Paris

A Paris landmark thanks to Marcel Carné’s 1930s film, this canal-side brasserie on the Quai de Jemmapes serves a mix of French classics like steak tartare and duck confit with seasonal specials. It’s a pleasant spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner, especially if you can snag a window seat to watch life along the Canal Saint-Martin drift by.

Pizzeria Popolare is a welcoming, authentic Italian spot in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. The dining room is bright and full of chatter, with long communal tables, bottle-lined walls, and twinkling lights overhead. It’s made for a good time, whether you’re in a pair or part of a group of fifteen. The menu sticks to classic Neapolitan pizzas, loaded with top-quality ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes from Paolo Ruggiero, buffalo mozzarella from Salvatore Corso delivered fresh three times a week. Burrata, fresh pasta, and generous desserts like tiramisu round out the offerings. Many locals and visitors swear it’s one of the best pizzas in Paris, and it’s easy to see why once you bite into that pillowy crust and fresh mozzarella. Arrive early or be prepared to wait — the pizza alone makes it worth it.

If you’re after a classic bistro meal after a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, Les Antiquaires is a solid choice. The space has serious old-school charm—leather banquettes, vintage mirrors, a hefty wooden bar—like someone pressed pause on 1920s Paris. The menu sticks to familiar French hits: the boeuf bourguignon and onion soup get regular praise, and desserts like brioche toast or crème brûlée rarely disappoint. It’s lively rather than quiet, with a mix of museum-goers and locals, and a timeless atmosphere worth the noise.

Created by two brothers passionate about health, the environment, and animal rights, Le Potager de Charlotte is an intimate spot offering plant-based, gourmet cuisine made from fresh, local, seasonal, and organic produce. From the presentation to the flavours, you can really see the time and thought they have put into each dish. Le Potager de Charlotte is the kind of restaurant where you don't have to be vegan to fully enjoy the food, so make sure to pay a visit and book ahead.

Le Petit Châtelet is a classic Parisian bistro nestled just across from Notre-Dame Cathedral. Its cosy atmosphere, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, offers a warm respite from the bustling city. The restaurant features traditional French dishes such as chargrilled meats, crème brûlée, and regional specialities, all served in generous portions. The outdoor seating provides a charming spot for people-watching along the Seine.

Pierre Gagnaire is a Michelin three-star restaurant just off the Champs-Élysées, located within the Hôtel Balzac. It’s renowned for its innovative approach to modern French cuisine, blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair. The menu is a journey through inventive French gastronomy, with tasting menus and à la carte options that push the boundaries of flavour. Reservations are essential, often required well in advance, especially for dinner.

Tucked away in the 6th arrondissement, Allard has been a staple of Parisian dining since 1932. Inside, floral wallpaper, red velvet banquettes, and vintage woodwork give it proper old-school bistro character. The menu sticks to classic French dishes, and sitting here feels like stepping back into another era of Paris.

If you’re craving Middle Eastern fare, Rue des Rosiers in the 4th arrondissement is the place to be. On and around this street, you will find many establishments serving delicious Middle-Eastern and Yiddish/Eastern European specialities. L'As du Fallafel, in particular, is known for making the most famous falafel sandwich in Paris. It’s a no-frills, little eatery serving besides falafels, shawarma and kebabs, plus Israeli wines.