22 Tables for the Best Steak Frites in Paris
Every brasserie terrace in Paris sells steak frites, and near the big sights that often means a thin, gray cut, frozen fries and a sauce from a packet, for the price of a proper meal. A great one is simple, which is exactly why there's nowhere for a lazy kitchen to hide.
We checked every address against Michelin, Time Out and Le Fooding, with no paid placements, and kept 22 places for the best steak frites in Paris, from cheap bouillons to vintage bistros that only take bookings by phone. Want the full classic spread? See our traditional restaurants and the best burgers in town.
A beloved traditional French bistrot serving exceptional classics like filet de bœuf au poivre for over 20 years in an authentic vintage setting.
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A four-story Italian trattoria from Big Mamma Group, specializing in grilled meats and serving 260 guests under a stunning glass roof in Pigalle.
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The accessible sibling of legendary Tour d'Argent, serving timeless French bistro classics and signature roasted duck on a picturesque quai overlooking Notre-Dame.
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A nostalgic Art Deco bistrot between Place des Vosges and Bastille, serving generous French classics with exceptional natural wines.
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A legendary Parisian institution where Art Nouveau splendor meets affordable French bistro classics in a bustling, timeless atmosphere.
Michelin-starred chef Paul Pairet reimagines French brasserie classics with generous portions and Art Deco elegance at the iconic Hôtel de Crillon on Place de la Concorde.
A modern meat-focused eatery where butcher-quality cuts meet street food convenience, served with homemade fries and creative sauces in a vibrant setting designed by street artist Zics.
Since 1686, Le Procope stands as Paris's oldest café, where Voltaire, Rousseau, and revolutionaries once gathered, now serving classic French cuisine in an authentically preserved 18th-century setting.
A vibrant retro brasserie near Gare du Nord serving 100% homemade seasonal French classics with Collège Culinaire de France and Écotable certifications for sustainable gastronomy.
A beloved neighborhood bistrot serving timeless French classics and exceptional wines in the charming Saint-Georges quarter since its opening.
A historic Belle Époque bouillon serving traditional French cuisine at remarkably affordable prices in a stunning Monument Historique setting.
A legendary meat-focused bistrot in the 14th arrondissement where dry-aged beef and traditional French butchery take center stage in an intimate, convivial setting.
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A Michelin-recommended bistrot in the Bourse district where American chef Daniel Rose crafts impeccable French classics with exceptional ingredients and timeless technique.
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A legendary Parisian bistrot serving one perfect formula since decades: walnut salad, tender entrecôte with secret sauce, and unlimited frites.
A legendary Parisian bistrot serving one perfectly executed dish—tender beef contre-filet with their famous secret sauce—in the heart of literary Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
A historic Napoleon III pavilion on Île Saint-Germain serving traditional French barbecue cuisine with a countryside charm and panoramic park views.
A sprawling four-story brasserie at the foot of Montmartre, serving traditional French cuisine from breakfast to late night, crowned with a rooftop overlooking Sacré-Cœur.
A convivial bistro in the 17th arrondissement where aged beef takes center stage in a charming vintage guinguette setting.
A timeless Parisian bistro serving traditional French fare at unbeatable prices in a Belle Époque setting near Place des Victoires.
A historic Parisian brasserie serving traditional French cuisine in an authentic Belle Époque setting since 1900.
A charming Belle Époque bistrot serving traditional French classics in a historic setting between Les Invalides and École Militaire.
A unique butcher-restaurant hybrid where premium cuts are selected, prepared, and served on-site in a convivial neighborhood setting.
How to order the best steak frites in Paris
Look for a real butcher's cut, entrecôte, onglet, hampe or bavette, seared hard so the outside is dark and the inside stays juicy. The fries should be cut in-house and fried twice, crisp outside and fluffy inside, and the sauce made in the kitchen: a thick béarnaise or a peppery au poivre. One tip: Paris kitchens cook meat rarer than you may be used to. Saignant is rare, à point is closer to medium-rare, and bien cuit is well done; order accordingly. Each place page below shows the must-try cut and the sauce people rave about.
The bistro benchmark
Bistrot Paul Bert, in the 11th, is a vintage bistro known for its filet de bœuf au poivre and steak frites. It only takes bookings by phone and is usually full, so call well ahead. Near Gare du Nord, Brasserie Bellanger makes everything in-house, including a hampe with béarnaise and a steak-frites that won't break the bank; it keeps some tables for walk-ins. Near Place des Vosges, Bistrot des Tournelles swaps the steak for a roast farm chicken with matchstick fries. More in our authentic restaurants.
Cheap and fast
La Brigade, on rue Réaumur, is a meat-focused spot with onglet, homemade fries and a lunch formula that's great value. Bouillon Chartier serves steak frites under an Art Nouveau ceiling at bouillon prices, and Chartier Montparnasse, a Belle Époque bouillon listed as a historic monument, does the same on the Left Bank. See our cheap restaurants and affordable restaurants.
The big-night versions
For a steak to share, Pink Mamma, a four-story trattoria in Pigalle, grills a T-bone Fiorentina; it takes no reservations, so arrive when the doors open. At the Hôtel de Crillon, Nonos & Comestibles serves a Hereford ribeye and steak frites in an Art Deco room; its weekday lunch formula is the easiest way in. The list also includes Le Relais de l'Entrecôte and Le Severo. For more meat-lover spots, browse our lively restaurants.
Where to look
The 9th has the most steak frites on this list, followed by Saint-Germain, so start with the 9th arrondissement, around Pigalle and the Grands Boulevards. Prices swing from bouillon-cheap to upscale, so check the price filter. Pair it with our œuf mayo picks for a starter, then open the map and find the nearest sizzling plate.