The 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Paris

The 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Paris

Kollection's curated guide to Parisian dining – from celebrated institutions to charming hidden gems.

Last update on 2025-05-20

Paris has long been synonymous with exceptional cuisine, but finding truly memorable dining experiences can be overwhelming when faced with thousands of options. From iconic bistros where time seems to stand still to innovative establishments pushing culinary boundaries, the City of Light offers an unparalleled food scene that reflects its cultural heritage and creative spirit. The secret to experiencing Paris like a true local lies in knowing which tables to book – those special places where seasonal ingredients shine, tradition meets innovation, and the ambiance perfectly captures Parisian joie de vivre. Whether you're seeking the perfect steak frites, exquisite pastries, or contemporary French cuisine with a global twist, Paris delivers gastronomic moments that will become the highlight of your visit.

Café du Coin

Café du Coin

A revitalized corner café where traditional French bar culture meets contemporary cooking and natural wines.

Occupying a classic corner location in the 11th arrondissement, Café du Coin represents the best kind of Parisian evolution—a traditional neighborhood café reborn with contemporary culinary ambition. The space retains its classic elements: the zinc bar, mosaic floor, and large windows looking out onto the street. But owner Florent Ciccoli (also behind Cheval d'Or and Jones) has transformed it into something that feels both timeless and current. What makes Café du Coin special is how it functions as a true all-day destination, serving everything from morning coffee to late-night drinks, with serious food and an outstanding natural wine selection available throughout. The menu strikes a perfect balance between familiar comfort and subtle innovation, with dishes that feel satisfying and surprising in equal measure.

  • The vibe: Authentic neighborhood atmosphere with preserved vintage elements like the zinc bar and mosaic floor, creating a space that feels genuinely Parisian rather than designed for tourists. The restaurant attracts a diverse local crowd at all hours of the day.
  • The food: Chef Benoit Dumas creates modern bistro fare that respects French culinary tradition while incorporating contemporary techniques and global influences. The menu changes frequently but always features approachable dishes executed with precision.
  • Must-try: Perfectly executed steak tartare, seasonal vegetable small plates that change weekly, and their celebrated lemon tart with fresh cream.
  • Insider Tips: The corner table by the window offers the best people-watching in the neighborhood, and asking the bartender for their current favorite natural wine often results in discovering small-production bottles that aren't on the standard list.
  • Price: €€
  • Rating: 4.4/5 (788 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 9 Rue Camille Desmoulins, 75011 Paris
Clamato

Clamato

A seafood-focused small plates restaurant where marine flavors meet natural wine in a casual setting.

The younger sibling to the acclaimed Septime, Clamato brings the same commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation to a more casual, no-reservations format. Located just next door to its famous brother, this seafood-centric restaurant offers a completely different dining experience. The space feels like a stylish maritime cabin, with wood-paneled walls, communal tables, and an open kitchen where you can watch chefs shucking oysters and assembling plates. What makes Clamato special is its ability to showcase the incredible diversity of seafood available to Paris, despite the city's inland location. The menu changes daily, reflecting what's been delivered from coastal regions across France. Small plates are designed for sharing, encouraging a convivial dining style that perfectly matches the restaurant's relaxed atmosphere.

  • The vibe: Casual and lively with a maritime theme featuring wooden counters, suspended light fixtures, and a bustling open kitchen. The atmosphere is convivial and relaxed, attracting a young, food-savvy crowd.
  • The food: The kitchen focuses exclusively on seafood and fish, with an emphasis on raw preparations, smoked items, and lightly cooked dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the sea. The menu changes daily based on the morning's deliveries.
  • Must-try: Freshly shucked oysters from various French coasts, mackerel ceviche with citrus and herbs, and their signature whelks with mayonnaise.
  • Insider Tips: Arrive right when they open at 7 PM or after 9:30 PM to minimize wait times, and don't overlook the vegetable sides which often showcase interesting seasonal produce prepared with the same care as the seafood.
  • Price: €€€
  • Rating: 4.4/5 (1373 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
Double Dragon

Double Dragon

A vibrant Asian fusion spot where bold flavors and natural wines create an electric dining experience.

In the heart of the trendy 11th arrondissement, Double Dragon has quickly established itself as one of Paris's most exciting dining destinations. This modern Asian restaurant, opened by Katia Levha (co-owner of Le Servan) and her partner Sinke Regaard, brings bold, uncompromising flavors to a neighborhood already known for its innovative food scene. The space itself is minimalist yet inviting—concrete floors, simple wooden tables, and an open kitchen where you can watch the team working with precision and energy. What sets Double Dragon apart is its fearless approach to combining culinary traditions from across Asia with French techniques and ingredients, creating dishes that feel both familiar and surprising. The menu changes frequently but always offers a journey through spicy, sour, sweet, and umami flavors that pair perfectly with their natural wine selection.

  • The vibe: Energetic and youthful with minimal decor, communal tables, and a soundtrack of hip-hop and electronic music. The atmosphere is casual and buzzing, attracting a diverse crowd of food enthusiasts.
  • The food: The kitchen creates contemporary Asian cuisine that draws inspiration from Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Filipino traditions while incorporating French techniques and seasonal European ingredients. The cooking style emphasizes bold flavors, contrasting textures, and vibrant presentations.
  • Must-try: Crispy rice salad with herbs and chili, grilled pork collar with fish sauce caramel, and their signature fried chicken with house-made hot sauce.
  • Insider Tips: The seats at the counter offer the best view of the kitchen action, and ordering the chef's choice option allows you to sample dishes that might not be on the regular menu, particularly special preparations featuring limited ingredients.
  • Rating: 4.1/5 (583 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 52 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris
Edgar

Edgar

A stylish all-day destination where French cuisine meets global influences in a historic square setting.

Housed in a former textile workshop on one of Paris's most charming hidden squares, Edgar has established itself as a central fixture in the revitalized 2nd arrondissement dining scene. The restaurant spans multiple floors of a historic building, with a terrace that spills out onto the cobblestoned Place d'Alexandrie. What makes Edgar special is its versatility—functioning as a morning coffee spot, business lunch destination, after-work drink locale, and serious dinner restaurant all in one stylish package. The menu reflects this adaptable nature, offering dishes that combine French foundations with global accents, particularly Mediterranean and Asian influences. The crowd is as diverse as the offering: creative professionals from nearby offices, international visitors, and Parisian regulars all finding something to enjoy in this multifaceted space.

  • The vibe: Fashionable yet comfortable with industrial-chic design elements, large windows, and a coveted outdoor terrace. The atmosphere shifts throughout the day, from relaxed breakfast meetings to buzzy dinner service.
  • The food: Chef Xavier Thiery creates a menu that respects French culinary tradition while incorporating global influences and contemporary techniques. The cuisine is accessible yet sophisticated, with an emphasis on shareable plates and seasonal ingredients.
  • Must-try: Roasted sea bass with citrus and herbs, slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Middle Eastern spices, and their famous chocolate cake with salted caramel center.
  • Insider Tips: The terrace tables are highly sought after in warm weather—call ahead to request one specifically. For the best experience, visit on weeknights when the atmosphere remains lively but slightly less crowded than weekends.
  • Price: €€€€
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (660 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 1 Rue Sainte-Foy, 75002 Paris
Le Cadoret

Le Cadoret

A neighborhood bistro bringing exceptional, affordable French cooking to the residential 19th arrondissement.

Located in the less-touristed Belleville neighborhood, Le Cadoret represents the best of modern Parisian bistro culture. Siblings Léa and Louis Fleuriot have created a restaurant that feels both deeply rooted in French tradition and refreshingly contemporary. The space itself evokes classic bistro aesthetics—mosaic floors, wooden tables, a zinc bar—while maintaining an airy brightness that sets it apart from more traditional establishments. What makes Le Cadoret truly special is how it serves as both a casual neighborhood restaurant for locals and a destination for those seeking authentic, unpretentious excellence. The cooking demonstrates serious technique and creativity without ever feeling fussy or overly complicated. Prices remain reasonable, service is warm and welcoming, and the overall experience captures that perfect Parisian balance of quality and accessibility.

  • The vibe: Bright and welcoming with traditional bistro elements like mosaic floors and a zinc bar, creating a space that feels both classic and contemporary. The restaurant attracts a mix of neighborhood regulars and food enthusiasts seeking authentic bistro experiences.
  • The food: Chef Léa Fleuriot creates refined bistro classics using high-quality seasonal ingredients. Her cooking shows formal training while maintaining the comforting, generous spirit of traditional French cuisine.
  • Must-try: Velvety chicken liver pâté, perfectly executed blanquette de veau, and their celebrated chocolate tart with salted caramel.
  • Insider Tips: The lunch menu offers exceptional value, and securing a seat at the bar gives you direct access to Louis's expert wine recommendations, including special bottles that may not appear on the written list.
  • Rating: 4.3/5 (492 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 1 Rue Pradier, 75019 Paris
Le Saint Sébastien

Le Saint Sébastien

A neighborhood bistro where seasonal cooking and natural wines come together in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Tucked away on a quiet street in the 11th arrondissement, Le Saint Sébastien exemplifies the new wave of Parisian bistros that have transformed the city's dining scene. Chef-owner Rob Mendoza has created a restaurant that feels simultaneously rooted in French tradition and refreshingly contemporary. The intimate space, with its vintage tile floor, marble counters, and open kitchen, creates an atmosphere of casual sophistication. What makes Le Saint Sébastien special is how it balances technical precision with heartfelt hospitality. The cooking demonstrates serious skill and creativity while remaining approachable and generous. The carefully curated wine list focuses on natural and low-intervention bottles from small producers across France and beyond, with selections that perfectly complement the seasonal menu.

  • The vibe: Warm and intimate with a mix of classic bistro elements and contemporary touches. The space features an open kitchen, simple wooden tables, and large windows that fill the room with natural light during day service.
  • The food: Chef Rob Mendoza creates market-driven French cuisine with subtle international influences. The menu changes frequently based on seasonal availability and features dishes that highlight the natural flavors of carefully sourced ingredients.
  • Must-try: Handmade pasta with seasonal vegetables, perfectly cooked fish with herb-infused sauces, and their signature chocolate dessert with olive oil and sea salt.
  • Insider Tips: The best seats are at the counter facing the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work and often receive small tastes of dishes in development. Arriving right at opening time for dinner service often means you can get a spot without a reservation.
  • Price: €€€
  • Rating: 4.6/5 (376 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 42 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris
Les Arlots

Les Arlots

A neo-bistro serving perfected French classics with modern sensibility near Gare du Nord.

Just a short walk from the bustling Gare du Nord, Les Arlots provides a perfect introduction to contemporary Parisian bistro culture. Chef Thomas Brachet has created a space that honors traditional French cooking while gently updating it for today's tastes. The restaurant's intimate setting—with just 30 seats—creates an atmosphere of cozy conviviality that makes every meal feel special. What sets Les Arlots apart is its dedication to doing simple things exceptionally well. Rather than chasing trends, the kitchen focuses on perfecting bistro standards like terrines, steak frites, and seasonal vegetable dishes. The wine list, curated with care by co-owner Tristan Renoux, features natural and low-intervention bottles from small producers across France, offering perfect pairings for the robust flavors coming from the kitchen.

  • The vibe: Warm and welcoming with dark wood paneling, vintage posters, and soft lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
  • The food: Chef Thomas Brachet serves refined bistro classics that respect French culinary tradition while incorporating subtle contemporary touches. The menu changes regularly but always features seasonal produce and expertly prepared meat dishes.
  • Must-try: House-made sausage with mashed potatoes, perfectly seared duck breast with seasonal accompaniments, and their renowned chocolate mousse.
  • Insider Tips: The corner table by the window offers the best people-watching opportunity, and arriving just as they open for dinner service at 7:30 PM gives you the best chance of snagging a table without a reservation.
  • Price: €€
  • Rating: 4.7/5 (861 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 136 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75010 Paris
Les Enfants du Marché

Les Enfants du Marché

A market-fresh counter restaurant where exceptional ingredients shine through brilliantly simple preparation.

Nestled inside the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges (Paris's oldest covered market), Les Enfants du Marché offers a dining experience that's both authentically Parisian and utterly unique. This counter-style restaurant puts you right in the heart of market activity, with chefs preparing dishes just feet away from your seat. What began as a simple wine bar has evolved into one of the city's most exciting culinary destinations under the guidance of chef Masahide Ikuta. The concept is beautifully straightforward: take the finest seasonal ingredients available that morning from surrounding market vendors and transform them with minimal intervention to let their natural qualities shine. The result is food that feels both spontaneous and carefully considered, with flavors that are clean, bright, and deeply satisfying.

  • The vibe: Bustling and convivial with communal seating around the central counter, creating an energetic atmosphere that combines the authenticity of a Parisian market with the refinement of a top restaurant.
  • The food: Chef Masahide Ikuta creates market-driven French cuisine with Japanese precision and respect for ingredients. The menu changes daily based on what's available from the surrounding market stalls.
  • Must-try: Fresh sea bream carpaccio with citrus and olive oil, perfectly cooked scallops with brown butter, and their famous pain perdu for dessert.
  • Insider Tips: Visit on weekday mornings for the best chance at counter seats without a reservation, and don't hesitate to ask about the day's special natural wines that aren't on the regular list.
  • Rating: 4.3/5 (830 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
Le Servan

Le Servan

A modern bistro where French technique meets Asian influences in an intimate setting.

Hidden in the vibrant 11th arrondissement, Le Servan has quietly become a cornerstone of Paris's new wave dining scene. Run by the talented Levha sisters—Tatiana in the kitchen and Katia managing the front of house—this restaurant brings together precise French technique with subtle Asian influences. The space itself strikes a perfect balance: the classic bistro setting with its vintage tiles and marble countertops feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary. What makes Le Servan truly special is how it manages to be both a neighborhood favorite and a destination for food lovers from around the world. The menu changes regularly, reflecting seasonal ingredients and creative whims, but always maintains that delicious tension between familiar comfort and exciting innovation.

  • The vibe: Bright and airy with mint-green walls and vintage lighting, Le Servan attracts a mix of in-the-know locals, food industry professionals, and visitors seeking authentic Parisian dining beyond the tourist trail.
  • The food: Chef Tatiana Levha, who trained at L'Arpège and L'Astrance, creates dishes that honor French culinary tradition while incorporating subtle Asian flavors from her Filipino heritage. The cooking is precise yet relaxed, sophisticated without being pretentious.
  • Must-try: Crispy veal sweetbreads with Thai basil, butter-bathed cod with silky bean purée, and their signature boudin noir spring rolls.
  • Insider Tips: The tables near the windows offer the best light for lunch service, and asking for the daily off-menu special often reveals the kitchen's most creative offerings.
  • Price: €€
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (972 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 32 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris
Septime

Septime

The quintessential modern Parisian restaurant where sophisticated technique meets farm-to-table philosophy.

Septime has earned its place as one of Paris's most celebrated restaurants by consistently delivering an experience that feels both special and sincere. Chef Bertrand Grébaut created this restaurant as an alternative to the formal, traditional fine dining establishments that once dominated Paris's culinary landscape. The result is a place where world-class cooking meets a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The minimalist wooden interior, with its open kitchen and abundant natural light, sets the tone for the dining experience: refined yet comfortable. Septime's tasting menu changes frequently, guided by seasonality and the team's close relationships with small-scale producers. Each dish demonstrates technical precision while maintaining a sense of natural simplicity that allows the quality of ingredients to take center stage.

  • The vibe: Understated elegance with a minimalist Scandinavian-inspired interior featuring natural wood, plants, and an open kitchen. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world.
  • The food: Chef Bertrand Grébaut, who trained with Alain Passard at L'Arpège, creates a nature-focused cuisine that emphasizes vegetables and sustainable seafood. The cooking style marries technical precision with a profound respect for ingredients.
  • Must-try: Delicate white asparagus with citrus sabayon, line-caught fish with seasonal vegetables, and creative plant-based compositions that change with market availability.
  • Insider Tips: Reservations open exactly three weeks in advance at 10 AM Paris time and fill within minutes. If you can't secure a dinner slot, try for lunch which often has the same menu at a lower price point.
  • Price: €€€
  • Rating: 4.4/5 (1298 reviews on Google Maps)
  • Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 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 restaurants 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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