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The hidden Parisian restaurants that only insiders know about
Welcome to France, where Paris stands as a global culinary capital, boasting 121 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2024. Renowned for its exceptional French cuisine, the city is home to a wealth of restaurants, from traditional bistros serving timeless classics to contemporary establishments redefining gastronomic excellence. Paris consistently ranks among the top cities worldwide for food and drink, celebrated for its rich gastronomic heritage and innovative cuisine.
You come to Paris for a unique experience, and that goes for your food too. Far from the crowded restaurants and traditional menus where you keep ordering the same thing over and over again, the capital is full of discreet and original addresses where Parisians really like to sit down. In this article, we bring you a selection of non-touristy restaurants, classified by arrondissement, where quality, atmosphere and characterful cuisine are the order of the day. Another way to discover Paris: more intimate, more local, and infinitely tastier.
Best restaurant in the 2e arrondissement
Le Vaudeville
👛€€€ (40-65€)
Located near the Bourse, Le Vaudeville is a historic Art Deco brasserie that embodies the elegance of old Paris. Specializing in Fresh seafood, you’ll find oysters, escargots, and lobster alongside traditional French food like steak tartare and magret de canard. A great spot for those wanting a sophisticated yet lively French-style repast. Whether you’re stopping by for a decadent seafood platter or a perfectly cooked entrecôte, Le Vaudeville proposes a true taste of classic French dining.
📍Getting there
- 29 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
Finest restaurant in the 3e arrondissement
Le Café des Musées
👛€€€ (35-50€)
Nestled in the Marais, Le Café des Musées is beloved for its authentic bistro fare and cozy atmosphere. Their signature beef bourguignon is slow-cooked to perfection, and the homemade foie gras is a delight. The restaurant is a local favorite, offering quality French plates at a reasonable price. With its vintage wooden décor, checkered floors, and friendly service, it captures the essence of a true Parisian brasserie. Whether you’re indulging in their iconic côte de boeuf or a dry sausage plate, every dish reflects a commitment to tradition and quality ingredients.
📍Getting there
- 49 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
Great restaurants to eat in the 4e arrondissement
Le Trumilou
👛€€ (20-35€)
With its stunning location along the Seine River, Le Trumilou is an ideal place to enjoy traditional French comfort food. Known for its duck with prunes, beef tartare, and crème brûlée, this restaurant serves generous portions in a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The rustic, no-frills ambiance adds to its charm, offering a truly authentic French dining journey. Whether you’re seated indoors or on the terrace overlooking the river, you’ll appreciate the warm hospitality and the consistently well-executed authentic courses.
📍Getting there
- 84 Quai de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris
Le Temps des Cerises
👛€€ (25-40€)
A charming cooperative brasserie in the Marais, Le Temps des Cerises is a place where history meets gastronomy. Offering classic French dishes with a home-cooked feel, their truffle cod fillet and charcuterie platters pair perfectly with a glass of French wine. The cozy, rustic ambiance creates the ideal environment for enjoying freshly prepared repasts made with high-quality, local ingredients. With its welcoming atmosphere and rich flavors, this brasserie is a hidden gem for anyone looking to dive into the heart of traditional French cuisine. A great choice for an intimate and authentic dining experience.
📍Getting there
- 31 Rue de la Cerisaie, 75004 Paris
Le Sully
👛€€ (20-35€)
Located in the 4th arrondissement, Le Sully is a traditional Parisian bistro with a relaxed atmosphere. Specialties include beef tartare and steak frites. With its cozy interior and friendly hospitality, it’s a fantastic venue for those looking for unpretentious, high-quality French food. The spot offers a warm, authentic atmosphere where guests can savor simple yet delicious courses made from fresh, local ingredients. Perfect for a casual repast or a leisurely lunch, Le Sully is a beloved choice among Parisians and visitors alike.
📍Getting there
- 6 Bd Henri IV, 75004 Paris
Top restaurants in the 6e arrondissement
La Jacobine
👛€€ (25-40€)
Tucked away in the Latin Quarter, La Jacobine is known for its cozy ambiance and generous portions. Their famous French onion soup and duck leg confit are must-tries. The warm, welcoming setting makes it an excellent choice for a comforting meal after exploring the lively streets of Saint-Germain. This charming brasserie proposes a delightful selection of classic French dishes, perfect for anyone craving hearty, home-style cooking. With its rustic decor and friendly service, La Jacobine has become a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Parisian experience.
📍Getting there
- 59-61 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris
Le Petit Vatel
👛€€ (25-40€)
A small, family-run restaurant in Saint-Germain, Le Petit Vatel offers a seasonal menu focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their Clams with Thyme Blossom and Black Pudding showcase the best of French seafood and meat dishes, making it a great choice for an intimate dining occasion. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service create a warm and welcoming environment, ideal for savoring each dish at a leisurely pace. Whether you’re enjoying their expertly crafted starters or the rich, comforting main courses, Le Petit Vatel guarantees a truly memorable repast.
📍Getting there
- 5 Rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris
Exceptional dining spot in the 7e arrondissement
D’Chez Eux
👛 €€€ (50-80€)
For an upscale experience, D’Chez Eux in the 7th arrondissement is a temple of traditional French gastronomy. The menu features game meats, foie gras, and a legendary cassoulet, all served in a charming, old-world dining room. Ideal for those looking for a refined yet deeply traditional repast. The elegant yet cozy ambiance transports you to a time of classic French dining, with attention to detail in both the food and hospitality. Each dish is expertly crafted, using only the finest ingredients, making it an unforgettable choice for food connoisseurs.
📍Getting there
- 2 Av. de Lowendal, 75007 Paris
Must-visit restaurants in the 8e arrondissement
Chez Monsieur
👛 €€€ (45-70€)
A hidden gem in the 8th arrondissement, Chez Monsieur presents an authentic Parisian dining encounter with a focus on traditional French fare. Known for its elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, the menu features steak frites, escargots, and a rich French onion soup with Comté cheese. A must-visit for those seeking traditional French flavors with impeccable service. The charming, intimate environment and attentive staff make it a fantastic place for both casual repasts and significant occasions. It’s a place where you can savor timeless French courses in the heart of Paris.
📍Getting there
- 11 Rue du Chevalier de Saint-George, 75008 Paris
Valois
👛€€€ (40-65€)
Located near Parc Monceau, Le Valois is a refined brasserie offering authentic French food with modern touches. Signature plates include grilled entrecôte, sea bass fillet, and decadent mousse au chocolat. The relaxed yet elegant setting makes it an excellent choice for both casual and special occasions. The attentive staff and charming atmosphere establish a warm, welcoming environment that complements the exquisite French courses on offer. It’s a great spot to enjoy a sophisticated meal while soaking in the Parisian ambiance.
📍Getting there
- 1 Pl. Rio de Janeiro, 75008 Paris
Great restaurant to eat in the 9e arrondissement
LAZU (formerly Bouillon 47)
👛€€ (20-35€)
Inspired by the historic Parisian bouillons, LAZU serves affordable and delicious French comfort food. With a menu featuring beef two ways: roasted hanger steak and braised chuck, cod fillet, and mousse au chocolat LAZU, this place is ideal for those wanting to sample iconic French flavors without breaking the bank. The cozy atmosphere and friendly hospitality make it a fantastic choice for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy an authentic taste of French bistro fare. Whether for a casual meal or a quick lunch, LAZU provides an inviting and satisfying dining experience.
📍Getting there
- 47 Rue Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris
Top restaurant in the 10e arrondissement
Vivant 2
👛€€€ (40-60€)
A trendy and modern brasserie in the 10th arrondissement, Vivant 2 proposes a creative take on French cuisine with Japanese influences. Their seasonal small plates, like confit celery and beef tartare with socca, make it a unique culinary experience in Paris. The intimate atmosphere and innovative approach to traditional French dishes, paired with a carefully curated wine list, make it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts looking for something new and exciting. With an ever-changing menu based on fresh, seasonal ingredients, every visit promises something different.
📍Getting there
- 43 R. des Petites Écuries, 75010 Paris
Best restaurants in the 11e arrondissement
Aux Bons Crus – Bistrot les Routiers
👛€€ (20-35€)
Located in the 11th arrondissement, Aux Bons Crus is a must-visit for lovers of authentic French regional cuisine. Specialties include steak au poivre, terrine of the moment , and andouillette. The welcoming, rustic atmosphere makes it feel like dining in a French countryside inn. With its charming décor, featuring vintage French signage and classic wooden tables, the restaurant invites guests to enjoy a relaxed meal that celebrates the rich flavors of French tradition. A great venue to savor hearty, unpretentious dishes in a homely environment.
📍Getting there
- 54 Rue Godefroy Cavaignac, 75011 Paris
L’Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes
👛€€€ (35-55€)
Known for its legendary cassoulet, slow-cooked to perfection. Other highlights include French ribeye steak with fries and noix de saint-jacques rôties. L’Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes is a rustic brasserie that brings the heart of Southwest French food to Paris. With its warm wooden interiors and generous servings, it’s a paradise for those craving rich, comforting dishes. It has also been awarded the Bib Gourmand by the MICHELIN Guide, a distinction that highlights its high-quality cuisine at a reasonable price.
📍Getting there
- 106 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris
Le Bistrot Melac
👛€€ (25-40€)
A true Parisian institution, Le Bistro Mélac is renowned for its Southwest French cuisine. Their duck magret, escargots d’Aurillac, and Aubrac beef steak are complemented by an impressive selection of regional wines. The cozy interior, adorned with traditional French décor, invites diners to encounter a laid-back yet authentic restaurant journey. The friendly, rustic atmosphere makes it a welcoming spot for food lovers. A fantastic choice for those seeking to indulge in hearty dishes that showcase the best of Southwest France.
📍Getting there
- 42 Rue Léon Frot, 75011 Paris
Highly-rated restaurant in the 15e arrondissement
Frame
👛€€€ (40-60€)
Located in the 15th arrondissement, Frame is a modern brasserie with a focus on organic and farm-to-table cuisine. Their côte de boeuf, noix de saint jacques, and seafood platters bring a contemporary twist to iconic French flavors, all served in a stylish setting. The sleek interior, with its open kitchen and minimalist design, generates a vibrant atmosphere where diners can enjoy fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with precision. Frame is a perfect venue for those looking for a refined yet relaxed dining experience that blends modernity with French culinary tradition.
📍Getting there
- 22 Rue Jean Rey, 75015 Paris
Must-visit restaurant in the 17e arrondissement
Le P’tit Canon
👛€€ (20-35€)
A hidden gem in the 17th arrondissement, Le P’tit Canon offers a warm and intimate environment with simple, perfectly executed French dishes. The menu features pâté, beef tartare, and a selection of fine French wines, making it a favorite among locals. This charming restaurant is known for its friendly service and unpretentious atmosphere, where guests can enjoy traditional French comfort food at a reasonable price. The cozy ambiance and delicious flavors make it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special gatherings.
📍Getting there
- 36 Rue Legendre, 75017 Paris
Top restaurant in the 18e arrondissement
Le Café de la Butte
👛€€ (20-35€)
Perched in Montmartre, Le Café de la Butte is a charming neighborhood restaurant serving traditional French food, beef steak with potatoes, and fresh seafood dishes. The cozy atmosphere and local feel make it a great stop before or after exploring the area. With its friendly hospitality and a menu that celebrates traditional French flavors, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a satisfying meal in the heart of one of Paris’ most iconic neighborhoods. The intimate environment also makes it ideal for a relaxed dining experience with family or friends.
📍Getting there
- 71 Rue Caulaincourt, 75018 Paris
Best restaurants in the 20e arrondissement
Le Jourdain
👛€€ (25-40€)
Located in Belleville, Le Jourdain offers a modern take on bistro dining, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and seasonal produce. Their grilled octopus, ceviche, and homemade foie gras are highly recommended. The minimalist yet welcoming interior, paired with a carefully curated wine list, makes this place an excellent destination for both casual meals and special occasions. With its contemporary approach to French fare, Le Jourdain is quickly becoming a local favorite. A perfect choice for those looking for a casual yet refined gastronomic experience.
📍Getting there
- 101 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris
Chez Véro
👛€ (15-30€)
A small and intimate restaurant in Belleville, Chez Véro is a haven for homemade French cuisine with a personal touch. Their daily specials, like veal stew and gratin dauphinois, reflect the best of traditional home-cooked French meals. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a perfect venue for a casual meal with a homely feel. With its rustic charm and authentic flavors, Chez Véro presents a true taste of Parisian comfort food at affordable prices.
📍Getting there
- 33 Rue Ramponeau, 75020 Paris
Amagat
👛 €€€ (40-60€)
Hidden in a quiet Belleville courtyard, Amagat proposes a unique blend of French and Catalan cuisine. The menu includes grilled meats, seafood tapas, and traditional Spanish-French fusion dishes, making it an exciting place for those looking to try something different. With its intimate atmosphere and a focus on high-quality ingredients, Amagat delivers a cuisine that blends the best of both cultures. The stylish yet cozy setting adds to the charm, creating the perfect spot for a relaxed, flavorful meal.
📍Getting there
- 23 Villa Riberolle, 75020 Paris
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