Paris

The quartet of standing-room-only wine & small plates bars (the original 'comptoir' is now supplemented by ones "de La Mer", "de la Terre", and "du Marché") are a wickedly exciting find if neither timing nor budget allow for in-advance reservations but the city's culinary excellence beckons. You will still be treated to the finest produce from France and beyond: Corsican charcuterie, scrumptious Iberian ham croquettes, along with self-serve bread (by boulanger Thierry Breton, who works exclusively with wheat grown and processed in the Ile-de-France region) and Bordier butter (presumed to be the 'best butter in the world'). You know you are in good hands with legendary head chef Yves Camdeborde, nicknamed "godfather of bistronomy". Browse through the menu cards hanging over the bar to take your pick of pintxo, and pair them with your choice of finest wines.

Le Voltaire is, perhaps, amongst the best places in the 1st arrondissement to come for a quintessentially Parisian brasserie experience. Classic French cuisine with dishes polished to perfection, woven bent-wood chairs outside, and a chic ambience with that elusive je-ne-sais-quoi factor.

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 that you don't have to be vegan to fully enjoy the food, so make sure to pay a visit and book ahead.

Although Japanese prevails in this aptly named Parisian neighbourhood tucked between the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, there is a plethora of Asian cuisines to choose from: restaurants serving everything from Korean bibimbap to bowls of steamy Vietnamese pho pepper the area, enjoying popularity among both locals and visitors.

One of the finest crêpes bretonne in the French capital is, arguably, a Japanese import: Breizh Café was a big hit in the land of the rising sun long before it came to the Marais, where the chain's very successful outpost serves scrumptious crêpes and galettes made with the finest organic ingredients from Brittany. Michelin-starred Raphaël-Fumio Kudaka is the chef behind the enterprise.

Pierre Gagnaire is located near the Champs-Elysées and is one of the city's most solid and appealing restaurants, ranked among the world's top 50. Expect to pay up for the lunch and dinner menu and make sure you make a reservation well in advance.

There are still local neighbourhood restaurants serving excellent food all over Paris. One of them is Allard, in the 6th arrondissement, over on the left bank of the Seine. A traditional 1930's bistro, with many regulars from the area.

Goumard 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. Specialities include grilled Breton lobster and scallop carpaccio with oysters.

On and around Rue des Rosiers you will find many delicious Middle-Eastern and Yiddish/Eastern European specialities. Be sure to make a stop at L'As du Fallafel. This little restaurant claims to have the "best falafel in the world", and many agree. Expect delicious falafel accompanied by yummy hummus, shawarma, and kebabs, to go or to stay.

Zo is a cosy restaurant that offers Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant has an exotic and welcoming décor and is very lively on the weekends. On the menu, you will find dishes ranging from sushi and pizza to steak and pasta.

This quaint little Italian restaurant tucked away in Montmartre offers Neapolitan cuisine at very affordable prices. Pasta, gnocchi, and pizza with a homemade sauce prepared from scratch in a no-nonsense setting – perfect spot for a quick bite on your visit to this historic district.

Hamburgers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Paris dining, but Roomies gives you the chance to customize your own burger with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The friendly staff will gladly guide you through the process in good English. At just a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame, it is well worth a visit.

Rouge Bis is renowned for its friendly and welcoming staff, and its location, just across from the Moulin Rouge, makes an ideal place to catch a bite before a show. You can sample some local dishes or have something lighter, like a pre-cabaret sandwich or salad.

A favourite among local foodies, Yam'Tcha's head Chef Adeline Grattard creates dishes that mix French tradition with an Asian flair, resulting in combinations like scallops with peppers and black soya. In keeping with the mixed feeling of the place, for refreshments, you can choose from a variety of Asian teas or French wines.

La Maison de Verlaine is located in the Latin Quarter and is one of the best deals around. A traditional French 3-course meal can be as little as €20. The waiters are very attentive, funny, and are more than willing to guide you through the menu. The duck salad and homemade chocolate mousse come very highly recommended. It is possible to get a table without a reservation, but to be on the safe side, it is recommended that you call ahead.