The Paris Restaurant Guide – Dining In The City Of Food

Neighborhood bistros, lively brasseries, intimate cafés, Michelin-starred restaurants, bars and terraces; they're all included in our Paris restaurant guide to dining and drinking. Deciding where to eat — and making the best choices — can be a bit confusing in a city replete with great restaurants. Not to worry; here we're going to share our experience and Insiders tips to make sure you have a memorable culinary experience.

10 Ways To Find The Perfect Paris Restaurant

Wouldn't it be great to know how to find the best Paris restaurants that serve classic French dishes and are filled with locals, not tourists? It turns out that the quest is easier than you might think. Start right here, with 10 tested Insiders tips. We'll help you find restaurants that feel like you've discovered them.

Explaining Bistros, Brasseries and Cafés

Bistros, brasseries and cafés — these dining establishments of Paris define the culinary landscape of the city and are a historical link to the past. Along with restaurants, they have been around for centuries, reaching back to 1686 when Procope served their first bowl of French onion soup. Today they remain the staple of French dining and are found in every quartier of the city. In our guide we reveal how to tell them apart, where to find them, and to share some of our very favorites.

The Best Restaurants in Paris

On the other end of the dining spectrum from bistros, a long lunch or dinner in a top-rated Paris restaurant provides a taste of the good life. The setting may be opulent, but always exceptional, and the food will be inspirational. These are the Paris restaurants that excel at all aspects of the dining experience — from the ambience, the service, the menu, the wine to a certain je ne sais quoi. We're happy to share our selection.

Stellar Paris Bistros at Affordable Prices

Some of our most memorable restaurant experiences in Paris have been in those places where the chef/owner is in the kitchen. In this guide to Paris bistros, we explore a few stellar chef-run restaurants in the City of Food, some of which opened over thirty years ago, changing the city's culinary scene forever. They still offer gourmet meals at affordable prices.

The 100 Top Bistros In Paris

Paris has always had great bistros, but now it's official! The Mayor's Office and the City of Paris recently recognized 100 stellar bistros that exemplify "the spirit of Paris" and "represent the diversity and richness of Parisian cuisine." We'll take you on a virtual tour of a selection of our personal favorite bistros, and then point you to the complete list.

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

Paris is not just about restaurants and bistros. There's a lively bar scene where, over the past years, fun & funky cocktails have become a thing, with new cutting-edge bars serving them throughout the city. From the banks of the Seine to the top of the Marais, here are our picks of the best bars in Paris.

Where To Eat At Printemps Department Store

Shop, but don't drop. After trying on all those shoes at the Printemps department store it's time to take a break, refresh, and re-fuel at one of the cafes located inside the store. There's an outpost of Ladurée that may tempt you, or you may want to sit under Printemps famous Belle-Epoque dome at Brasserie Printemps. We take a look at seven dining options.

We've compiled a list of 14 Paris dining tips you should know before entering your first bistro or brasserie. The French have definite customs when it comes to dining. Knowing some basic Parisian restaurant etiquette will make you feel more comfortable when dining in the City of Food. But, before you click to the main article, a few pre-tips, if you will—

• It's important to confirm your reservation. Many restaurants in Paris require this. You can call the restaurant (or have your hotel concierge call for you). However, nowadays most online reservation services confirm by messaging you a day or so in advance.
• Waiters in restaurants in Paris do not fawn over their customers. Don't mistake this for poor service, it's just another fascinating cultural difference. Most restaurants in Paris are small, so if you need the server just catch her eye — never snap your fingers.
• Space is tight in central Paris and you'll find that many restaurants use up every bit of their precious acreage. You may find yourself side-by-side with other diners. Enjoy yourself, but try not to poke them with your fork!
• Garçon is not the name of your server. That means "boy" in French. Instead call your server either Monsieur, Madame or Mademoiselle. (Tip: Mademoiselle refers to a young woman, so if you want to make a friend, opt for Mademoiselle !)