For a Special Lunch or Dinner
One of Christian Constant’s several restaurants on rue Dominique. Excellent cuisine and daily specials. Our favortites: the lobster ravioles, crème caramel, and profiteroles with thick home-made chocolate sauce. No reservations. ($$)
Address: 139, rue Saint-Dominique (7th)
Tel: 01 47 53 73 34
Metro: Ecole Militaire
Fine French cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere. Sit in the main restaurant or in the mezzanine/bar. Choose from one of the set menus or order à la carte. ($$)
Address: 62, rue Mazarine (6th)
Tel: 01 53 10 19 99
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
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. ($$)
Address: 60, rue François Miron (4th)
Tel: 01 42 77 23 08
Metro: Saint-Paul
A traditional brasserie that dates back to 1864. Not to be missed if visiting Paris. Let chef Georges Belondrade entice you with his Alsatian-inspired dishes. ($$)
Address: 5-7, rue de la Bastille (4th)
Tel: 01 42 72 87 82
Metro: Bastille
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. ($$)
Address: 8, rue Falguière (15th)
Tel: 01 42 73 07 02
Metro: Falguière
Bouillon Chartier doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to arrive early or wait in line. The cuisine is decent, but you really go for the authentic 19th century setting. ($-$$) Read my review here.
Address: 7, rue du Faubourg Montmartre (9th)
Tel: 01 47 70 86 29
Metro: Grands Boulevards
Located in one of our 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. ($$)
Address: 45, rue Vandrezanne (13th)
Tel: 01 45 80 20 42
Metro: Place d’Italie
This is a unique restaurant where many of the dishes are raw. Whether you’re a raw foodie or not, you’ll quickly be tempted by their array of carpaccios and tartares, using fresh vegetables, fish, meats, fruits, spices… An inviting atmosphere in the heart of the Marais. ($$) Read my review here.
Address: Village Saint Paul – 7, rue Charlemagne (4th)
Tel: 01 40 27 81 84
Metro: Saint-Paul
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. ($$)
Address: 69, rue de Seine (6th)
Tel: 01 43 54 34 69
Metro: Odéon / Mabillon
An excellent spot for a special dining experience in Paris, in terms of atmosphere and cuisine. Sit on high stools around a counter and watch as dishes are being prepared. You can opt for several small “portions” to try a variety of specialties, order a single dish à la carte, or go for the copious “menu découverte.” ($$$) Read my review here.
Address: 5, rue du Montalembert (7th)
Tel: 01 42 22 56 56
Metro: Rue du bac
Another must if visiting Paris. Yves Camdeborde’s well-known (and much frequented) bistro in one of Paris’ most delightful neighborhoods. Reserve well in advance for a weeknight set menu, or line up at lunchtime/weekend evenings when reservations aren’t taken. ($$)
Address: 9, Carrefour de l’Odéon (6th)
Tel: 01 44 27 07 97
Metro: Odéon
Stéphane Gaborieau (meilleur ouvrier de France 2004) invites you to his Michelin star restaurant for a truly unforgettable dining experience. If I could have eaten only one French dish in my life, it would be his sole meunière, accompanied by a 2008 Vielles Vignes Puligny-Montrachet. Pure heaven. ($$$)
Address: 40, rue Pergolèse (16th)
Tel: 01 45 00 21 40
Metro: Porte Dauphine
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 selection of wines from Burgundy. ($$$)
Address: 41, rue Boissy d’Anglas (8th)
Tel: 01 42 65 06 85
Metro: Madeleine
Wadja
An excellent dining experience in a small, cozy bistro. Traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. The menu changes daily so expect only fresh, seasonal products. ($$)
Address: 10, rue de la Grande Chaumière
Tel: 01 46 33 02 02
Metro: Vavin
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. ($$)
Address: 41, rue des Blancs Manteaux (4th)
Tel: 01 42 74 10 29
Metro: Hotel de Ville / Rambuteau
Crêperies/Crêpe Stands
#1 Pick: La crêperie du Comptoir This is a crêpe stand where you can get both savory galettes and sweet crêpes to take away, or you can go inside and enjoy tapas and a glass of wine at the bar. ($) Read my review here.
Address: 3, carrefour de l’Odéon (6th)
Metro: Odéon
Des Crêpes et des Cailles
Shhh! This one’s a secret. For dinner we recommend: the raclette and tartiflette (buckwheat galettes). For dessert: beurre sucre or homemade chocolate. ($)
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 traditional hard cider. ($)
Address: 24, rue du Pont Neuf (1st)
Tel: 01 40 26 43 54
Metro: Châtelet / Pont Neuf
Crêpe Stand Saint-Germain-des-Près
Paris is full of crêpe stands, but there are a couple that outshine the others. We always look for ones that make their crêpes in front of you (instead of cooking and stacking them ahead of time), like this one. They also make excellent homemade waffles. ($)
Address: north-east corner of bd Saint Germain and rue Bonaparte (6th)
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Près
Fondues and Raclettes
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 / Censier Daubenton