Updated 25/09/20202
Paris is magic. It is cliché and yet extraordinary. It can be pulsating with vigour or sleeping in elegance.
There are a million reasons to love Paris but for me, it is the French cuisine that captured my heart.
Bouillon Chartier - Restaurants in Paris
Bouillon Chartier official website
First up in this list of the best restaurants in Paris, it has to be Bouillon Chartier. It is the epitome of old, homely French cuisine.
More than a century old, this popular French restaurant in Paris is incontestably a must-visit. In comparison to other sophisticated French restaurants, Bouillon Chartier is on the more humble side of the game. You will be eating in a large, legendary dining hall.
The food is typically similar to that found in homes in France, cooked by wonderful and loving grandmothers. It is not flashy; instead, it is a timeless classic. As a dessert, try the chou with Chantilly cream. You will regret otherwise.
50 million meals served later, the à la carte menu remains reasonably priced compared to other restaurants in Paris. This is an unmissable Parisian culinary experience.
Jaja
After 4 visits to Paris and having lived in Paris, I can say that this is my favourite restaurant in Paris so far.
Tucked away in a leafy courtyard, Jaja is a sensational, modern-rustic bistro which serves a creative, seasonal menu and organic wines.
I recommend getting the Gigot d’Agneau and the eggplant. The menu changes but most these two are always there for good reasons.
If you can, reserve a table to avoid disappointment.
Le Colimaçon - old school French bistro
Le Colimaçon is a French bistro that serves inventive dishes in a cosy setting with raw-stone walls and wooden beams.
My heart was won over by the chef’s inventive takes on the traditional French snail dish. This is my favourite dish at the restaurant. You must give it a shot for yourself.
Expect a full house every night in this local gem. Reserve a table to avoid disappointment.
Glou
Glou is a small, elegant restaurant with a terrace that serves traditional cuisine and wine.
If you are lucky, you might be able to be seated upstairs which comes with a splendid view of a few Haussmannian buildings.
It is highly recommended by at least 2 of my Parisian friends.
As it is a compact restaurant, try to get a reservation especially during peak travel season/ weekend.
Le Coupe Gorge
Le Coupe Gorge official website
Do you know that Le Coupe Gorge means cutthroat in French?
Far from being a trap, Le Coupe Gorge is a timeless old-world bistro serving elegantly plated French classics & seasonal dishes, with tasting menus.
It was white asparagus season and the quality of the asparagus did not disappoint. The foie gras was balanced by the tartness of the salad dressing and the jam. I had the best duck with orange sauce at Le Coupe Gorge!
Joséphine Chez Dumonet
Joséphine Chez Dumonet official website
The century-old bistro Joséphine Chez Dumonet in the 6th arrondissement is famed for its foie gras, beef bourguignon, soufflés.
As with most other desirable tables in the City of Light, you need a reservation to dine in Joséphine Chez Dumonet.
It is a pricier establishment but it is worth every cent. I highly recommend the beef bourguignon and the pigeon.
L'As du fallafel
L’As du fallafel official website
L’As du Fallafel has a restaurant as well as a takeaway counter where you can get delicious falafel and shawarma. The serving size is enormous, and you can get it for a very low price, which is great news for budget travellers!
It’s a great way to recharge after an afternoon spent exploring the beautiful Marais (which is my favourite neighbourhood).
Most Parisians will tell you that they have been to L’As du Fallafel at least once. It truly is one of the most amazing restaurants in Paris.
Le Cabanon de la Butte
Le Cabanon de la Butte official website
Le Cabanon de la Butte is a charming restaurant with views of the city rooftops and traditional French fare with a seasonal focus.
Located in Montmartre, dining in this restaurant means you are greeted with one of the best views in Paris!
If you can, ask to be seated by a window with a view.
Read more about Paris!
Obviously, there are many, many more restaurants in Paris that my friends haven’t visited – it would take a lifetime to try them all! If you have any recommendations for restaurants in Paris to visit while in Paris, please leave a comment below!
There are so many tourist traps (with reheated food) in Paris. To make sure you’re having the most authentic French food, join a food tour and you will look at croissant and pain au chocolat differently after that!
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Where to stay?
Paris is ginormous and that’s why I recommend staying at Marais. Most of the restaurants listed here are located at Marais.
That way, you don’t have to spend much time on commuting every day. Plus, you could avoid the metro which tends to be the hotbed for pickpocketing. Besides, you are close to many restaurants, bars and attractions.
Budget – Bastille De Launay is a rare gem as compared to other accommodations offered at the same price range. Breakfast here was beyond my imagination while I was staying here. Highly recommend!
Comfortable – The interior design of Hotel du Petit Moulin is impressive. It’s next to a market, a metro station, a beautiful park, a huge shopping centre and right above one of the best boulangeries in town… what more can you ask for?
High-end – I certainly think the Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte should be a tourist attraction itself. Be ready to be pampered like kings and queens (well, it’s named Bonaparte for a reason).
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