The Insiders Paris Restaurant Guide – Dining In The City Of Food

Eating in Paris is a serious matter, but reading about it shouldn't be. Welcome to your no-nonsense, slightly flippant, but utterly trustworthy Paris restaurant guide. Forget stuffy dining directories and pretentious critiques — this is the insider track to meals that locals actually rave about, where a croque monsieur can be as thrilling as a Michelin-starred tasting menu. Because let's face it: good food is basically why Paris exists.

From casually chic cafes and crowded brasseries to rooftop bars with Eiffel Tower views to those fancy restaurants you secretly want someone else to pay for, we've tested every bite on your behalf. Stick with this Paris restaurant guide, and you might just become the person everyone texts for Paris dining advice (you've been warned).

10 Ways To Find The Perfect Paris Restaurant

Dining at Fontaine de Mars, photo by Mark Craft

Want to eat like a local, avoiding tourist traps while savoring the best French dishes Paris has to offer? You're in luck, because finding hidden restaurant gems is easier than you think — and a lot more fun. We've gathered ten insider tips to help you uncover fantastic eateries that locals love and tourists rarely discover.

From spotting chalkboard menus scribbled in French (always a good sign) to wandering through neighborhoods Parisians actually call home (like the 7th Arrondissement, home to Fontaine de Mars), these Paris restaurant guide tips will turn your next meal into a delicious, brag-worthy experience. Trust us, you'll feel like a culinary detective every time you sit down at a table.

The Best Rooftop Bars in Paris with Eiffel Tower Views

The Seine river and Notre Dame from the rooftop at Laho, photo Laho

Ready to elevate your Paris game? Forget street-level sightseeing; the city's real star is the view from above. We've tracked down the best rooftop bars in Paris with Eiffel Tower views, from swanky hotel terraces to hidden gems you'd never find without us.

So skip the sidewalk cafes — at least for a night — and head upward for unbeatable panoramas, casually chic cocktails, and bragging rights that'll last long after you've snapped the perfect photo. It's Paris from above — and your Instagram followers will never forgive you if you miss it.

Paris Restaurant Guide to Bistros, Brasseries and Cafés

The bust scene at Brasserie de Île St Louis, photo by Mark Craft

Bistros, brasseries, cafés — oh my! If you've ever been confused about what's what in the Paris dining scene, you're not alone. These beloved Parisian institutions have been around for centuries (Café Procope started ladling onion soup way back in 1686!), but telling them apart isn't always simple.

Luckily, we've cracked the code. In our Paris restaurant guide, we break down exactly what makes each type special. Brasseries buzz with busy waiters serving classics like steak frites, while bistros offer cozy intimacy with hearty comfort food. (That's Brasserie de Île St Louis in the photo.) And cafés? Well, they're perfect for sipping espresso and watching stylish Parisians stroll by. We'll also throw in our favorite spots, so you'll never go hungry.

The Best Restaurants in Paris

The dining room of Il Carpaccio. photo by Mark Craft

When you're ready for an unforgettable meal in Paris, you'll want to go big — or at least somewhere truly special. These are the restaurants that don't just feed you; they amaze you. Think glamorous interiors, impeccable service, food that could make you swoon, and a dash of je ne sais quoi that makes everything feel just right.

Our handpicked selection includes everything from Michelin-starred wonders to legendary spots beloved by gourmets worldwide. Each one offers a little slice of luxury and enough culinary magic to make your Paris visit truly memorable. Prepare to impress your taste buds (and maybe even your partner).

Stellar Paris Bistros at Affordable Prices

The tiny dining room of bistro Frenchie, photo by Mark Craft

Some of the best meals we've had in Paris have happened at small, chef-run bistros that serve gourmet food without charging you gourmet prices. These charming spots, where the chef is usually the owner, have been shaping Paris's food scene for decades, delivering dishes that are both creative and comforting.

From the crispiest duck confit to roast chicken cooked to golden perfection, these bistros give you a taste of Paris without emptying your wallet. Our guide points you straight to these hidden gems, ensuring every bite is as exciting and delightful as the city itself.

The 100 Top Bistros In Paris

A hearty cassoulet at Chez Michel, photo by Mark Craft

Parisians take their bistros seriously, and now there's official proof! The Mayor's Office crowned 100 stellar Paris bistros that showcase the city's culinary spirit, from hearty classics to modern innovations.

We've picked out some of our favorites from this impressive list — think cozy hideaways serving French comfort food, trendy spots with creative dishes, and everything in between. Ready to dive deeper? We'll also point you to the full list, so you can happily eat your way through Paris, one bistro at a time.

Restaurant Laurent Paris: Worth It?

Restaurant Laurent Paris, photo Wikimedia by Erwmat

Set in an historic pavilion along the Champs-Elysées, restaurant Laurent promises a blend of Parisian elegance and culinary tradition. Its terrace can be a tranquil escape, and its interiors exude timeless charm. However, under new management, the restaurant struggles to deliver on its promise of excellence in cooking. With high prices and uneven quality, diners might leave wondering if it's worth the hype. Discover what we found during our latest visit.

Where To Eat At Printemps Department Store

The iconic Belle-Époque dome at Brasserie Printemps

Shop, but don't drop. Shopping at Printemps can be exhausting (all those shoes!), so naturally, you'll need a delicious break. Thankfully, Printemps isn't just about fabulous fashion; it also offers some equally fabulous food. Whether you're craving macarons from the elegant Ladurée cafe or looking to dine beneath the iconic Belle-Époque dome at Brasserie Printemps, you're covered.

Our guide walks you through seven dining options right inside the store, making sure your lunch break is as stylish as your shopping spree. After all, in Paris, even shopping deserves culinary flair.

The Ten Best Bars In Paris – Classics To Cutting-Edge

The bar at La Mina, photo by Sophie van den Hoek

Paris isn't only about great food — its bar scene is just as irresistible. Whether you're into classic cocktails or cutting-edge mixology, the city is packed with lively bars that promise unforgettable evenings. Picture sipping chic drinks by the Seine or exploring hidden gems tucked away in neighborhoods like the Marais.

From elegant vintage bars to quirky cocktail labs, our bar picks guarantee nights filled with Parisian flair and memorable drinks. Consider this your invitation to toast the city in style.

14 Paris Dining Tips You Won't Read In A Guide Book

Dining at Les Ombres in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower

Dining out in Paris isn't just a meal — it's a whole experience, complete with customs, etiquette, and a few surprises. To make sure you're fully prepared (and comfortable!), have have the insider dining tips every visitor should know. Before you click to the main article, here are a few pre-tips, if you will —

• Always confirm your reservation: Many Paris restaurants expect it. A quick call or online confirmation will do the trick.
• Waiters aren't rude, they're just French: Paris servers won't hover around your table, but they are attentive if you need them. Just catch their eye — never snap your fingers!
• Expect cozy seating: Space is tight in Parisian restaurants, so embrace your neighbors… just not literally.
• Never call your server Garçon: Unless you're speaking to an actual boy. Stick to Monsieur, Madame, or Mademoiselle.
• Mademoiselle tip: Mademoiselle refers to a young woman, so if you want to make a friend, opt for Mademoiselle for any female server!