Our Favorite Restaurants in Paris

Paris, a metropolis of the finer things in life—endless glittering shops, cavernous museums housing some of the world’s most renowned works of art, the dazzling Eiffel Tower, haute couture. There’s no wonder why the city is, in its essence, the ultimate muse for romance and bliss.

And then there’s the gastronomy, which deserves its own seat at the table (wink) of Paris’s greatest attributes: the city is brimming with countless cafés, bistros, patisseries, boulangeries, wine bars, French fusions, fine dining…to name a few. There’s something special here for everyone, from the casual grab-and-goer to those searching for white tablecloths and exemplary service.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Parisian restaurants to fall in love with (or in!) during your trip to the gorgeous city—including some staff recommendations from our team of travel experts.

Le Procope: For starters, this is one of the oldest cafés in Paris! Dine where some of the literary legends and intellectuals (think Diderot, Voltaire) once met and shared ideas over Coq Au Vin. The elegant atmosphere is cozy yet distinguished, and the dishes are beautifully presented. You’ll spy portraits on gold-trimmed walls, tea lights, grand, floor-length curtains and, yes, white tablecloths. Outdoor seating is also available so you can people-watch. Don’t miss out on their Tiramisu! 

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (two locations in Paris: Montparnasse and St. Benoît): Simplicity at its finest—the menu is comprised of just one thing: steak frites. You’ll receive a crisp walnut salad as a starter, and then a gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth steak. The only question you’ll need to answer: how would you like your steak cooked? The decor is colorful, with red booths and green and yellow tablecloths, and the waitresses all wear black dresses with white aprons. While the hearty side of the meal is already decided, they do have a selection of delicious cakes, sorbets and coffees. You may be due for a nap after this one! 

Team Member Gaby: It pays to get here early (right when they open), because they are always pretty busy, but it’s well worth it! The sirloin is so tender you can actually cut it with your fork, and their signature pepper sauce is perfection.

Team Member Courtney: When my mom lived in Paris 40 years ago this was her favorite restaurant. To this day, my family still makes a copycat of the steak, fries and sauce recipe and it is to die for! 

Le Petit Marché: A savory experience you won’t soon forget! Le Petit Marché is a popular restaurant on rue de Béarn delighting guests with an array of dishes with an Asian flair. One of their popular (and maybe surprising!) meals is the agret de Canard caramalise aux bananes (duck breast with caramelized bananas). The tables may be in close-quarters, but there is a good stretch of outdoor seating, too, and the staff is friendly and happy to help with any questions. An experience not worth missing! 

Team Member Liz M: This is an authentic restaurant frequented by many Parisians and you can tell why! The food is delicious, but it is always busy, so a reservation is a good idea!

Maxim’s: Just as much a feast for your eyes as it is for your appetite! Maxim’s is a splendid restaurant, its entire interior serving as a canvas for Art Nouveau. The decor is ornate and lavish and probably like something you haven’t quite seen before. The place is known to be a popular hangout for celebrities for many decades, some include Brigitte Bardot, John Travolta and Barbara Streisand. The service is often praised as impeccable and the food decadent, though the charisma of the entire restaurant continues to be the shining star. 

Team Member Gaby: A historical landmark dripping with Art Nouveau ambiance, its menu is quintessentially French gourmet. I can’t remember what I ate there, I think I was awestruck by how beautiful this place was. 

Madame Brasserie: Did you know you can dine in the Eiffel Tower? The tower, soaring over the city’s horizon as it does, is a staple on any traveler’s itinerary. Since you’ll probably be visiting anyways, why not have a glass of champagne in the lounge or dine in the restaurant on the tower’s first floor? The plates are elegant and modern, made with culinary combinations you may not have seen before and beautifully presented. If you make reservations, be sure to request a window seat, because as the sun goes down, the City of Lights dazzles in front of you and the Eiffel Tower glitters overhead. A dinner here is surreal and intimate all at once.

Cedric Grolet/Opera: Pastries, anyone? You may have seen Cedric appear on your Instagram Discover feed with his gorgeous flower-like pastries, smooth golden chocolates and fluffy, buttery croissants. He’s become an extremely popular pastry chef in Paris and sometimes hands out a few treats to those waiting in line outside. His bakery, Opera, serves a light brunch menu and many zesty, flavorful treats. Be warned—lines form here quickly, but a taste of these sweets is worth the wait once. Get there early!