The Paris dining scene is diverse, with international cuisines represented by many restaurants. But, when we travel to Paris, Thai food and sushi are low on our list. We're hungry for fresh oysters from Brittany; duck confit duck preserved in its own fat, browned to a crisp; potatoes sautéed in goose fat; cassoulet simmered for hours in a robust red wine sauce. Flaky pastry filled with apples sprinkled with aged plum brandy. Our collection of enduring Paris restaurants serves up just that kind of traditional, satisfying French food. Bon appétit !

Paris Bistros – Maintaining the Traditions

Mention "Paris bistro" and what probably comes to mind is an image of a well-worn tile floor, a zinc bar, leather banquettes, bare wood tables hugging a wall fitted with Art Deco light fixtures, and all the French classics on the menu. When we dine in Paris, we're on a mission — to indulge in all the things we love but can't get elsewhere: authentic French foods with time-tested ingredients like canard; pigeon; ris de veau; wild game; runny, unpasteurized cheeses; dark and spicy pates; prunes aged in cognac; croissants so flaky they shatter into a million buttery crumbs.

So it's good news that there's been a renaissance in Paris gastronomy, featuring both updated and traditional bistros with all the classic French dishes — in practically every arrondissement. In fact, there are so many enduring bistros that we've grouped them in sections by historic district.

10 Enduring Paris Bistros Of The Marais

The Marais is not only everyone's fave neighborhood, it should also be included on everyone's list of favorite places to eat. That is, if these ten enduring Paris bistros are any indication.

The Enduring Paris Bistros On The Left Bank

The Left Bank is what we dream about when we dream about Paris, and that's also true when it comes to dining in the neighborhood's traditional bistros. These ten enduring Paris eateries on the Left Bank have stood the test of time… and of taste buds.

Timeless Bistro Cooking at La Regalade

When you're in the mood for a cozy Parisian dining experience, La Regalade Saint-Honoré should be your destination. Chef Bruno Doucet continues the tradition of bistronomie, offering a very agreeable three-course menu that's both satisfying and affordable. Nestled in the heart of the city, this warm, welcoming spot is perfect for a leisurely lunch after exploring the nearby streets of Saint-Honoré. Dive into classic flavors and experience the true essence of Parisian cuisine.

Bistrot de L'Oulette

This tiny Marais restaurant is where we had our first meal in Paris and started us on the road of culinary delights. Despite some ups and down over the years, Bistrot de L'Oulette is still firmly on our "return-to" list. Take a walk down Memory Lane with us to discover why we love L'Oulette and what we have eaten there.

8 Enduring Paris Bistros Of The 7th Arrondissement

The 7th Arrondissement is home to many Paris attractions, but also to a beautiful batch of bistros that continue to both charm and satisfy. Between Musée d'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower, here are eight restaurants you don't want to miss.

The 6 Best Historic Brasseries in Paris

Brasseries in Paris are big, brightly lit, packed with Parisians, and serve meals all day long. The best ones have fascinating histories and still feature authentic period decoration. They're open all day long and — unlike Paris cafes and restaurants — you can order a meal at any time of day.

To experience Paris dining history, and to tuck in a hearty meal, read our reviews of six historic brassieres.

6 Historic Paris Bistros You're Going To Remember

Bistros, it can be said, are at the very heart of Parisian dining. Some are smaller, family-run affairs, with the menus still scrawled on chalkboards. Others are more elegant, with white linens and servers clad in black and white. But what they all have in common is classic, hearty bistro fare. Like cassoulets, foie gras, herring with waxy yellow potatoes, boeuf bourguignon, and creme brûlée.

Eating at a great bistro is like a little vacation in itself, and creates memories that will stay with you. Here are six of the best memory makers.

10 Old-Fashioned Paris Restaurants Serving the Classics

What with all the talk about New Paris, trendy restaurants, and vegan menus, it's somehow comforting to know that there still is a solid core of old-fashioned restaurants in Paris, serving up traditional fare. Think juicy escargots, roast leg of lamb, foie gras, duck confit, and ripe cheeses. Here are our top 10 picks for old-style restaurants. When we're hankering for traditional Paris, this is where we go.

The Enduring Paris Bistros Of The 1st Arrondissement

The heart of Paris — the 1st Arrondissement — may well also be the stomach of the city when you consider the food being served up at these traditional, popular, and long-lived restaurants.

9 Enduring Paris Bistros Of The 11th & 12th

The 11th and 12th Arrondissements are away from the center of things Parisian and certainly off the tourist track, but that doesn't make them any less of a food destination, as our collection of bistros shows.

Ten Historic Bars, Bouillons & Brasseries

In Paris there's only a blurred line between bars, bouillons, brasseries, and other eating joints. In our collection we've sought out the most evocative of the historic eateries and watering holes — places that have an interesting history and a real Parisian period decor. Our list starts with bars founded in the modern era — 1911 — and stretches all the way back to 1614.

French or Foreign?

Although the Paris food scene has become a melting pot (to use an apt phrase) with a blending of international cuisines, when we travel to Paris sushi and Thai food are low on our list of places to eat. We're hungry for fresh oysters from Brittany; duck confit duck preserved in its own fat, browned to a crisp; potatoes sautéed in goose fat; cassoulet simmered for hours in a robust red wine sauce. And for dessert? Maybe flaky pastry filled with apples sprinkled with aged plum brandy or a warm creme brulée with a crisp layered of sugar.