Top 3 Steakhouses in Paris


 

For centuries, the word “Paris” conjures up visions of delicious cuisine and timeless romance. You could say this city and amazing food go hand-in-hand. A classic steak is a staple on most Parisian bistro menus, and a perfectly-cooked cut of meat is the perfect reward after a day of sightseeing.

Now with so many amazing restaurants in Paris you may be wondering which steakhouse to try? What makes the difference between an easily forgotten meal and the best steak of your life? And, most importantly, what are all these unfamiliar names on the menu?

Don’t worry! In this article you’ll not only find my guide to the top 3 steakhouses in Paris but also helpful information on French meats, and vocabulary for ordering!

So, if we’re being honest, it was hard to narrow it down to just 3. But there you have it the top 3 steakhouses in Paris!  Here you’ll no doubt find some of the absolute best steaks in the city. And… maybe even in the world.

Choosing your cut of meat

Before we get started on where to find the best steaks in Paris, you should know how to order them.

Almost everyone is accustomed to ordering their preferred cut of meat in their home country. But what you may not expect is that in France, meat and especially steak is both cut and cooked differently than what you’re probably used to. As can be expected, the names of the cuts are different in French so I’ve provided a little guide below, so you know exactly what you’re ordering.

France is known for having some of the world’s best cuisine, and their steaks are no exception. In France, there are almost twice as many cuts of meat than the standard American and British cuts, which can get confusing. But don’t worry! Whether you prefer a filet mignon, a porterhouse or something in between, the top 3 steakhouses in Paris are sure to have it on the menu. I’ve provided a simple guide right here, so there’s no stress when you read the menu. Below, you have the French word on the left and the closest English equivalent to the right. I hope this helps!

French meat cuts: explained

Entrecôte:  most similar to a Ribeye steak

Faux-filet: most similar to a U.S. strip steak. This is the cut just below the Ribeye, or Entrecôte.

Bifteck d’Aloyau: most similar to a Portherhouse or T-Bone

Bavette: flank/skirt steak

Faux-Filet: Sirloin steak

Onglet: Hangar steak

Côte de Boeuf: a Rib roast or Prime Rib

Pavé/Rumsteak: Rumpsteak, this is most similar to a filet mignon.

Tournedos/filet mignon: Careful! This one doesn’t have the same meaning in French. The tournedos is a loin cut, nearly a tenderloin.

How would you like your meat cooked?

This is perhaps the most important tip you can take away from this article: meat is cooked differently in France. The French strongly insist, (and I agree) that the less cooked a piece of quality meat is, the better it tastes. And it has more flavor too. Seriously. I’m looking at you, beef tartare.

Because let’s be real, since the definitions of “rare” and “well-done” aren’t universal (hello, England) it’s important to understand the differences in France. All in order to make sure your steak isn’t too bloody nor overcooked. So feel free to use the following translations as a little guide during your steakhouse meal!

Guide to French meat temperatures

La cuisson: This is an important one! This is the question that will immediately follow every steak order. It means “how would you like it cooked?”

The following are some different responses to the question.

Bleu: This is what Anglophones would define as “super rare”. Typically this means the meat is quickly seared for one minute on each side to ensure maximum flavor. Meat served “bleu” is generally still cold in the center.

Saignant: Basically, rare. This word literally means “bloody” or “bleeding”. And gives you a pretty good idea of what state your meat will be in if you order it this way.

À point: Now this is where it can get tricky. I would say the most direct translation here is “medium”. In most traditional French restaurants this should err on the side of medium-rare. But in more modern or “touristy” spots you will get a steak that’s significantly more cooked.

Bien Cuit: This literally means “well cooked”, and whereas this may not be as thoroughly cooked through as you’re used to, this basically means “well-done”. But remember, we’re in France! Here, if you ask for this temperature, the center of your steak will likely have some pink left in it.

Every restaurant listed in this article has incredible steaks, and the quality of their meat is excellent. So challenge yourself and order your meat a little more rare than you usually would, and I promise you’ll be able to taste the difference!

Now let’s get on to the top 3 steakhouses in Paris!

1. Atelier Carnem

© Atelier Carnem

atelier carnem – 5 rue du pot de fer, 75005
monday-Friday: 19h to midnight
saturday and sunday: 11h to 15H30 and 19H to Midnight

Atelier Carnem is an American-style steakhouse serving up some of the best steaks in Paris. This friendly spot in the 5th arrondissement specializes in dry-aged, matured meats. Though they’re also sure to have pretty much any classic cut you have an mind.

Atelier Carmen sources their meat from places known for having the best in the world. For example, you can order an entrecôte, or “ribeye” from beef raised in Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand among others. They even have wagyu steaks! And one of the things I love here is that you can choose your own sides. Classic mashed potatoes, oven-roasted vegetables and even Mac&Cheese are up for grabs.

Plus, what’s really cool about Atelier Carmen is that you can choose between two different cooking styles. They have both a traditional grill, and a plancha. So you get to decide exactly how your steak is cooked!

The steakhouse is situated just a few minute’s walk from the picturesque Place Monge in Paris’ historic Latin Quarter. This is super central, and is also close to the Jardin de Plantes and the Pantheon. We offer free guided tours of the Latin Quarter starting from the riverbanks and ending at the Pantheon. So Atelier Carnem is a great spot to grab a bite after exploring the city with us!

2. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

l’entrecôte saint-germain – 20 Rue saint-benoit, 75006
Open daily from 12h-14h30 and from 19h -23h30

Next up on our list of the top 3 steakhouses in Paris is definitely the most famous. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte started out in the 16th arrondissement as a typical brasserie restaurant serving up simple French fare. But they quickly became famous for their entrecôte! They’ve been a Parisian go-to since 1959. And over the years, l’Entrecôte has developed a cult following.

Now this spot is the subject of some heated Parisian debates. Some locals will tell you the l’Entrecôte is one of the best steaks they’ve ever had. Others will tell you it’s by far the worst. Although, if you ask me, they seem to be doing something right. Every day of the week visitors and locals alike queue up to enjoy a meal here.

What’s the only way to know? Try for youself!

The restaurants are set up in classic Parisian bistro style, with a no-frills attitude. The menu is simple and of course, the classic entrecôte is the star of the show. Choose how you’d like your meat cooked, and you’ll be brought a generous serving of steak in their house sauce. Plus a heaping portion of thin cut fries. And the best part is you get all this for €19.50!

Their desserts are traditional and simple, worth a try if you still have room!

Today, there are 3 locations across Paris! One in the 16th, one near Montparnasse and one in Saint-Germain. In my opinion, the best l’entrecôte is located on Rue Saint-Benoit, in the 6th. Set in a lovely little street in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, l’entrecôte Saint-Germain also usually has shorter wait times than the other locations. And you can’t beat the charming neighborhood setting!

3. La Maison de l’Aubrac

La maison de l’aubrac – 37 rue marbeuf, 75008
Open 24/7

The final stop on our guide to the top 3 steakhouses in Paris is.. La Maison de l’Aubrac. With its white tablecloths, cozy lighting and modern accents you really get a fine-dining vibe. This place really takes the cake for the most upscale steakhouse on our list! Situated just meters from the Champs-Elysées, La maison de l’Aubrac is a local instituion. Opened originally in the 1970’s as Le Petit Berry, this little spot was a favorite with movie stars and artists of the era. Picasso even created some artwork on the walls!

Over the years, the restaurant was renamed and has expanded, but the same family is still in charge. And they still have the same passion for delivering exceptional food. A variety of classic French dishes are available here, but the Maison specializes in steak, specifically aged meats. And the result is a seriously high quality you can taste!

This is because all the steaks served in the restaurant are Aubrac meat and sourced from the family-run Viliars Farm in Laguoile.

But what does “Aubrac” mean?

 

Well, Aubrac is a term that actually refers to a specific breed of French cattle, known for producing some of the best steaks! In order to be certified as a prestigious “Aubrac” farm, the cattle have to live at an elevation of 800 meters or higher and are subjected to regular controls by the agriculture association.

La Maison de l’Aubrac is THE place to go if you want to experience a true French steakhouse, in real Parisian style. The food is delicious and the meat is of exceptional quality, but it doesn’t come cheap. You can plan on spending around €50 per person for your main dish and a side. But it’s worth it!

What’s really cool about La Maison de l’Aubrac is that it’s open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week! And did I mention they have over 800 different wines available? Talk about a match (or a pair) made in heaven. Plus, its location near the Champs-Elysées make it a welcome option to refuel after a night out.

I would also encourage you to make a reservation if you plan to go during the weekend because it’s often full.

Which one did you choose?

Alright, so there you have it! My picks for the top 3 steakhouses in Paris! So now that you’ve read the list, the rest is up to you to judge. What’s the best steakhouse in Paris in your opinion? Let us know what you think in the comments. And I would love to hear about your experience if you tried any of the steakhouses I recommended.

And as always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like any further information about any of our tours.

Hope to see you soon in Paris and bon appétit!

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