Restaurants & dining – All our local tips

Our favorite Paris local restaurants and dining. This is where our Paris locals come to eat lunch or dinner… Paris insider tips: always up-to-date!

6th floor of Pompidou Centre Paris (by Frédéric Moussaïan)

The 6th floor of Pompidou Centre is a great place for those who want to have an overview of Paris’s sociology. Indeed, 4 different categories of what constitute Paris’s crowd can be examined:

1) snobbish Parisians and rich tourists meet at Georges (like Georges Pompidou) restaurant, a trendy place to be seen, with a terrace offering a view on surrounding areas, including Palais de Justice and Notre-Dame;

2) art students or simply art enthusiasts (6th floor hosts the most popular exhibitions of the Centre);

3) regular tourists who, after visiting the collections on the 4th floor, climb to the 6th in the famous escalator to have a look and take pictures from what’s one of the best views of Paris;

4) finally, a 4th category, which I belong to, of people who get there only to have a break or even a nap on the comfortable coloured sofas in the hall. In sunny days of winter, the glass structure produces a « greenhouse effect », and it’s a real pleasure to doze off in the middle of this chaotic atmosphere.

To reach the 6th floor, you’re supposed to have a ticket for the Centre (it’ll be asked if you want to visit the exhibitions), but here’s a tip: go to the elevator on the left of the big square and say you’re going to the Georges. They’ll let you in, and you’ll take 2 elevators. Once on the 6th floor, feel free to actually go to the Georges, or just admire the view, or of course, enjoy a decent nap on the sofas!!!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
6th floor of Pompidou Centre | Art & culture, Bars, Relaxing, Restaurants | Free
Place Georges Pompidou | Louvre/Les Halles
Wed – Mon 12:00 – 20:50

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Al Taglio Paris (by Fred Moussaian)

Whoever has been to Rome probably enjoyed pizza al taglio, those delicious pizzas sold by weight, folded in two, put in a piece of paper, and eaten like a sandwich while walking through nice Roman alleys. Finally, after years of desperate investigation to find a similar store in Paris (and being very close to initiate the concept myself!), I finally found Al Taglio, which reproduces faithfully the Roman speciality.

Unlike other places where portions of pizzas are already cut, priced (expensively), and generally not very good, here you can choose the size yourself (thus the weight and the price) of your slice, depending on your appetite and/or will to try different kinds. A good option is to choose several small slices in order to taste different varieties.

The recipe is different from traditional round pizza: this pizza is cooked in long, rectangular baking pans and relatively thick. The crust is similar to that of an English muffin, and is usually cut with scissors or a knife, but I should stop copying Wikipedia, if not, people will notice it!!!

You’ll usually find a choice of four or five different pizzas at a time (including vegetarian ones), but as soon as a pizza is finished, the pizzaiolo makes a new variety and so on. Pizzas can be enjoyed in the restaurant, or taken away and eaten on the go, just like in Rome.

Located near metro station Parmentier, it is a good place to start a big night out in the bars of the neighbouring Rue Oberkampf.

Last but not least, it offers a free WIFI connection!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Al Taglio | Snacks, Restaurants (Pizzeria) | Pizza 4 Formaggi (100gr) € 3.49
2 bis rue Neuve-Popincourt | Belleville/Nation | +33143381200
Sun – Thu 12:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 00:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Anahuacalli Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

I am so pleased to finally review my favorite restaurant in Paris. Coming from California, I am a huge fan of Mexican food and upon moving to Paris, I started the quest to find the best in town. After a few failed attempts, I stumbled upon Anahuacalli and it has become my favorite place to go with friends for margaritas and a good meal.

The staff is extremely friendly and trilingual – feel comfortable to speak French, English or Spanish. The menu provides a variety of traditional Mexican choices. You can’t go wrong with either the enchiladas verdes or the enchiladas tarascas – both are delicious. The guacamole is by far the best I’ve had in Paris and is a great starter for your meal.

Of course, the margaritas are worth their own separate mention. Authentic, potent, and delicious, the margaritas are a must-try.

Anahuacalli is often packed and very busy, especially on weekends, so reservations are a must. Keep in m

ind there are two seatings, so if you want to linger over drinks and dessert, opt for the later seating at 22:00 for more time at the table.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Anahuacalli | Restaurants (Mexican) | Main dish € 20.00
30 rue des Bernadins | Quartier Latin | +33143261020
Mon – Sat 19:00 – 23:00, Sun 12:00 – 15:00 & 19:00 – 23:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Brasserie Wepler Paris (by Willem Vink)

It would be interesting to know how many customers have been served here. Brasserie Wepler, more than a century old and on one of the busiest squares of Paris, will without any doubt be high in Paris’ rankings.

It is one of countless typical brasseries for which Paris is famous, offering a quick but qualitative service with a very wide menu. Seafood platters are first choice, with the typical seafood counter located outside, on the sidewalk.

The restaurant reopened after a major renovation during summer 2008, but strange enough nothing appears to have changed!

Take a window table be surprised by the sheer number of people that will pass by.
It is also a good place for a drink/dinner before or after a movie next door in the big Pathe cinema.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Brasserie Wepler | Restaurants (Seafood) | seafood platter from € 28.00
14, place de Clichy | Montmartre/Clichy | +330145225324
10:00 – 02:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Curieux Spaghetti Bar Paris (by Frédéric Moussaïan)

Although I’m not usually fond of this kind of fashionable and exuberant places, in one of the trendiest areas of Paris, I’m making an exception for The Curieux Spaghetti Bar, two steps from Centre Pompidou, at the entrance of the Marais.

Specialising in pasta, as its name suggests, it offers a €11,50 all-you-can-eat buffet at lunch on weekdays (it used to be  €9,50: it is a curieux way to implement the VAT decrease in restaurants!!!) at lunch and transforms in a regular pasta restaurant at dinner. But the best formula – the one which managed to capture me – is definitely the Italian-like “aperitivo“, served only for happy hour, between 17:00 and 20:00.

During that time, you can enjoy decent-sized mojitos (regular ones or flavoured with ginger, strawberry, banana…) for €6.00 or a beer, glass of wine, or soft drink for €3.00. But what makes it a real bargain is the free buffet of salads (3 different types, a different menu everyday), olives, and pieces of pizzas that you can enjoy unlimited provided you order a drink. Between 7pm and 8pm, it’s generally crowded, and you sometimes have to fight to get pizzas, so better is coming earlier.

The bar regularly changes decoration, always with bright colours, kitsch ceiling lights along the bar, and items reminiscent of pasta (for instance the main door handle).

Ideal place to eat and drink before watching a film at Le Nouveau Latina (check the Le Nouveau Latina article), located just one block away!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Curieux Spaghetti Bar | Bars, Restaurants (Italian)
14 rue Saint-Merri | Marais/Bastille
Sun – Wed 12:00 – 02:00, Thu – Sat 12:00 – 04:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

e-Top Paris (by Adam Roberts)

Although slow food is more to my preference, the length of my break tells me that fast food is my only option at lunchtimes. When I need to eat quickly, what could be better than food that not only rapidly appears on the table but is also both healthy and nutritous?

The e-Top restaurant has been open for less than 6 months, and despite the somewhat awkward name, this Asian kitchen is already pulling in streams of lunchtime visitors. Being near my place of work it has become my unofficial canteen, and looking around at fellow customers, it seems like I’m not the only one to use it this way.

From 12 o’clock the clean, modern space slowly fills up, and plates of stir-fried rice, meat and noodles and big, piping hot bowls of soup are brought to the tables. Conversation fills the room and the windows begin to steam up as the hungry crowds tuck into their fresh, spicy dishes. After a quick coffee, a rapid glance at the watch and a rush back to work.

Don’t forget to pick up one of the sweets at the counter to keep you going through the afternoon!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
e-Top | Snacks, Restaurants (Asian) | Large Bowl of Noodle Soup € 7.50
40 Rue St Georges | Grands Boulevards | +330145262289
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 22:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

El Prado/La Liberte Paris (by )

A curious mixture of a typical Parisian bar and an authentic Andalucian restaurant, this venue nevertheless manages to always be warm and welcoming.

It is at its liveliest on theme nights when musicians and dancers encourage you on to the dance-floor to try a few steps of Flamenco, or alternatively on European football nights.

On warm spring evenings when Spanish sides are playing, large crowds can be always be seen on the pavement outside, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of one of the screens in the bar.

A love of food, football and fiestas – what could be more Spanish than that?

Details about this spot (Show on map)
El Prado/La Liberte | Bars, Restaurants (Spanish) | Dinner/Spectacle € 22.00
52 rue Saint Sebastien | Belleville/Nation
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 02:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

El Sol y La Luna Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

El Sol y La Luna is one of the best spots for a sit-down lunch in the Latin Quarter. The interior is cozy, with bench-style seats and funky items attached to the walls and hanging from the ceiling. One of the highlights is the chandelier made entirely of empty Corona bottles. For large parties, there is a room separate from the main dining area that can be reserved in advance for special events.

While the décor is definitely unique, the real reason to visit El Sol y La Luna is for the food! The special lunch menu is one of the best values for your money in the area and offers diners the choice of a starter and main dish, main dish and dessert or main dish and beverage, all for only ten euros. Every lunch menu also includes a coffee.

Choose from a variety of dishes – my favorite starters are the fresh guacamole or the queso fundido (melted cheese with salsa), both served with tortilla chips. For your main dish, enjoy a chicken quesadilla, chili con carne or a chicken burrito.

If you’re in the mood for an alcoholic drink, opt for a margarita or select an imported Mexican beer from a range of choices. El Sol y La Luna is popular and seats fill up quickly so try to stop by in off-peak times to be guaranteed a seat.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
El Sol y La Luna | Restaurants (Latin American) | Lunch Menu € 10.00
31 rue Saint Jacques | Quartier Latin | +330143544156
12:00 – 00:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Fish-La Boissonerie Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

Just off the busy Boulevard Saint Germain in the 6e arrondissement, Fish – La Boissonerie is the perfect spot for a fabulous meal. The restaurant gets its name from the interesting fact that its located in an old fish-mongers shop, evidenced by the colorful tiling that remains around the entrance.

Owned by two Anglophones, and with chef Michael Ong in the kitchen, the menu changes frequently and displays a variety of influences ranging from French, American to Asian. I’ve tasted a variety of dishes including a delightful pork filet mignon with delicious roast garlic seasoning that I would highly recommend.

While Fish has a delectable food menu, its wine list is extensive and the best I’ve seen in this type of restaurant in the city. Check the chalkboard behind the bar for a list of specially selected “wines of the week” that can be tasted by the glass or the bottle. Also, don’t miss the warm, freshly baked foccacia style bread that is brought over from across the street at the Cosi sandwich shop (under the same management).

Overall, Fish – La Boissonerie is the perfect place for a cozy, delicious dinner. The restaurant tends to always be packed so reservations are a must, or arrive when the place opens and grab a seat at the bar and take your meal from there – a great place for conversation and people-watching.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Fish-La Boissonerie | Restaurants (French) | Prix fixe menu € 32.00
69 rue de Seine | Quartier Latin | +330143543469
Tue – Sun 12:30 – 14:30 & 19:00 – 23:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Happy Days Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

Now, I know that first-time visitors to Paris are hopefully not coming here to eat hamburgers, but if you’re a resident or are here for longer than a week or so and can’t fight that burger craving, I highly recommend the Happy Days diner.

Located just behind the Place Saint Michel, Happy Days is a kitschy French take on the classic American diner. The restaurant is brightly painted in pink and turquoise colors and there are big comfy booths that you would expect to find in a typical old diner. The music is classic and fabulous, and the servers are friendly and fun.

The menu is quite extensive and offers up all the typical favorites – from a range of different burgers, to hot dogs and American-style sandwiches. Don’t miss their creamy milkshakes that come in a variety of flavors that can be mixed and matched. I loved the coffee Oreo shake that I had recently.  The window booth on the ground floor is a perfect place to linger over a juicy burger or shake and people-watch.

I haven’t had a meal that I didn’t like at Happy Days. It’s guaranteed to be a rockin’ good time!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Happy Days | Restaurants (American) | Milkshake € 4.95
25 rue Francisque Gay | Quartier Latin | +330143296707
Sun – Thu 11:30 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 11:30 – 01:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Hôtel du Nord Paris (by Harriet O'Brien)

With its beautifully decorated dining room and bar and fabulous old coffee maker dominating the right side of the bar, the Hotel du Nord is subtly chic and charming. Made famous by Marcel Carné’s 1930s film it has become something of a Parisian institution.

A pretty shaded terrace looks out partly onto the canal at a particularly calm, untrafficed section. The small but excellent seasonal menu boasts both traditional and more modern dishes (such as a Chinese style three cabbage salad- delicious).

Hotel du Nord is rather an elegant little place and whilst the ambiance is more discreet than in many of the restaurants in the area, it is by no means ostentatious. There is also a great selection of wines and good options for vegetarians too.

Hotel du Nord is at once

a handsome restaurant ideal for a romantic evening meal – with its low-lighting and candlelit dining room - as a peaceful café, perfect for a coffee or an aperitif.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Hôtel du Nord | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (French) | Daily special (mains) € 10.00
102 Quai Jemappes | Belleville/Nation | +33140407878
09:00 – 01:30 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Jardins du Palais Royal Paris (by Frédéric Moussaïan)

Gardens of Palais Royal are like the minds of French people: at first glance they are symmetrical, rational, organized… Cartesian. The palace itself is very homogeneous, like in Place des Vosges (see this article). Everything looks in order. But after a while, you’ll notice a hint of anarchy, disorder, a laid back atmosphere, and sometimes even a big confusion!

More Parisian than neighbouring Jardin des Tuileries, which is gorgeous too but very busy and touristic, Palais Royal is an excellent place to observe Paris’s bourgeoisie: on weekdays, young executives enjoying their lunch break mix with young nannies and their pushchairs, retired people cross-wording or simply observing life, and young boys playing football and dirtying their school uniform in the sandy ground… In hot seasons and sunny weekends, you’ll see a more various and relaxed crowd, including lost or well-informed tourists.

My preference goes to the central pond, mostly for its great chairs inviting for a delicious nap rocked by the continuous murmur of the fountain. But the flowered areas with benches are also nice and quieter. Sometimes, exhibitions of contemporary sculptures are displayed in the gardens, adding a touch of anachronism in this once royal residency.

In summer evenings it’s an excellent place to sip a bottle of wine, throw a picnic or try to play pétanque: garden remains open until its restaurants close.

Have a look at the arcades too: its mixture of very fashionable and very kitschy stores (search the pipe shop and the military decorations and medals ones) perfectly illustrates the contrast between old-fashioned declining grandeur and modern vitality of Palais Royal and its surroundings.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Jardins du Palais Royal | Art & culture, Bars, Relaxing, Restaurants (French) | Free
2 place Colette | Louvre/Les Halles
07:30 – 20:30 daily (later in summer)

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Krishna Bhavan Paris (by Carmen De Falco)

Like Japanese restaurants in Paris, which are divided into those for locals or tourists (generally run by non-Japanese people and serving mostly sushi) and the ones frequented by Japanese, with better quality and range of food, there are plenty of Indian restaurants in Paris, but not all can boast real Indians in their clientele.

Located in the heart of the Indian and Sri Lankan area in Paris (the triangle formed by Rue Cail, Rue Louis Blanc and Rue Perdonnet, near metro station La Chapelle), Krishna Bhavan is a strictly vegetarian Indian restaurant, with one of the greatest quality/price ratio in Paris.

Unlike most Indian restaurants in Paris, where you’ll eat dishes from Northern India or Pakistan, the specialities of Krishna Bhavan are from South India and Sri Lanka, and are of Tamil tradition. For example, the “dosa”, a kind of long “crêpe” filled with different vegetables, or the “thali”, a big meal with several dishes and sauces. As in the Krishna spirituality, alcohol is not served, which will make the bill even cheaper, wine or beer is substituted by “lassi” or milk-shakes (or simply tap water).

The restaurant itself is small, but the atmosphere is convivial, and it’s not rare here to chat with the close neighbouring tables. It’s also possible to buy food to take away in the Krishna Bhavan tearoom, on the other side of the street.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Krishna Bhavan | Restaurants (Indian) | Full thali € 8.00
24 rue Cail | La Villette | +33142057843
11:00 – 23:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Krung Thep Paris (by Adam Roberts)

Never judge a book by its cover we are told, and this maxim could equally apply to restaurants. Whilst Asian themed establishments and decor are currently flavour of the month, perhaps the most authentic Thai restaurant in Paris looks nothing like a Bangkok eating establishment, but instead exactly like the 1950s Parigot bar it once was. The brown brick façade and original yellow bar signs give a curious perspective, with only the black lettering stuck on the signs showing that this is indeed a Thai restaurant.

Open the book though, and the story on the inside is a very different one. Suddenly we are transported to the banks of the Mekong, to a cosy, bamboo and jasmin scented room. The tables are low, with benches that you almost need to be a contortionist to sit on, but once you are in place you can relax and enjoy the fantastic food prepared downstairs. Notable items on the menu are the fragrant, fresh salads, with spikes of chilli and twists of citrus, or the spicy (rare in Paris!), aromatic curries. As it is a small venue with a big reputation, reservations are strongly recommended.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Krung Thep | Restaurants (Thai) | Main course from € 12.00
93, Rue Julien Lacroix | Belleville/Nation | +330143668374
19:00 – 23:00 daily, some lunchtimes

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

L'Aromatik Paris (by Adam Roberts)

I’ve never had any difficulties finding a good meal in Paris, but it can be tricky to find a restaurant that provides both an original location and reasonable, imaginative food.

It was a happy day therefore when I first discovered L’Aromatik, a jazz era venue where food is the music of life! The décor is pure 1930s and as fresh as the produce on your plate, with the original art deco fittings tastefully retouched in crisp sky blues, sunshine yellows and flashes of raspberry reds. The restaurant is not a large one, but the large mirrors, healthy pot plants and subtle lighting give the venue a feeling of space and well-being.

With the cool notes of jazz surrounding you it is easy to imagine Josephine Baker, a regular here in the early days, at the next table. She would have no problem recognising her old haunt, and would surely have appreciated the concerts that are held on Monday evenings. Thankfully though, this is not just a venue that draws on its heritage and atmosphere, but is also a table that is designed to appeal to the taste buds.

The menu is based around seasonal, organic produce, spinning Asian influences into classic bistrot favourites. The wine list is also heavily weighted in favour of organic producers, and there is even a full organic brunch offered at weekends.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
L’Aromatik | Restaurants (Organic) | Starter/main at lunchtime € 15.90
7, Rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle | Montmartre/Clichy | +330148746227
Mon – Sun 10:00 – 15:00 & 19:00 – 01:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

La Cantine de Belleville Paris (by Adam Roberts)

There are few places in Paris that can offer everything you need in one place, but this is certainly one of them. Open for an incredible 20 hours a day, it provides customers with everything from the first rousing coffee in the morning to the last nightcap late at night.

I particularly like this place for four reasons. It’s right next to where I live, it has a great terrace at the front, the food is very cheap, and it has a (free) live music venue in the cellar downstairs. A perfect night out is to combine all of them. Begin with an aperitif on the terrace, then move inside for something to eat before watching an upcoming band after the sun goes down. Not only is it a cheap evening for me, but I can also be home in two minutes afterwards!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Cantine de Belleville | Bars, Music, Restaurants (French) | 3-course € 14.00
108, Boulevard Belleville | Belleville/Nation | +33143159929
06:00 – 02:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

La Caravane Paris (by Adam Roberts)

The French culture of the apéritif is sacred, but in Paris it has become almost a noisy celebration of the happy hour. A successful apéritif should be a relaxed affair, a leisurely drink with friends in cool, comfortable surroundings, preferably without a thumping techno beat in the background. La Caravane, in a part of the city which is rapidly becoming more fashionable, ticks all of these boxes.

The bar looks almost half-finished, giving you the impression that you have just walked into a second hand furniture shop. It’s a joyous mixture of colours, styles and textures, with even one seat that seems to have come straight from the set of Emmanuelle! Like the light spilling in through the large street-facing windows, the character of the bar changes from hour to hour.

I often squat one of the scruffy chairs at the entrance on Friday evenings for the apéritif, but later tables are laid for people arriving to eat the tasty and reasonable Franco-Asian themed food. When the sun sets, the temperature rises as cocktails are mixed and regular guest DJs begin spinning discs to another kind of customer. It truly is a destination with something for everybody.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Caravane | Bars, Restaurants (Franco-Asian) | Beer € 2.50
35 rue de la Fontaine au Roi | Belleville/Nation
12:00 – 02:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

La Sidreria  Paris (by Adam Roberts)

Paris is undoubtedly one of the culinary capitals of the world, but ironically the city itself has added little to the French table. Most restaurants in the city offer a cuisine which is simply ‘French’, but is in fact a mixture of inspirations and influences from the four corners of the country, so it is always nice to find somewhere which is so strongly linked to just one particular region. For this reason, I was very happy to discover that a Basque restaurant had opened just a few streets from my home.

The Basques love music and sport (rugby!), but they also love their food and drink! Many of the dishes here are quite familiar, the piperades and piquillos, but what is unusual at this restaurant is the large barrels of Basque cider. After talking to the guys running the establishment I learn that such places are quite common in the Basque country, but almost non-existent elsewhere. The drink itself had become a rarity after being banned by Franco, and production had completely ceased in France until recently.

The establishment is divided into two halves. A bar on one side where the cider barrels dominate, as well as a television where people gather for important rugby matches, and the restaurant on the other. Conviviality is the keyword here too though, as people eat together around the long tables and queue up to take another glass of the delicious cider. The establishment is run by a group of friends who wanted to recreate the atmosphere of Bayonne in Paris, and with cheerful service and traditional music they largely succeed. One word of warning though – the cider is deceptively strong!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Sidreria | Bars, Restaurants (Basque) | 3-course menu & cider € 25.00
25, rue Moret | Belleville/Nation | +330158307575
Tue – Thu 11:45 – 15:00 & 18:30 – 00:30, Fri 18:30 – 01:30, Sat 14:30 – 01:30

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Lao Siam Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

If you’re looking for good Thai food in Paris, look no further than Lao Siam in the Belleville area.

Located in the 19eme arrondissement, just a few blocks from the Belleville Metro (Lines 11, 2), this restaurant is definitely “off the beaten path.” Don’t let the exterior fool you – the food is delicious and well worth the trip.

The place is always packed and the crowd tends to be half Thai, half anglophone in make-up…with a few French speakers thrown in for good measure.

The menu is extensive, and very reasonably priced. For a shared appetizer, main dish and rice, the bill comes out to only about € 18 per person. The pad thai has been excellent every time I’ve tried it and is definitely recommended along with the crispy shrimp appetizers (les beignets aux crevettes).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Lao Siam | Restaurants (Thai) | Appetizer and main meal € 18.00
49 rue de Belleville | Belleville/Nation | +330140400968
Mon – Wed & Fri – Sat 12:00 – 14:30 & 19:30 – 22:30, Thu 12:00 – 14:00 & 19:30 – 22:30

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Le Bar du Marché Paris (by carolus)

Le Bar du Marché is that rare thing in a city as heavily tourist-trodden as Paris: a busy central café/bar which – though frequented by tourists – has not lost its individuality or favour amongst the native or local clientele.

The highlight is the terrace: diminutive tables packed onto the corner of the rue de Seine and the rue Saint-André des Arts thus providing an ideal vantage point over this colourful, ever-frenetic corner of Paris. Outdoor heaters mean the terrace is a feasible option in the winter too.

Lunch-time or late afternoon/aperitif hour are probably my favourite times to visit. For me, little out-does the classic lunch combination of a croque-monsieur and a glass of house red followed by an espresso….. plus, I’m a sucker for pavement-side people-watching!

On weekends you may have to hustle just a tiny bit for a table but don’t be put off, the service is efficient and friendly (if a touch flirty – the waiters in red overalls and berets!). The food is good and not expensive, with the usual selection of salads, steak frites, croques and so on available.

Of all the little hidden treasures and out-of-the-way spots in Paris, Le Bar du Marché is still an absolute favourite of mine. Great atmosphere, ideal location, good quality and well-priced food and drink…. it’s a gem and a classic all rolled into one.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Bar du Marché | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (French) | Wine € 3
75 rue du Seine | Quartier Latin | +33143265515
09:00 – 02:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Le Café du Commerce Paris (by Willem)

The restaurant “Le Café du Commerce” was originally a canteen, an atmosphere that is still present today. The large inner courtyard echoes the conversations of the many customers on the three floor levels in bits and pieces, enjoying their lunch or dinner. The menu is standard French and ok, while service is very quick and without pretensions. Avoid the cheaper wines.

The restaurant is located in the heart of the 15 arrondissement. The pleasant Rue du Commerce has a village-like feeling, which is more enjoyed during lunch than dinner.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Café du Commerce | Restaurants (French)
51 rue du commerce | Montparnasse | +330145750327
12:00 – 15:00 &19:00 – 00:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Le Cambodge Paris (by Harriet O'Brien)

Passing by the Cambodge you cannot help but notice two things: the large and almost constant queue outside and the delightful aromas that greet you as you do so. To me these are both very good signs where eating is concerned.

Don’t be put off by the crowds outside though; the take-away option is as popular as the restaurant itself and the super-efficient staff see that the wait is never a long one. The food itself is simple (various soups, salads, noodles and curries with vegetables, prawns and/or meat, topped with delicious crushed peanuts), all gloriously fresh and served by competent, affable staff.

Reservation in advance is not possible, instead you must go in and leave your name and number; you will be called half an hour or so later when your table is ready. In the meantime there are plenty of great bars and cafés in the area, not to mention the canal itself (and a number of supermarkets too should you require a canal-side aperitif.)

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Cambodge | Restaurants (Cambodian) | Curry € 7.50
10 Avenue Richerand | Belleville/Nation | +33144843770
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 14:30 & 20:00 – 23:30

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Le Faitout Paris (by Harriet O'Brien)

The Faitout is a cosy, ramshackle sort of place popular with Belleville residents who return time and again for the laid-back atmosphere, the good quality fare (and the free Internet).

The staff are young and rather charming, (the café I-Pod is usually handed round for the customers to choose the music) and free popcorn circulates in the late afternoon.

The menu is varied and inexpensive, from classic French fare: blanquette de veau and mixed charcuterie to salads and more worldly dishes: Thai curry and Moroccan couscous, all consistently well prepared and presented, in addition to a good selection of wines. There is currently a ‘Formule-Theatre’ which is a menu plus a reduced price theatre ticket at the near-by theatre La Providence (for 7.50€ instead of 9€).

A book shelf along one wall offers novels, guide books and odd miscellany in a selection of languages (mainly French and English) as well as board games (Scrabble, Monopoly, Guess Who etc). The draw of the Faitout is easy to conceive, and for me this really lies in the comfort of the large leather booths where many happy hours can be spent reading, eating, drinking…indeed if its procrastination or lazing about you seek then the Faitout is just the place.

The bar and terrace fill up later with a good-looking artsy (fashionably scruffy) local crowd. Blankets on the terrace ensure smokers may take their time on cold evenings.

P.S. Be sure to try the syrup with coffee…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Faitout | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Intern.) | Hibiscus tea € 3.50
23 Avenue Simon Bolivar | Belleville/Nation | +33142080709
08:00 – 01:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Le Marmite Bazar Paris (by Adam Roberts)

Le Marmite Bazar is probably my favourite restaurant in Paris. I hesitate to say it because the temptation in a city is always to try something new, but here I know that I will always have an exceptional meal and I’ll always regret having gone elsewhere. There is no fashinable décor to divert, instead a warm ethnic shine, a colourful trip around the world and a circuit that continues in the plate.

Caroline Choain, the chef and owner, is a culinary genius. She has a rare appreciation of flavours and textures, a skill at choosing and dosing spices and herbs and yet she still also manages to present everything beautifully. Is there anything she cannot do? What she can certainly do is create is the best Panna Cotta in Paris, one that changes with the seasons. On my last visit, it was infused with Vanilla, surrounded with a delicious salted butter caramel and presented with slices of fresh, crunchy apple. So good that I took a photo (see above!)

Quiet and calm at lunchtimes it is livelier in the evenings with occasional theme events also organised. Sunday lunchtimes are given over to an original and appetising buffet brunch.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Marmite Bazar | Bars, Restaurants (French) | Lunchtime formula € 14.00
14 Rue Bochard de Saron | Montmartre/Clichy | +330148785147
Tue – Sun lunchtime

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Le Rollin Paris (by Adam Roberts)

Who said that waiters and restaurant owners in Paris are rude? For visitors (and locals!), it may sometimes seem that an aloofness or even downright aggressiveness are an inevitable part of eating out in the city, but if you are looking for a complete change, go to ‘Le Rollin’. The décor is bright and smart if a little impersonal, but the service is anything but cool and detached.

Food is along fairly classic lines, weighted slightly towards seafood, but staff will guide you through all the corners of the menu, cheerfully pointing out items that may be most suited to your tastes. As you are waiting for your choices to arrive, freshly prepared little surprises are brought to the table from the kitchen (situated visably at the end of the bar!), such as soups served in cappuccino cups and served with a straw.

Staff are always present and ready to chat, including the chef who sometimes pops out of the kitchen to check that everything is ok. If you are in Paris as a larger group, note that this restaurant also has a semi-private area that can be reserved at no extra cost.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Rollin | Bars, Restaurants (French) | Lunchtime menu € 13.00
92, Avenue Ledru Rollin | Marais/Bastille | +330148065192
Tue – Sat 12:00 – 15:00 & 19:30 – 00:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Le Rubis Paris (by Adam Roberts)

It’s always great to have a nice local bar, but even better when that bar has a fantastic art deco interior! The team at Le Rubis have only been in place for a month, but they have already successfully regenerated an establishment that was hidden for years behind a dull contemporary decor.

Sitting at the bottom of an atypical 1930s building, it now provides a stylish sparkle to the district. The main feature is a curved island bar at the centre of the bar, but the ruby-red walls and bench seats also bring a certain warmth and cosiness to the venue.

The friendly owners will also make you feel welcome, especially if you are a fan of music, for example at one of their ‘apero pic-nic rock n roll’ events on Friday or Saturday evenings. Many other events are planned in the coming months, but you can also just go along for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or for a cocktail in the evening!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Rubis | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (French) | Beer € 2.50
140 Rue Saint Maur | Belleville/Nation
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 20:00, Fri – Sat 08:00 – 02:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Le Tambour Paris (by mario-gonzalez)

The main thrill of the Tambour is undoubtedly its curious opening hours. Fancy a steak or an onion soup at 4am? Well then the Tambour is probably the place for you.

The food is traditional French: various cuts of meat, cheese boards and a good selection of wine etc. The place fills up with well-heeled post-show/theater goers, hungry post-bar students and all manner of miscellaneous others.

The atmosphere is always busy and convivial and there is no real necessity to eat, though ordering a plate of cheese will probably land you a table quicker at busy times.

Characteristic of the old bistrot culture, you will be packed onto tiny tables next to strangers where inter-table banter is naturally struck-up and new acquaintances made.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Tambour | Bars, Restaurants (French) | Steak € 15
41 rue Montmartre | Louvre/Les Halles | +33142330690
Tue – Sat 12:00 – 06:00, Sun – Mon 18:00 – 06:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Les Piétons Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

Looking to grab a quick drink and some snacks? Do you like feisty, fun waiters and a festive environment? Then Les Piétons is for you!

Nestled in the midst of the otherwise touristy Chatelet area and easily accessible by a host of metro and bus lines, Les Piétons is a good place to go for tapas and has a host of good deals.

Stop by for lunch for the very well-priced lunch menu every day but Sunday, which will give you the choice of three tapas plates, dessert and a glass of sangria or soda for only €13.50. The warm tapas are the best and the small portions make this an ideal place to go with friends and share different types of dishes. The menu also includes a plat du jour and paella for those wanting a heavier meal.

The place gets quite busy at night, for those who like a livelier ambiance. Lunchtime is best for those who wish to have quieter conversation.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Les Piétons | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Spanish) | Tapas dish € 4.50
8 rue des Lombards | Louvre/Les Halles | +3348878287
12:00 – 02:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Les Trois Arts Paris (by Les trois arts)

Walking down the gloriously named rue des Rigoles (one of its meanings being ’they who laugh’!) may feel like stepping into residential Paris but do not be put off by the location; Les Trois Arts is truly a gem. With Balkan troupes, jazz quintets, chanson française as well as literary soirées and story telling, its about as eclectic as it gets.

The venue attracts a happy mix of folk. Plus, the musicians (often quite weird and wacky types) usually hang around after the concerts. Simple food is available too, from shareable stuff like cheese and pate plates to salads and a plat du jour.

Many of the concerts are free. If not, entrance is never more than € 5.00. It is advised to arrive early as the basement room fills up quickly making it difficult to get a seat. Their website contains information concerning concerts, location and so on.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Les Trois Arts | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Snacks, Restaurants (French) | Beer (demi) € 3.00
21 Rue des Rigoles | Belleville/Nation | +33143493627
Tue – Sat 17:00 – 00:00, Sun 17:00 – 21:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Lou Cantou Paris (by Adam Roberts)

The streets surrounding the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores are frighteningly bereft of worthwhile places to eat, but unfortunately this also happens to be the district in which I work! It is a reasonable assumption to make that many visitors to Paris may also find themselves in this area and hungry, and if they want to avoid overpaying for the underwhelming there is only one place to go in my opinion – Lou Cantou.

The restaurant has been in existence since the 1920s giving it a charm which is mostly missing from the area. A sign outside gives an indication of the offer, advertising an anti-crisis lunchtime three-course menu for €14.00.

I would not call the food gastronomic, but it is honest and traditional, and better than most of the surrounding establishments where you’ll struggle to find just one dish for €14.00.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Lou Cantou | Restaurants (French) | 3 course lunch menu € 14.00
Cité d’Antin | Grands Boulevards | +330148747515
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 15:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Mama Shelter Paris (by Adam Roberts)

With the tourist experience becoming more and more sanitised, the gamble of the Mama Shelter creators has been to predict a desire in visitors to base themselves in a more working class, post-industrial landscape. Opened principally as a hotel, the Mama Shelter also operates as a bar, café and restaurant.

Designed in part by Philippe Starck, the curiosity of this discrete, black and white establishment is that it has been built in the footprint of a brutalist multi-story car-park, overlooking the disused Petite Ceinture railway line. It is in a fact a twin-establishment to an older East Paris icon, the Fleche d’Or café, which is situated opposite the hotel in the old train station that served the line.

With 172 rooms, this is far from being a boutique hotel, but it does offer the management the opportunity to offer very attractive prices (from 79 Euros). As each room also features an iMac, a fridge and basic cooking facilities, it can be used as the base for a very reasonable stay in Paris. For more casual visitors, it will be the long terrace overlooking the railway line, or the sleek café/restaurant that will be the principal attractions.

Seeing itself as a beacon for a new bohemia, the establishment is a success despite this rather artificial concept. In reality, the whole of the east of Paris has shifted upmarket in the last 20 years, so what exactly the hotel is providing shelter from is not clear. It does however offer reasonable prices and a pinch of something different, and that’s already not a bad thing in any city.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mama Shelter | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Fusion) | Main dish € 15.00
109 rue de Bagnolet | Belleville/Nation | +330143484848
24 hours daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Marché des Enfants Rouges Paris (by Meg Zimbeck)

Le Marché des Enfants Rouges is reputedly the oldest food market in Paris, built under the rule of Louis XIII around 1615. The name, which literally means the Market of the Red Children, refers to the red uniform worn by the children of the orphanage that was located nearby.

Still marked out by a small iron gate off the rue de Bretagne in the now rather chic upper Marais district, today the market is alive with the aromas of fresh produce and the sounds of market clatter and chatter. Strolling though the narrow rows you are met by the rich, vibrant colours of an impressive array of organic fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Also available is olive oil, charcuterie, wine, cheese and other such wholesome delights.

The market is an ideal spot for lunch too. Freshly cooked dishes can be bought from the various stalls (Moroccan, French, Italian fare, sushi, cheeses, meats and so on) and consumed at the communal trestle tables at either end of the market. There are also a couple of small restaurants, such as L’estaminet which serves simple, traditional (though very good) fare in a homely, relaxed atmosphere. A plentiful Brunch is available on Sunday for € 20.00 too.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Marché des Enfants Rouges | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Varied)
39 rue de Bretagne | Marais/Bastille
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 20:00, Sun 09:00 – 14:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Mirama Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

In Paris, tiny mom-and-pop Chinese takeout restaurants are almost as prevalent as the boulangeries but they tend to offer unreliable variations on an Asian food theme. Thai-style noodles with Vietnamese-like spring rolls are the standard fare.

Imagine my surprise when I first visited Mirama – a truly authentic Cantonese restaurant just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame that has been open for over thirty years. Don’t be put off by the basic canteen-style interior…what this restaurant lacks in design, it’s made up for in their food.

An extensive menu offers a wide range of choices from steaming bowls of noodle soup with chunks of their famous canard (duck) and the riz Cantonais (fried rice) is the best I’ve ever tried.

Beware – word about the quality of meals at Mirama has clearly gotten out and there are often long lines at dinnertime. Take advantage of the restaurant’s continuous service and have your meal outside of rush hours to avoid the crowds.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mirama | Restaurants (Chinese) | Main dish € 9.00
17 rue Saint Jacques | Quartier Latin | +330143547177
12:00 – 23:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Passage Brady (& Prado) Paris (by Frédéric MOUSSAÏAN)

Between Palais-Royal and Gare de l’Est, there are about 20 covered passages that testify to a certain era of Parisian history, when upper classes looked for elegant “streets” to walk, to shop and at the same time to be sheltered from bad weather. Mostly built in the early 19th century, these passages were the ancestors of our modern shopping centres.

Passage Brady is one of these, and probably the most exotic. Connecting Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis with Turkish restaurants to Boulevard de Strasbourg, with its theatres and African hairdressers, it’s mostly occupied by cheap Indian and Pakistanese restaurants, the firsts of which were founded in the 1970’s by immigrants from Pondicherry, a former French territory in India.

Fragrances of spices and incense escape from exotic food stores and make this lively and colourful place very attractive to visitors.

Going South on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, near the arch (Porte Saint-Denis), you will find another example of such passages. Passage du Prado, an L shape, less exotic and preserved, still has a certain charm, and is a good place if you need cheap clothes, to rent Bollywood DVDs, a cheap haircut or if you want to mix with the local crowd and try Mauritian cuisine in one of the numerous fast-food outlets of the passage.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Passage Brady (& Prado) | Relaxing, Shopping, Restaurants (Indian) | Haircut € 6
Passage Brady | Grands Boulevards
24 hours daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Passage de Pondicherry Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

Since most ethnic restaurants in Paris adapt the seasoning of their food to a local taste it has been very difficult to find Indian food in the city that packs the punch of spices that I’m looking for, until I found the Passage de Pondicherry. Located on Passage Brady, a covered street packed with Indian restaurants and grocery stores, this restaurant stands out from the rest as the best value for the money and the widest variety of delicious dishes.

As the name suggests, this restaurant does in fact provide a veritable passage to delicious Indian cuisine at reasonable prices. Lunch menus start at less than ten euros but for the best variety opt to pay more and get the sixteen euro lunch menu which includes a starter, choice of naan, main dish, rice and desert. You definitely won’t leave hungry.

The menu offers a wide range of choices from all across India and also comes with a handy guide to gauge the level of spices in a dish, with tiny chili peppers next to each menu item. No chili peppers, and the dish will be relatively mild – up to three and your taste buds will be on fire!

Their traditional naan bread is the best I’ve had in the city and comes to the table fresh from the oven. For main dishes, my favorites are the butter chicken that is warm, creamy and delicious or the masala chicken that is quite spicy and well seasoned. Passage de Pondicherry is a great spot to satisfy all your Indian food cravings.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Passage de Pondicherry | Restaurants (Indian) | Average Lunch menu € 10.00
84 Passage Brady | Grands Boulevards | +330153346310
11:30 – 00:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Restaurant Chai 33 Paris (by Willem Vink)

Chai 33 is a good quality restaurant located in the middle of the very pleasant Bercy Village (check the Bercy Village – article). The interior is modern and spacious with a loft-style feeling due to its split level central area.

Although the food is excellent and the staff very professional, the restaurant is all about wine! In fact the heart of the place is formed by its downstairs wine cellars. Once seated at your table you are invited to get up again and visit the cellar in order to select the wine(s) you wish to accompany your meal.

The wine shop, that is also open for non-restaurant guests, can also be booked for group wine tastings. They have a very large selection of very fine wines, that at first sight appear quite expensive, but reasonable once you realise that they are for consumption in the restaurant.

As the place is popular a reservation is recommended.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Restaurant Chai 33 | Restaurants (French) | Menu (excluding wines!) € 20.00
33 Passage Saint-Emilion | Marais/Bastille | +33153440101
19:00 – 02:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Restaurant Chartier Paris (by Varmazis)

An all time favorite in terms of character combined with extremely reasonable prices.

Chartier, located in a small street just around the corner of the Grands Boulevards, is a large canteen-like space on several levels. It breathes the many generations of Parisians that have been here for a simple but enjoyable lunch or dinner.

Before entering the door you may have to wait some time as it is always crowded, but do not let yourself be put of as the turnaround time is really quick and the place is big. Everything here goes fast, although once seated you can take your time.

The menu is very diverse but simple. No haute cuisine, simple steaks, fish, vegetables etc. What else do you need? Perfect place and experience if you have other activities later that evening such as cinema or theatre.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Restaurant Chartier | Restaurants (French) | Menu € 20.00
7, rue du Faubourg montmartre | Grands Boulevards | +33147708629
11:30 – 23:00 daily (Kitchen closes at 22:00)

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Restaurant La Gare Paris (by Luc Legay)

As the name suggests this restaurant is located in an old railway station. The heart of the restaurant is formed by the large central space, where at old times the trains used to depart and arrive.

Now tastefully decorated, this more upscale restaurant serves a clientèle that does not want to compromise on food, service and atmosphere. Although a little bit out of the city center it is definitely worth the experience.

Reservation recommended. If you make a reservation by phone you get a free a glass of Champagne!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Restaurant La Gare | Restaurants (French) | Menu from € 31.00
19, Chaussée de la Muette | Quartiers Chics | +33825001222
12:00 – 02:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Restaurant/brasserie Bofinger Paris (by Bart van Poll)

Paris is famous for its traditional “Brasseries”. And the Parisian brasseries are famous for their sea-food. Although brasseries exist in many types and qualities one of my (and many others) favorites is Bofinger. They have delicious and always fresh seafood, unlimited oisters.

Simply take one of the mixed platters, that come in several quantities and prices (from around € 25.00 to € 50.00 pp). The waiters are as they should be: quick, serious, undisturbed and extremely professional (do not mistake this for unfriendliness). The decor is very traditional with nice art deco details. The whole makes it a complete experience.

(By the way, “brasserie” means brewery. In past times many places brewed and sold there own beer).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Restaurant/brasserie Bofinger | Restaurants (Seafood) | Menu from € 25.00
5-7, rue de la Bastille | Marais/Bastille | +33142728782
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:30 – 01:00, Fri – Sun 12:00 – 01:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Rue de Abbesses Paris (by Scalleja)

The rue des Abbesses in Montmartre (or just “Abbesses”) is a village street in the big city.

It is here that the locals from Montmartre do their Saturday morning/afternoon groceries. With many little fruit shops, bakeries and coffee bars it turns the duties of the week into a free time pleasure.

Although the street, close to Pigalle and the Sacré Coeur, gets its fair share of tourists during the day, it remains a place where authenticity is still dominant.

Try a baguette (or better, a “tradition”) from Coquelicot (nr 24) or take a coffee brake at the counter of Le Village (Nr 36). You can also stroll down the descending street Rue Lepic (also very pleasant) and buy some extremely good French cheeses at nr 20.

The large terraces of bars Le vrai Paris and Le Sancerre (Abbesses nrs 35 and 33) are always busy (In wintertime they are heated).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Rue de Abbesses | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants (French)
Rue des Abbesses | Montmartre/Clichy
Daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Rue Sainte Anne Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

Located in the posh Opéra neighborhood, the rue Sainte Anne is perhaps the best place to go in Paris for the widest variety of Japanese food. As it’s not far from the Grands Boulevards and its posh shopping spots, and just a few blocks from the Louvre, rue Sainte Anne is a great place to walk after shopping or sightseeing for a quick and delicious meal.

A veritable “Little Tokyo,” you can find everything from ramen restaurants, sushi takeout spots and tiny Japanese grocery stores where Japanese snacks and products can be found.

I love taking a stroll down the street and trying new restaurants. A good way to spot a good restaurant is by the lines of people waiting outside – as most of these restaurants are tiny and don’t take reservations, be prepared to either wait for a little while, or move on to sample some of the other choices.

My favorite restaurant is Sapporo 2 (see the Sappora 2 article) but there are many other choices that are sure to satisfy.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Rue Sainte Anne | Art & culture, Relaxing, Snacks, Restaurants (Japanese)
Rue Sainte Anne | Louvre/Les Halles
24 hours daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Sapporo Restaurant Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

Sapporo Restaurant (2) is the sister restaurant to the Sapporo Ramen restaurant that is close to the Louvre on rue Saint Honoré. Sapporo on rue Sainte Anne is my go-to place for friendly, lightning-fast service and delicious Japanese meals.

Don’t miss ordering their famous dumplings (gyoza) as a starter to your meal. They are delicious, perfectly seasoned and great when dipped in soy sauce. For lunch or dinner, the big steaming bowls of ramen or the noodle dishes are the best. The portions are huge and you definitely won’t leave hungry!

With lunch menus starting at only €10 (from 11:30-15:00) and dinner menus from €11.50 (from 18:00 – 22:00) for copious amounts of ramen or noodles with dumplings, rice and soup, Sapporo offers a delicious meal for a budget-friendly price.

Please note that credit cards are not accepted and neither are reservations – but this restaurant is definitely worth a wait!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Sapporo Restaurant | Restaurants (Japanese) | Lunch menu € 10.00
37 rue Sainte Anne | Louvre/Les Halles | +33142606098
11:30 – 22:30 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

The Great Canadian Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

One of the best places in Paris that I have found to watch sports is the Great Canadian Pub, located on the banks of the Seine in the 6e arrondissement. With five large TV screens and a variety of special sports networks, the Great Canadian is THE spot for sporting events.  The pub also hosts a number of special events around major holidays – check their website for event details.

The staff is friendly, multilingual and very accommodating – if there is a certain match or game that you’d like to watch, in many cases they will show it if it’s available on one of their many networks.

Enjoy a variety of beers on tap or try one of their tasty appetizers. The nachos are among the best I’ve had and are the perfect dish to share among friends while cheering on your favorite team. Tuesday night is a great time to stop by for happy hours and drink specials all night long. Or, try the Great Canadian’s traditional brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am.

An added bonus of this spot is the view- the Notre Dame cathedral can be seen from the outdoor patio or the front area of the pub.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Great Canadian | Bars, Restaurants (Canadian) | Pint of Draught Beer € 7.50
25, quai des Grands Augustins | Quartier Latin | +330146335420
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 01:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 01:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Tokyo Eat Paris (by palaisdetokyo.com)

This eclectic, funky spot gives diners a unique experience and tantalizing menu options offer something for everyone.

Tokyo Eat is located on the ground floor of the Palais de Tokyo museum – a contemporary art museum with continually changing exhibits, and definitely worth visiting before or after your meal.

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll notice immediately that a fun dining experience awaits you as you sit down at the brightly colored plastic tables and take a glance at the diverse menu that’s clearly taken its inspiration from all corners of the world.

For a delicious main dish, try the chicken curry served in a tower-like rolled banana leaf. A perfect blend of spices and copious serving of chicken, vegetables and rice are sure to delight your taste buds. The extensive wine list also provides a wealth of choices and the perfect pairing for any meal. I never miss the simple but delicious ice creams and sorbets as a dessert – a trio of flavors served with macarons are the perfect way to end a delicious meal.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tokyo Eat | Art & culture, Restaurants (Fusion) | Main dish with wine € 35.00
13 avenue du President Wilson | Quartiers Chics | +33147200029
Tue – Sun 12:00 – 01:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

Tribal Café Paris (by Frédéric Moussaïan)

Tribal Café offers one of the best atmospheres for a bar in Paris. Located near the “Turkish” neighbourhood (you have to pass under a porch on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis), not in a very busy street, you have only little chance to end there by chance.

Mostly frequented by students or tourists looking for a bargain, its reputation has grown thanks to its cheap beers (the basic pint costs only € 3.50) and the free food offered! Indeed a plate of moules-frites (mussels with fries) will accompany your drinks on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while on busier Fridays and Saturdays, Tribal offers a plate of couscous.

More than just a deal for eating for free, the mussels/couscous deal makes the ambiance particular and actually reminds of how most French people conceive their dinner parties, ie where the “apéro” (apéritif) is actually longer and far more important than the dinner itself.

Indeed, since only seated people will be served food, Tribal gets crowded by 19:00 – 20:00, but food is served later, by 21:00 – 22:00 and beer is cheap, so spending time on the comfortable sofas of Tribal Café will resemble a long apéro before a quickly swallowed – but decisive for your stomach! – dinner…

The big octagonal tables are also great for socializing: small groups are generally asked to share a table with bigger ones, and the relaxed atmosphere of the place will do the rest.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tribal Café | Bars, Restaurants (Couscous, Mussels) | Pint of Amstel € 3.50
3 Cour des Petites Ecuries | Grands Boulevards | +33147705708
17:00 – 02:00 daily

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!

ZenZoo Paris (by Kathryn Frengs)

One of my favorite treats in the States was boba, or “bubble tea” – flavored tea beverages with tiny gelatinous tapioca balls or “pearls” that are sucked through a wide straw. Though the beverage originated in Taiwan, it has spread throughout Asia, and more recently to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S.

Boba tea was one of the treats that I accepted leaving behind when I moved to Paris, as I didn’t expect to find it here. Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered ZenZoo – a restaurant and boba teahouse near the rue Sainte Anne and the Louvre.

The restaurant is tiny and seems to always be very busy but also offers a takeaway window to take tea to go. There are several different tea flavors on the menu that can be enjoyed as boba drinks, and there are also more traditional tea drinks. I recommend the green tea with m

ilk – boba style of course!

ZenZoo is the perfect place for people who want to try boba for the first time and boba veterans who are looking for their fix.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
ZenZoo | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Asian) | Large bubble tea € 5.50
13 rue Chabanais | Louvre/Les Halles | +330142962728
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 23:00

Search Paris hotels or tickets on our website to support us!