Millions of people visit Paris every year, whether it's for the architecture, the art, the romance — the list goes on. However, amid all the wonderful places to see in Paris, there are some truly world-class restaurants and cafés you will want to make a beeline for.
In this guide, we take you through the best restaurants in Paris based on different cuisines and venue types, and where exactly you can go to get your fill of some truly world-class dining.
Paris food scene overview
French food is famous the world over for its quality and idiosyncrasies — and Paris, as the capital of France, is possibly one of the best places in the world to experience the regional cuisine at its absolute tastiest.
Paris' food scene is famous for its café culture and its rows and rows of bistros — meaning there are plenty of smaller but still memorable businesses serving up authentic soup, pastries, coffee, flan, and more. You'll also find that Paris is packed with street market vendors, as the city is becoming something of a street food hub for European foodies.
Whether you are dining at sit-down restaurants or picking at street stalls, be sure to account for the city's famous groceries, patisseries and boulangeries, too. You can't head into Paris for breakfast without sampling an authentic croissant, for example!
And then, there are streets of cheese — not literally, of course, but Paris is also famous with foodies for its fantastic array of fromageries, which bring together varieties of regional cheeses from coast to border and back.
Paris does a fantastic job of bringing together the best of French food and drink into one metropolis. Therefore, for many reasons, it's a great launching pad for people who want to sample French culture without having to travel too far into the country.
Best restaurants in Paris
There are new restaurants, bistros, and businesses opening up across Paris all the time, meaning that any ranking for best restaurants in Paris will change frequently. However, we've put together a selection of some of the highest-rated restaurants in the city according to TripAdvisor reviews, with a quick overview of some categories you'll want to check out.
We've broken these restaurants down into classic bistros, fine dining in the 7th, Montmartre cafés, and pastry shops. Be sure to check out these recommendations on your next trip (and, of course, to leave your own reviews to help the businesses and other potential visitors).
While you're at it, if you'd like to find other restaurants, cafés, bistros, and more in the city, make sure you have an eSIM for Europe loaded to your phone ready to go. That way, you can always make sure you're connected safely to local mobile data and check out local eateries based on your GPS location.
Classic bistros
Modest, stylish, and traditional, classic bistros are certainly worth visiting if you're looking for hearty meals and menus that change frequently. The best bistros in Paris tend to offer meals and snacks across the day, and are easy to spot thanks to their vintage aesthetics.
If you're looking for an efficient but authentic way to eat out in Paris, you should certainly make a classic bistro your first port of call. And, certainly, you shouldn't leave Paris without trying at least one.
Some of the best bistros in Paris include:
Fine dining in the 7th
Paris is, of course, also well-loved for its opulent dining experiences as much as it is for its romance — and, if you visit the upscale 7th arrondissement of the city, you are likely to come across more than a handful of eateries that push French cuisine to its most luxurious.
Remember that dressing appropriately when visiting these establishments is a must, and that you will often expect to spend a little more dining here than most other restaurants we list in this guide.
TripAdvisor users recommend that you visit:
Montmartre cafés
Montmartre is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Paris for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its bustling squares and fantastic views. It's even home to the world-famous Moulin Rouge! However, it's just as popular with foodies thanks to its array of authentic Parisian cafés, great for breakfast or the occasional drink and treat.
Some cafés in Montmartre recommended at TripAdvisor include:
[esim flag="🇫🇷" label="France" data="50GB · 30 days" price="$28" href="/products/france" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Find local restaurants, cafés, and bistros across Paris — stay connected on the go[/esim]Pastry shops
If you ask the SIMOVO team, a visit to Paris really isn't complete without at least one trip inside a pastry shop or bakery. If you're on the go and are looking for something flaky or sweet to eat, be sure to check out the huge range of traditional bakers producing fresh bread and more from morning to morning.
With more than 500 café spots listed in the city according to TripAdvisor, there's more than plenty to choose from without ever leaving the capital.
Some of the best bakeries in Paris according to TripAdvisor users include:
What food to try in Paris
As we explored in our guide to French food, there are some absolute must-try dishes, drinks, and recipes you'll want to sample in Paris before heading home. We recommend that you try:
- Croissants
- Bouillabaisse
- Baguette Tradition
- Coq au Vin
- Croque Monsieur
- Ratatouille
- Duck Confit
- Macarons
- Crêpes
Dining tips for Paris
Whether you're new to dining in Paris or are just looking for some new ways to experience the best food that the city has to offer, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
[tip title="Research halal, vegetarian, and vegan options before you land"]There are several spots in Paris that serve halal food and many that will provide vegetarian and vegan options, so always make sure to research eateries before you land (and research local spots while you're discovering the city on foot).[/tip] [tip title="Visit local markets for fresh ingredients"]Local markets are great for fresh ingredients from some of the most talented farmers across Paris and its outer reaches. While we highly recommend you dine out at celebrated restaurants, you may want to make your own meals, too — and here is a great place to start.[/tip] [tip title="Follow the crowds at street food vendors"]A good general rule for exploring street food vendors in Paris and elsewhere is to prioritize those stalls which have lots of people lining up. The busier the lines, the more likely it is that a vendor will be serving fresh and tasty food.[/tip] [tip title="Save room for pastries and cakes"]While Paris and France might not lean too heavily into dessert, that doesn't mean you won't find delicious pastries and cakes across the city and beyond. Make sure you have plenty of room after your main courses to tuck into some flaky deliciousness.[/tip] [tip title="Reserve fine dining tables well ahead of time"]Fine dining commands extensive waiting lists, so if there is somewhere popular and prestigious you'd like to book into, make sure you reserve far ahead of the evening. Wherever possible, we recommend reserving tables the day before.[/tip] [tip title="Note Paris' lunchtime hours"]Lunchtime in Paris tends to fall between 12:30pm and 2pm, so keep in mind that many kitchens across the city will be closed after this time.[/tip] [faq] [q]What are the best restaurants in Paris?[/q] [a]Paris' best-rated restaurants span several distinct categories: classic bistros like Bistro Paul Bert and La Fontaine de Mars, fine dining spots in the 7th arrondissement such as L'Arpège, Montmartre cafés including Café Albert, and celebrated pastry shops like Du Pain et des Idées. TripAdvisor is a reliable source for current reviews, as the city's dining scene changes frequently.[/a] [q]What food should I try in Paris?[/q] [a]Must-try dishes in Paris include croissants, bouillabaisse, baguette tradition, coq au vin, croque monsieur, ratatouille, duck confit, macarons, and crêpes. Paris' café culture and bistro scene make it easy to sample a wide range of authentic French cuisine, from casual street food to fine dining.[/a] [q]Do I need to dress up for fine dining in Paris?[/q] [a]Yes — dressing appropriately is expected at upscale restaurants, particularly in areas like the 7th arrondissement. Smart, polished attire is the norm at fine dining establishments, and many venues also require reservations well in advance, ideally the day before for the most popular spots.[/a] [q]Can I find halal or vegetarian food in Paris?[/q] [a]Yes — Paris has a good selection of halal restaurants and many venues offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's worth researching specific eateries before you travel, as availability varies by neighborhood, and continuing to look for options as you explore the city on foot.[/a] [q]What time do Parisians eat lunch?[/q] [a]Lunchtime in Paris typically runs from 12:30pm to 2pm. Many kitchens across the city close after this window and don't reopen until dinner service, so plan your midday meals accordingly to avoid being caught out.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for finding restaurants in Paris?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for Europe is a convenient way to stay connected while exploring Paris' food scene — useful for finding local restaurants, cafés, and bistros based on your GPS location, checking reviews, and navigating between neighborhoods. It means no hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇫🇷" label="France" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$9.40" href="/products/france" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in Paris[/esim]
