Paris Food Guide – 11 Best Restaurants We Tried, from Homestyle French Comfort to Michelin-Star Dining

France
【Flash Through Time】

The braised chicken from the era of Henry IV can still warm your stomach today at La Poule au Pot.

Opt for set menus at lunch to stay on budget, and make Michelin-starred dining the highlight of your evening. Plan your Left Bank and Right Bank routes in one go to save steps.

Watch your bill—don’t let sparkling water and Parisian views add extra charges!

Paris Food Diary | Introduction

Many people feel a certain distance when it comes to dining in Paris, worried about the language barrier, complex etiquette, and that ordering feels like an exam—not to mention the need for reservations at most places. But after experiencing it ourselves, my impression was: “Actually, it’s not intimidating at all!” This article records the restaurants we visited during our free-and-easy trip to Paris, all conveniently located near major attractions. The selection includes everything from classic French cuisine and refined set menus to local snacks.

Our own restaurant strategy was “go for quality at lunch, and something special for dinner,” with dessert shops and markets sprinkled in between. That way, we could experience authentic French dining without feeling overwhelmed. The restaurants below are introduced in roughly geographical order. Maybe on your next trip to Paris, you can start exploring your own culinary memories from the places we’ve tried.

Left Bank

Les Papilles

  • Location: 5th arrondissement / Latin Quarter, near the Panthéon and Luxembourg Gardens

Les Papilles is a small bistro that has become a well-known spot among tourists, partly because it allows reservations via online apps—something that attracts many free-and-easy travelers. On the day we went, almost the entire dining room was filled with fellow tourists. The owner seemed to enjoy the vibe, happily explaining the sauces and wine pairings in English to each table, which made for a fun, interactive experience.

The restaurant offers a no-choice chef’s menu, with daily dishes based on fresh ingredients. You don’t have to think—just sit back and be fed.

Our appetizer was a carrot-based soup, rich and smooth. The main course was Bœuf Bourguignon made from beef shoulder—a “winter staple” for the French, but surprisingly comforting even in summer. The beef was tender, the tendons were delicious, and it paired perfectly with red wine.

Next came a traditional cheese plate, followed by a comforting chocolate dessert. Overall, the meal was incredibly satisfying. We also ordered two types of red wine, both light and smooth, adding to the experience.

Although it’s more of a tourist-oriented set menu, the relaxed vibe and no-pressure ordering make it perfect for those experiencing French home-style cooking for the first time. The self-service wine is a highlight, making it feel like dining at a French friend’s home. Be sure to book ahead—seats are limited and popular time slots fill up quickly.

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Le Christine

  • Location: 6th arrondissement / Saint-Germain area, near Sainte-Chapelle and Musée d'Orsay

Le Christine is a charming little restaurant in Saint-Germain, with a touch of Michelin-level finesse but without the formality. We chose the lunch set menu—beautifully plated and delicately flavored. It felt like stepping into a scene from an old European film.

What stood out most was the optional cheese plate. We were greedy and each ordered one, but it turned out one shared plate would have been enough. The set menu came with wine pairings, which added depth and elegance to the meal. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quality French meal that’s not too formal. If you’re staying on the Left Bank or visiting nearby sights, this place is a great lunch option.

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Le Colvert Bistrot

  • Location: 6th arrondissement, 4-minute walk from Odéon station

This bistro serves refined, modern French cuisine, similar in feel to Le Christine. The decor is minimalist yet cozy, and the dishes incorporate creative elements without being overly experimental. The flavors are subtle and well-balanced. We were already a bit full that day, so we skipped the tasting menu and each ordered a starter and main to share. That turned out to be a relaxing and varied way to enjoy the meal.

Overall, it’s a good pick—stylish and well-executed without being pretentious. After the meal, you can enjoy a walk along the Left Bank to digest.

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La Régalade

  • Location: 14th arrondissement

We booked this restaurant via The Fork. It’s a modern-style bistronomie—a genre known for high-quality food at accessible prices. The dishes here were straightforward and solid, with some standout items.

The most memorable dish was the soufflé for dessert—hot, airy, and irresistibly good.

We also loved the duck breast with creamy mushroom risotto. The starter came with house-made meat pâté and pickles, which balanced well. The main dish was tender and not overly sauced. Overall, a strong example of the bistronomie style.

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Café Campana

  • Location: Inside Musée d'Orsay

If you’re visiting the Musée d'Orsay, consider dining at Café Campana on the fifth floor. We were tired from walking and just wanted a place to sit. The decor is a bit over-the-top with golden wave motifs, but the real highlight is the view of the museum’s iconic clock tower. The museum even once held a one-night Airbnb experience here.

As with most museum cafés, we didn’t expect much from the food, and Café Campana was no exception—it was decent, but not memorable. What makes it special is the setting: sitting right in front of the museum’s famous clock, zoning out and relaxing. If you’re planning to spend a while at the Orsay, this is a great mid-day rest stop.

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Right Bank

La Poule au Pot

  • Location: 1st arrondissement

This traditional French restaurant, recommended by local food influencers, has been around for ages and is beloved for its nostalgic atmosphere and classic cuisine. The signature dish is Poule au Pot, or "braised chicken," a French national comfort food. King Henry IV once declared: “I want every peasant to have a chicken in the pot on Sundays” (une poule au pot le dimanche), turning this dish into a 17th-century dream meal for the common people.

On our first visit, we ordered the chicken set menu. The server told us to start with the “meatball” on the plate—it was a rich mix of chicken, pork, and foie gras with layered textures. Then came the main event: the braised chicken, cooked whole with vegetables and slowly simmered. The rice soaked up the essence of the broth. Only after finishing the top layers do you discover there’s still flavorful chicken soup at the bottom. It truly felt like a mother’s home-cooked meal—deeply comforting and satisfying.

The portions were huge, and the meal ended with an equally massive crème brûlée. It was so good that we returned a second time on the same trip, trying steak and onion soup—also solid classics.

The chef, reportedly a veteran of many Michelin-starred kitchens, is a middle-aged man with round, thick-rimmed glasses. The second time we dined, we even saw him peeking through the kitchen window, scanning the room like he was checking if everyone had ordered wine. When he noticed us looking, he quickly ducked back inside.

That said, there are a few caveats—our bill had errors both times: once we were charged for sparkling water we didn’t order, another time for an extra glass of wine. Be sure to double-check your bill here.

All in all, it’s still a highly recommended restaurant for authentic French fare in a charming old-school setting.

Paris Gourmet
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La Poule au Pot - Henri IV Traditional Chicken Stew
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Bo&Mie

  • Near the Louvre

Paris has countless pastry shops, but Bo&Mie stands out as a trendy bakery-pâtisserie hybrid. Its proximity to the Louvre and Opéra Garnier makes it perfect for brunch or a snack during museum visits. The atmosphere is lively, and the food is great.

We had a mix of savory and sweet items from the set menu, all satisfying and well-paired with tea or coffee. The place was quite busy, confirming its popularity. If you're looking for a convenient and tasty bite near the Louvre or Opera, this is a solid choice.

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Accents Table Bourse

  • Location: 2nd arrondissement

This one-star Michelin restaurant is helmed by a Japanese chef and blends French foundations with subtle Asian touches. We chose it as one of the highlights of our trip—both to try a Michelin-starred meal and because it's relatively affordable at around €100 per person for a tasting menu (reasonable by Paris standards).

Even the bread and butter—shaped like little bears—had us saying, “Totally worth the calories.” We went with the tasting menu, and the defining feature was that every dish included a crispy element. Even the softest dishes or desserts had a crunchy layer that made each bite surprising and memorable.

This is a place of refined technique, unique textures, and reasonable pricing—a great choice for a “special day dinner” on your trip.

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Breizh Café

  • Location: 3rd arrondissement / Marais district

Arguably the most famous crêpe chain in Paris, Breizh Café is often part of the typical Marais itinerary.

We tried both savory and sweet crêpes, paired with their house-made cider. The buckwheat galette was crispy and fragrant, perfect with soup as a main course. The sweet one came with a ginger-spiced ice cream that left a memorable impression. While it’s definitely good, it’s not a must-pilgrimage spot since it has multiple branches around Paris. Just visit whichever one is most convenient. A great option if you’re craving local street food without going out of your way.

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Aux 2 Saveurs

  • Location: 12th arrondissement, near Gare de Lyon

We stayed near Gare de Lyon and stumbled upon this hidden gem recommended by a food blogger. The chef is Japanese.

We had a three-course dinner. The bread alone was amazing—we kept reaching for more while chatting. One main course was a perfectly crisp roasted chicken, intensely aromatic and flavorful. The dessert was equally well-executed. The whole meal had the feel of a place that’s “almost Michelin-worthy,” yet prices were very reasonable. We were surprised by how underrated it was on Google Maps—it exceeded expectations. If you’re staying near Gare de Lyon and want something less touristy, this spot is a gem.

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Versailles

Angelina

  • Location: Inside the Palace of Versailles

This historic patisserie has multiple branches in Paris, and the Versailles location is right inside the palace. It’s the go-to spot for a treat after touring the palace. The most famous items are their signature Mont Blanc and hot chocolate. This time, we also tried a Versailles-exclusive chocolate dessert set. The overall experience was… a little mixed.

Mont Blanc features a chestnut paste shell, thick cream center, and meringue base—a classic for dessert lovers. But if you’re not a fan of heavy cream, it might feel overwhelming. The Versailles-exclusive set looked stunning when served, but tasted like “three scoops of cream with different flavored coatings.” Maybe that’s how it was designed, but to our taste, the layers of cream, chestnut, and meringue didn’t quite click.

In short, this is a place more about ambiance than flavor surprises. But if you’re tired after exploring the palace, it’s a great spot to sit down, sip hot chocolate, and end the visit on a sweet note.

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FAQ

Q: How far in advance should I book a restaurant?
A: Popular spots (especially Michelin or trendy bistros) can be full 48 hours in advance for lunch. Book via official sites, The Fork, or Google Maps reservation functions. For cafés and casual spots, walk-ins are usually fine.

Q: Do I need to tip in Paris?
A: Most bills already include service (service compris). If the service is great, you can add €1–2 via the “Add tip” button on the card machine.

Q: Will staff speak English?
A: Most places in tourist areas do. At bistros where French is the only language, just start with a polite “Bonjour” and ask “Parlez-vous anglais?”—you’ll usually get a friendly smile. If the menu is unclear, just ask “What do you recommend for today?”

Q: What should I wear to a restaurant?
A: For starred restaurants, smart casual is best (shirt, trousers, closed-toe shoes). For casual bistros, crêperies, and market stalls, regular casual wear is fine. Vests and sneakers are usually accepted, but bring a jacket for evening dinners.

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