Top 20 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre

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Top 20 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre

Originally published by Jordan in December 2019 and updated by Vanessa on April 2023

A trip to Paris definitely isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Montmartre neighbourhood. Perched atop a hill in Northeastern Paris, this area was once a Bohemian village on the city’s outskirts. Today, Montmartre is still home to many artists but also hosts some of the most popular Parisian monuments. Winding cobblestone streets, the magnificent Sacré Coeur Basilica and of course, the art-filled Place du Tertre are just a few of the sights to be discovered in this neighbourhood.

Since Montmartre is one of the most visited places in the city, it’s overflowing with tourist traps, and it can be hard to find a good place to eat. What many people don’t know, is that Montmartre is actually home to some of the best restaurants in the city, you need to know where to look! Of course, you’re bound to work up an appetite after a day of exploration, so read on to discover our list of the top 20 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre!

1. Le Jardin d’en Face

This charming little restaurant is located on a quiet, unassuming street just minutes from the Sacre Coeur. A handful of tables and an antique interior give this place an intimate, cosy feel and also make it our pick for one of the top 8 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre.

Part wine bar and part restaurant, Le Jardin d’en Face is the perfect combination of laid-back atmosphere and exquisite dining. The daily specials feature the chef’s inspiration and the freshest items, while the menu captures the essence of a classic French bistro.

The menu choices ranging from freshly caught fish to heartwarming classics like roast duck and potatoes are all equally delicious. The friendly staff will be happy to recommend the perfect glass of wine to accompany your meal, and don’t forget to save some room for some traditional French dessert!

practical information:

le jardin d’en face – 29 Rue des Trois Frères 75018

metro station: abbesses

opening hours: open nightly for dinner 8PM//midnight

price range: €€

2. La Boîte aux Lettres

The next up on our list of the top 8 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre is truly a local legend. At La Boîte aux Lettres, you’ll find some of the best modern yet elegant French cuisines in all of Paris. Chef Frederic Paul Chartier was trained under the iconic French Chef, Alain Ducasse and his cuisine are always full of inspiration.

The handwritten menu changes weekly since Chartier incorporates seasonal ingredients into every dish. With choices like foie gras, decadent lemongrass linguine,  and a very tempting rotation of revisited classics, it can be hard to decide!

Luckily, if you’re as indecisive as I am, the restaurant has a special menu called “pour les indécis” which literally means “for the indecisive”. Each dish on the 3-course menu is hand-picked by the chef himself which only adds to the local charm. La Boîte aux Lettres is also very affordable! A weeknight dinner menu costs 25 € and includes a starter, main dish and a dessert, which is pretty exceptional in Paris.

practical information:

la boite aux lettres – 108 Rue Lépic 75018 paris

metro station: lamarck caulaincourt 75018 paris

Opening hours: open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 12PM//2:30PM 

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7PM//11PM

price range: €€

3. Sacrée Fleur

If you’re looking to try traditional French food during your time in Paris, look no further than the Sacrée Fleur! Located just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Montmartre, this restaurant is somewhat of a local institution. You’ll love settling into this classic French bistro atmosphere for a delicious homemade meal.

Everything from expertly cooked frog legs and classic escargot to succulent steaks and delicious desserts is on the Sacrée Fleur menu. Famous in the neighbourhood for its meats, Sacrée Fleur has quite a variety of meats, all accompanied by house-made sauces. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, their crème brulée is one of the best I’ve ever tried, while their tarte tatin is definitely a must-try.

The restaurant also has a well-stocked wine cellar, featuring French wines exclusively from independent vineyards. Tables fill up quickly, especially on weekends so be sure to arrive well before closing time in order to snag a place.

practical information: sacré fleur – 50 Rue de Clignancourt 75018

metro station: porte de clignancourt

opening hours: Open for lunch Monday – Friday 11:45 AM//2 PM

Open for dinner Monday – Saturday from 7 PM//11 PM

Price range: €€

Website: SACREEFLREUR

4. Babalou

While a pizzeria may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture Paris, this local favourite is well worth a visit. Italian comfort food with a French twist is what you’ll find at Babalou. Located on Rue Lamarck, the restaurant is just a short walk from all the main sights in Montmarte. So, it’s the perfect place to refuel with a tasty meal after a day of sightseeing. In my opinion, Babalou has one of the best pizzas in Paris! This is probably because they use a traditional Napoli-style oven coupled with tried and true home recipes.

While pizza is the star of the show at Babalou, they also offer other delicious Italian classics from pasta to salad to antipasti and tasty desserts. There’s really something for everyone here, so it’s no wonder this restaurant is a neighbourhood go-to. I hope it will become one of your favourites, too!

practical information:

babalou – 4 Rue Lamarck 75018

metro station: lamarck-caulaincourt

opening hours: Open for lunch daily from 12PM//3PM

Open for dinner daily from 6PM//11PM

price range: €

Website: BABALOU

5. Seb’on

Hidden in plain sight right in the heart of Montmartre lies Seb’on. Offering excellent food and a casual yet chic atmosphere, this place is truly the definition of a hidden gem. Their handwritten chalkboard menu highlights French classics reinvented with a gourmet twist. Chef Sébastien Heloin trained under French greats at the likes of the Ritz and the Bristol, and his decades of culinary excellence really shine through at Seb’on.

Every week, the chef updates the menu to incorporate fresh seasonal ingredients and perfectly balanced flavours in each dish. The offerings are surprising yet not shocking, and the result is delicious. Everything is very imaginative from the starters to the desserts, choices like grilled octopus with sun artichoke purée, veal entrecôte with chestnut truffle sauce and even poached pear with salted almond cream are sure to satisfy.

Whether you’re looking for a great meal with friends, a special night with family, or even an impressive date location, Seb’on has you covered. There are just nine tables at Seb’on, so you’re sure to receive great, personalized service. The restaurant is cosy and intimate, definitely the perfect place for a romantic dinner! Since space is quite limited, be sure to reserve in advance so you’ll be able to get a table.

practical information:

seb’on – 62 Rue d’Orsel 75018

metro station: abbesses

opening hours: Open for lunch on Sundays from 12PM//3PM

Open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 7PM//11PM

price range: €€€

Website: Seb’on

Book Our Christmas Special Montmartre Tour

6. Hardware Société

If you’re in Montmartre and looking for a good brunch, look no further than the Hardware Société. The concept behind this bright and friendly spot was born in Melbourne, and the same team brought some down-under sunshine cuisine to Paris.

Easily one of the top 8 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre, the Hardware Société serves up classic Aussie brunch fare all day long. You’ll find the place packed with locals and some in-the-know visitors.  Eggs Benedict, healthy smoothies, grain bowls and of course a mean flat white await you here.

practical information:

the hardware société – 10 rue lamarck 75018 paris

metro station: lamarck caulaincourt

opening hours: Monday – Friday 9AM//4PM

Saturday and Sunday 9:30AM//4:30PM

price range: €€

WEbsite: Hardware Société

7. La Vache et le Cuisinier

This next spot on my list of the top 8 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre is actually just a 3-minute walk away from the Place du Tertre and the Sacré-Coeur. Talk about a hidden gem! La Vache et le Cuisnier is a simple restaurant serving up classic French dishes.

The laid-back, no-frills atmosphere is matched perfectly with simple, yet tasty French cuisine. On the menu, you’ll find magret de canard alongside rabbit, or lamb tournedos; all of which are cooked to perfection.

Just a word of warning: Vegetarians should think twice before heading to this place, there aren’t a lot of options for you! And communicating dietary restrictions or asking for substitutions is much more complicated in France.

practical information:

la vache et le cuisinier – 18 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris

metro station: anvers

opening hours: open nightly for dinner 7PM//midnight

price range: €€

8. Le Caulaincourt

Located just a quick hop from the Sacré-Coeur, Le Caulaincourt is a neo-classical brasserie where you’ll find plenty of locals. Chef Arachequesne has worked at a number of Paris restaurants before taking over at Le Caulaincourt. He manages to put a modern spin on the most classic French dishes.

The vibe is a little more upscale here but stays within the realm of comfort and affordability (mains range from €19-€30). You can try dishes like confit pork loin with Chantarelles or Seared Bluefin Tuna with candied red beets. Everything is just as surprising as it is tasty. Though be sure to reserve for weekend evenings, as this place is a local favourite.

practical information:

le caulaincourt – 62 Rue Caulaincourt, 75018 Paris

metro: lamarck cualaincourt 

opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 7PM//2AM

Saturday and Sunday 12PM//2:30PM and Saturday 7PM//2AM

price range: €€€

9. Abattoir Végétal in Montmartre

This one is for vegans! Currently, it’s the only vegan eatery in the entire Montmartre district. The restaurant has done plant-based dining so well that most of their clientele aren’t even vegan themselves — and most of them are locals!

The menu has a range of dish options spanning from juicy burgers to saucy hotdogs; salads and falafel plates, and even buddha bowls and raw soups. The space has an Alice in Wonderland style to it. You feel healthier just by stepping inside.

Abattoir Vegetal is also open until 11:30 pm which is unheard of for late-night vegan dining in Paris, particularly in Montmartre. Usually, there is nowhere to get decent veggie-based food at this hour in this neighbourhood. 

Top 5 Places for Vegans in Montmartre

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY – 9 AM TO 11:30 PM

ADDRESS: 61 RUE RAMEY, 75018 PARIS, FRANCE

METRO STATION: JULES JOFFRIN

price range: €

website: Abattoir Végétal 

10. la Bouillon de Pigalle in Montmartre 

Bouillons are typically affordable mass eateries in Paris, that date back to the medieval times when working-class folk needed to be fed throughout their shifts of manual labour. They are known for being cheap and festive — and this is what la Bouillon de Pigalle is bringing back to this neighbourhood. 

The bouillon will open at 12 pm and 300 guests will be seated immediately. The waiting queue is simply one of waiting for the restaurant to actually open, and not so much for a table to open up. Contrary to how it sounds, this is not actually a tourist trap!

Most of these dishes will not cost you more than €4. Yes, full-plated meals of herring, Pot au feu, lamb shank, marrow and potatoes all for under €5 a meal. There are sides available that run at about €1:50 each. Desserts including eclairs and ice cream with toppings start at just €2.90.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY – 12 pm to 12 am

ADDRESS: 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Pigalle

price range: €

website: LA BOUILLON DE PIGALLE 

11. La Bossue in Montmartre

The fact that la Bossue is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays is the bane of many Montmartre residents’ existence. Their clientele consists of regular diners who have been coming to this cafe for years.

On the days they are open you’ll likely wait a few minutes for a table. La Bossue is a cafe run with traditional French cuisine. I enjoy la Bossue most for breakfast, but they are open until 7 pm allowing for lunch and early dinners.

Sunday is the day you want to aim for at la Bossue! Book in advance and take part in their spectacular end-of-week roast. Dishes range from sweet to savoury and come in at just €24 per head. Do not (I repeat, do not) try to show up here without a booking on a Sunday — you will not be served until Wednesday!

What To Do on Sundays in Paris

practical information:

OPENING HOURS: WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY – 8:30 AM TO 7 PM

ADDRESS: 9 RUE JOSEPH DE MAISTRE, 75018 PARIS, FRANCE

METRO STATION: ABBESSES

price range: €€

website: LA BOSSUE

12.  Le Café de la Poste

Le Café de la Poste is the perfect place to mingle with the locals and get a true taste of Montmartre life. Their address is 76 Rue Damrémont, 75018 Paris, France. They open daily from 7 am to 2 am. 

The menu proposes a great selection of burgers and steaks, including steak à cheval topped with a fried egg, snack foods, and cheese or cooked meat platters to accompany a bottle of wine from the well-stocked cellar. 

In keeping with the local spirit, the neighbouring tradesmen, including the fishmonger, baker, and patisserie supply Le Café de la Poste with fresh and high-quality produce.

A glass of wine at Le Café de la Poste can extend into the night with the occasional evening events organized around a good plate of traditional French cuisine.

practical information:

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY –7 AM TO 2 AM

ADDRESS: 76 Rue Damrémont, 75018 Paris, France.

METRO STATION: ABBESSES

price range: €€

Website: Le Café de la Poste

13. La Mère Catherine

La Mère Catherine was founded in 1793. The French bistro fare is located at 6 Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France. They open daily from 7 am to 2 am.

The ambience of old Montmartre is captured in the paintings that line the walls and live musicians singing.  

Their menu consists of copious French classics, including onion soup bubbling with melted cheese, frog legs, and the famous apple pie known as tarte tatin. 

In the summer months, La Mère Catherine shares the Palace du Tertre with the artists, setting up a secluded terrace and providing an excellent spot to linger over a long lunch to the sound of the bells chiming from the nearby Sacré Coeur.

practical information:

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY –7 AM TO 2 AM

ADDRESS: 6 Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: ABBESSES

price range: €€

website: La Mère Catherine

14. Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge lights up the Place Blanche at night, which is an indispensable place to experience Paris. Their address is 82, Boulevard De Clichy 75018 Paris. They open daily from 7 am to 2 am.

The Moulin Rouge menu offers various options and recipes devised by Toulouse-Lautrec, who swore by his philosophy of food being an art. Be sure to try the Belle Epoque option comprising 1889 beef with French beans. 

The Moulin Rouge kitchen is also sensitive to changing lifestyles, proposing vegetarian and vegan options. With champagne flowing and red lamps glowing, dining at the Moulin Rouge is a perfect blend of gastronomy and tradition.

practical information:

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY –7 AM TO 2 AM

ADDRESS: 82, Boulevard De Clichy 75018 Paris

METRO STATION: ABBESSES

price range: €€

website: Moulin Rouge

15. Les Tantes Jeanne

Les Tantes Jeanne is a friendly restaurant, that welcomes meat lovers to a feast of tender cuts. Their address is 42 Rue Véron, 75018 Paris, France. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm to 10:30 pm.

The highly acclaimed Japanese Kobe meat features among the array of revisited French classics prepared with a creative twist and beautifully presented.

Look out for the chef’s special sweetbread cassoulet with cep mushrooms or duck breast with Sichuan pepper, and try out the selection of divine desserts including prune soufflé or fruit sorbet with champagne. This restaurant in Montmartre will be time well spent.

Well, there you have it! My recommendations for the top 15 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre. I hope you’ve enjoyed this article, and I hope that some of these local favourites will become yours too. If you are interested in exploring the Montmartre area more, I recommend you check out our 90-minute free tour of the neighbourhood!

practical information:

OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY TO SATURDAY –6 PM TO 10:30 PM

ADDRESS: 42 Rue Véron, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: ABBESSES

price range: €€

website: Les Tantes Jeanne

16. LE POULBOT

Visit Le Poulbot, the prettiest tiny French bistro in Montmartre, while in Paris. It delivers wonderful food in a charming setting. Le Poulbot’s founders, twin brothers Thomas and Mathieu Bellair, have focused on wonderful, typical French food.

Traditional onion soup, snails, boeuf bourguignon, and duck confit are served in a comfortable environment and with an excellent variety of biodynamic wines. You’ll enjoy a fantastic supper here on your stay in Montmartre and couldn’t be happier with your experience.

The eatery is a nice surprise in an area rife with tourist traps. Every day, you’ll find fresh items, traditional dishes always repeated the Poulbot way, French natural wines, and other tidbits that are frequently replenished. Delicious meal, a nice and inviting supper place, and courteous service. The environment is fantastic, cozy, and comfortable, with a lovely local. It’s a beautiful, character-filled eatery.

Practical information

OPENING HOURS: MON-SUN; 10-12 PM

ADDRESS:  3 Rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Abbesses

PRICE RANGE: €€

WEBSITE: LE POULBOT

17. LE CABANON DE LA BUTTE

The Cabanon de la Butte invites you to sample its authentic French cuisine. If you’re in the Montmartre, stop into Le Cabanon de la Butte restaurant for a wonderful lunch in a pleasant, intimate setting with a welcoming environment.

You’ve come to the perfect location if you want to sample traditional French cuisine produced with fresh, high-quality, and seasonal ingredients. There’s something for everyone from meat, fish, sweet or salty.

What more could you want than to be a stone’s throw from the Sacré-Coeur and have a spectacular view of Paris’ rooftops? Yes, Le Cabanon de la Butte has a pleasant terrace which is ideal for enjoying a comfortable outside supper.

Practical information

OPENING HOURS: WED-THUR, AND SAT; 12-3 PM,6:30-10 PM/FRI;6:30-10 PM/SUN;12-4 PM,6:30-10 PM

ADDRESS: 6 Rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Opéra

PRICE RANGE: €€

WEBSITE: LE CABANON DE LA BUTTE

18. LA TAVERNE DE MONTMARTRE

This is an old-style bench/fireplace/family-owned special spot with a bit of outdoor seating right on the main route up to the summit. They provide a fantastic tasting menu where you may select your own starter, main course, and dessert. They have fantastic real cooking.

Choose the Onion Soup, Boeuf Bourguignon, and Chocolate Mousse if you want traditional French country dining. House wines are good and cheaply priced, and they have special bottles that are a little more expensive and of greater quality. Mixed platters are available for larger groups, and there is no rush.

You’ll have a nice time eating here in this small and cozy setting, yet the food is excellent and the pricing is affordable.

Practical information

OPENING HOURS: MON-TUE AND THUR-FRI; 12-2 PM,6-9 PM/ SAT-SUN; 12-4 PM,6-9 PM

ADDRESS: 25 Rue Gabrielle, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Abbesses

PRICE RANGE: €€

WEBSITE: LA TAVERNE DE MONTMARTRE

19. LA MAISON ROSE

La Maison Rose, a unique and pleasant neighborhood table, serves a concise menu focused on fresh seasonal ingredients, influenced by French farm-to-table cuisine and Italian cucina povera.

The appetizers and small dishes invite tasting and sharing. Seasonal vegetables, excellent meats, poultry, and fish are included on the omnivorous menu. La Maison Rose, a staunch supporter of environmentally conscious trade, carefully selects its products and suppliers.

They focus on seasonal, local agriculture and help the local economy by collaborating with 18th district craftspeople. Just a word, there will be no plastic bottles or straws, no cans, no industrial drinks, only filtered water, local products, and distribution restrictions.

Practical information

OPENING HOURS: WED-FRI; 12-10 PM/SAT; 11:30 AM-10 PM/SUN;11:30 AM-9:45 PM

ADDRESS: 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Lamarck – Caulaincourt 

PRICE RANGE: €€

WEBSITE: LA MAISON ROSE

20. SIGNATURE MONTMARTRE

Signature Montmartre is one of the best restaurants in Montmartre. Chef Sungmi Lee, accompanied by outstanding pastry chef Kim Young Rim, makes subtle, contrasted Franco-Korean delicacies after learning about the trade in New York and Singapore (Atelier Robuchon).

Their guiding principle is taste above all else, as evidenced by “haemultang,” a fiery Korean stew of cod and seafood flavored with prawn oil and coriander. Signature Montmartre menus are built around French cuisine classics infused with Korean flavors, and they offer you the best of both French and Asian culinary cultures.

Treat yourself to the ever-changing tasting menu crafted with fresh ingredients, and you’ll understand why this restaurant is regarded as one of Montmartre’s best.

Practical information

OPENING HOURS: THUR-SAT; 7-11 PM

ADDRESS: 12 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris, France

METRO STATION: Abbesses

PRICE RANGE: €€

WEBSITE: SIGNATURE MONTMARTRE

See you soon in Paris!