Top 5 Best Restaurants Near the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Top 5 Best Restaurants Near the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Have you just spent the afternoon exploring the Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité in Paris? Or, better yet, are you headed to a concert there in the evening? Either way, I’m sure you’re feeling hungry!

There are tons of restaurant options in Paris, which is both good and bad if you’re not familiar with the city. The Sainte-Chapelle is located in a very touristy area, due to it’s central location and proximity to other major monuments like the Notre-Dame. This means that there are a lot of less-than-quality restaurants there. Unfortunately, a lot of places in Paris take advantage of tourists’ naivety, and serve up frozen food paired with sloppy or rude service. These restaurants are more focused on getting as many people inside, rather than serving quality food with equally quality service.

But, don’t worry! That doesn’t mean that you can’t find delicious, authentic French food near the Sainte-Chapelle. It just means you need a local’s (hi!) advice on where to head.

Keep reading for the top 5 best restaurants near the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris!

1. Au Bougnat

Au Bougnat restaurant – image courtesy of Au Bougnat’s Facebook page

Au Bougnat has been my go-to restaurant in the area for years now! Whenever I have friends or family in town to visit and we explore the central area of Paris, I always make a point to bring them here for dinner. Au Bougnant is located on the Île de la Cité, so you won’t have to travel far if you’re coming from the Sainte-Chapelle, or if you’re headed there after.

It’s a classic French bistro, but a bit on the upscale side. Their traditional French dishes are all homemade, and the plat du jour (daily special) changes daily, and with the season, as the chef uses fresh market bought produce!

Additionally, the decor on the outside and inside of the restaurant is classically French, perfect to remind yourselves that yes, you are indeed in Paris! The restaurant is fairly small, however, so I definitely recommend making a reservation to ensure that you get seated.

My recommendation: The warm cherry tomato with burrata entrée

Practical Information

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-3pm, 6:30pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-10pm

Address: 26 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris

Website with menu

2. Au Vieux Comptoir

Au Vieux Comptoir restaurant – image courtesy of Au Vieux Comptoir’s Facebook page

Au Vieux Comptoir is located on the right bank, and is about a 5 minute walk away from the Sainte-Chapelle. If you’re looking for traditional French cuisine made from the freshest ingredients, you’ve found your go-to place!

The staff here are very friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask for their food or wine recommendations! Most, if not all, speak English as well, so don’t be afraid to say, parlez-vous anglais? Side note: as a rule, always try to ask your servers if they speak English before you jump in and assume that they do. Most servers in Paris do, but it’s much more polite to ask first! You’ll thank me later when you find that Parisians aren’t as rude as they get credit for.

Anyways, you can’t go wrong with everything on the menu at Au Vieux Comptoir! I definitely recommend you make a reservation here as well to guarantee that you’ll get a table.

My recommendation: Steak tartare with fries

Practical Information

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-3pm, 7pm-10:45pm. Closed Sunday & Monday

Address: 17 Rue des Lavandières Sainte-Opportune, 75001 Paris

Website with menu

3. Le Christine

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwKVgLmgl8W/

Le Christine is located on the other side of the bridge that separates the Île de la Cité from the Left Bank, close to the bustling Saint-Michel area. Be careful: this area is teeming with tourist trap restaurants that aren’t worth your time. Follow my lead and walk past those places, and head straight to Le Christine! You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the giant fork hanging above their door.

Le Christine is a gastronomy restaurant, so the prices a bit higher than your typical brasserie or bistro. But, I think it’s worth it for a special night out in Paris. The restaurant features a small menu made with fresh ingredients that are sure to wow you.

The restaurant also offers a special tasting menu, that features a variety of house specialties.

My recommendation: The “Trust the Chef” tasting menu

Practical Information

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-2:30pm, 6:30pm-11pm. Saturday-Sunday 6:30pm-11pm

Address: 1 Rue Christine, 75006 Paris

Website with menu

4. L’Îlot Vache

L’Îlot Vache restaurant – image courtesy of L’Îlot Vache’s Facebook page

When I first came across this restaurant, I was expecting a typical Parisian bistro experience. Boy, was I impressed after my meal! Plus, the decor inside is warm, and features exposed wooden beams and stone walls. I’m a sucker for a cozy restaurant!

L’Îlot Vache is located on the Île Saint-Louis, the other island in the center of Paris. Here, you’ll find large portions, friendly service and an excellent selection of wine. Their presentation is also excellent, and they serve certain meals in black skillets! I love this touch.

My recommendation: The lamb shank with potatoes

Practical Information

Opening hours: Every day 7pm-11:30pm

Address: 35 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris

Website with menu

5. Aux Anysetiers Du Roy

Aux Anysetiers Du Roy interior – image courtesy of Aux Anysetiers Du Roy’s Facebook page

I love the design of Aux Anysetiers Du Roy! It looks like what I would imagine a restaurant in the Middle Ages would have looked like. Even the name of the restaurant is written in the old French way, with the use of ‘y’ instead of ‘i’ in roi (which translates to king in English).

This is another restaurant is located on the Île Saint-Louis. Give yourselves a little bit of extra time to wander around the area, this island is one of my favorite places for a stroll in the city.

A bonus for you animal lovers, there is a restaurant cat named Charlie!

My recommendation: The beef bourguignon and goat cheese salad

Practical Information

Opening hours: Every day 12pm-3pm, 6:30pm-11pm

Address: 61 Rue Saint-Louis en L’Ile, 75004 Paris

Website with menu

Conclusion

There are plenty of restaurant options near the Sainte-Chapelle, if you follow my advice! Save this list for the next time you find yourself in Paris, which I hope is very soon.

If you want even more advice on where to head in Paris, I suggest that you join one of our walking tours! Not only will you learn more about the city, you’ll also get to pick our local guides’ brains for their recommendations. A win-win!

Click here to learn more about our touring options and to make your booking.