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Where to Eat and Drink in Paris

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The French capital is filled with various cuisines, not just French food. This post is a complete guide to some of my favorite spots in the city of light to inspire your next trip to Paris and guide you on where to eat and drink in Paris. Some of these are the best restaurants in Paris, and others are off-the-beaten-path local spots that are the best places I return to year after year.

The below post is broken down into different types of meals and cuisines. Use the headers and skip to whatever is most relevant to your search. There is a Google map below, which you should find helpful when searching for somewhere to eat and drink in Paris based on where you are staying or visiting.

For more helpful tips on Paris. Shop The Paris Guide, a downloadable PDF with where to shop, stay, and explore in the city of light.

Where to Eat and Drink in Paris

Regarding classic French dishes to try on your visit to Paris, boeuf bourguignon (great for the colder months), cassoulet, confit de canard, and even a simple omelet can be so delicious.

To save money, try the lunch menu, which offers more reasonable prices, instead of the dinner menu at my favorite Paris restaurants. Order off the chalkboard menu for the best dishes using local fresh produce and the best ingredients.

The French eat seasonally, so don’t expect to see something out of season on a menu.

Les editeurs cafe on the left bank of Paris where to eat and drink in Paris

Classic Bistros in Paris

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When I think of Paris, the classic bistros are the first thing that comes to mind. Tiled floors, big lights, and tiny banquettes. Just like you would imagine Paris to look like. If you are headed to Paris for the first time, or it has been a while, you might to book one of these favorite spots. I narrowed it down to a top 5 list of my favorite classic bistros.

Chez Fernand is one of my personal favorites with a chalkboard menu, checkered tablecloths, and fresh ingredients. Tell Baptise I sent you.

chez fernand rue christine paris

Pastry Shops and Macarons to Eat in Paris

where to eat macarons in Paris. Pierre HermƩ

If you have a sweet tooth, visit Pierre HermĆ© for the best macarons. Pierre HermĆ© is a fantastic pastry chef. Skip LadurĆ©e in my opinion. I love to take macarons and a coffee to Luxembourg Gardens. It’s one of the most popular places on the Left Bank.

Bontemps PĆ¢tisserie Paris

Bontemps is a gem on Rue de Bretagne serving beautiful cakes and sablĆ© cookies with different fillings. The cookies are delicious and what I usually pick up if I am going to someone’s house for dinner. They are an instant hit.

You can also enjoy the secret garden for tea and cookies.

Stroher Patisserie in Paris

The oldest Patisserie in Paris and is still in business. You will want to stop here for an eclair or Paris Brest. You won’t regret it.

Stohrer patisserie paris

Where to Drink Hot Chocolate in Paris

For hot chocolate, look no further than the classic Angelina cafƩ. It is an excellent spot for the first time in Paris. Kids love the hot chocolate but be warned that it is thicker than the usual hot chocolate you will find in the States. Take a short walk through the Tuileries just across from Angelina if you grab a takeaway treat. You can also enjoy hot chocolate in their dining room.

angelina hot chocolate what to do in Paris when it rains

For a less-known spot for hot chocolate, try Plaq. It’s on a charming side street, and you can try and buy different chocolate bars. It is a bean-to-bar shop in the center of Paris.

My Favorite Lemon Tart in Paris

Lemon tarts are my weakness. I love the lemon tart from SĆ©bastien Gaudard.

My Favorite Croissant in Paris

the best croissant in Paris

In the Marais, grab some buttery pastries at my favorite boulangerie 28 Beaumarchais, and enjoy an early morning stroll in Place des Vosges.

When you ask a Parisian about their favorite croissant in Paris, it is typically their corner boulangerie. They don’t travel too far to get their daily bread and croissants. If you are visiting Paris, you will want to make a journey to try some of the best croissants to eat in Paris.

the best croissant in Paris everyday parisian

Where to Eat Fallafel in Paris?

For another street food option, everyone goes crazy for L’As du Fallafel. When I returned to Paris in the spring, the line was over 50 people long.

I prefer Miznon, which is more of a local spot just across the street. They now have a few locations including one in the 9th arrondissement.

Also, in le Marais on one of the main streets, Au Petit Fer Ć  Cheval has terrific French onion soup. It is a cozy spot that doesn’t have a lot of tables. Chez Janou is always a favorite. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse.

There is a wine bar across the street called La Belle Hortense which is also a bookstore. It is a good place for a French red wine or white wine. Just order off the chalkboard menu for a variety of French wines

P.S. If you loved this post on where to eat and drink, donā€™t miss my top 10 favorite Boutique Hotels in Paris.

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Where to Eat Breakfast in Paris

If I stay in an apartment, I prefer a run to a local boulangerie for a baguette or croissant. You can see my full list of favorite boulangeries here.

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where to eat breakfast in Paris everyday parisian

Breakfast at a local cafĆ© will run you around 10 – 15 euros depending if you stick with the traditional breakfast or add eggs or meat. It is much cheaper than a hotel breakfast, depending on your stay.

Where to Eat Breakfast in Paris

A Typical French Breakfast

Where to eat in breakfast in Paris

The typical Parisian breakfast isn’t much more than a pastry, coffee, or tartine (baguette, butter, and jam). You can find a decent set menu at many of the Parisian cafĆ©s. The breakfasts will include pastry, juice, and coffee. If you want a more extensive breakfast, they will usually offer the same breakfast with eggs or yogurt. 

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Where to eat breakfast in Paris

Where to Eat Breakfast in Paris

Bon Bouquet CafĆ© grab a takeaway coffee here or join the line for one the hottest destinations for brunch right now. Try for a weekday brunch date if your schedule allows it or else you will be waiting a bit on the weekends. The menu will transport you to Bali and won’t be your average French brunch. Avocado toasts, pancakes, and granola all Instagram-friendly and delicious.

Bistro Vivienne I only had drinks here and coffee and croissants. It is an excellent location if you are close to Palais Royal. I love strolling through Gallerie de Vivienne.

Carette – located in Place des Vosges, this is a beautiful tea room/restaurant offering pastries and food. You will want a table on the covered terrace for the best views.

CafĆ© Camille, pictured above, is a spot I have always passed by many times and wanted to try but never did until recently. I stopped here for breakfast on a sunny day in Paris. They were out of croissants, so I had a tartine with jam and butter with a cafĆ© crĆØme. This is a traditional bistro, so there was no craft coffee, just a large cafĆ© Richards cup. Great people watching. You can reserve for dinner, but if you are having breakfast, you can walk up and grab a table.

Holy Belly – Order the Bourbon pancakes. I promise you will thank me. The line on the weekends can be long. Try to visit when they first open or try during the week. 

CafƩ St Regis This is a great place to eat breakfast in Paris. They have incredible waffles, pancakes, and eggs. It is just on the edge of Ʈle St Louis with a great view of Notre Dame.

Le Pain Retrove We discovered this bakery in Paris on our walk to Montmartre. All the girls tried different pastries and were very happy. The brioche I tried was out-of-this-world good.

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Where to Eat Brunch in Paris

Big Love CafĆ© – The pancakes are out-of-this-world good, along with the French toast. There are no reservations. Arrive early, or you might be out of luck. I lived upstairs, so it was easy to put my name in. There are many places to explore in the neighborhood on a Sunday. If there is a wait, they will take your number. 

Dalia – This is a gem of a place, and mostly French people are here. You need to book a reservation as they are usually booked. I had the most fantastic brunch here, and the value was great for what was offered. It’s a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine, so expect pita, hummus, and a variety of meats.

Dersou – There are no reservations for Brunch, so expect a wait. The food is Asian-inspired and not your typical brunch food. Still highly recommended for brunch in Paris.

Holy Belly – Get the Bourbon pancakes. They are worth it! 

Where to Drink Coffee in Paris

where to drink coffee in Paris

Coffee has evolved so much over the last ten years in Paris. You will find traditional coffee at a cafĆ© or restaurant and craft coffee. Craft coffee is popping up everywhere in Paris coffee shops. Some roasters are Paris-based, and some that are from Australia. Both are fabulous; you will have to do your research and explore what you like best. This blog post takes you through the different types of coffee and where to find some of my favorite spots in Paris.

P.S. if you are looking for a cafĆ© au lait or coffee with milk, you can order a cafĆ© crĆØme or latte.

where to drink coffee in Paris

where to drink coffee in Paris

where to drink coffee in paris everyday parisian

For my full list of Where to Drink Coffee In Paris. Check out this Post Here

Where to Eat Lunch in Paris

Bistro Rougement This was a recommendation from Adele and Jules, and we all loved it. The menu was small, and there were a few rotating items from the chef. I had a butternut and pumpkin soup and tuna. It was very reasonably priced and had great quality and portion sizes. I would recommend it and eat here again.

Breizh  for sweet and savory crĆŖpes. There is a new, more prominent location in Odeon with outdoor seating or you can go to the original site in The Marais. Expect a wait on a Sunday for brunch.

Carette – You can dine on the terrace or get sandwiches for takeaway and picnic in The Tuileries or nearby Place des Vosges. 

CafƩ Charlot This is the place to be for Happy Hour any day of the week for great people-watching or on a Sunday for Brunch and beyond. Located in the Marais.

Cafe Mademoiselle This was found on a whim as we had a group of girls and needed to find a table for lunch quickly. They had a table outside on a beautiful Fall day, so we grabbed it. The meal was one of our favorites on the trip. Fresh and delicious, and reasonably priced. They had a good wine selection and the staff was friendly.

Lunch Spots to eat in Paris

CaffĆ© Toscano is an Italian restaurant on a side street in Saint Germain des PrĆØs, and the ingredients were all fresh. I loved my meal, and the prices were affordable. Don’t miss ordering the tiramisu.

Cafe Varenne A classic French bistro on the Left Bank with a chalkboard menu. It is an excellent location for Musee Dā€™Orsay and the Rodin Museum.

Chez Monsieur This was a recommendation by a work colleague a long time ago. We dined here together, and I wanted to go back again. I had my hotel make a reservation for lunch. They can fill up for dinner, so arrange it in advance. It is a classic French bistro. The inside is adorable. I dined outside both times but wouldnā€™t mind a cozy inside table next visit.

Dalia Paris – I had the most incredible lunch at Dalia and won’t stop talking about it as a recommendation. It is Middle Eastern. The flavors were incredible, and I loved my meal so much. My only regret was going solo because I wish I tried more of the menu. I will be back to try more. It is also open for dinner. You will want to make a reservation in advance as they were fully booked when I arrived and I had a reservation.

Daroco – the pasta is handmade and SO good. I had food envy when I saw the pizzas so you can’t go wrong. There is now one in the 16th arrondissement as well. This is a great place to eat lunch in Paris.

Lunch Restaurants in Paris

Hardware SocietĆ© A great option in Montmartre, which can always be a challenge for good food. They don’t take reservations, so plan an off time to visit for breakfast or lunch. 

Le Bimbo This was a standout meal we had in Montmartre. Everyone was happy with their meal and the quality of the food and price was great. This wasnā€™t on the main street but it still had great people watching and good energy. I had the fish and was happy with my meal. I would go back for sure.

Les Editeurs I love the cozy vibe inside on a rainy or cold day. They have jazz here as well. I have had a few meals here over the years, which has always been good.

Miznon is one of my absolute favorites. Itā€™s an Israeli sandwich shop that now has multiple locations. I always get the chicken pita. The tahini and pita are so good. They are known for their roasted cauliflower.

Pizza Chic – It books up quickly; arrive right when it opens to secure a spot. Don’t miss the tiramisu! 

Rotisserie D’Argent – This is a great place for both lunch and dinner. The inside ambiance is a classic French bistro with checkered tablecloths. In the warmer months, you can dine outside with a view of the Seine and Notre Dame which can’t be beaten. Rotisserie D’Argent may be the most delicious oeuf mayonnaise you will have in Paris. Make sure to order a coffee and something sweet at the end of your meal.

Where to eat lunch in Paris cafe varenne

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French Sandwiches to Try

If you want to save money on your trip to Paris, grab a sandwich at a local boulangerie from the case and take it to a nearby park. You can spot the good boulangeries around lunchtime with a long line outside Parisians doing the same thing. A formula, including a sandwich, drink, and dessert, will usually be offered at the boulangerie (bakery). This is the better value. Try a croque monsieur (ham and cheese), jambon-buerre (ham and butter), or saucisson (sausage or salami). There are traditionally pickles on here. For vegetarians, there will be an option of a tomato and mozzarella sandwich. They will typically ask you if you want it hot or cold.

When to Order Dinner in Paris

If you are looking for an excellent French meal, there are some main streets filled with restaurants and bars. You have to weed your way through some of the touristy spots for the best food. Just keep an eye out to see if people are eating or just drinking. That is usually my hint for what to order. These streets include Rue Montorgueil in the second arrondissement rue Cler which is close to the Eiffel Tower and Boulevard Saint Germain. Dinner time in Paris starts around 7:30 and finishes at 10 pm. When booking a reservation, you may be asked to do a first seating at 7:30 or closer to 9 pm. There will be late-night bistros serving food until 11 or midnight. That probably won’t be the best meal but there are places open.

If you are trying to find food late at night, a crĆŖpe stand might be your best bet. Those are all around the city, tucked on side streets and main streets.

Where to Eat Dinner in Paris

Where to eat dinner in Paris

Agata Pizzeria – I discovered this pizza spot around the corner from my hotel last year. It had just opened and I enjoyed dinner with my husband on the outdoor terrace. When I was back in Paris in October, I was looking for a dinner spot and I was craving pizza this spot still lived up to my memories of great pizza. There is great people watching from the terrace and the inside is a cozy spot on cold or rainy evenings.

Bistro Paul Bert – Classic French and so good. A must-visit if you have the chance. Order off of the chalkboard menu, and don’t miss out on the cheese plate at the end of the meal. 

Blueberry Sushi – You may not think to have sushi in Paris, but it is refreshing after a lot of heavier French food. I had the most fantastic meal at Blueberry sushi and can’t wait to return.

Chez Georges – Located just behind Palais Royal, this old-fashioned classic bistro will have you feel like you stepped back into time. Steak frites is my go to order along with a glass of wine. Make sure to book this well in advance as it fills up quickly.

Dinner Restaurants in Pairs

Le ColimaƧon is a classic French restaurant in the heart of the Marais on my favorite street. There is a chalkboard menu with so many choices. I had the duck that was made with roasted pears and it was delicious!

Cafe de Mars. We had a lovely dinner here while staying at the Paris Perfect apartment. They have a chalkboard menu and rotating specials, along with a great wine list too. CafĆ© de Mars is very lively and vibrant. We had a late dinner and were one of the last to leave.

Casa Tua – An elevated Italian restaurant in the JK Paris hotel. You will feel like you stepped off a plane and landed in Italy for an evening. Romantic and intimate for a celebration dinner.

Chez AndrĆ©, This is my go-to spot close to the Champs-ƉlysĆ©e. I love the ambiance inside, it is romantic and old Paris. I could easily escape a cold winter day or a rainy afternoon here. In the warmer months, you can sit outside with a glass of rosĆ©, and people watch. 

Other Spots to Eat Dinner in Paris

Chez Fernand Rue Christine This is where we had our welcome dinner with 24 girls we had a great meal and the staff was excellent. I would recommend it and return for another classic French meal. This is one of my favorites and every meal is delicious and memorable. Expect to sit close to your neighbors and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Order off the chalkboard menu and tell Baptise I sent you.

Fountaine de Mars, is a classic French bistro that is on the must-visit list for a reason. This is a spot you want to book when you are close to the Eiffel Tower or plan on being in the area.

Where to Eat Dinner in Paris

JM Table I had lunch here when staying at Saint James, and it was a suggestion from the concierge. It was a cute and quiet place inside, not your typical French spot. The menu was small and rotated often. I dined on the later side of a Thursday and some of the menu items were finished for the day. I ended up having bucatini and octopus, which was delicious. The servings werenā€™t huge but flavorful and fresh.

Kunitoraya – This is in the First Arrondissement. They have great Udon, perfect for cold winter or rainy days. I love going here on a Sunday. There is typically a line but it moves pretty quickly.

L’Avant Comptoir – Standing room only, but it is worth it. The menu hangs from the ceiling, be adventurous and try something new! I always have a great time here.

Le Comptoir – The original restaurant where L’avant Comptoir was based. The menu can be similar. I have had the same dish in both places. For this one, you will sit and eat. No reservations are taken, so arrive right when the restaurant opens. 

Dinner in Paris

Le Relais de l’Entrecote – They only serve Steak FrĆ®tes and they do it so well. You will have to order your steak how you like it, and they take care of the rest. I have never had a bad meal here. There are no reservations, so expect to wait in line outside. 

Mad Men, This was a recommendation by Pavillon des Lettres. It is a relatively new spot. I had a pizza and salad to share, and the portions were lovely and the price was very reasonable, including a glass of wine. This is also a great spot for after-work drinks or a late cocktail.

Where to Eat Dinner in Paris

Maria by CĆ©sar This is located on Rue Montorgueil, a lively street on the Right Bank. There are tables outside and inside. If you can grab a table outside, the people-watching is fun. Inside is dark, and there is music which is a bit different atmosphere. I went with some friends last October, and we snagged a table inside without reservation. You can walk up, but you may have to wait a bit depending on the time of day.

Marco Polo – I have passed this restaurant so many times close to OdĆ©on but have never dined her until recently. There is outdoor seating and also an intimate indoor option as well. I had lunch here with my fiancĆ© and my friend Katie. We had a lovely Italian meal. We were perfectly tucked away enough to experience the hustle and bustle and enjoy each other’s conversations. It felt like we escaped to Italy for an afternoon.

Best Paris Restaurants for Dinner

Big Mamma Group. If you are craving Italian, which is pretty much me all the time. Check out the multiple restaurants by the Big Mamma Group. They are all over the city. Try the truffle pasta, and the pizzas are great too. They donā€™t take reservations, so arrive early. I recently ate here with 15 minutes to close, and there was still a wait. It is worth it!

Relais Entrecote Classic French. There are only steak frites on the menu. The girls requested steak frites and I knew this was the spot to go and we were close by. It was a great meal and we got a table outside with no wait. They typically have a wait for lunch and dinner. When we left, there was a line for lunch. I donā€™t think they take reservations.

Semilla – I have eaten here twice and loved it. The fish dishes were better than the meat in my opinion. A great meal and highly recommended. 

Verjus – Verjus just recently reopened after being closed during the pandemic. It is a tasting menu that is around 98 euros and wine pairings are additional. They source ingredients from their farm an hour outside of Paris. It is worth trying for a reservation and a meal you will remember.

You can download this map and save it to your phone for your next trip to Paris.

where to eat and drink in paris france by everyday parisian

I would love to know your favorite spots in Paris. Comment below and share! 

You can access this map on Where to Eat and Drink in Paris on your desktop or mobile by clicking this link. This will help in planning as you navigate where you are staying and explore any day in Paris.

Left Bank Paris Classic CafƩs and Restaurants

paris left bank classics everyday parisian

I love a classic cafĆ© for people-watching. Great spots for this in Paris in Saint Germain include Les Deux magots and CafĆ© des Flores on the Left Bank of Paris. These are some of the most famous spots in Paris. There are usually long lines to get in on weekends and peak times. For the best steak frites, if you are only going to do it once, go to Le Relais De L’EntrecĆ“te. They only have steak frites on the menu and a salad with walnuts and mustard vinaigrette. They will write your order on your paper tablecloth. This is a classic Parisian restaurant, but it isn’t cheap so you may want to save this for a special occasion. For dessert, the chocolate profiteroles are insanely good.

For a fun place on the Left Bank that won’t break the bank, visit L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre. It is a popular place which you may find a long line. It is worth the wait and has standing room only! Order a glass of wine and a few dishes. The menu hangs from the ceiling and is filled with small plates. Get the blood sausage macaron, foie gras, and beef carpaccio. It is one of my favorite restaurants I always bring friends to for a good time. I have also been here solo, and I always strike up a conversation with neighbors. It is a lovely spot just by the Odeon metro.

This post does include affiliate links that help contribute to my coffee and croissant research. Merci!

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  1. I would add Taiwanese restaurant called : chez ajia . It is located in the 4th. Waiters are very polite, nice and can speak English, Chinese and French. Food is somehow amazing !

  2. Fabulous and so well described. You are so good at this providing such great info. Thank you and have fun and be safe.

  3. Dinner i love Chez Francoise, great french food, for great italian food go to East Mama, bars and cocktails, the Le Festin Nu, and the L’Alibi. There is a great little piano bar near St Michel on Rue Huchette, tourist area, but great vibe in this piano bar very good singers and drinks and food.

    • Hi Michael,

      Thank you so much for the great tips. I would love to check out the piano bar. Is it the one that is in LA LA Land?

  4. CafƩ St Regis is my #1 go-to. Especially great for breakfast after arriving (as you mention above).
    But lunch and dinner are also great there, as are late-night cocktails. I always try to stay in that area of Paris so that it’s no too far to get there šŸ™‚ They have a great Instagram account as well!
    – Tony

  5. My daughter is a vegetarian, so we went to Le Potager du Marais (hotel recommendation), and really enjoyed it.

    Les Papilles (Latin Quarter, I think) is a delicious adventure, because you eat what theyā€™re serving that evening.

    Both need reservations – worth it! Both are very popular.

  6. My son just bought the photo at the top of this page of Brasserie de l’Isle Saint Louis from Pottery Barn, for his apartment. He didn’t even realize that we sat there and had lunch on our last visit. He just loved the picture.

    • Thank you so much for the support, Ellen! I hope he loves the print and it brings great memories! xo

  7. Your blog was so helpful for our trip to Paris last May. We absolutely loved Chez Janou in le Marais. Lively, welcoming staff, and delicious dishes! Next door to Shakespeare & Co. is Le Petit Chatelet – we paused for lunch there – the Coquille St. Jacques and profiteroles were excellent.

    • Hi Lori,

      Thank you so much! I am so happy you tried Chez Janou. It is just the cutest and I agree the staff is fabulous. I have never tried the cafƩ next to Shakespeare and Co, I will try to check it out next time. There is a greek spot I love not too far from there that I love.

      Keep in touch! xo
      Rebecca

  8. Love the article Rebecca great recommendations!!! Love all your posts and articles merci enjoy your trip in paris bon voyage

  9. These are all my favorite spots from my visit this past week. I am an event planner and spend a lot of time researching restaurants and all of your spots that i tried did not disappoint. But I have a few to add. OI loved Holy Belly 5 and Big Love but want to add Marcelle to that for a lite bite in the morning. Great coffee and pastries and lite breakfast items and adorable decor. Another great breakfast spot is Angelina.

    I loved Cafe Charlot for brunch on Sunday and Frenchie Wine Bar for dinner. They have an amazing menu, fabulous wine list and play awesome tunes in a cozy little spot with an open kitchen. Absolutely one of my favorite spots in Paris.
    I also fell in love with Margherita. The salads, pizza and pasta are amazing as well as friendly service…but this venue is deceivingly large. Multiple levels and lots of cool private event areas!

    3 fab dinners were at Kong (spectacular venue and decor by Philippe Starck), Chez Georges at the Pompidou center (awesome views of the city and delicious modern french cuisine)

    Lastly, for a classic brasserie experience at Le Grand Colbert was fantastic!

    • Thank you, Danielle, for all your great feedback! It sounds like you ate well and experienced Paris to the fullest. I really appreciate you sharing all of your great discoveries with me.

      xo

  10. At the top of saint Paul metro on Rue saint Antoine. Chimieres it’s a bistro. Always has loads of French eating there has a great atmosphere inside and we always enjoy the food and keep going back.

  11. Ellsworth is fab for dinner and even better for weekend brunch. The chicken is available at brunch, so you donā€™t have to feel like youā€™re missing out by not doing dinner.