French Restaurants
For a Special Night Out
#1 Pick: C’est Mon Plaisir
Couldn’t stop thinking about this charming little restaurant for days. Favorite dish: the croustillant au rouget (red mullet) with tapenade. For dessert: a mi-cuit au chocolat with coffee ice cream and caramel au beurre salé.
Address: 8, rue Falguière (15th)
Tel: 01 42 73 07 02
Metro: Falguière
If you like salmon, this is the place for you: salmon tartare, smoked salmon, salmon eggs, marinated salmon, roasted salmon. Can I stop, yet? Dine at the cheerfully decorated restaurant or visit the boutique for a variety of quality Scandinavian products.
Address: 60, rue François Miron (4th)
Tel: 01 42 77 23 08
Metro: Saint-Paul
Located in one of my favorite neighborhoods, la Butte-aux-Cailles, this restaurant proposes French cuisine with a modern flare (and a carefully chosen wine list). The seared tuna with sesame seeds was especially amazing.
Address: 45, rue Vandrezanne (13th)
Tel: 01 45 80 20 42
Metro: Place d’Italie
Fish La Boissonnerie
Guess what they have? An old poissonnerie that’s been transformed into a wine bar/restaurant, this is a great spot for Mediterranean cuisine. The ceramic façade and old wooden beams inside add to the authentic, lively atmosphere.
69, rue de Seine (6th)
Tel: 01 43 54 34 69
Metro: Odéon / Mabillon
Located near Place de la Madeleine, this restaurant carries on the culinary tradition of French chef Bernard Loiseau- known for his “minimalist” cuisine. The menu at Tante Louise changes regularly and according to season. We were impressed by their large selection of Burgundy wines.
Address: 41, rue Boissy d’Anglas (8th)
Tel: 01 42 65 06 85
Metro: Madeleine
Ze Restoo
A miniature restaurant located in the heart of the Marais. Super friendly service and a creative, slightly Antillean inspired menu- only for the adventurous. Reasonably priced.
Address: 41, rue des Blancs Manteaux (4th)
Tel: 01 42 74 10 29
Metro: Hotel de Ville / Rambuteau
Crêperies/Crêpe Stands
#1 Pick: Des Crêpes et des Cailles
Shhh! This one’s a secret. For dinner we recommend: the raclette and tartiflette (buckwheat galettes). For dessert: the beurre sucre or homemade chocolat crêpes.
Address: 13, rue de la Butte aux Cailles (13th)
Tel: 01 45 81 68 69
Metro: Place d’Italie
If you want to feel like you’re in Paris, go here. Nothing fancy, just an authentic atmosphere and very good galettes. My favorite: the Parmentier (potatoes, egg, gruyère and créme fraîche). A good place to stop while exploring the Châtelet area. Don’t forget to order some cider!
Address: 24, rue du Pont Neuf (1st)
Tel: 01 40 26 43 54
Metro: Châtelet / Pont Neuf
Crêpe Stand Saint-Germain-des-Près
Paris is full of crêpe stands, but there are a couple that outshine the others. We always look for ones that make their crêpes in front of you (instead of cooking and stacking them ahead of time), like this one.
They also make excellent home-made waffles covered in nutella!
Address: north-east corner of bd Saint Germain and rue Bonaparte (6th)
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Près
Fondues and Raclettes
#1 Pick: La Grolle de Montmartre
A small restaurant tucked into the Montmartre hillside, La Grolle is the place to go for fondue on a chilly winter’s evening. Thanks to the decoration, reminiscent of Savoie, and the warm smell of melting cheese, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the French Alps. A cozy, friendly atmosphere abides, but only come if you like company- the owners and their dog (a Lhassa Apso from Tibet) are likely to stop by your table for a chat.
Address: 28, rue la Vieuville (18th)
Tel: 01 42 57 36 15
Metro: Abesses
La Grange
It may be located on a touristy (yet fun and lively) street, but the fondue and decor are authentic. Come early or make a reservation- otherwise you risk being refused at the door!
Address: 72, rue Mouffetard (5th)
Tel: 01 43 36 19 74
Metro: Monge or Censier Daubenton
