18 of My Favorite Restaurants in Paris (And What to Order)

One of my favorite things about visiting France is the food. Not exactly a controversial take, I mean, who doesn’t love eating their way through Paris?!

I’ve spent months of my life in Paris over the years, and while I’ve enjoyed plenty of casual picnics and café meals, I’ve also tried lots of different restaurants around the city.

A lot of those meals have been great, some have been just okay, and a few have been really bad. But others have been so good that I still salivate thinking about them now.

These are 18 of my favorite restaurants in Paris. Many have great settings, but all have fantastic food, and are places I would happily recommend.

1. Rotisserie d’Argent

La Rôtisserie d’Argent is located right along the Seine in the Latin Quarter, with one of the most spectacular outdoor dining settings in Paris. When the weather is nice, tables are set up on Pont de la Tournelle, with views of the back of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Sadly, I ended up eating inside because it had just rained, but the interior has a cozy, traditional French atmosphere, with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and views toward the river. It was still a really nice setting.

And thankfully, the food was just as good as the setting. I started with the œufs mayonnaise, a French starter that’s somewhat similar to deviled eggs in the US. Here, the eggs were served over a round of potato salad, a nice variation on the traditional dish.

But the main course was the real star. I ordered the smoked duck breast tagliata, served with artichokes, arugula, Parmesan shavings, and a side of jus, with little dollops of mustard around the plate.

The duck was incredibly tender and juicy, but it was the combination of flavors that made this dish such a favorite. Taking a piece of duck, dipping it into the jus, topping with a piece of Parmesan and smearing it with mustard was an explosion of flavor. It’s easily one of the best dishes I’ve had in Paris.

For dessert, I ordered the île flottante, another house specialty. This classic French dessert of meringue floating on crème anglaise is one of my favorites, and their version was fabulous.

If you can snag an outdoor table overlooking Notre-Dame, all the better, but I’d still recommend this restaurant for the food alone.

2. Le Train Bleu

Le Train Bleu is one of the most spectacular restaurants in Paris, located in a rather surprising place: inside the Gare de Lyon train station.

Opened in 1901 during the Belle Époque, the restaurant was designed to impress travelers passing through Gare de Lyon. And more than a century later, the dining room is still an absolute masterpiece, with ceilings covered in elaborate gilded moldings, enormous chandeliers, colorful frescoes, and ornate details everywhere you look. It feels like a dining room fit for a palace.

Truly, the food could be pretty mediocre and I’d still say come here – it’s worth it for the ambiance alone. That said, I had an outstanding meal here.

I ordered the house specialty, the roast leg of lamb, which the server carves tableside from a rolling cart. It’s served with roasted garlic, a savory sauce, and creamy potato gratin. The tender lamb, rich sauce, and potatoes were absolutely delicious together.

The extraordinary dining room, the tableside service, and the excellent food made this truly an unforgettable meal for me.

3. Brasserie Rosie

Brasserie Rosie is a charming French brasserie in the 11th arrondissement, just a short walk from Place de la Bastille. The restaurant doesn’t look particularly large from the street, but inside is a spacious, beautifully decorated dining room with black-and-white checkerboard floors, a long wooden bar, and a mirrored ceiling filled with glowing globe lights.

And the food is just as good. I ordered the magret de canard (duck breast) and the onion soup.

The duck was perfectly cooked and seasoned, served with a smooth carrot purée and a savory honey glaze that complemented the meat beautifully.

You’ll see onion soup as a starter on menus all over Paris, but I thought Brasserie Rosie’s version really was above and beyond. The cheese on top was broiled until extra crispy and golden, with a rich, onion-packed broth underneath. It was exactly how I love my French onion soup.

I’ve tried both of these dishes at quite a few restaurants around Paris and France, and but Brasserie Rosie might have the best versions I’ve had. For a restaurant to serve my favorite versions of two classic French dishes in the same meal is pretty remarkable.

4. Au Bon Accueil

Au Bon Accueil is a charming restaurant in the 7th arrondissement that combines traditional French food with one of the most unforgettable Eiffel Tower views you’ll find at a neighborhood restaurant.

Our food was excellent across the board. The French onion soup had a rich, savory broth, and the boeuf bourguignon practically fell apart on my fork. Our Iberico pork was also very good.

But what really makes Au Bon Accueil special is the setting. The outdoor terrace looks straight down Rue Montessuy, with the Eiffel Tower rising above the buildings at the end of the street. It’s a spectacular view, especially from such an intimate little terrace.

I’d strongly recommend making a reservation and requesting an outdoor table. Dining with that view of the Eiffel Tower makes for a pretty unforgettable evening.

5. Le Colimaçon

Le Colimaçon was one of my favorite meals from my most recent trip to Paris. This tiny little restaurant is located in the Marais, on Rue Vieille du Temple, with two levels connected by a cute spiral staircase.

I started with the escargot served in little flaky pastry cups. Now, I have to admit, I don’t normally like escargot (a terrible thing for someone who loves France, I know), mostly because I can’t get past the texture. But these were phenomenal.

The pastry was perfectly flaky, the snails didn’t have that characteristic chewy texture I dislike, and you still got that classic garlic-parsley butter typically served with escargot. The order came with six, but I could have easily eaten fifteen.

For my main course, I ordered the rabbit leg stuffed with mushrooms and chorizo, wrapped in bacon, and served with herb mashed potatoes and a little jus. It was a surprisingly complex dish, with so many different ingredients that worked beautifully together.

The molten chocolate cake, served with chocolate and caramel sauces and a scoop of creamy ice cream, was a great end to the meal.

Definitely make a reservation in advance, as it’s a small restaurant and tables can be hard to come by. I managed to sneak in without one by showing up late on a weekday evening, but I wouldn’t count on getting that lucky.

6. La Fontaine Gaillon

La Fontaine Gaillon is such a picturesque spot for dinner in Paris. The outdoor terrace is set up around a magnificent fountain, and is surrounded by plants and greenery that create a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the adjacent square.

There’s also indoor seating, but why would you sit inside when the terrace looks like this?!

The server recommended the roasted spring chicken with baby onions and tarragon jus, served with a bowl of mashed potatoes. Chicken and potatoes might seem like a simple meal, but it was done exceptionally well. The chicken was so tender and juicy and the tarragon jus added a great depth of flavor.

Another dish I considered was the ris de veau, or veal sweetbreads (the thymus gland of a calf). It’s a French delicacy and gets great reviews here, too.

7. Chez Gabrielle

Finding a good restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe can be a bit of a challenge. The Champs Élysées isn’t exactly known for its great restaurants, which is partly why Chez Gabrielle was such a delightful surprise.

Just a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe, it’s not terribly surprising that there were more tourists than locals dining here (at least when I visited). But don’t be fooled, this is anything but a tourist trap.

I ordered the steak au poivre, and it was incredible. The steak was cooked a perfect medium (à point in French) and practically melted in my mouth. The peppercorn sauce was creamy and rich without being heavy.

The steak came with a side of gratin dauphinois, which was one of the best potato gratins I’ve ever had: so creamy and rich, with a beautifully browned top. Even the bread was excellent.

You can find steak au poivre on menus all over Paris, but the execution here was a notch above. This is a great option to bookmark before or after you visit the Arc.

8. l’Ami Jean

L’Ami Jean is a cozy, homey restaurant in the 7th arrondissement, between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides. There’s a really convivial atmosphere here, with friendly staff, a great menu, and beautifully presented food.

The star of the meal was actually my starter, a cauliflower emulsion soup. It arrived with a little mound of mix-ins in the bottom of the bowl, and the server poured the soup over the top right at the table.

It was such a fun presentation, and the soup itself was incredibly decadent, with the most luscious, creamy texture and full-bodied flavor. That could’ve been my entire meal and I would have been content.

For my main course, I ordered the roast pigeon with creamy mashed potatoes. The pigeon was expertly prepared, and the whole dish was excellent.

I should note that the menu changes regularly, so you may not find the exact dishes I ordered. However, everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked incredible, so I’d be excited to try just about anything here. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance, as the restaurant is usually completely full.

9. Poulette

Poulette is a small, charming restaurant just north of Les Halles in the 1st arrondissement, with a gorgeous interior covered in floor-to-ceiling Art Nouveau ceramic tiles. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, but the retro decor makes it pretty unforgettable.

The menu is short and changes regularly with the seasons, featuring modern, creative takes on French cuisine rather than traditional bistro fare.

When I visited, I ended up ordering a couple of starters plus dessert, instead of a main course, because the combinations sounded too interesting to pass up. The dishes were beautifully presented, with fresh ingredients and some really interesting flavor combinations that worked wonderfully together.

10. Les Antiquaires

Just a few minutes from the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre, Les Antiquaires is a classic Parisian establishment serving excellent traditional French food.

I ordered their specialty, the boeuf bourguignon, one of France’s most famous traditional dishes. This hearty beef stew originates from Burgundy, where beef is slowly braised in red wine until incredibly tender.

Les Antiquaires’ version was outstanding. The beef almost melted in my mouth, and the rich, velvety sauce was packed with flavor, with potatoes, carrots, and a few mushrooms mixed in. It’s easily one of my favorite versions.

If you’re looking for somewhere to try this classic French dish while exploring central Paris, Les Antiquaires is an excellent choice.

11. Brasserie Martin

Brasserie Martin is a proper old-school Parisian brasserie, located deep in a residential part of the 11th arrondissement far away from the tourist crowds. It’s a large space with a central bar, cozy traditional decor, and a crowd that’s overwhelmingly local.

I started with the poireaux vinaigrette, a classic French bistro dish of roasted leeks served with vinaigrette, croutons, and hazelnuts. Simple, but very well done.

For my main course, I was torn between the steak au poivre, roast pork, and duck confit, so I asked the server for his recommendation. He said those were his three favorites on the menu but ultimately steered me toward the pork.

I took his advice, then immediately started second-guessing my decision (the duck and steak did look really good too!). But this was absolutely the right choice. The pork was beautifully roasted and succulent, but what really surprised me was the intensity of the flavors.

Between the savory gravy, the vegetables, and the spinach condiment, there was so much more going on than I’d expected.

12. La Pie Noir

La Pie Noir is a small bistro with Breton influences tucked away in the Latin Quarter, just off Boulevard Saint-Germain.

Our server enthusiastically recommended the razor clams in a buttery garlic-parsley sauce (persillade), which she said were her favorite starter by far.

I was a little hesitant since seafood can be hit or miss for me, but she was absolutely right. The clams had a delicate, slightly sweet taste, and almost acted as a base for the delicious garlic-parsley butter. I wanted to eat every last drop.

Another specialty here is the roasted bone marrow, served with toast. If you’ve never tried bone marrow before, it has an incredibly rich, buttery texture, almost like a savory spread that you scoop out of the bone and smear over the bread. It’s a very indulgent starter, and well worth trying.

For the main course, I ordered the duck confit, served with a side of potato gratin. The duck was beautifully cooked, with meat that practically fell off the bone. Confit de canard is a classic French dish, and this is an excellent place to try it.

The cherry on top was how friendly the staff were. I came here with my 9-year-old daughter, and they were so sweet with her, which immediately earned a lot of points in my book.

13. La Jacobine

La Jacobine is located in the adorable Cour du Commerce Saint-André, one of the most charming little passageways in the 6th arrondissement.

I’d recommend the coq au vin here, which was fantastic. This classic French dish consists of chicken braised in red wine until it practically falls off the bone, usually with vegetables like carrots and mushrooms. I really liked the sauce it was served in, which was savory with just a hint of wine.

Despite being one of France’s best-known traditional dishes, coq au vin isn’t actually all that common on Parisian restaurant menus. So if you’re hoping to try it during your trip, La Jacobine is a great place to come.

And as someone always hunting for the best hot chocolate in Paris, I have to say theirs is excellent: thick and full-bodied, without being too heavy.

14. Riverose

Riverose is a cute little brunch spot in Paris with an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. The dining room is decorated with floral arrangements, and if you’re lucky enough to get a table by the window or out on the terrace, you’ll have the tower as your backdrop while you eat.

We ordered the Biscoff French toast, and I honestly can’t overstate how good it was. Thick, caramelized brioche French toast topped with sweet cream, Biscoff spread, and cookie crumbles created the most deliciously indulgent dish.

I also ordered the chicken tacos, which were fantastic, although the French toast was definitely the star of the meal.

Riverose is admittedly a very Instagrammable spot that attracts mostly visitors, but don’t let that put you off. The food absolutely lived up to the hype, and I’d happily go back.

I’d recommend making a reservation, as the restaurant isn’t particularly large and fills up. Also, keep in mind that not every table has an Eiffel Tower view, so try to request a window or terrace seat if that’s important to you.

15. Breizh Café + Crêperie Brocéliande

In the mood for something a little different from typical Parisian bistro fare? Consider going to Breizh Café or Crêperie Brocéliande for galettes, a traditional specialty from Brittany in northwestern France.

Galettes are savory crêpes made with buckwheat flour, and they’re a staple of Breton cuisine. They’re filled with all kinds of ingredients, including ham, cheese, eggs, mushrooms, onions, sausage, or potatoes. And if you want to enjoy the full Breton experience, follow your savory galette with a sweet crêpe for dessert.

Both restaurants do excellent savory galettes and sweet crêpes, and I honestly like them about equally, so I’d just go with whichever is most convenient for your itinerary. Crêperie Brocéliande is tucked away in Montmartre near Sacré Cœur, while Breizh Café has several locations around Paris.

16. Le Petit Vendôme

Just steps from Place Vendôme, Le Petit Vendôme is best known for its walk-up counter serving fresh jambon-beurre sandwiches at lunchtime. These classic French ham and butter sandwiches are worth coming for lunch, but the sit-down dinner service is just as good.

I was very tempted by their long list of charcuterie boards (planches) that all looked excellent, but I went with the steak au poivre.

The steak was fantastic, with a tender filet and a creamy peppercorn sauce. But surprisingly, it was the fries that stole the show. They had an incredibly crispy exterior, almost as if they’d been coated in a light batter before being double-fried, and the texture was seriously addictive.

17. Le Chardonnay

Le Chardonnay is where I had the best croque monsieur I’ve ever eaten in France.

The croque monsieur is a classic French ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce. You’ll find them all over Paris, including pre-made versions sitting in bakery display cases. Personally, I’ve been disappointed with the pre-made versions, and think they’re so much better when they’re freshly prepared.

Le Chardonnay’s version was phenomenal, rich and cheesy, made with truffle cream, and finished with a extra crispy, broiled top. If you want to try a croque monsieur, this is where you should come.

18. Bistro des Augustins

Bistro des Augustins is a cozy little spot right along the Seine in Saint-Germain, specializing in hearty potato gratins, a dish particularly popular in the Savoie region of the French Alps.

You’ve probably come across potato gratins as a side dish at French restaurants, especially alongside duck confit, but here they’re the main event. The gratins are made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with all sorts of different variations mixed in, including chicken, ham, salmon, vegetables, and various cheeses.

I ordered one with bacon, herbs, garlic, and tomatoes, and it was the best kind of comfort food. It was also a very good value: I paid €16 for a generous dish that I honestly could barely finish, making it one of the more affordable sit-down restaurants I’d recommend in central Paris.

Looking for More Great Food Experiences in Paris?

Finding a great restaurant is just one part of eating your way through Paris. If you’re planning the rest of your trip, here are a few more guides I’d recommend:

• 15 Unwritten “Rules” of Dining Out in France – What to know about French restaurant etiquette, from ordering to paying
• Rating 13 of Paris’ Most Viral Food Spots – My take on which famous Paris food spots actually live up to the hype
• How the French Actually Order at a Boulangerie – What to know before stepping into a French bakery, including how to order like a local

If you want everything in one place, my Paris travel guide page pulls together neighborhood guides, attraction and museum guides, foodie recommendations, and travel tips in one hub.