Top Restaurants in Paris：A Food Lover’s Guide
Looking for the top restaurants in Paris? Discover Michelin-starred fine dining, charming bistros, and hidden local gems in the culinary capital of France. From romantic riverfront eateries to authentic brasseries, explore where to savor Parisian flavors in 2025.
As a lifelong Parisian, I've had the privilege of exploring the city's culinary landscape, from cozy bistros to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy. Paris is a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. In this guide, I'll share my personal recommendations for the top restaurants in Paris, complete with practical information to help you plan your dining adventures.
1. Michelin-Starred Marvels
Paris is home to some of the world's most renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs push the boundaries of culinary artistry. Here are a few of my favorites:
1.1. L'Ambroisie
- Address: 9 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
- Phone: +33 1 42 78 51 45
- Transportation: Métro Line 1 or 5 to Bastille station
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (closed Sunday and Monday); Dinner: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- Average Price: €350 - €500 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Foie gras terrine with figs, truffle-infused risotto, and the signature chocolate soufflé
- Introduction: L'Ambroisie, located in the heart of the Marais district, is a three-Michelin-starred institution that has been serving exceptional French cuisine since 1986. Chef Bernard Pacaud's dishes are a masterclass in technique and flavor, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and classical French techniques. The elegant dining room, adorned with crystal chandeliers and antique furnishings, provides the perfect backdrop for a special occasion.
- Surrounding Attractions: Place des Vosges, Picasso Museum, and the charming streets of the Marais
1.2. Epicure
- Address: 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
- Phone: +33 1 44 94 97 00
- Transportation: Métro Line 1 or 13 to Concorde station
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM (closed Sunday and Monday); Dinner: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Average Price: €300 - €450 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Langoustine tartare with caviar, roasted pigeon with black truffle, and the lemon meringue tart
- Introduction: Situated within the luxurious Bristol Paris hotel, Epicure is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a contemporary take on French cuisine. Chef Eric Frechon's dishes are known for their precision and creativity, with a focus on using the finest ingredients from France and beyond. The dining room, with its modern decor and panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, is a stunning setting for a memorable meal.
- Surrounding Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Grand Palais
1.3. Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen
- Address: 1 Avenue Dutuit, 75008 Paris
- Phone: +33 1 53 05 10 00
- Transportation: Métro Line 1 or 9 to Franklin D. Roosevelt station
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (closed Sunday and Monday); Dinner: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Average Price: €250 - €400 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Sea bass with saffron and lemon, beef tenderloin with black truffle, and the chocolate and hazelnut dessert
- Introduction: Nestled within the historic Pavillon Ledoyen in the Champs-Élysées gardens, Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases Chef Yannick Alléno's innovative approach to French cuisine. The restaurant's elegant dining room, with its high ceilings and large windows, offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Alléno's dishes are a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, with a focus on texture and flavor.
- Surrounding Attractions: Champs-Élysées, Grand Palais, and the Petit Palais
Michelin-Starred Restaurants Comparison Table
| Restaurant Name | Michelin Stars | Location | Price Range (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L'Ambroisie | 3 | Place des Vosges | 350 - 500 |
| Epicure | 3 | Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré | 300 - 450 |
| Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen | 3 | Avenue Dutuit | 250 - 400 |
2. Classic Bistros
For a more casual and authentic Parisian dining experience, look no further than the city's classic bistros. These charming establishments serve up hearty French fare in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
2.1. Chez L'Ami Jean
- Address: 27 Rue Malar, 75007 Paris
- Phone: +33 1 47 05 86 89
- Transportation: Métro Line 8 to La Tour-Maubourg station
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM (closed Sunday); Dinner: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Average Price: €40 - €60 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Basque-style chicken, confit de canard, and the chocolate mousse
- Introduction: Chez L'Ami Jean is a lively and bustling bistro in the 7th arrondissement that has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike for decades. Chef Stéphane Jégo's dishes are a celebration of Basque cuisine, with bold flavors and generous portions. The restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with wooden tables and red-checkered tablecloths, makes it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
- Surrounding Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the Rodin Museum
2.2. Le Comptoir du Relais
- Address: 9 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris
- Phone: +33 1 44 27 07 97
- Transportation: Métro Line 4 or 10 to Odéon station
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM; Dinner: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM (closed Sunday)
- Average Price: €35 - €55 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Steak tartare, onion soup, and the crème brûlée
- Introduction: Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, Le Comptoir du Relais is a popular bistro that offers a mix of traditional French dishes and modern twists. Chef Yves Camdeborde's menu changes daily, reflecting the season's best ingredients. The restaurant's cozy dining room, with its exposed brick walls and vintage posters, provides a charming setting for a meal. Be sure to arrive early, as reservations are not accepted and the restaurant fills up quickly.
- Surrounding Attractions: Luxembourg Gardens, Saint-Sulpice Church, and the Shakespeare and Company bookstore
2.3. Bouillon Pigalle
- Address: 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
- Phone: +33 1 42 59 86 86
- Transportation: Métro Line 2 or 12 to Pigalle station
- Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
- Average Price: €15 - €25 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and the profiteroles
- Introduction: Bouillon Pigalle is a historic bistro in the Pigalle neighborhood that has been serving classic French dishes since 1896. The restaurant's grand dining room, with its high ceilings, marble columns, and stained-glass windows, is a sight to behold. The menu offers a wide range of affordable dishes, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Don't miss the opportunity to try the restaurant's famous beef bourguignon, a hearty and flavorful stew that is a staple of French cuisine.
- Surrounding Attractions: Moulin Rouge, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Pigalle nightlife district
Classic Bistros Comparison Table
| Restaurant Name | Location | Price Range (€) | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chez L'Ami Jean | 7th arrondissement | 40 - 60 | Lively and bustling |
| Le Comptoir du Relais | Saint-Germain-des-Prés | 35 - 55 | Cozy and charming |
| Bouillon Pigalle | Pigalle | 15 - 25 | Grand and historic |
3. Modern Gastronomy
For those seeking a more contemporary dining experience, Paris also boasts a number of restaurants that are pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation.
3.1. Septime
- Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
- Phone: +33 1 43 67 38 29
- Transportation: Métro Line 9 to Charonne station
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (closed Sunday and Monday); Dinner: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- Average Price: €60 - €80 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Seasonal vegetable tasting menu, sea bass with fermented vegetables, and the dessert sampler
- Introduction: Septime is a highly acclaimed restaurant in the 11th arrondissement that has gained a reputation for its creative and sustainable approach to cuisine. Chef Bertrand Grébaut's menu changes regularly, focusing on seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. The restaurant's minimalist dining room, with its white walls and wooden tables, provides a calm and serene setting for a meal. Reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant is often booked weeks in advance.
- Surrounding Attractions: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Rue Oberkampf, and the Marché d'Aligre
3.2. Frenchie
- Address: 5 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris
- Phone: +33 1 40 39 96 19
- Transportation: Métro Line 3 or 4 to Réaumur - Sébastopol station
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (closed Sunday and Monday); Dinner: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Average Price: €70 - €100 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Tasting menu featuring dishes like octopus with chorizo and pork belly with apple compote
- Introduction: Frenchie is a small and intimate restaurant in the 2nd arrondissement that has become a must-visit destination for food lovers. Chef Gregory Marchand's dishes are a fusion of French and international flavors, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients. The restaurant's cozy dining room, with its exposed brick walls and open kitchen, provides a unique and interactive dining experience. Reservations are essential, as the restaurant has only a few tables.
- Surrounding Attractions: Centre Pompidou, Les Halles shopping center, and the Rue Montorgueil market
3.3. Clamato
- Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris (same building as Septime)
- Phone: +33 1 43 67 14 87
- Transportation: Métro Line 9 to Charonne station
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM; Dinner: 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM (closed Sunday and Monday)
- Average Price: €30 - €50 per person
- Recommended Dishes: Seafood platter, grilled octopus, and the oyster stew
- Introduction: Clamato is a seafood-focused restaurant located in the same building as Septime. Chef Tadashi Onoda's menu showcases the best of the ocean, with a focus on fresh and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant's casual and laid-back atmosphere, complete with wooden tables and nautical decor, makes it the perfect spot for a seafood feast. Be sure to try the restaurant's famous seafood platter, which features a variety of fresh oysters, shrimp, and crab.
- Surrounding Attractions: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Rue Oberkampf, and the Marché d'Aligre
Modern Gastronomy Restaurants Comparison Table
| Restaurant Name | Location | Price Range (€) | Culinary Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septime | 11th arrondissement | 60 - 80 | Creative and sustainable |
| Frenchie | 2nd arrondissement | 70 - 100 | Fusion of French and international flavors |
| Clamato | 11th arrondissement | 30 - 50 | Seafood-focused |
4. Q&A
4.1. What is the name of the best restaurant in Paris?
Determining the "best" restaurant in Paris is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, L'Ambroisie, with its three Michelin stars and exceptional French cuisine, is often regarded as one of the city's top dining destinations.
4.2. What are the Michelin star restaurants in Paris?
Paris is home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, including:
- Three-Star Restaurants: L'Ambroisie, Epicure, Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen, Pierre Gagnaire, Le Pré Catelan, and Arpège.
- Two-Star Restaurants: Le Grand Véfour, L'Astrance, Les Amis, Kei, and Yannick Alléno à l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (though the latter is technically in Monaco, it has a Paris outpost).
- One-Star Restaurants: There are too many to list here, but some notable ones include Septime, Frenchie, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and Le Chateaubriand.
4.3. What is the most beautiful restaurant in Paris?
The "most beautiful" restaurant in Paris is also a matter of personal taste, but several establishments are known for their stunning decor and ambiance. L'Ambroisie, with its elegant dining room and crystal chandeliers, is a strong contender. Another beautiful option is Le Jules Verne, located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
4.4. What is Kardashian's favorite Paris restaurant?
The Kardashian family has been spotted dining at several high-profile restaurants in Paris, including L'Avenue and Ferdi. L'Avenue, located on the Champs-Élysées, is known for its trendy atmosphere and celebrity clientele, while Ferdi, a cozy bistro in the 8th arrondissement, is famous for its delicious burgers and secret menu.
In conclusion, Paris offers a wealth of dining options for every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for a Michelin-starred culinary experience, a classic bistro meal, or a modern gastronomic adventure, the city has something to offer. I hope this guide has inspired you to explore the culinary delights of Paris and discover your own favorite restaurants. Bon appétit!