The ultimate Paris restaurant guide, by arrondissem*nt (2024)

Dining out in Paris has never been so easy.

Embarking on a culinary pilgrimage to Parisis a rite of passage for food enthusiasts worldwide. From the historic cobblestone streets of the Marais to the chic boulevards of the 7th arrondissem*nt, each neighbourhood boasts its own unique Paris restaurants.

Whether you’re seeking traditional bistro fare, a local fromagerie, or elaborate pastries, these are some of the best places to eat in each of Paris’ arrondissem*nts.

1st and 2nd arrondissem*nt: The Heart of Paris

1. Le Souffle

Le Soufflehas been dishing out souffles from their charming baby blue storefront since 1961. Their menu ranges from foie gras to wild sea bass with artichoke cream, but the stars of the show, as you may guess, are the sweet and savoury souffles.

2. Cafe Verlet

Just steps away from the Louvreand Palais Royal, Cafe Verlet is the oldest Parisian coffee company still in operation. Head upstairs for a cozy nook for breakfast, lunch or even afternoon tea.

3. Angelina

Angelinais an iconic 1903 tearoom on Rue de Rivoli. Be sure to stop by after going to the Louvre for one of their refined pastries and famous hot chocolate.

3rd and 4th arrondissem*nt: The Marais

4. L’As du Fallafel

If you’re surprised to see a falafel spot on a Paris food guide, then you definitely haven’t yet been to L’As du Fallafel.

Thick pitas are filled with crisp, flavourful falafel and topped with all sorts of goodies: the marinated eggplant being my personal favourite.

5. Le Cafe des Musées

Founded in 1924, Le Cafe des Muséesis a time capsule of a 1930s Parisian cafe, with its mosaic, woodwork, and open kitchen. It’s well-known for its bœuf bourguignon served with a pile of creamy mashed potatoes.

5th arrondissem*nt: Latin Quarter

6. La Pie Noir

La Pie Noiris a hidden, local French spot with Breton influences. The razor clams in snail butter are a must-order and the andouillette sausage is a regional, family recipe handed down to the chef.

7. Le Petit Châtelet

Located on a cobbled street by the River Seine, Le Petit Châteletis a great spot for lunch (and a little people-watching) after visiting Notre Dame. Be sure to end your meal with one of their excellent crème brûlées.

6th arrondissem*nt: St. Germain-des-Prés

8. Semilla Paris

Semillaoffers contemporary, bright French cuisine with Mediterranean accents surrounded by exposed brick.

There are a few course options to choose from: the two-course, three-course and recommended five-course tasting menu. Plus, it’s open on Sunday.

9. Cafe de Flore

Cafe de Floreis a storied, corner cafe with a long history of famous patrons, from Ernest Hemingway to Karl Lagerfeld.

10. Michalak

Michalak is a contemporary patisserie serving showstopping, creative treats. Check out the glossy mango filled with soft coconut biscuit, mango guava passion fruit confit, and crispy almond or the play on a classic Paris-Brest with peanut praline mousseline cream. There are three Paris locations.

7th arrondissem*nt: Eiffel Tower

11. La Fontaine de Mars

La Fontaine de Mars, a few steps away from the Eiffel Tower, is an old-world cafe with checkered tablecloths, red leather benches, and retro tiled floors.

The perfect place to enjoy some Paris classics, such as steak frites or escargot, preferably with a large glass of red wine.

8th arrondissem*nt: Champs Elysées

12. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is a famous, somewhat kitschy restaurant that has just one item on the menu: steak frites. A green salad with walnuts is followed by an extra-tender sirloin of beef and its legendary secret sauce, accompanied by thin golden French fries. There are two other locations in Paris–this one is located between the avenue Georges V and the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in the heart of Paris’ Golden Triangle.

9th arrondissem*nt: Opéra/Pigalle

13. Pétrelle

Pétrelleis a small, quaint restaurant with a romantic, candle-lit setting decorated with flea-market pieces. Chef Lucie Boursier-Mougenot and sommelier Luca Danti serve delicate and healthy market-fresh cuisine paired with fantastic wine.

Get the four-course menu with the wine pairing for the full experience.

14. Le Pantruche

Awarded with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award, Le Pantrucheoffers classic French dishes like soufflés and beef in red wine at a reasonable price.

15. Fromagerie Crèmerie Frescolet

This artisan cheese shop in Pigalle is the perfect place to pop into to select cheeses for a picnic. Ask which ones are from the owner’s family farm!

10th arrondissem*nt: Canal Saint-Martin

16. Du Pain et des Idées

This internationally beloved bakery is a must-stop for those looking to experience the best in Parisian bread (and aren’t we all?).

From the hand-painted glass ceiling to their signature Pain des Amis, this place is truly special from your first step into the shop to your first bite.

17. Ten Belles

Ten Bellesis a sustainable sourdough bakery and specialty coffee roaster. There are two other Paris locations as well, but this little corner shop in Canal Saint-Martin is the original location.

18. Viande et Chef

This butcher shopoffers high quality meat with an ethos of respect for animals, breeders and the environment. The shop works directly with small farmers and breeders to source delicacies like lamb from the salt meadows of Mont-Saint-Michel, beef from Aubrac, and Kintoa pigs from the Basque Country.

18th arrondissem*nt: Montmartre

19. Les Choupettes de Chouchou

This store does one thing and does it well: chouquettes (aka choux puffs). The little balls of choux pastry are filled with fresh whipped cream when you order. Chocolate, lemon and coffee flavored whipped creams are available as well!

20. Le Grenier à Pain

Le Grenier à Painis a bakery that has several locations around the outskirts of Paris. Make sure you stop into one of them for the perfect croissant. It’s flaky and crisp, yet soft and chewy. Incredibly buttery, yet not a bit greasy.