My Favorite Places to Eat and Drink in Paris
Paris is the City of Light—and countless food and wine options. It feels like there are wine bars, bistros, boulangeries, and pâtisseries packed onto every street across its 20 arrondissements. Which “touristy” spots are worth the hype? How do you find authentic hidden gems? It can be overwhelming!
While I’m certainly no expert on Paris and haven’t explored every corner, I have tasted my way through many menus. After typing out my Paris recommendations a few times for friends, it was time to document my favorites in one central location. This list isn’t about experiencing Paris as a local—I’m not a local and I’m a firm believer that some attractions are famous for good reasons. It’s a mix of popular, must-do spots and lesser-known, authentic places that I’ve discovered and enjoyed.
But before I share my favorites with you, here are a few general Paris tips:
See the Eiffel Tower at night. It sparkles for five minutes at the top of every hour.
Say “bonjour” early and “s'il vous plaît” and “merci” often.
It’s ok if you can’t figure out the Metro’s ticket machine. Go to the station attendant and ask for a carnet. This is a pack of 10 tickets for €16,90.
Reserve an afternoon for shopping and flâner, the Parisian art of strolling.
Shamelessly eat all of the croissants, take all of the photos, and marvel at all of the beauty!
Bistrot Paul Bert: A Parisian Classic
Where to Drink Wine
Le vin
Willi’s Wine Bar (1st arr.): Widely regarded to be the city’s first wine bar, Willi’s has been open for over 40 years and still offers a fantastic wine list and convivial atmosphere in the heart of Paris. Enjoy a glass of wine and then cross Rue de Beaujolais to enter into the Jardin du Palais-Royal and Colonnes de Buren.
Le Comptoir de les Caves Legrand (2nd arr.): Located just across the street from Willi’s (despite the different arrondissements), this wine mecca does triple duty as a shop, bar, and restaurant. Bask in the iconic glow of Galerie Vivienne and indulge in a luxe glass of Krug Champagne. You won’t regret it!
Assemblages (4th arr.): If you plan to visit Place des Vosges, which you should, put Assemblages on your to-do list. This cozy spot has an extensive by-the-glass program serviced by Coravin—perfect for a solo traveler with a curious palate! Be sure to dip downstairs to check out their subterranean cave.
Sauvage (6th arr.): My first Parisian love, Sauvage. It has changed locations since my first visit, but the original spirit remains. (Not hard when you’re simply moving across the street.) The friendly staff is happy to chat about your tastes and help you discover new wines. I recommend sipping a glass there and buying a bottle for later.
L’Extra Brut (9th arr.): Champagne lovers, this is the wine bar for you! L’Extra Brut features a wide array of fantastic Champagnes for sipping and shopping. Be sure to contact them in advance to set up a tasting with one of their knowledgable staff members. They will share the ins-and-outs of Champagne’s terroir and grapes.
La Cave du Paul Bert (11th arr.): Next door to the famed restaurant by the same name, La Cave du Paul Bert is not just for pre-dinner drinks—it’s worthy of its own spot on your agenda. They have an exciting selection of natural wine and a variety of delicious snacks. Spend an entire evening sipping and chatting at one of the sidewalk tables.
Where to Eat
Le déjeuner
Monbleu (3rd arr. & 9th arr.): Monbleu puts the spotlight on cheese in every dish they create—yes, even dessert. In fact, dessert was my favorite course at this decadent cheese-forward restaurant! I recommend the gâteau au chocolat with aged Gouda paired with a glass of sweet Côteaux-du-Layon wine. Next time I’m in Paris you’ll find me here for brunch.
L’As du Fallafel (3rd arr.): If you forget everything else, please remember one thing: falafel. Yes, there will be a line at this Marais hotspot. Yes, the ordering process is a little confusing. But I need you to persevere and get the falafel. When it’s your turn, belly up to the window and marvel at the falafel slingers filling pitas with crispy chickpea patties and fresh, crunchy toppings. Then stand in the street and dig in!
Le Used Book Café (3rd arr.): Le Used Book Café is a moody joint featuring coffee, brunch, and lunch. Its floor-to-ceiling bookcases camouflage the hip Merci concept shop on Boulevard Beaumarchais, one of my favorite shopping streets in Paris. Enjoy a latte and then walk to the back to enter Merci, which is shockingly large for a store tucked behind a café. As their website says, the store is "a surprising concept in a surprising place."
Café de Flore (6th arr.): Café de Flore is a bonafide classic that has hosted celebrities, artists, writers, philosophers, and of course, many tourists. Yes, this is a very popular spot. But I would argue it is popular because it is good—and beautiful. Who can resist lush, cascading flowers outside of a Parisian café? Not me. Don’t worry about being basic—order a croque monsieur and enjoy.
Laudurée Paris - The Bar (8th arr.): So, you want a bougie Champs-Élysées experience without dropping four figures on a designer handbag? Check out The Bar at Laudurée. Located just through their retail space, you can grab a light bite, a cup of tea, or a cocktail at this fashionable spot—without decimating your checking account.
Maison Landemaine (multiple locations): Maison Landemaine is a boulanger and pâtisser making fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches, and quiches throughout the city. There are proper baguettes on every street—this is Paris after all. But Landemaine’s cheery shops and chewy breads have my heart. I recommend picking up a sandwich at the Beaumarchais location and then finding a bench in Place des Vosges.
Café de Flore: Another Parisian classic
Le dîner
Capitaine (4th arr.): Restaurant Capitaine is a chic spot tucked away on a nondescript cul-de-sac between Place des Vosges and Place de la Bastille. This is the place to visit if you want a hip atmosphere and refined bistro food with a twist. And it’s vegetarian friendly! I recommend enjoying a glass of wine at nearby Assemblages and then continuing the evening with dinner at Capitaine.
Semilla (6th arr.): Semilla is another vegetarian-friendly restaurant with fresh, innovative dishes. Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, they offer refined bistro fare and trendy wines against an industrial, open kitchen backdrop. To experience the relaxed elegance of the Right Bank, make a reservation at Semilla or its neighboring sister restaurant, Fish (La Boissonnerie).
Brasserie L’Atlas (6th arr.): L’Atlas is a bustling brasserie on a busy pedestrian street between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. The menu features all of the usual brasserie dishes, plus an expanded variety of oysters, shellfish, and overflowing mixed seafood platters. This is the place to visit for a typical Parisian outdoor dining experience complete with wicker chairs and glasses of rosé.
Les Ombres (7th arr.): All this talk about Paris and not a single view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s time to fix that! On the roof terrace of Le Musée du Quai Branly, Les Ombres is a fancy restaurant with stunning views of the Iron Lady. Sure, you could dine at Le Jules Verne inside the Eiffel Tower, but then you can’t see it! My two favorite places to experience the Eiffel Tower are Les Ombres and Place du Trocadéro.
Double Dragon (11th arr.): Two words: Comté bao. Double Dragon serves up a variety of Asian dishes with French flair. In addition to deep-fried buns of cheesy joy, I ordered crispy rice with a heaping pile of fresh herbs and a glass of funky Côtes de Gascogne. You can find this very cool restaurant in Popincourt and be sure to go early for a table—they don’t take reservations and it fills up fast.
Bistrot Paul Bert (11th arr.): When you imagine a French bistro, do you picture tile floors, chalkboard menus, and plates adorned with the bistro’s name? Of course, we all do. Bistrot Paul Bert is the timeless Parisian bistro of your dreams. Patricia Wells once wrote, “[this] quintessential Parisian bistrot remains completely authentic and honest despite its wild popularity.” And I can’t think of a better way to put it.
Les pâtisseries
Pierre Hermé (multiple locations): Pierre Hermé is hands-down my favorite pâtisserie. In addition to the classic macaron flavors, Pierre Hermé offers exotic choices like grapefruit, iris, and even foie gras. As an adventurous taster, I love to visit Pierre Hermé to try exciting flavors packed into little macarons.
Laudurée (multiple locations): Don’t take my word for it—sample macarons from both Pierre Hermé and Laudurée and decide which you like best! While I prefer the uniqueness of Pierre Hermé, I’ll admit that Laudurée’s Champs-Élysées location is a complete experience.
Carette (multiple locations): Carette has a few locations around the city, including Place des Vosges and Trocadéro. In addition to macarons and pastries, they make generous club sandwiches and salads. Carette is a nice option for a fresh lunch or a sweet pick-me-up.
Yann Couvreur Pâtisserie (multiple locations): Yann Couvreuer is known for the little fox mascot adorning its cakes and pastries. My favorite location is in Le Marais on Rue des Rosiers across from L’As du Fallafel. Enjoy falafel and a sweet bite, then walk over to Rue des Francs Bourgeois, another one of my favorite shopping streets in Paris.
