Cuisine From Elsewhere
African
A great place to go with friends, as you all share one big plate. Be prepared to eat spicy food with your hands!
Address: 8, rue de l’Ecole Polythechnique (5th)
Tel: 01 40 46 82 21
Metro: Maubert Mutualité
This is the type of restaurant Parisians refer to as chic and branché (trendy). The dishes, inspired by Moroccan cuisine (couscous, tajines, curry), take on a creative, modern edge. Thanks to the cozy atmosphere and enticing smell of exotic spices, you’re magically transported elsewhere without leaving Paris.
Address: 37, rue Berger (1st)
Tel: 01 40 26 26 66
Metro: Louvre-Rivoli / Châtelet-Les Halles
Indian
Punjab Palace
Tucked on a corner in a residential area, this restaurant doesn’t look like anything special from the outside. Step through the door and you’re in another world. Why we like it: excellent service and a large variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Clients are greeted at the door with a hand shake, offered a glass of fruit juice upon sitting and…I’ll keep a few surprises. My personal favorites: Samossa, Palak Panir (spinach and home-made cheese with curry), garlic nan, and a mango lassi to drink, of course. Menu available online.
Address: 299, rue Lecourbe (15th)
Tel: 01 40 60 91 64
Metro: Lourmel
Italian
#1 Pick: Casa Cristo
We found this one by accident- not far from the cinema/tea house La Pagode. The bite-size room steeps in the smell of home-made pasta, gnocchi and pizza. Watch out for chatty regulars who will most definitely make you miss your film!
Address: 20, rue Pierre Leroux (7th)
Tel: 01 45 67 86 07
Metro: Duroc or Vaneau
Le Jardin des Pâtes
I know this one thanks to my college roommate. A variety of fresh, organic pastas (including rice, buckwheat, rye, barley, chestnut) awaits. Located next to the Jardin des Plantes, this restaurant is tastefully decorated and offers a very satisfying meal.
Address: 4, rue Lacépède (5th)
Tel: 01 43 31 50 71
Metro: Monge
Nonna Inès
Another charming (and tiny) restaurant, located just off rue Mouffetard. In warm weather, tables spill out onto the sidewalk, inviting passersby to try the excellent homemade risotto.
1, rue de l’Arbalète (5th)
Tel: 01 43 37 23 72
Metro: Censier Daubenton
Tatou Pizza
Mostly for take-out, this restaurant only has a few tables inside. Take your pizza across the street to the Parc Georges Brassens and enjoy it in on the lawn. Then take a stroll in the antique book market (Saturday and Sunday only) in the old slaughterhouse/meat market next door. All-time favorite: pizza gorgonzola dabbled with homemade sauce aux piments.
Address: 68, rue Brancion (15th)
Tel: 01 45 33 06 77
Metro: Porte de Vanves
Middle Eastern
L’as du Falafel
The best falafels in Paris- no question. Except Saturdays, this place is overflowing with customers and witness to waiters hustling passersby in the street. Most people get their sandwiches to go and continue their walk through the Marais with warm chickpea patties and pita bread in their hands. The added plus is the grilled-eggplant and hot sauce poured on top. An absolute must!
Address: 34, rue des Rosiers (4th)
Tel: 01 48 87 63 60
Metro: St. Paul
