The 8 Best Restaurants in Paris That No Trip Would Be Complete Without

With literally thousands of restaurants to choose from, Paris offers endless dining possibilities, so finding that perfect place for a meal can be an overwhelming task. 

Whether you are looking for an outstanding Michelin-star experience or just a casual crêperie for a quick bite, here are some of the best restaurants in Paris that should be on your radar.

1. L’Astrance

L’Astrance, one of the world’s best restaurants that boasts three Michelin stars, offers the ultimate fine dining experience in Paris. 

Chef Pascal Barbot, who trained under Alain Passard at Arpège, is acclaimed for his simple but sensational creations with surprising flavors. Instead of relying on salt, pepper, cream and butter—all of which Barbot resolutely avoids—the taste is highlighted by exotic ingredients like miso and Chinese dates. 

At €95 for lunch and €250 for the dinner menu, l’Astrance is one of the most affordable three-star Michelin restaurants in Paris.

2. Jòia

Jòia is the second restaurant by Hélène Darroze, who was voted the best female chef in the world. 

The menu revolves around comfort food from Darroze’s homeland just outside the French Basque Country, with an added touch of global flavors. Roasted chicken from the Landes region is a must try, and so is the fusion of crêpes mille-feuille and matcha. 

To quench your thirst, you’re in luck: one of Paris’ most unique wine lists is here. All of the vintage wines are made by female winemakers, or vigneronnes. 

3. David Toutain

David Toutain serves some of the most interesting and boldest food in Paris. 

Normandy-born Toutain, who also used to work with Alain Passard at Arpège, was awarded his second Michelin star in January 2019. The restaurant’s daily-changing menu is filled with inventive and beautifully presented dishes. The flavors are as unexpected as they are delicious: think grilled eel with black sesame sauce, or Toutain’s signature egg yolk with cumin caramel creme. 

4. Aux Bons Crus

Aux Bons Crus, a traditional Paris bistro full of old world charm, features a classic roadside restaurant interior, from the red-and-white checkered tablecloths to the plastic bread baskets. 

Expect simple but characterful dishes with homely flavors like the classic entrecôte steak or pot-au-feu (beef stew). The cellar has an extensive wine list, making it easy to find a perfect match for your meal. 

5. La Bourse et la Vie

La Bourse et la Vie is a gem of an old-fashioned bistro. It’s run by Daniel Rose, an American chef trained in France who first gained fame with his French restaurant in Manhattan, Le Coucou. 

Rose is passionate about traditional French cooking and bringing old recipes to life. He excels in comforting classics like veal pot-au-feu and roasted chicken. But the star of the menu is his famous steak-frites, which are unmatched anywhere in the city.  

6. Clamato

Clamato seafood bar is one of the coolest restaurants in Paris right now. 

Run by Théo Pourriat and Michelin-starred chef Bertrand Grébaut, it is located next door to the duo’s renowned restaurant Septime. Every dish on the daily-changing menu is a perfect example of their creativity: tuna tartare, smoked shrimp, octopus carpaccio and more. In addition, Clamato boasts an excellent list of carefully selected natural wines.

7. Breizh Café

Brittany-born chef Bertrand Larcher’s Breizh Café is, as every Parisian will tell you, the best crêperie in Paris. 

Larcher relies on the highest-quality ingredients such as farmers’ market eggs, Bordier butter and stone-milled organic flour. You can opt for the traditional savory galettes with ham, cheese and egg, or get adventurous with toppings like smoked duck breast. 

Dessert crêpes also come in both classic varieties and Asian fusion flavors (Lacher’s wife is Japanese). And that’s not all: the café offers an extensive list of artisanal ciders from Brittany that you shouldn’t miss.  

8. Hugo & Co

After the huge success of his first restaurant, Cambodian-born chef Tomy Gousset opened Hugo & Co, a chic Parisian bistro with a New York vibe. Needless to say, it was an instant hit.

Hugo & Co was voted 2019’s bistro of the year, and for good reason; the menu is nothing short of extraordinary. Inspired by international street food, it’s full of delicacies like steamed artichokes with curried hummus, and smoked mackerel with shiitake mushrooms. 

With main courses priced between €12 and €19, this is an excellent place to savor “gourmet street food” in Paris.