Paris may be known for its haute cuisine and Michelin-starred establishments, but the heart of the city's food scene beats in its casual restaurants. These relaxed eateries offer a genuine taste of Parisian life, where locals gather to enjoy exceptional food without the formality or hefty price tags. From bustling bistros serving perfect steak-frites to cozy neo-cafés reinventing traditional dishes, casual dining in Paris strikes that perfect balance between quality and comfort. The beauty of these establishments lies in their accessibility—you can drop in wearing jeans and a t-shirt yet still experience the culinary magic that makes Paris a global food capital. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch between sightseeing stops or a laid-back dinner with friends, these unpretentious spots deliver authentic flavors that will stay with you long after your vacation ends.
Places listed in this article :
Cali Sisters
A sunny slice of California living in the heart of Paris, where fresh West Coast cuisine meets Parisian chic.
Tucked away in the bustling 2nd arrondissement, Cali Sisters brings the laid-back sunshine of Los Angeles to Paris. This bright, airy restaurant captures the essence of California dining culture with its plant-filled interior and natural light flooding through large windows. Founded by two sisters with a passion for fresh, healthy cuisine, this spot has quickly become a favorite among locals seeking a break from traditional French fare. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and sophisticated dining without trying too hard, making it an ideal place to recharge during a day of exploring the city.
- The vibe: Light-filled and relaxed with a design that blends bohemian touches and sleek minimalism. The crowd is a mix of young professionals, fashion industry insiders, and in-the-know tourists seeking healthier options.
- The food: California-inspired cuisine focusing on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with plenty of vegetable-forward dishes. The menu changes seasonally and features creative salads, grain bowls, and Pacific-influenced proteins with a subtle French touch.
- Must-try: Avocado toast elevated with house-pickled radishes and French herbs; Pacific-style fish tacos with cabbage slaw and chipotle aioli; their signature Buddha bowl with quinoa, roasted seasonal vegetables and miso dressing.
- Insider Tips: Ask for a seat by the window for prime people-watching. Their weekend brunch gets packed quickly, so arrive before 11am to avoid waiting. The homemade kombucha flavors change weekly – ask your server for the latest special brew.
- Price: €€
- Rating: 4.5/5 (2846 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 17 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 75002 Paris
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Clamato
A seafood-focused small plates haven where maritime flavors shine in a relaxed, no-reservations setting.
The sister restaurant to the famed Septime, Clamato offers a more accessible way to experience the culinary vision of chef Bertrand Grébaut. This intimate space in the vibrant 11th arrondissement specializes in fresh seafood and natural wines, served in a convivial setting that encourages sharing and conversation. The restaurant's rustic-modern interior, with its wooden counters and cozy tables, creates a backdrop for a meal that feels both special and casual. What sets Clamato apart is its commitment to showcasing the pure flavors of the ocean with minimal intervention – just the freshest catch prepared with respect and imagination. The no-reservations policy adds to its charm, creating a dynamic atmosphere where neighbors might chat across tables.
- The vibe: Buzzy and convivial with a maritime feel enhanced by simple wooden furnishings and blue accents. The crowd skews young and fashionable, with a mix of neighborhood regulars and food enthusiasts drawn by the restaurant's reputation.
- The food: Seafood-focused small plates that highlight the quality of raw materials. The menu changes daily based on the best catch and seasonal produce, with influences spanning from French coastal traditions to Japanese simplicity.
- Must-try: Oysters with mignonette sauce; raw scallop carpaccio with citrus and herbs; smoked eel with horseradish cream on warm potato; grilled octopus with chimichurri.
- Insider Tips: Visit on weekdays around 7pm to minimize wait times, or be prepared to leave your name and enjoy a glass of wine at a nearby bar while waiting for a table. The corner seats at the bar offer the best view of the open kitchen and the lively action.
- Price: €€€
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1373 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
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Créatures
A seasonal rooftop restaurant atop Galeries Lafayette offering vegetable-forward cuisine with spectacular views of the Paris skyline.
Perched on the rooftop of the iconic Galeries Lafayette department store, Créatures combines two Parisian pleasures: spectacular views and thoughtful cuisine. This airy, plant-filled space creates an unexpected urban garden escape above the bustling shopping district. Unlike many rooftop venues that prioritize drinks over food, Créatures takes its culinary offerings seriously with a vegetable-focused menu that changes with the seasons. What makes this spot truly special is how it transforms what could be a tourist trap (given its location) into a genuine culinary destination with integrity. The contrast between the historic Haussmannian buildings surrounding you and the fresh, contemporary approach to the food creates a uniquely Parisian experience that bridges traditional and modern aspects of the city.
- The vibe: Bright and botanical with a greenhouse-like atmosphere thanks to abundant potted plants and natural materials. The crowd is diverse – shoppers taking a stylish break, tourists who've discovered more than just the view, and locals meeting for casual meals in an extraordinary setting.
- The food: Vegetable-forward cuisine with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Executive Chef Julien Sebbag creates imaginative plant-based dishes that celebrate seasonal produce. The cocktail program emphasizes fresh herbs and botanical elements that complement the garden setting.
- Must-try: Roasted cauliflower with tahini, pomegranate, and fresh herbs; heirloom tomato tart with whipped feta; grilled halloumi with seasonal fruit and honey; refreshing cucumber gazpacho with mint oil.
- Insider Tips: Visit on weekday mornings for the most peaceful experience and unobstructed photos of the Opera Garnier and Eiffel Tower. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so arrive before noon or after 2:30pm to avoid the longest waits. Ask for a seat along the western edge for the best view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Price: €€€€
- Rating: 3.5/5 (795 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 25 Rue de la Chau. d'Antin, 75009 Paris
Hono Izakaya
An authentic Japanese tavern bringing the lively izakaya experience to Paris with robata-grilled specialties and sake in a convivial setting.
Hidden away in the vibrant 10th arrondissement, Hono Izakaya offers Parisians a genuine taste of Japan's after-work dining culture. As you step inside, the warm glow of the robata grill becomes the focal point of the space, where chefs skillfully prepare skewers over binchōtan charcoal. The restaurant's thoughtful design balances traditional Japanese elements with contemporary touches – think natural woods, indigo fabrics, and subtle lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere without feeling dark. What makes Hono special is how it captures the true spirit of an izakaya – a place where food and drink are given equal importance and the communal dining experience encourages conversation and conviviality. The staff's infectious enthusiasm for introducing guests to new flavors adds another layer to the experience.
- The vibe: Lively and convivial with a buzzing energy that increases as the evening progresses. The space is cozy without feeling cramped, with counter seating around the grill for solo diners and small tables for groups. The crowd is diverse and food-focused – Japanese expats seeking a taste of home, local foodies, and curious travelers looking beyond French cuisine.
- The food: Authentic Japanese izakaya fare centered around robata-grilled skewers and small plates designed for sharing. The menu spans yakitori (chicken skewers), seasonal vegetables, and seafood specialties, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail. An impressive sake selection complements the food perfectly, with helpful tasting notes for newcomers.
- Must-try: Chicken tsukune (meatballs) with soft egg yolk for dipping; miso-marinated black cod; seasonal vegetable tempura with matcha salt; homemade silken tofu with ginger and scallions.
- Insider Tips: Reserve seats at the counter for the best view of the chefs working the robata grill. Order the omakase (chef's choice) option if you're feeling adventurous – you'll often receive special items not on the regular menu. Visit on Tuesdays when they receive their fresh fish delivery and often feature special sashimi options.
- Rating: 4.5/5 (30 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 70 Rue de Dunkerque, 75009 Paris
Le Georges
A contemporary restaurant crowning the Centre Pompidou where avant-garde design meets panoramic views and stylish French cuisine.
Sitting atop the Centre Pompidou like a glass cube in the sky, Le Georges offers one of the most distinctive dining experiences in Paris. The restaurant's ultra-modern design by Jakob+MacFarlane, with its futuristic white pods and sleek surfaces, creates a striking contrast with the historic cityscape spread out below. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of Paris landmarks from Sacré-Cœur to Notre-Dame, making the setting as much of a draw as the food itself. What makes Le Georges special is how it brings together art, architecture, and cuisine in a way that feels quintessentially Parisian yet completely unique. While it certainly attracts tourists, the restaurant maintains its status as a genuine local hotspot for business lunches and fashion industry gatherings.
- The vibe: Sleek and dramatic with a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. The crowd is cosmopolitan and style-conscious – a mix of art world professionals, fashion insiders, and visitors willing to splurge for the exceptional location. By day it's bright and energetic; by night it transforms into a glamorous, softly lit space.
- The food: Contemporary French cuisine with Asian influences. The menu balances crowd-pleasing classics with more creative options, all presented with artistic flair that matches the museum setting. The cocktail selection is equally impressive, featuring both perfectly executed standards and innovative creations.
- Must-try: Tuna tartare with avocado and citrus; truffle risotto with aged Parmesan; roasted sea bass with Mediterranean vegetables; their famous chocolate sphere dessert with hot chocolate sauce.
- Insider Tips: Come for a late lunch around 2:30pm when the crowds thin out but the light is still perfect for photos. Request a table by the western windows for Eiffel Tower views. The restaurant stays open between lunch and dinner service – ideal for a mid-afternoon glass of champagne when most Paris restaurants are closed.
- Price: €€€
- Rating: 3.9/5 (7234 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: du Centre Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris
Le Perchoir
A rooftop oasis offering breathtaking Parisian panoramas alongside casual Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and crafted cocktails.
Perched atop a nondescript building in the 11th arrondissement, Le Perchoir revolutionized Paris's rooftop scene when it opened. This hidden gem requires knowing exactly where to go – through an unmarked door and up a freight elevator – adding to the thrill of discovery. Once you emerge onto the sprawling rooftop, you're rewarded with 360-degree views of Paris that make even locals catch their breath. The space brilliantly balances urban chic with casual comfort – think wooden decking, lush plants, and comfortable seating areas. What makes Le Perchoir special isn't just the views, but how it creates a relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere in the middle of the city, where time seems to slow down whether you're there for sunset cocktails or a full dinner.
- The vibe: Laid-back yet sophisticated with a holiday-like atmosphere. Wooden furnishings, potted plants, and string lights create a beach club feel high above the city. The crowd is stylish but not pretentious – a mix of young professionals, couples on dates, and groups of friends soaking in the views.
- The food: Mediterranean-influenced casual fare designed for sharing. The kitchen focuses on seasonal products with dishes that complement the rooftop setting – fresh, flavorful, and unfussy. The cocktail program is equally thoughtful, featuring house creations with French spirits and seasonal ingredients.
- Must-try: Mezze platter with homemade dips and fresh pita; grilled prawns with garlic and herbs; seasonal vegetable tarts; their signature spicy margarita with house-infused pepper tequila.
- Insider Tips: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot – the wait can be long but it's worth it. During busy summer evenings, head directly to the bar on the right when you enter to order drinks, then explore the space while waiting for a table.
- Price: €€€
- Rating: 4.1/5 (3115 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris
MŪN/Mun
An elegant yet approachable Korean-inspired restaurant bringing sophisticated Asian flavors to the Golden Triangle.
MŪN has quickly established itself as a standout in Paris's competitive dining scene, offering a fresh take on Korean cuisine in the upscale 8th arrondissement. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between fine dining precision and casual accessibility, with a sleek, minimalist interior that creates a serene backdrop for the vibrant food. Chef Julien Tchang draws on his Korean heritage and French culinary training to create dishes that are at once familiar and surprising. What makes MŪN special is how it introduces diners to authentic Korean flavors through a contemporary, refined lens without losing the convivial spirit that makes Korean dining so enjoyable. The thoughtful service adds to the experience, with staff happy to guide newcomers through the menu.
- The vibe: Modern and elegant with clean lines, natural materials, and subtle lighting. The atmosphere is sophisticated but welcoming, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd of fashion industry professionals, Asian food enthusiasts, and those looking for something different in the traditionally French-focused neighborhood.
- The food: Contemporary Korean cuisine with French techniques and presentation. The menu features traditional Korean flavors and ingredients reimagined through modern cooking methods, with attention to texture and visual appeal. An impressive selection of natural wines and Korean spirits complements the food perfectly.
- Must-try: Bulgogi-style beef tartare with pear and sesame; black cod marinated in doenjang (fermented soybean paste); bibimbap with seasonal vegetables and a slow-cooked egg; homemade hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes) for dessert.
- Insider Tips: Request the corner table near the window for a more intimate experience. The chef occasionally offers off-menu specials inspired by his grandmother's recipes – ask your server what's available. For the full experience, try the Korean drinks pairing option instead of wine.
- Price: €€€€
- Rating: 3.9/5 (1906 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 52 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Riviera Fuga
A chic Mediterranean escape near the Eiffel Tower offering coastal Italian cuisine in a stylish, sun-drenched setting.
Riviera Fuga brings the relaxed glamour of the Italian coastline to Paris's refined 7th arrondissement. Located just a short stroll from the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant creates a convincing Mediterranean holiday atmosphere that feels worlds away from the Parisian hustle. The interior design plays a crucial role in this transportation, with its azure blue accents, warm woods, and abundant natural light filtering through large windows. What makes Riviera Fuga stand out in Paris's competitive restaurant scene is its commitment to authentic Italian coastal cuisine without falling into clichés. The restaurant manages to be sophisticated without pretension, creating a space where both special occasions and casual lunches feel equally appropriate.
- The vibe: Airy and elegant with a coastal aesthetic that combines refined touches with relaxed comfort. The crowd is well-heeled but unpretentious – a mix of locals from the upscale neighborhood, visitors looking for quality dining near major landmarks, and Italian food lovers seeking authenticity.
- The food: Coastal Italian cuisine focusing on seafood and seasonal ingredients. The menu draws inspiration primarily from Liguria and the Amalfi Coast, with house-made pastas, fresh fish, and Mediterranean vegetables prepared with respect for tradition but presented with contemporary flair.
- Must-try: Trofie pasta with traditional Ligurian pesto; salt-crusted whole sea bass for two; fritto misto of seasonal seafood and vegetables; classic tiramisu with a modern presentation.
- Insider Tips: Request a table in the glass-enclosed section for the most light-filled experience. Their aperitivo hour (5-7pm) is one of the neighborhood's best-kept secrets, with complimentary small bites served with cocktail orders. The sommelier has an exceptional knowledge of small Italian producers – ask for unexpected wine pairings.
- Rating: 4.8/5 (4939 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 10 Port des Invalides, 75007 Paris
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Septime
A temple of modern French gastronomy where casual elegance meets culinary genius in the trendy 11th arrondissement.
Septime has maintained its status as one of Paris's most sought-after reservations since opening, and with good reason. Chef Bertrand Grébaut's restaurant strikes a careful balance between high-end cuisine and relaxed dining. The industrial-chic space with its wooden tables and open kitchen creates an unpretentious atmosphere that belies the exceptional food being served. What makes Septime truly special is its commitment to sustainable sourcing and a constantly evolving menu that follows the seasons with remarkable creativity and precision. Despite earning a Michelin star, there's nothing stuffy about dining here – it's fine dining reimagined for a new generation that values substance over formality.
- The vibe: Effortlessly cool and understated with a warm, convivial atmosphere. The space features natural materials, minimalist decor, and a diverse crowd of food lovers ranging from local creatives to international visitors who planned their Paris trip around securing a table.
- The food: Contemporary French cuisine with a focus on seasonal produce and sustainable practices. Chef Grébaut creates dishes that highlight the natural flavors of impeccably sourced ingredients with unexpected combinations and techniques that surprise without being showy.
- Must-try: Roasted celeriac with black truffle and hazelnut; line-caught fish with vibrant seasonal vegetables and herb emulsions; their legendary chocolate dessert with olive oil and sea salt.
- Insider Tips: Reservations open exactly three weeks in advance at 10am Paris time and disappear within minutes. If you can't secure a dinner spot, try lunch which is slightly easier to book. For a more spontaneous visit, arrive at opening time and ask about their two bar seats that are kept for walk-ins.
- Price: €€€
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1298 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
Buvette Scott
A charming Franco-American bistro that perfectly captures Parisian café culture with a New York twist in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
Buvette Scott brings together the best of both worlds: Parisian café tradition and New York's casual sophistication. This intimate space in the 2nd arrondissement has mastered the art of making guests feel like they've discovered a hidden neighborhood gem. The vintage-inspired interior, with its marble countertops, antique mirrors, and classic bistro chairs, creates an atmosphere that feels timeless yet current. What sets Buvette apart is its attention to the small details – from the carefully curated music to the perfectly worn-in leather banquettes that invite lingering. The all-day concept is particularly appealing, offering a true sanctuary where you can start with morning coffee, return for a light lunch, or settle in for evening wine and shared plates, experiencing different facets of Parisian life in one charming setting.
- The vibe: Cozy and convivial with a nostalgic bistro atmosphere. The space is intimate, encouraging conversation among strangers seated at close tables. The crowd is diverse and international – French locals who appreciate the quality, expats who feel at home, and visitors who feel they've found the real Paris.
- The food: Franco-American bistro fare focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients prepared with care. The menu features classic French dishes with subtle American influences, along with excellent charcuterie, cheeses, and a thoughtfully selected wine list focusing on small producers.
- Must-try: Croque forestier with wild mushrooms and gruyère; coq au vin served in a miniature cocotte; tarte tatin with a perfectly buttery crust; house-made ricotta with honey, thyme and walnuts on toast.
- Insider Tips: The bar seats offer the best view of the action and are ideal for solo diners. Come around 4pm to experience the peaceful lull between lunch and dinner when you can chat with the staff and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Their off-menu hot chocolate is one of the best in Paris – rich and not too sweet.
- Price: €€
- Rating: 4.8/5 (746 reviews on Google Maps)
At Kollection, we pride ourselves on curating trustworthy, local-approved recommendations crafted by Parisians born and raised in the city. Unlike traditional guides, our team of experts scours a robust database of over 16,000 establishments in Paris, blending data from renowned sources like Michelin, Google Maps, Le Fooding, Thefork, The World 50best with the buzz of Instagram reels and the authenticity of real reviews. Our advanced AI-powered analysis ensures only the crème de la crème makes the cut. And because our process is 100% independent—no paid placements here—you can trust every selection to be genuinely exceptional:
- Expert Insights: Paris locals with in-depth knowledge of the city's culinary culture.
- Prestigious Distinctions: Recognition from trusted sources like Michelin, Le Fooding, and The World's 50 Best Restaurants.
- Authentic Customer Feedback: Summarized reviews and ratings from platforms like Google Maps and TripAdvisor.
- Current Trends: The latest hotspots and must-visit locations that define Parisian dining today.
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