What and where to eat in Paris

The Art Deco brasserie and historical monument—which once called artists like Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall regulars—sits in the heart of Montparnasse and serves up French classics like beef tartar and lavish seafood platters. It’s also one of the few open on Sundays, and a great place for lunch after strolling through the nearby Luxembourg Gardens.

Address: 102 Boulevard de Montparnasse, 75014 Paris

One of the only 24/7 brasseries in town, the iconic establishment serves a namesake pig’s leg, as well as seafood platters and classic bistro fare like sausage and terrine. The terrace is a great spot for people-watching when the weather is nice.

Address: 6 rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris

Down the street from Le Bon Marché department store, Au Sauvignon is a family-run bistro with a history stemming back nearly 65 years, and grandpa’s “casse-croûtes” (snacks) are still the highlight of the menu—as are the hand-picked bottles of French wine.

Address: 80 rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris

Located across from the wine shop and gourmet épicerie, Parcelles is a lively bistro in the heart of the Marais with a changing, seasonal menu accompanied by a beautifully curated wine list. Dishes vary daily, but you’ll always find something classic like ris de veau (sweetbreads).

Address: 13 rue Chapon, 75003 Paris

The one-starred tasting menu spot is notoriously hard to get into, but the wait is worth it. Go all-out with the seven-course option, which rotates seasonally. The natural wines in the glass-encased cellar are also worth geeking out over.

Address: 80 rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris

A gem in the Latin Quarter, the Japanese chef behind the namesake, Michelin-starred eatery has created a Nordic ambiance reminiscent of some of the acclaimed eateries in Copenhagen (Think: Noma, Geranium, Alchemist) but added his own touch through carefully sourced ceramics and curated furniture from Norway.

Address: 4 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris

One of the most infamous names in the culinary world, Alain Passard’s prowess as a rôtisseur (roaster) is what helped his eatery earn three Michelin stars. His transition from slow-cooked meat to a veggie-focused menu was revolutionary for French fine dining, and now his dishes revolve around fresh, seasonal produce from his organic gardens.

Address: 84 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

The neo-bistro-style spot across from the culinary arts school Ferrandi is helmed by chef Antonin Bonnet and received a Michelin star for its tasting menu (five courses for dinner; three- and four-course menus at lunch) that champions quality ingredients prepared in an elegant fashion.

Address: 33 Rue de l’Abbé Grégoire, 75006 Paris

Adeline Grattard’s rue Saint-Honoré fine-dining Franco-Asian eatery – which holds a Michelin star and is run with her husband, Chi Wah Chan—may be small, but it over-delivers in terms of flavors. The daily changing menu is influenced by what’s found at the market and paired alongside a selection of teas.

Address: 121 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris

The vibrant, Peruvian-inspired restaurant is equal parts dining room, upscale cocktail bar, and lounge. Go with a group and order the tasting menu of small, shareable plates like salmon tiradito and seabass ceviche. Dance to live music any night of the week in the pisco bar.

Address: 83-85 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris

A combination tea salon, bar, restaurant, and boutique, OGATA, housed inside a 17th-century hôtel particulier (private mansion) in the Marais, feels like you’re stepping into a private home in Japan—one complete with contemporary cuisine and a tasting menu of Japanese classics.

Address: 16 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris

Half the appeal of this hidden restaurant is the space, flanked by an old brick wall, expansive windows, and a glass roof. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into an old warehouse that’s been converted into one of the most discreet spots to dine in Paris.

Address: 12 Villa Riberolle, 75020 Paris

Part of the acclaimed chain, the rue Charlot location in the Marais features a number of high-top tables and a long communal one in the back where people often post up to enjoy gluten-free porridge and açai or spirulina smoothie bowls.

Address: 55 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris

Serving specialty coffee from Coutume, homemade almond and cashew milk, and a menu created by an Australian naturopath, Judy focuses on cuisine and cold-pressed juices designed to re-energize and rebalance. Take your pick of breakfast and lunch fare like tofu Bali bowls or black mushroom ramen.

Address: 18 rue des Fleurus, 75006 Paris

The superfood-focused spot off the Canal Saint-Martin serves homemade organic, vegan, and gluten-free cuisine prepared fresh each day—sometimes with the shop’s own array of ingredients like hemp and matcha. The atmosphere is cozy—think wooden tables, warm lighting, and ingredients displayed in glass jars.

Address: 23 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010 Paris

The small-group tours run for 3.5 hours and include a lengthy seated tasting, so rest assured you’re getting your money’s worth. Experiences are separated by neighborhood, but all revolve around the “trinity of the French table”: cheese, bread, and wine.

Order traditional dishes like onion soup and œufs mayonnaise in a contemporary version of a working-class bouillon eatery. The bustling space churns out dishes quickly, and you can feast at an affordable price since everything is under €13 (around $14).

Address: 22 boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris

The wildly popular quick-service Israeli restaurant is known to draw crowds around lunchtime in the Jewish quarter of Le Marais. The whole-roasted cauliflower has developed a cult following, but for something easier to eat, you can’t go wrong with any of the pitas.

Address: 22 Rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris

The takeaway outpost from the team behind the adjacent, namesake Michelin restaurant and wine bar on Rue du Nil, FTG offers a mix of UK and US street food with a French flair. Expect the same quality as the neighboring spots but with laid-back, homemade fare like toasted brioche lobster rolls and smoked pulled pork sandwiches.

Address: 9 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris

Drawing inspiration from jazz clubs in Tokyo and lounges in London and New York, Bambino kicks off the evening with wood-fired small plates like pizzettes and continues with a DJ spinning vinyl late into the night. Cocktails are served on tap, in addition to a menu of natural wine and craft beer.

Address: 25 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris

The covered market is the oldest in the city and one of Marais’s best-kept secrets since you’ll stumble across more than your typical produce and flower stands. Take your pick of Italian, Lebanese, or Moroccan fare, or post up for more elaborate dishes at the wine bar in the back.

Address: 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

Typically cooked in a mix of butter, garlic, and parsley and served on a platter, escargot (snails) are designed to be ordered as an appetizer, with the sauce sopped up with a baguette.

Translating to steak and fries, this classic brasserie dish is one you’ll find at eateries practically everywhere in the capital—but the most famous spot is L’Entrecôte de Paris.

The classic French chicken stew is crafted using a red Burgundy wine and a mix of bacon, mushrooms, and onions. It’s rich and hearty—the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.