Skip the Tourist Traps – 6 Arc de Triomphe Restaurants to Try

Skip the Tourist Traps – 6 Arc de Triomphe Restaurants to Try

Savor exquisite culinary experiences in the shadow of Paris's iconic monument.

Last update on 2025-05-27

Finding exceptional dining near Paris's most famous monument can be challenging amid the tourist-filled area. The vicinity of the Arc de Triomphe, while impressive with its grand Haussmannian buildings and luxury boutiques, surprisingly houses some of the city's most remarkable culinary gems. Whether you're craving authentic French cuisine after admiring the panoramic views from the monument's terrace or looking for a sophisticated spot to rest after shopping along the Champs-Élysées, this neighborhood delivers outstanding gastronomic experiences. The area strikes a unique balance between prestigious establishments frequented by well-heeled locals and more accessible options that don't compromise on quality. Here, fine dining meets Parisian authenticity, creating memorable meals that will highlight your visit to the City of Light.

Akira Back

Akira Back

A dazzling fusion of Japanese tradition and Korean creativity from a Michelin-starred chef, offering stunning skyline views and equally impressive cuisine.

Perched on the rooftop of the Prince de Galles hotel, Akira Back's Paris outpost brings the global culinary phenomenon to the Golden Triangle district near the Arc de Triomphe. Named after its Korean-born, American-trained chef who started as a professional snowboarder before earning a Michelin star for his innovative cuisine, this restaurant offers a thrilling reinvention of Japanese dishes with Korean and international influences. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking views of the Parisian skyline, including the Eiffel Tower, creating a dining experience that feels both intimate and spectacular. The restaurant's sleek, contemporary design with artistic touches (including plates featuring Akira's mother's artwork) creates the perfect backdrop for cuisine that is equally visual and flavorful.

  • The vibe: Sophisticated and cosmopolitan with a touch of nightlife energy. The space attracts fashion industry insiders, international jet-setters, and food enthusiasts seeking a dining experience that feels both Parisian and global.
  • The food: Akira Back's cuisine creatively blends Japanese precision with Korean flavors and global influences. The menu features elevated sushi and sashimi alongside signature hot dishes that incorporate unexpected ingredients and techniques from around the world.
  • Must-try: The tuna pizza with truffle oil and micro shiso; the famous AB tacos with wagyu beef; the 48-hour short rib with Asian pear and roasted baby carrots; and the spectacular Jeju Domi, a signature sashimi presentation.
  • Insider Tips: Reserve a table timed about 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy the transition from daylight to the twinkling Parisian lights. The bar serves exceptional cocktails with Japanese spirits – try the Yuzu Omakase, a bartender's choice drink customized to your preferences.
  • Rating: 4.6/5 (515 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 33 Av. George V, 75008 Paris
Azur Café

Azur Café

A sun-drenched Mediterranean oasis steps from the Arc de Triomphe, offering bright flavors and relaxed coastal vibes in the heart of Paris.

Hidden just off the bustling Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Azur Café feels like stumbling upon a secret slice of the French Riviera in Paris. This light-filled café-restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals seeking an escape from the urban bustle. With its azure blue accents, rattan furniture, and abundant greenery, Azur creates a transportive atmosphere that feels worlds away from the tourist crowds nearby. What makes this spot particularly special is how it manages to capture the essence of Mediterranean living – not just through food but through a holistic approach to dining that encourages lingering, sharing, and savoring. The all-day concept works perfectly for travelers, offering everything from expertly crafted morning coffees to leisurely lunches and aperitivo hours that stretch into dinner.

  • The vibe: Bright, airy and relaxed with a coastal holiday feel. The space attracts a stylish local crowd, including creative professionals, neighborhood residents, and in-the-know visitors seeking refuge from more touristy establishments.
  • The food: Azur Café focuses on fresh Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on vegetables, seafood, and bright flavors. The menu draws inspiration from the entire Mediterranean basin, incorporating elements from Southern France, Italy, Greece, and North Africa.
  • Must-try: The vibrant mezze platter with house-made dips; seafood linguine with prawns, mussels and clams; the herb-roasted sea bass with fennel and citrus; and their olive oil cake with seasonal fruit and crème fraîche.
  • Insider Tips: The hidden courtyard garden in the back is the most coveted seating area – request it when booking but know it's weather-dependent. Their weekend brunch includes some Mediterranean specialties you won't find elsewhere in Paris, making it worth a special trip.
  • Price: €€
  • Rating: 4.8/5 (8437 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 63 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris
Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée

Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée

A culinary temple where tradition meets modern luxury, offering an exceptional French dining experience in the iconic Plaza Athénée hotel.

Just a short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe, Jean Imbert's restaurant at the legendary Plaza Athénée represents a bold reinvention of classic French cuisine. After taking over from Alain Ducasse in 2021, Imbert has created a space that honors France's rich culinary heritage while adding his personal, contemporary touch. The spectacular dining room with its period moldings, crystal chandeliers, and silver dome-covered dishes creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. What makes this restaurant truly special is how Imbert has revitalized traditional recipes from the 19th century, presenting them with meticulous attention to detail and visual flair that appeals to both culinary purists and Instagram enthusiasts alike.

  • The vibe: Opulent and refined yet surprisingly unstuffy, the restaurant attracts a diverse clientele of fashion insiders, international travelers, and food enthusiasts seeking a memorable Parisian dining experience. The service strikes a perfect balance between ceremonial and warm.
  • The food: Jean Imbert focuses on historical French gastronomy, reimagining centuries-old recipes with contemporary techniques and exceptional seasonal ingredients. His menus pay homage to the grand tradition of French cuisine while incorporating subtle modern influences.
  • Must-try: The Vol-au-vent 'Tout Paris' with delicate seafood and rich sauce; the dramatically presented whole roasted Bresse chicken; and the showstopping dessert trolley featuring classics like Paris-Brest and Saint Honoré.
  • Insider Tips: Request a table near the center of the dining room for the full theatrical experience of the service. The lunch menu offers great value compared to dinner, with the same level of culinary excellence and a less crowded dining room.
  • Price: €€€€
  • Rating: 4.1/5 (149 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 25 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Pedra Alta

Pedra Alta

A vibrant Portuguese seafood haven where spectacular seafood towers and grilled specialties transport you straight to the Atlantic coast.

A refreshing alternative to traditional French cuisine near the Arc de Triomphe, Pedra Alta brings the vibrant flavors of Portugal to Paris with spectacular results. Named after a famous fishing port in Portugal, this restaurant has become a true phenomenon in Paris, expanding from a single location to several across the city due to overwhelming demand. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by impressive displays of fresh seafood on ice and the enticing aroma of the grill. What sets Pedra Alta apart is the generous portion sizes and the festive, communal dining experience – a stark contrast to more formal Parisian establishments. Their seafood towers are legendary, piled high with lobster, crab, shrimp, and oysters, bringing a taste of the Portuguese coast to the heart of Paris.

  • The vibe: Energetic and convivial with a maritime atmosphere. The restaurant buzzes with conversation and activity, attracting families, groups of friends, and seafood enthusiasts seeking an abundant feast rather than a quiet, intimate dinner.
  • The food: Portuguese-inspired seafood is the star, with an emphasis on ultra-fresh catches prepared simply to let the natural flavors shine. From grilled fish with olive oil and lemon to seafood rice and their famous garlic shrimp, the menu celebrates the Atlantic's bounty.
  • Must-try: The seafood tower for sharing; grilled sea bass with olive oil and garlic; the cataplana, a traditional Portuguese seafood stew; and their garlic-infused prawns.
  • Insider Tips: The restaurant offers a takeaway counter where you can purchase fresh seafood to prepare at home. For the best experience, come with a group and order family-style – the portions are designed for sharing and you'll get to taste more of the menu.
  • Price: €€
  • Rating: 4.1/5 (6194 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 25 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

A Parisian institution serving just one perfect dish: steak-frites with a secret sauce that keeps locals and tourists coming back for decades.

Situated near the Champs-Élysées, Le Relais de l'Entrecôte embodies the beautiful simplicity that can make French dining so magical. This restaurant follows a wonderfully straightforward concept: no menu, just one perfect dish done exceptionally well. The formula hasn't changed since 1959: crisp green salad with walnuts and a light mustard dressing, followed by perfectly cooked steak topped with their famous secret herb butter sauce and accompanied by golden, thin-cut fries. The genius lies in the serving style – they bring half your steak first, keeping the other half warm, ensuring your fries remain crisp and your meat stays hot throughout your meal. This no-reservation policy creates lines around the block, but the efficient service means you'll rarely wait long once seated.

  • The vibe: Bustling and lively with closely packed tables and efficient, no-nonsense waitresses in traditional black and white uniforms. The restaurant attracts a mix of business people, tourists, and locals who appreciate straightforward excellence.
  • The food: Focused exclusively on their signature steak-frites, Le Relais de l'Entrecôte serves entrecôte steak cooked to your preference, topped with their secret herb-butter sauce that has remained unchanged for generations. The recipe is so closely guarded that it's reportedly known by only a handful of family members.
  • Must-try: The signature entrecôte steak with unlimited fries and that legendary secret sauce; for dessert, their profiteroles drizzled with warm chocolate sauce or the classic crème brûlée.
  • Insider Tips: Arrive 15-20 minutes before opening time to avoid the longest queues. If you're a fan of the sauce, ask discreetly if they have any bottles for sale – occasionally they do, though it's not advertised.
  • Price: €€
  • Rating: 4.2/5 (7526 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 15 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
Mallory Gabsi

Mallory Gabsi

A rising star's elegant playground where Belgian influences meet French techniques in inventive, playful dishes that tell a personal story.

Just north of the Arc de Triomphe in the 17th arrondissement, the eponymous restaurant of Mallory Gabsi has quickly become one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Paris. The young Belgian chef, who gained fame on Top Chef France, brings a fresh perspective to the Parisian dining scene with his contemporary approach to French-Belgian cuisine. The restaurant's minimalist yet warm interior with its open kitchen puts the focus squarely on the food, which balances technical precision with playful creativity. What makes dining here special is experiencing Gabsi's personal culinary journey translated onto the plate – dishes often feature nostalgic references to his Belgian heritage reimagined through sophisticated French techniques and unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight without veering into gimmickry.

  • The vibe: Modern and relaxed with an air of culinary excitement. The restaurant attracts a diverse crowd of young professionals, international food lovers, and culinary insiders who appreciate innovative cooking in an unpretentious setting.
  • The food: Mallory Gabsi creates contemporary cuisine that respectfully blends French and Belgian influences. His cooking is characterized by bold flavors, technical excellence, and creative presentations that highlight seasonal ingredients in unexpected ways.
  • Must-try: The signature waffle with caviar and smoked eel; the calf sweetbread with coffee and licorice; the reimagined Belgian carbonnade with beer sauce; and his modern take on the classic Dame Blanche dessert.
  • Insider Tips: The chef offers a special 'carte blanche' menu for adventurous diners who want to experience his most creative dishes. Request a seat at the counter facing the open kitchen to watch Mallory and his team in action and perhaps exchange a few words with the chef himself.
  • Rating: 4.8/5 (2080 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 28 Rue des Acacias, 75017 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 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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