Paris - Eating
Paris is internationally renowned as the capital of gastronomy and boasts a huge range of eateries. Each place has its own particular atmosphere and style, whether recipes are local or from all over the world. In Paris, you must differentiate between restaurants, bistros or brasseries. A bistro is usually small, featuring simple fare, sometimes with entertainment. A brasserie serves hearty meals along with beer and wine, usually cheap and with a liquor and coffee bar. It is the right place to test the high-quality products and delights of traditional French cookery thanks to the talented and creative chefs.
Parisian restaurants are real ambassadors of good taste, offering superlative ingredients—including premium wines and cheeses—enriching the experience. But don’t worry, there are good places for all budgets. Whether it’s a restaurant, a bistro, or a brassiere, you’ll be able to enjoy a real culinary feast with gourmets from all over the world!
Pierre Gagnaire
Pierre Gagnaire is located near the Champs-Elysées and is one of the city’s most solid and appealing restaurants, ranked in the world’s top 50. Expect €80 for the lunch menu and dinner can easily run over €200 per person. Reservations are compulsory.
Hôtel du Nord
Hôtel du Nord welcomes diners in a warm red velvet setting with suffused lighting. It is a bistro offering a variety of traditional dishes such as pan-seared foie gras with mango chutney and French toast or lightly cooked scallops with aubergine caviar.
Carré des Feuillants
One of the best places for contemporary French Nouvelle cuisine, located in a 17th century building near the Tuilerie Park and Eiffel Tower. The chef, Alain Dutournier, is considered to be one of the ground breaking chefs in his category.
Goumard
This is the right place for seafood lovers. This reputable restaurant has been in business since 1872 and its motto is simply “Everything that comes from the sea.” In fact, the owner buys everything straight from the dock’s local fishermen. Specialties include grilled Breton lobster and scallop carpaccio with oysters.
Allard
There are still local neighbourhood restaurants that serve excellent food. One of them is Allard, in the 6th Arrondissement, over on the left bank of the Seine. It is a traditional 1930s bistro, with many regulars from the same era. Try the foie gras, frog legs and other dishes that put France on the culinary map.
Brasserie Balzar
Yet another traditional eatery with a nice atmosphere and a traditional menu. Brassiere Balzar is a great bistro located in the lively Quartier Latin since 1898! Many of the city’s famous authors have been regulars here—a true seal of approval.
Sainte Marthe
Le Sainte Marthe i located by a small square in the bohemian yet trendy 10th arrondissement. This charming neighbourhood tapas restaurant is run by two former schoolteachers. The outdoor seating attracts the crowds in the summer.
Founti Agadir
Paris has many North African restaurants and one of the best is the Moroccan Founti Agadir. Located on the left bank it has a fine selection of good value couscous, tajines, and pastilla dishes.
Le Kong
The past few years have turned Le Kong into somewhat of a legend in Paris. Underneath its glass ceiling you can have a lovely dinner, grab a drink and later on dance the night away, all the while enjoying one of the most romantic views over the river Seine.
Alcazar
Alcazar is a trendy restaurant located in St Germain-des-Prés where you can taste traditional English and French dishes prepared by skilled chefs. On the second floor, you can enjoy a drink in Alcazars huge chill-out area.
L´as du Falafel
On and around Rue des Rosiers you will find many delicious Middle-Eastern and Yiddish/Eastern European specialties. Be sure to make a stop at L´as du Falafel. This little restaurant claims to have the "best falafel in the world" and many agree. Expect delicious falafels accompanied by yummy hummus and tasty vegetables—to go or to stay.
