The top 10 restaurants in Paris

Whether you’re a committed foodie or just searching for a Parisian experience, planning a visit to one of the city’s best restaurants is always a good idea. And, because there’s food here from all over the world, you’ll find plenty of options to suit any budget and cater to any taste.

These are our top 10 restaurants in Paris, in no particular order:

Let’s dive a little deeper into these Parisian favourites.

Septime

First up, an aesthetic neo-international bistro in the 11th. Bertrand Grébaut runs the show at this Michelin star spot, cooking up fresh, passionate food and an easygoing atmosphere to boot. Menus change with the seasons; think modern French plates at fair prices. We recommend calling around three weeks before your desired date for the best chances of securing a booking.

La Truffière

For incredible wine, cheese, and seafood, La Truffière is one of the best in Paris. This sleek yet traditional Michelin star restaurant is in the 5th arrondissement, also known as the Latin Quarter, and its laidback vibe fits in perfectly.

Mokonuts

This family-run joint combines flavours from France, the Middle East, America, and Japan, thanks to the owners’ diverse heritage and upbringing. Head to Mokonuts, in the 11th, for breakfast or lunch and expect ingredients like tahini, bergamot, and miso on the menu. Don’t skip out on Moko’s sesame miso cookies, which are baked throughout the day, so they’re always fresh.

Chez L’Ami Jean

This always-bustling spot in the 7th offers traditional, down-to-earth dishes with a few modern tweaks, making it popular among locals and visitors alike. Think parmesan soup, roasted pigeon with thyme and garlic, and ridiculously fluffy rice pudding.

Passerini

This restaurant in the 12th is known for its simple Italian fare, making it a perfect option if you’re after a break from traditional French flavours. The short menu at Passerini is always changing, so there’s no peeking at your choices online before you visit. Just be sure to order a pasta dish for perfectly al dente homemade shapes.

Les Arlots

This charming bistro in the 10th is all about French classics done well. It’s homely and comforting, while the food is reliable and guaranteed to fill you up. If you’re a meat-eater, opt for the signature sausage and mash or beef with potatoes in a red wine and garlic sauce. Each simple dish is well-considered and finished to perfection, making Les Arlots a perfect choice for fussy eaters and foodies alike.

Epicure

Epicure is something special. In the chic 8th arrondissement, this three Michelin star spot is all white tablecloths and opulent furnishings. The experience is equal parts elegance and charm. Favourites include the macaroni stuffed truffles and the roasted lobster with grilled chestnuts. It’s pricey, but Epicure promises a meal you’ll remember forever.

Benoit

This affordable Michelin star spot is Parisian through and through. Benoit is one of the oldest bistros in the city. Nestled between the 3rd and 4th, it remains a firm favourite among locals and visitors today. Order French classics, like snails with garlic butter, followed by homemade cassoulet with white beans, and Benoit’s legendary profiteroles to finish.

L’Assiette

Head out to the quieter 14th arrondissement for a visit to L’Assiette, a fuss-free restaurant serving a combination of traditional and unique modern dishes. Think pork-knuckle rillettes, cassoulet, and cuttlefish carbonara. For delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere, L’Assiette is your go-to.

Guy Savoy

For haute cuisine you’ll never forget, you can’t go wrong at Guy Savoy, a legendary spot in the 6th. Everything on the menu is planned and cooked to perfection, and the clean, sophisticated atmosphere will have you feeling fantastic from the moment you arrive.

Head to any of these top ten Parisian restaurants for a dining experience you’ll never forget.

Paris Michelin star hotels

French cooking is famous for its refined processes and attention to produce; many of the most successful chefs in the world travel to Paris to learn their art. And while lots of them leave to set up shop elsewhere, plenty fall in love with the city, sticking around to lay claim to their own part of town. Thanks to its culinary culture, the country’s stylish capital is one of the most Michelin-starred cities in the world, with over 100 award-winning eateries to choose from.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and you’re interested in Michelin culture, why not book your stay at one of the city’s excellent Michelin star hotels?

Plenty of Parisian hotels boast Michelin star restaurants, the perfect place to enjoy a taste of that world-famous style and sophistication. These swanky spots can come with a high price tag. If you’re travelling on a budget, you might prefer to visit a Michelin hotel for dinner and skip the pricey room.

Award-winning hotels in Paris include the restaurant at Le Meurice. This elegant eatery is run by super-chef Alain Ducasse, who’s responsible for several restaurants around the city and boasts a mind-blowing 21 Michelin stars. You’re in for a treat when you visit any Ducassean spot. Still, the lofty dining room at Le Meurice lends itself to an extraordinary occasion.

Try Epicure at Le Bristol for a light and airy atmosphere and a traditional French menu, or Sue Mesure par Thierry Marx at the Mandarin Oriental for a dining experience like no other. Le Cinq at the Four Seasons Hotel George V holds three stars for its inventive dishes. At the same time, L’Espadon at the Ritz Paris is another luxurious option.

Famous restaurants in Paris

Are you interested in visiting some of the most famous restaurants in Paris? There’s plenty to discover. From bustling bistros close to landmarks to neighbourhood spots loved for their food, so you’re sure to find a place that ticks all your boxes.

Café de Flore

Long-running Café de Flore has risen to icon status thanks to its historic charm and location in the cultural hub of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The spot was once a favourite of local artists, writers, and revolutionaries like Pablo Picasso and Leon Trotsky. In the 1960s, Café de Flore became popular with the likes of Brigette Bardot, Roman Polanski, and Yves Saint Laurent. If you make it to this famous spot, be sure to order the Special Flore Chocolate for pure indulgence and an Instagram must!

Famous foodie neighbourhoods

If you’re looking to stumble upon your new favourite restaurant in Paris, head to one of the city’s best neighbourhoods for restaurants and dining to make the adventure a little easier. Champs-Élysées restaurants are an excellent place to start if you have a plentiful budget. You can find plenty of historic Michelin star restaurants and lots of new spots, sure to join the ranks soon.

The area around the Louvre is another foodie haven. Head here for an abundance of Japanese and Chinese-French fusion restaurants, including yam’Tcha, which recently featured on an episode of the Netflix documentary series Chef’s Table.

Getting around

With so many neighbourhoods and hundreds of tempting restaurants to explore, getting around Paris can be tricky. Lots of visitors love walking around the city, and while it’s a great way to discover local gems, exploring everything on foot is near impossible.

Thankfully, Paris is very well connected by rail, with six major train stations and lots of suburban lines making the city more than manageable. Paris trains can get you all around the city, as well as to other parts of France and Europe quickly. Be sure to validate your ticket before you board a train; you can do this by popping it into one of the yellow machines on any train station platform.

Hop on a Metro or below-ground RER service and shoot between your base arrondissement, your favourite foodie spots, and any landmarks or attractions in no time. RER services can take you from one side of the city the other in between 10 and 20 minutes. The convenience of train transport means you can spend less time travelling and more enjoying every moment of your time in Paris!

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