Eating in Paris isn't just about satisfying hunger—it's an art form, a cultural ritual that defines the very soul of the city. When visitors think of Parisian dining, images of white tablecloths and astronomical bills often come to mind, but the reality offers so much more diversity. The French capital houses an incredible range of dining options, from century-old brasseries serving perfect steak-frites to innovative neo-bistros redefining French cuisine with global influences. Morning croissants at neighborhood bakeries, leisurely lunches at sidewalk cafés, and intimate dinners in family-run establishments each offer a unique window into Parisian life. Whether you're seeking a remarkable gastronomic experience or simply wanting to eat where actual Parisians do, knowing where to dine transforms a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Places listed in this article :
Food Society
A next-generation food hall bringing global street food concepts and cocktail culture to the revitalized Montparnasse Tower district.
Located in the newly renovated Ateliers Gaité complex, Food Society represents the evolution of Parisian dining culture—communal, diverse, and completely without pretension. This massive food hall brings together 15 different culinary concepts under one stylishly designed roof, offering everything from refined dim sum to Detroit-style pizza. What makes Food Society stand out from other food halls is its careful curation—these aren't anonymous food stalls but rather mini-restaurants from established Paris chefs and international culinary talents. The central bar anchors the space, serving creative cocktails that complement the global food offerings. Food Society excels at creating distinct areas within the larger space, allowing you to find the right atmosphere whether you're looking for a quick lunch, after-work drinks, or a full dinner experience. The collective energy of multiple kitchens operating simultaneously creates a dynamism that single-concept restaurants simply can't match.
- The vibe: Buzzing contemporary food hall with multiple environments, from casual counter seating to more comfortable banquettes. The space attracts a diverse crowd, from local office workers to international visitors, creating a lively, metropolitan energy.
- The food: Global street food concepts elevated through quality ingredients and expert execution. Each stall specializes in a different cuisine, from Thai to Mexican to French classics, all reimagined for contemporary tastes.
- Must-try: Korean fried chicken from the Double Dragon stall; gourmet tacos from Edouard Massih; authentic Neapolitan pizza from Peppe; innovative dim sum from Petit Bao.
- Insider Tips: Visit on Monday or Tuesday evenings when the crowds are thinner but the energy remains. Download the Food Society app before your visit to order from multiple vendors without waiting in separate lines, and check their events calendar for regular DJ nights and pop-ups.
- Price: €€
- Rating: 4.2/5 (5388 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 68 Av. du Maine, 75014 Paris
Forest
A serene woodland-inspired sanctuary where Chef Julien Sebbag creates vegetable-forward cuisine that captures nature's essence.
Set on the rooftop of the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, Forest offers a true escape from urban life without leaving the city. Chef Julien Sebbag has created a concept that goes beyond just a restaurant—it's an immersive experience that reconnects diners with nature through food. The spectacular setting, with panoramic views and abundant plantings, creates the perfect backdrop for cuisine that puts vegetables at the center of the plate without being strictly vegetarian. What makes Forest special is how it balances being a see-and-be-seen destination with genuine culinary substance. Sebbag's cooking shows restraint and respect for ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to shine through minimal but thoughtful intervention. The restaurant changes with the seasons not just in menu but in feeling—summer brings open-air dining among the greenery, while winter transforms the space into a cozy refuge with excellent people-watching.
- The vibe: Sophisticated yet relaxed rooftop setting that brings the outdoors in with abundant plants and natural materials. The space attracts a stylish crowd but maintains a welcoming atmosphere rather than an exclusive one.
- The food: Chef Julien Sebbag creates seasonal, produce-forward cuisine that celebrates vegetables without being strictly vegetarian. The cooking style emphasizes pure flavors with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.
- Must-try: Whole roasted cauliflower with tahini and herb oil; flame-grilled fish of the day with preserved lemon; heirloom tomato salad with housemade labne and za'atar.
- Insider Tips: Come for a late lunch on weekdays to enjoy the space when it's less crowded, and ask for a table by the western windows for the best view of the Eiffel Tower. The bar serves excellent non-alcoholic options if you're taking a break from drinking.
- Price: €€€€
- Rating: 3.9/5 (1370 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, 75116 Paris
Les Enfants du Marché
A counter-only market restaurant where Japanese precision meets French produce in the heart of Paris's oldest covered market.
Tucked inside the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges (Paris's oldest covered market), this tiny restaurant offers one of the city's most authentic dining experiences. With just a handful of counter seats wrapped around an open kitchen, Les Enfants du Marché creates an intimate theater where food is both the star and the script. Chef Masahide Ikuta, who trained in both French and Japanese kitchens, crafts a daily-changing menu based entirely on what looks best at the surrounding market stalls that morning. This creates a genuine sense of place and seasonality that few restaurants can match. What makes dining here special is the direct connection between chef and diner—watch as Ikuta prepares your dishes with precision and care just inches away, explaining his techniques and ingredient choices as he works. The restaurant's natural wine selection, curated by co-owner Arnaud Lahaut, features small producers who approach winemaking with the same respect for nature that Ikuta brings to cooking.
- The vibe: Lively market atmosphere with the charm of dining right in the middle of a bustling food hall. The counter-only seating creates a communal experience where conversations between strangers flow naturally, fueled by shared plates and wine.
- The food: Market-driven cuisine that blends French and Japanese influences with technical precision. Chef Masahide Ikuta's cooking showcases seasonal ingredients from the surrounding market stalls, transformed through thoughtful preparation.
- Must-try: Raw sea bream with citrus and herbs picked that morning; perfectly cooked sweetbreads with seasonal vegetables; market fish en papillote with butter and fresh herbs.
- Insider Tips: Come early (around 11:30am) to secure a spot—they don't take reservations and seats fill quickly. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Don't be shy about asking the chef what's best that day—he's happy to guide your selections.
- Rating: 4.3/5 (818 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
Le Shang Palace
An opulent temple to authentic Cantonese cuisine offering Paris's most refined Chinese dining experience.
Hidden within the Shangri-La Hotel, Le Shang Palace transports you directly to Hong Kong with perhaps the most authentic and refined Chinese dining experience in Paris. The restaurant's breathtaking décor with its lacquered wood, jade accents, and museum-quality Chinese artwork sets the stage for an exceptional culinary journey. What distinguishes Le Shang Palace from other high-end Chinese restaurants in Europe is its unwavering commitment to authenticity—the kitchen team, led by Hong Kong-native Chef Samuel Lee, prepares Cantonese classics with traditional techniques and ingredients imported directly from Asia. The dim sum service is particularly notable, featuring handcrafted dumplings that rival those found in the best restaurants of Hong Kong. While certainly an investment dining experience, the precision and care evident in every dish justify the occasion. The tea service adds another layer of sophistication, with rare varieties expertly paired with your meal.
- The vibe: Elegant and serene with impeccable service that strikes the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. The dining room features traditional Chinese design elements in a contemporary setting that feels special without being stuffy.
- The food: Authentic Cantonese cuisine executed with exceptional technique and the finest ingredients. Chef Samuel Lee respects traditional recipes while presenting them with refinement suitable for the setting.
- Must-try: Barbecued Iberian pork with honey; crystal shrimp dumplings; Peking duck carved tableside; double-boiled soups that take 48 hours to prepare.
- Insider Tips: The weekday lunch menu offers an excellent value introduction to the restaurant's capabilities. Always save room for the dessert dim sum platter, which cleverly transforms traditional Chinese desserts into delicate pastries.
- Rating: 4.5/5 (421 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 10 Av. d'Iéna, 75116 Paris
Passerini
A pasta sanctuary where Italian soul meets French technique in a neighborhood setting that feels both special and familiar.
Chef Giovanni Passerini's eponymous restaurant in the 12th arrondissement represents the beautiful evolution of Italian cuisine in Paris. After closing his acclaimed restaurant Rino, Passerini opened this larger, more accessible space that quickly became a destination for those seeking pasta made with the soul of Italy and the precision of France. The restaurant's warm, understated elegance creates the perfect backdrop for food that similarly balances refinement with rustic charm. What distinguishes Passerini is how it honors Italian culinary traditions while feeling completely at home in Paris—this isn't Italian food translated for French tastes, but rather a thoughtful conversation between two great culinary cultures. The pasta, made fresh daily, achieves that elusive perfect texture that only comes from true mastery, while seasonal French produce informs the rotating menu. The wine list deserves special mention for its thoughtful selection of natural wines from small Italian producers that rarely appear elsewhere in Paris.
- The vibe: Sophisticated neighborhood restaurant with a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. The space features large windows, comfortable seating, and an open kitchen that adds energy without overwhelming conversation.
- The food: Contemporary Italian cuisine focusing on handmade pasta and seasonal French ingredients. Chef Giovanni Passerini combines his Italian heritage with French technique and a deep respect for producers.
- Must-try: Pappardelle with rabbit ragu and black olives; agnolotti filled with seasonal vegetables and brown butter; saltimbocca made with local veal.
- Insider Tips: Visit the adjacent pastificio (pasta shop) before or after your meal to take home fresh pasta for later. If dining solo, the seats at the kitchen counter offer a front-row view of the pasta being made from scratch.
- Price: €€€
- Rating: 4.3/5 (815 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 65 Rue Traversière, 75012 Paris
Selva
A Latin American-inspired oasis bringing vibrant jungle energy and inventive plant-forward dishes to the Latin Quarter.
Tucked away in the historic 5th arrondissement, Selva brings something genuinely fresh to Paris's culinary landscape. This restaurant transforms a traditional space into a lush, plant-filled sanctuary that transports you straight to the tropics. The name—Spanish for 'jungle'—perfectly captures both the décor and culinary philosophy. What started as a pandemic pivot has blossomed into one of the city's most exciting dining destinations, where chef Juan Arbelaez creates dishes that harmoniously blend South American flavors with French technique. The cocktail program deserves special mention, featuring house-made botanical infusions that complement the food perfectly. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and plant-forward cooking doesn't feel like a trend here but rather a natural extension of the vibrant culinary traditions it celebrates.
- The vibe: Tropical escape with abundant greenery hanging from the ceiling and colorful décor. The space buzzes with energy and conversation, creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere that works equally well for date nights or gatherings with friends.
- The food: Chef Juan Arbelaez creates cuisine that blends Latin American influences with French techniques, featuring many dishes cooked over open fire. The menu emphasizes sustainable practices with a strong focus on vegetables, though not exclusively vegetarian.
- Must-try: Charred sweet potatoes with chimichurri and crème fraîche; ceviche with tiger milk and fresh herbs; grilled octopus with chorizo oil and potato foam.
- Insider Tips: Request a table in the back greenhouse room where the jungle atmosphere is most immersive. The cocktail hour from 6-7pm offers a chance to taste their signature botanical drinks at a reduced price.
- Price: €€€€
- Rating: 4.7/5 (1222 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 22 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris
Septime
A natural wine pioneer offering graceful neo-bistro cuisine that changed Paris dining forever.
Hidden on a quiet street in the 11th arrondissement, Septime continues to be one of Paris's most sought-after reservations since opening in 2011. Chef Bertrand Grébaut's restaurant represents the quintessential modern Parisian dining experience—technically precise cooking with a deceptive simplicity that lets exceptional ingredients sing. The space itself reflects this philosophy perfectly: raw wood tables, exposed brick, and simple lighting create an unpretentious backdrop where the food truly stars. What makes Septime special is how it balances being a serious gastronomic destination while maintaining the warm, convivial atmosphere of a neighborhood restaurant. The prix-fixe menus change frequently based on seasonal availability, showcasing Grébaut's talent for finding extraordinary flavor in ordinary ingredients. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the plate to its practices, making your meal not just delicious but also thoughtful.
- The vibe: Relaxed elegance with a casual, understated atmosphere that attracts food enthusiasts from around the world. The minimalist décor with wooden tables and chairs creates an intimate setting where conversation flows easily.
- The food: Contemporary French cuisine with strong focus on seasonal vegetables, sustainable seafood, and ethical meat. Chef Bertrand Grébaut combines classical French techniques with modern sensibilities and a deep respect for ingredients.
- Must-try: Perfectly cooked turbot with beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables; house-made bread with cultured butter; the remarkable vegetable tasting that changes weekly.
- Insider Tips: Reservations open exactly three weeks in advance at 10 am Paris time and disappear within minutes—set a calendar alert. If you can't secure a table, try their sister wine bar Septime La Cave just down the street.
- Price: €€€
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1299 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
Virtus
An Argentine-Italian couple's love story expressed through borderless cuisine that brings South American fire to a quiet corner of eastern Paris.
In a quiet corner of the 12th arrondissement, Virtus represents the beautiful synthesis of two culinary identities. Argentine chef Marcelo Di Giacomo and Italian sommelier Chiara Zanetti have created a restaurant that defies easy categorization, offering instead a personal cuisine that draws freely from their diverse backgrounds. The intimate dining room, with its simple elegance, places all focus on the plate, where Di Giacomo creates dishes that surprise without relying on gimmicks. What makes Virtus special is how it balances technical precision with genuine warmth—this is cooking that impresses without showing off. The restaurant's commitment to outstanding ingredients extends to its wine program, where Zanetti has assembled a list that favors small producers from France and Italy who work with minimal intervention. The balance of ambition and approachability makes Virtus that rare restaurant that satisfies both dedicated food enthusiasts and those simply looking for a lovely night out.
- The vibe: Intimate and friendly with a dining room that feels both polished and personal. The space balances contemporary design with warm touches, creating an atmosphere where fine dining feels comfortable rather than formal.
- The food: Creative, borderless cuisine that combines South American influences with European techniques and sensibilities. Chef Marcelo Di Giacomo creates dishes that reflect his Argentine heritage and training in top European kitchens.
- Must-try: Beef cooked over open flame with chimichurri and seasonal vegetables; handmade pasta with unexpected ingredients like burnt citrus; sea bass with Mediterranean influences.
- Insider Tips: Let sommelier Chiara Zanetti know your preferences and budget for wine pairings—she's a master at finding lesser-known bottles that perfectly complement the food. The Sunday lunch service has a particularly relaxed, family-style feeling.
- Rating: 4.8/5 (1157 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 29 Rue de Cotte, 75012 Paris
Orgueil
A confident love letter to French gastronomy where classic techniques meet bold modern vision in the bustling 11th.
When chefs Margaux Simone and Régis Planade opened Orgueil (meaning 'pride' in French) in the vibrant 11th arrondissement, they made an immediate statement about their confidence in French culinary heritage. This confidence is well-placed—the restaurant offers a dining experience that feels both timeless and thoroughly contemporary. The intimate space, with just 24 seats, creates an atmosphere where you can watch the kitchen team execute with precision while maintaining a warm, conversational tone with guests. The tasting menu format allows the chefs to showcase their considerable technical skills while still keeping the focus on flavor rather than fussy presentation. What you'll notice throughout your meal is an attention to detail that elevates even the simplest components—house-made breads, perfectly calibrated sauces, and thoughtfully paired wines that don't break the bank. This is French gastronomy that respects tradition without being constrained by it.
- The vibe: Intimate and convivial with an open kitchen that creates a connection between diners and chefs. The space features elegant but unfussy design with comfortable seating and perfect lighting that makes everyone look good.
- The food: Modern French gastronomy with exceptional technique and a focus on pristine seasonal ingredients. Chefs Margaux Simone and Régis Planade present tasting menus that highlight classical French cooking with contemporary sensibilities.
- Must-try: Langoustine with vanilla butter and citrus; perfectly aged pigeon with cherry sauce and bitter greens; the signature Paris-Brest dessert with praline cream.
- Insider Tips: The seats at the counter facing the open kitchen offer the best experience—you'll see the chefs' precise techniques up close and often receive little extra tastes not on the regular menu.
- Price: €€€€
- Rating: 4.7/5 (3850 reviews on Google Maps)
- Address: 6 Rue Popincourt, 75011 Paris
About Kollection
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 must-try restaurant in Paris 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.
FAQ
More articles to explore
Discover more curated restaurants and food experiences in Paris that match your interests.