V

L’Arpège

L’Arpège (often known simply as Arpège) is the fine dining business of renowned chef Alain Passard, who is noted for not logging his recipes. Instead he designs a menu based on the greatest produce and products of the day, which he acknowledges may be nerve-racking.

L’Arpège is now ranked 31st on Pellegrino’s list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Passard has amassed a variety of specialty dishes over the years, some of which are so popular that guests book months in advance for the first taste of the autumnal ravioli trio with amber consommé and the vegetable sushi flavored with bay leaves.

Signature desserts include a delectable apple tart with sugared almonds and drizzled caramel to round out the meal.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday — 12-2:30 pm to 7:30-10:30 pm
ADDRESS: 84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Varenne

Restaurant Guy Savoy

Guy Savoy’s three-starred chef welcomes you to the ancient Monnaie de Paris for an amazing culinary experience. You will be able to sample classic dishes in a small setting with modern and eclectic design, in line with the chef’s signature of the World’s Best Restaurant (since 2017, according to La Liste).

Photo by Maria Bortolotto from Pexels

You can sample Guy Savoy’s famous artichoke soup with black truffle, flaky brioche with mushrooms and truffle, oysters in a glazed sauce, and open mille feuilles with Tahitian vanilla.

Its gastronomic prowess has been acknowledged globally for over 20 years. Also, you will be able to savor refined cuisine with a view of the Seine while being pampered by a customer-focused crew who will be pleased to discuss the proposed culinary experience.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: tuesday to Friday — 12-2 pm to 7-10:30 pm/saturday ;7-10:30 pm
ADDRESS: Monnaie de Paris, 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Odéon

L’Astrance

L’Astrance is an intimate, comfortable, and romantic restaurant with a one-of-a-kind experience set on a little side street near the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower in Paris’s 16th Arrondissement.

It is a little restaurant that started in 2000 but the excellence of the cuisine from chef Pascal Barbot who received his first Michelin star right away has earned this highly popular spot two Michelin stars.

Photo by Monstera from Pexels

The small but attractive and contemporary dining room with gilt-framed mirrors seats only 26 people at a time and as you might imagine, getting a table here is not simple since they are always booked well in advance, but it is absolutely worth the effort.

Among the delights on offer with contemporary French cuisine here are Crab and avocado ravioli, delectable mussels, zucchini and baby turnips, turbot with herb caviar, roast endives with lime zest, foie gras among others but keep in mind that all dishes are a surprise and are cooked fresh from what is available for that particular season.

Whatever the food, this magnificent Parisian restaurant must be discovered for an outstanding culinary experience.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: monday to Friday — 12-2 pm to 7:30-9:30 pm
ADDRESS: 32 Rue de Longchamp, 75116 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Boissière

Les Deux Magots

Les Deux Magots rose to prominence as a result of its influential literary and artistic clientele. Since the nineteenth century, it has welcomed the Gotha of the intellectual and artistic scene (Verlaine, Rimbaud, Mallarmé, Aragon, Sartre, Beauvoir, Hemingway, Picasso, to mention a few).

It is still one of the favorite locations of Parisian and international characters. You will be welcomed all day long, from breakfast to supper, in its splendid historical salon dominated by the statues of the two magots, on the terrace or in the garden to enjoy the bucolic view of the Place Saint-Germain.

Café Les Deux Magots is so well-known that lines form around the block every lunchtime. It can take up to 30 minutes to find a seat here. On weekends, I strongly recommend the wonderful brunch.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: monday to sunday — 7:30 am to 1 am
ADDRESS: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

La Coupole

Since its inception in 1927, La Coupole has been one of the most well-known addresses in Paris’s 14th arrondissement. The restaurant is eerily infused with literary and artistic mojo, despite being one of Paris’ most recognizable brasseries.

LPLT, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Walking through the doors transports you to the French capital in 1927, at the height of the jazz age and a moment of frenetic artistic innovation. Picasso, Camus, Sartre, Josephine Baker, Serge Gainsbourg, and Jane Birkin were among those who dined at this real traditional bistro.

If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend seeing Midnight in Paris to really immerse yourself in this enchanted age.

Its iconic dishes, such as the famed lamb curry à l’indienne or the skate à la grenobloise, are highly recommended. Stop by for lunch if you want to experience a three-course meal for a reasonable price.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 8 am to 12 am
ADDRESS: 102 Bd du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Vavin

Café de Flore

With its clean white marquee and overflow of patrons sitting at stylish tables outdoors, this Parisian institute is one of the most known cafes in Paris. Although the hot chocolate and location are compelling reasons to visit, it is Cafe de Flore’s

Celette, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

famous history that draws thousands of tourists each year and elevates it to the ranks of Paris’ top cafes.

This art deco hotspot, located on the Seine’s gorgeous left bank between the fifth and sixth arrondissements, has been featured by Vogue Australia, Goop, Time Out Paris, and others.

Unsurprisingly, it has topped numerous Parisian guidebooks as a must-see destination, particularly for tourists interested in literature, fashion, and art(In fact, the cafe is lined with paintings by master artists who used to attend Cafe de Flore.)

The menu at the café appeals to those searching for a quick lunch, a hot drink, or sweet treats, but those looking to stay a little longer will not be disappointed. Pork rillettes, Royal crab mayonnaise, onion soup au gratin, and egg-based delicacies will tantalize your taste senses.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: monday to sunday — 7:30 am to 1:30 am
ADDRESS: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

This is the end of our list, I hope you enjoyed reading it. If you are in Paris and you want to visit food artesans with a private guide, you can book our new Discover Walks food tour. You eat and sample at each stop. And for the finale, you will sit down and eat more.

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


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