Quick answers — eating in Paris
- Best restaurant overall
- Arpège
- Best value
- Bistrot Paul Bert (€40-€70 / $45-$75)
- Strongest cuisines
- French, Middle Eastern
- Dishes to try
- Croissant, Steak Frites, French Onion Soup (Soupe à l'oignon gratinée), Crêpes (sweet & savory Galettes)
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months ahead for dinner, especially for weekends. Lunch reservations are often easier to secure and can offer similar menus at a lower price point.
Booking several weeks or months in advance is essential for top-tier restaurants, especially for dinner. Dress codes often range from smart casual to formal, with jackets sometimes required. Tipping is less customary than in North America, as service is included, but a small extra gratuity for exceptional service is appreciated. Dinner typically commences between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
French
Best French restaurants in Paris
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Arpège
Three MICHELIN StarsContemporary French · 7th Arrondissement · €400-€600+ / $430-$650+
Alain Passard
Alain Passard's Arpège is legendary for its revolutionary emphasis on vegetables, many sourced from his own gardens. The cooking celebrates natural flavors with precise, artful preparations. The elegant, refined dining room offers a serene backdrop to this vegetable-driven yet impeccably balanced French cuisine, a true pilgrimage for gourmands.
Order: L'Arpège Bouquet of Roses, Vegetable Sushi
Plénitude
Three MICHELIN StarsContemporary French · 1st Arrondissement · €350-€500+ / $380-$540+
Arnaud Donckele
Located within the Cheval Blanc hotel, Plénitude focuses on profound sauces, broths, and consommés, elevating them to the centerpiece of the meal. Chef Donckele's mastery transforms humble elements into extraordinary, complex liquid gold. The intimate dining room offers stunning views of the Seine, complementing an experience of liquid artistry and refinement.
Order: Grand Homard Bleu (Blue Lobster with refined sauce)
Septime
One MICHELIN StarModern French · 11th Arrondissement · €120-€200 / $130-$220
Bertrand Grébaut
Septime embodies modern Parisian dining with its naturalistic approach to ingredients and a relaxed, industrial-chic setting. Chef Grébaut focuses on seasonal, ethically sourced produce, crafting inventive dishes that are both minimalist and deeply flavorful. Its reputation for innovation and value makes it consistently one of the city's most sought-after reservations.
Order: Seasonal tasting menu that changes daily
Yam'Tcha
One MICHELIN StarFrench-Chinese Fusion · 1st Arrondissement · €180-€250 / $195-$270
Adeline Grattard
Chef Adeline Grattard masterfully blends French culinary techniques with Chinese flavors, creating a truly unique gastronomic dialogue. Each dish is a delicate balance of traditions, often paired with exceptional teas, a nod to Cantonese 'yam'tcha' culture. The intimate, understated setting enhances this innovative and deeply personal culinary journey.
Order: Bao with Stilton and Amarena Cherries, Langoustine with Chinese Herbs
David Toutain
Two MICHELIN StarsContemporary French · 7th Arrondissement · €200-€350 / $215-$380
David Toutain
Chef David Toutain crafts highly artistic and intensely flavored dishes, prioritizing seasonal, often overlooked ingredients. His cuisine is characterized by daring combinations and elegant presentations, creating an immersive sensory experience. The sleek, naturalistic interior reflects the chef's philosophy of pure, honest cooking, making it a compelling destination for adventurous palates.
Order: Black garlic, smoked eel and sesame, Signature Egg cooked in hay
Le Cinq
Three MICHELIN StarsClassic French · 8th Arrondissement · €450-€700+ / $490-$760+
Christian Le Squer
Housed within the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Le Cinq epitomizes opulent French gastronomy. Chef Christian Le Squer reinterprets classical dishes with audacious creativity and technical precision, creating a truly grand dining experience. The lavish, gilded dining room, impeccable service, and sophisticated cuisine define this benchmark of Parisian luxury.
Order: Gratinée d'oignon with truffled ham and Comté cheese
Bistrot Paul Bert
Bib GourmandTraditional French · 11th Arrondissement · €40-€70 / $45-$75
A quintessential Parisian bistro offering generous portions of classic French comfort food in a bustling, authentic setting. Expect impeccable steak frites, perfectly cooked seafood, and rich desserts. Its timeless appeal and consistently high quality make it a beloved institution, embodying the hearty spirit of traditional French cuisine without pretension.
Order: Steak Frites, Paris-Brest
Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Paris
Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.
Shabour
One MICHELIN StarMediterranean, Israeli · 2nd Arrondissement · €100-€150 / $110-$165
Assaf Granit
Shabour offers a lively, interactive dining experience where chefs directly serve vibrant, flavor-packed dishes from an open kitchen. Chef Assaf Granit brings the soulful, energetic spirit of Jerusalem's market cuisine to Paris, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bold spices. It's a joyful, convivial atmosphere, a refreshing departure from traditional fine dining.
Order: Octopus à la plancha, Hummus with beef cheek
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Paris
Frenchie To Go
A casual offshoot of the popular Frenchie restaurant, offering elevated street food. Think gourmet hot dogs, pastrami sandwiches, and excellent fish & chips, perfect for a quick, delicious lunch. Prices range from €12-€20.
L'As du Fallafel
A legendary Marais institution for the best falafel in Paris. Expect warm pita brimming with crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and tahini. It’s quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying, a must-try for street food enthusiasts. Around €8-€10 per sandwich.
Breizh Café (Marais)
Offers exquisite Breton crêpes and galettes made with organic buckwheat flour, topped with high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Both sweet and savory options are available, alongside excellent cider. Perfect for a casual meal or snack, with prices from €8-€18 per crêpe.
Bouche
A charming, modern bistro focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients and natural wines. Their lunch menu offers incredible value for high-quality, inventive cooking without the fuss. Dishes are thoughtfully composed and flavorful. Expect a lunch menu around €25-€30.
Marche des Enfants Rouges
Paris's oldest covered market, offering a vibrant array of international and French food stalls. You can find everything from Moroccan tagines to Italian pasta, fresh seafood, and Japanese bento boxes, all for casual, affordable dining. Dishes typically range from €10-€18.
Local dishes
What to eat in Paris
Croissant
A flaky, buttery, crescent-shaped pastry, a quintessential French breakfast item. Best enjoyed fresh from a boulangerie, often accompanied by coffee. Its delicate layers and rich flavor are a simple yet profound Parisian culinary pleasure, perfect for starting any day.
Steak Frites
A classic French bistro dish featuring a perfectly cooked steak (often bavette or entrecôte) served with a generous portion of crispy, golden French fries. The simplicity highlights the quality of the ingredients, often accompanied by a simple butter or herb sauce.
French Onion Soup (Soupe à l'oignon gratinée)
A comforting, savory soup made from caramelized onions, beef broth, and often a splash of dry white wine or sherry, topped with a large crouton and a generous layer of melted Gruyère cheese. It's a rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying dish.
Crêpes (sweet & savory Galettes)
Thin pancakes, served either sweet (crêpes, with sugar, Nutella, fruit) or savory (galettes, made with buckwheat flour, typically filled with cheese, ham, egg). They are a versatile, delicious, and ubiquitous Parisian snack or light meal, found in crêperies and street stalls.
Confit de Canard
A specialty of Gascony, this dish consists of duck leg that has been cured in salt and then slowly cooked in its own fat until incredibly tender. The skin is typically seared to a crisp golden perfection, offering a rich and flavorful experience.
Escargots de Bourgogne
A traditional French appetizer featuring Helix pomatia snails, typically cooked in garlic, parsley, and butter. Served bubbling hot in their shells with special tongs and a fork, they offer a unique and flavorful taste of classic French gastronomy.
Falafel
Though Middle Eastern in origin, falafel has become a beloved and iconic street food in Paris, particularly in the Le Marais district. Crispy fried chickpea patties are served in a pita with fresh vegetables and creamy sauces, offering a delicious and affordable meal.
Macarons
Delicate, colorful meringue-based confectionary made with egg white, icing sugar, almond flour, and food coloring, filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. These sweet treats come in an array of sophisticated flavors and are a quintessential Parisian indulgence.
How to book a table in Paris
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months ahead for dinner, especially for weekends. Lunch reservations are often easier to secure and can offer similar menus at a lower price point.
- · Many top restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a deposit, which may be forfeited for no-shows or late cancellations. Always check the specific cancellation policy upon booking.
- · Consider experiencing the tasting menu at lunch; it's frequently a more accessible way to dine at acclaimed establishments, often priced significantly lower than the dinner equivalent.
- · Be punctual; Parisian fine dining often operates on a strict schedule. If you anticipate being late, call the restaurant immediately to inform them, as tables may be reallocated.
FAQ
Paris restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Paris?
Arpège in 7th Arrondissement is the benchmark table — Contemporary French, led by Alain Passard, three michelin stars, around €400-€600+ / $430-$650+ per person. Order the L'Arpège Bouquet of Roses, Vegetable Sushi
Where is the best French restaurant in Paris?
Arpège in 7th Arrondissement is the French table to book in Paris (€400-€600+ / $430-$650+ per person). Other strong options: Plénitude, Septime, Yam'Tcha.
Where is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Paris?
Shabour in 2nd Arrondissement is the Middle Eastern table to book in Paris (€100-€150 / $110-$165 per person).
Where can I eat well in Paris without spending a fortune?
Bistrot Paul Bert is the best-value table on this list at roughly €40-€70 / $45-$75 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Frenchie To Go, L'As du Fallafel, Breizh Café (Marais).
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Paris?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months ahead for dinner, especially for weekends. Lunch reservations are often easier to secure and can offer similar menus at a lower price point. Many top restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a deposit, which may be forfeited for no-shows or late cancellations. Always check the specific cancellation policy upon booking.
What food is Paris famous for?
Croissant, Steak Frites, French Onion Soup (Soupe à l'oignon gratinée), Crêpes (sweet & savory Galettes), Confit de Canard — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A flaky, buttery, crescent-shaped pastry, a quintessential French breakfast item. Best enjoyed fresh from a boulangerie, often accompanied by coffee. Its delicate layers and rich flavor are a simple yet profound Parisian culinary pleasure, perfect for starting any day.
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