The restaurant scene in Paris today is made up of many types of eateries, each distinct in the way they operate and the dining experience they offer. You will often see words like café, bistrot and brasserie on signage or as part of the business name. It’s true that these words are also used by restaurants in other parts of the world, but in France they are more than a style or branding choice: the terms actually tell you a lot about the type of restaurant. Depending on what you are in the mood for, Paris has something for everybody, and you will find different operating hours, menus, prices, levels of service and atmosphere at each different class of restaurant.
Especially when you need to reserve a table ahead of time at one of the many popular restaurants in Paris, learning about the city’s food culture will not only give you a better appreciation for the food you’ll encounter, but will also help you make a more informed decision about where to eat out during your stay in Paris. You will also be better informed about dining etiquette to avoid any awkward social faux pas that could dampen your dining experience.
To tell you more about what you’re likely in for, we’ll lay out each of the main types of French restaurants and explain what type of food, atmosphere and service you can expect in each, as well as provide some examples of notable restaurants in each category that are worth checking out while you’re in Paris. We’ll tell you what makes each restaurant unique and the general area where they’re located so that you know how to reach them by public transportation no matter where in Paris you are staying.
France and Paris’s influence on the worldwide restaurant industry
Knowing that the English word “restaurant” came from French, it comes as no surprise that the restaurant industry as we know it has deep roots in France – and Paris in particular. In fact, the earliest restaurant is thought to have been opened in Paris in 1765 by a gentleman named Boulanger. It was unique in offering a choice of different menu options; most businesses at the time just served whatever meal was prepared in the kitchen for that day. Since that time, French cuisine and culinary techniques have been developing and advancing. Institutions like Le Cordon Bleu have trained world-class chefs who have brought what they learned to other parts of the world. The Michelin Guide was founded in 1900 and has further elevated French fine dining by reviewing and rating the best restaurants in France – and later, everywhere in the world. The guide continues to raise the bar for the restaurant industry worldwide as the authority on fine dining.
Reservations: don’t leave it up to chance
It’s only logical that the best in the business are going to be in high demand, and with good reason. If you have the advantage of being in the planning stage of your trip to Paris, almost all of the city’s restaurants that have a website also have an online reservation feature. But however far in advance you decide you want to visit a particular restaurant, it’s worth booking for your party if you have the opportunity, with the exception of the casual end of restaurants such as cafés and brasseries, which don’t already have the reputation of being exclusive. This doesn’t mean you can never get a table by walking in if you stumble upon a gem, but what a disappointment it would be to take a special trip and be turned down on an empty stomach. If a restaurant does not have a website or an online means of booking, you can stop in or call. If language is a barrier, friendly locals or staff at your hotel or hostel may be willing to assist you.
Do you tip in Paris at restaurants?
A tip on top of the price of a meal may be customary in some countries, but it is not needed or expected in Paris. By French law, waitstaff receive full pay and do not rely on tips. Many are in fact salaried and receive benefits. You do pay for service, however, but only by way of a 15% surcharge included in the list price of menu items. Feel free to show your appreciation for good service by tipping, but simply rounding up a few euros is sufficient. If you do tip, it is most convenient to do so in cash.
The café: a leisurely breakfast, a caffeine fix or a friendly chat
A café in Paris is a relatively small establishment, usually with outdoor seating, that serves coffee and light breakfast fare, such as coffee drinks and pastries. They typically open early in the morning and close at midday, unless they also serve a light lunch. Cafés typically serve coffee drinks and pastries. The setting is very casual and personable, with some patrons sitting or standing at the bar to sip coffee. If you prefer to sit at a table, seat yourself at one that’s free and order from a waiter, being sure to greet them before ordering. Once you have been served, your waiter may bring you the bill at the same time they bring your coffee, but this is not a sign that they expect you to leave your table soon. Feel free to relax and chat with a friend for as long as you want, even after your drinks are finished. However relaxed, it is important to keep in mind that in French cafés, bringing your laptop and setting up a workspace is frowned upon. You also will not find to-go menu options, because though Paris is a densely populated city, it is much less common to eat on the go in France and it is seen as inappropriate in public spaces, with the exception of picnicking in outdoor parks.
A few cafés that we think are worth visiting:
- La Fontaine: venture into Paris’s 10th arrondissement to take your coffee at this picturesque corner café near the Canal Saint Martin. It has been operating since 1908 under different owners, yet still holds true to tradition, so it is great for those seeking an authentic Parisian experience. You can reach it by taking the metro line 3 to Colonel Fabien station or by taking the bus to the Grange aux Belles – Juliette Dodu stop on line 46.
- Le Peloton Café: not only does this modern café serve specialty coffee, light breakfast items and pastries, but it also offers an opportunity to tour the city. It rents out bikes and hosts a cycling club that plans group bike rides and tours around Paris. It is located in Paris’s 4th arrondissement and is easily accessible from the city center as it is quite near Place des Vosges.
The brasserie: casual dining anytime, a satisfying meal with good beer
The term brasserie originally referred to breweries, but now generally describes a large, casual French restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and are usually open from morning until late at night, seven days a week. Patrons sit at tables in a large dining room or at the bar and order from a set menu with a wide selection of classic, hearty French dishes such as stews, steaks and potatoes. Brasseries do often serve beer, but you can also order wine and other alcoholic beverages with your food. Brasseries are probably the most affordable places to sample traditional French food while dining out. The establishments are more casual than the other types of restaurants, and you don’t always need a reservation to be seated. However, some of the most famous, historical brasseries are more expensive and in-demand, so reservations may be necessary.
Here are our suggestions for some brasseries you may enjoy visiting:
- Bouillon Chartier: this is a historical brasserie that dates back to 1896. It is so popular that, although they do not take reservations, patrons line up at peak times in order to get a chance to eat there. It is also common to be seated at a table with other diners if your own party is small. Although they are in high-demand, their prices are low and it’s a chance to get the traditional brasserie dining experience without breaking the bank. The metro and bus Grands Boulevards stations will take you right in the vicinity within the 2nd arrondissement.
- Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or: this is an example of a modern-day brasserie that lives up to its name and does brew its own beers on site. Reviews from locals and tourists alike mention the wide selection of inventive beers and its taproom that serves lunch and dinner. It is located in the Barbès neighborhood in northeast Paris, and the nearest bus stop is Barbès Rochechouart.
The bistro: fresh, seasonal lunch or dinner in a relaxed, intimate setting
A bistro, or bistrot, is a small, casual, often family-run restaurant that usually opens for lunch and dinner only, and may close on certain weekdays. Fewer tables are available compared to a brasserie, and this, combined with fewer opening hours, makes it all the more necessary to reserve your table ahead of time. Their menus tend to be smaller, seasonal and feature classic dishes, often paired with wine. Some bistros in France go beyond the traditional and specialize in fusions or other inventive culinary styles, but they all share a relaxed, ambient setting where you can enjoy table service and still get away with casual or semi-formal attire, depending on the establishment. You can find bistros in a range of price points, but you’ll find that the lunch menu is usually lower priced than dinner.
Some great bistros for you to check out:
- Bistrot Instinct: enjoy some home cooking with high-quality ingredients in the warm atmosphere of this Parisian bistro that claims to practice “bistronomie” with a combination of contemporary and traditional culinary excellence. Located in the Marais neighborhood. Take the bus to Square du Temple in the 3rd arrondissement.
- Le Bistro: this aptly named bistro offers a menu of satisfying starters, entrees and desserts which can be enjoyed along with an impressive selection of natural wines. They open for lunch hours and again for dinner from Monday to Friday. It can be reached in the 17th arrondissement via bus line 43 to Général Koenig – Palais des Congrès.
The restaurant: an accessible meal out, with something for everybody
You can certainly experience some of what French cuisine has to offer on any budget. The following establishments are closest to our general idea of what a “restaurant” is in the rest of the world, which is a loose definition that includes a wide range of cuisines, service styles and atmospheres. If you are looking for a place where you can sit down for a while, order a nice meal and enjoy table service with less formality and a lower price than the top French gourmet restaurants, the places we suggest are accessible while still delivering a worthwhile dining experience and a chance to explore traditional and contemporary French cuisine, among others.
Some nice restaurants in Paris:
- Alix et Mika: this is a charming locale known for its classic tartare and other characteristically French dishes offered at a mid-range price, making it a perfect stop for those looking to try some traditional French food. It is only open five days a week, for a late dinner from Wednesday to Friday; on the weekend, it serves both lunch and dinner. You can find it in the 18th arrondissement in the neighborhood of Montmartre. Take metro line 12 to Lamarck–Caulaincourt.
- Gosier: this restaurant in the 9th arrondissement offers a unique culinary experience, with small plates served for dinner hours only from Tuesday to Thursday. Diners can enjoy a creative twist on classic French dishes from the seasonal menu, all while taking in the cozy and intimate atmosphere. Accessible by bus to the La Tour d’Auvergne stop, it’s a great chance to get a taste of Parisian cuisine.
The restaurant gastronomique: a celebration, splurge or sought-after gourmet experience
In Paris’s gourmet restaurant category, you can find a diverse variety of cuisines, but all will be high-quality, expertly prepared and impeccably served, whether ordered a la carte or in the form of a multi-course meal. If you can afford to splurge on one of these establishments, the experience will be well worth it and it is sure to be a meal you look back on fondly. You can expect to spend hundreds of euros per person, and for the privilege you’ll definitely want to book a reservation in advance, as some of these restaurants are only open for a few days a week and some only do dinner. You can sometimes save money on the check by coming in for lunch instead of dinner, and you’ll still get a superb dining experience. You’ll also want to dress for the occasion, because dress codes are not uncommon. Photos posted online will usually give you a clue to the level of dress expected if it’s not clear from the restaurant’s website.
The highest compliment a restaurant can receive, and a signal to potential patrons that a restaurant indeed lives up to its reputation, is between one and three Michelin stars. Once they receive a star from Michelin Guide, restaurants become even more in-demand. Some restaurants have actually declined to participate in the star system because of this, but still pride themselves on offering the utmost quality and service.
Interested in a gourmet or even a Michelin-worthy meal? Consider these:
- Pur’ – Jean-François Rouquette: in this restaurant, which has earned one Michelin star, you can enjoy a multi-course meal with wine pairings and impeccable service. It is located in the Saint-Honoré neighborhood near many luxury hotels such as Hôtel du Triangle d’Or. Taking the bus or metro to Opéra metro and bus stops will get you to the vicinity.
- Miura: this restaurant offers an elegant dining experience of contemporary French gastronomic cuisine. Enjoy a multi-course meal with wine pairings at a high, but attainable price. You’ll find it in Paris’s 17th arrondissement, extremely close to the Arc de Triomphe. Simply take the metro to the Neuilly – Porte Maillot transit station.
Vegetarian and vegan restaurant options in Paris
It can be difficult to predict whether a restaurant offers a plant-based option, especially if much of the information is in a different language, so we’ve included some exclusively vegetarian or vegan restaurants that are so highly rated, omnivores should try them, too. Though not as traditional to the area, Paris lends itself to this style of cooking because of the availability of fresh produce, meaning you can dine in style like a local, even if you don’t prefer to eat animal products.
Bright, fresh vegetables are key to French cooking. Source: Unsplash
Try these restaurants of the plant-based persuasion:
- Comptoir Veggie: this casual, trendy café is a great lunch destination near some of the city’s most popular visitor attractions. Its full menu is vegan, with simple, wholesome dishes. Book reservations ahead if you want to secure your table. Its location in the 12th arrondissement is conveniently close to Place de la Bastille. Get here by bus line 61 or metro line 8 to Ledru-Rollin.
- La Bonne Heure: this restaurant is mainly vegetarian, with the exception of some fish on their menu. Vegan options are readily available on their seasonal lunch and dinner menu, and they always offer a chef’s special which is sure to please. It can get full, but reservations can be made in advance. It is located in the 13th arrondissement, which makes this a perfect stop if you happen to be in the neighborhood while visiting the nearby Catacombs. Arrive by bus on line 62 to Moulin des Prés station.
- Le Potager de Charlotte: if you want a restaurant with a diverse, totally plant-based menu, this is a great pick. This vegan restaurant aims to make plant-based cuisine a gourmet experience. Their menu changes to include seasonal produce sourced locally, and their entrees have suggested wine pairings as well as relevant allergy information. They also notably offer take-out and delivery, which can be preordered on their website. Their location in the 9th arrondissement is closest to the city center in the Rochechouart neighborhood. Take metro line 7 to Cadet station and you will be just a short walk away. They also have a location within the 17th district; Wagram is its nearest metro station.
The crêperie: top off dinner or grab a bite of something decadent
You simply must try a freshly made crepe at least once while in Paris. There are so many ways to have them, with Nutella and fruit if you want something sweet or meat and cheese for something savory. In a good-quality creperie you should look for staff who prepare the crepes to order in front of you, ensuring they are the freshest. They make for an excellent snack or light meal for a quick visit to a restaurant or stall.
Nutella and fruit are a classic combo. Source: Unsplash
Two famous creperies in Paris:
- Marche Ou Crepe: venture into the Charonne quarter in the 20th arrondissement to find this cozy, casual spot that specializes in freshly prepared crepes with delightful combinations of savory or sweet fillings –you can enjoy yours with a beer or cocktail. It is located near the Buzenval bus and metro stops.
- La Crêperie Mon Ami: this Montmartre crepe vendor is conveniently based outside of a café and restaurant, and its menu items make a quick snack or a great apéritif or dessert to punctuate a good meal. You can walk up to the stand’s counter and choose crepes in a variety of flavor profiles. Simply take bus line 40 to the Tholoze stop.
We hope that you now feel more knowledgeable about Paris’s vibrant and diverse restaurant industry, and that many unforgettable meals are in your future. If any of these restaurant recommendations sparked your interest, we urge you to see and taste them for yourself. We also hope won’t be shy about exploring Paris’s endless array of dining options on your own and that you can take on new food adventures with confidence. Bon appétit!