I love so many things about Paris, but one of the reasons I keep going back is the fantastic food and beverage scene. The culinary world of Paris is incredibly diverse and far reaching through every arrondissement, so it’s imperative that you do your homework, star things on Google Maps, and read this article in full, because I’m about to give you a long list of where to eat and drink in Paris.
Paris has Restaurants, Bars, Brasseries, Bistros, Cafés, and Food Vendors around every corner. The vast variety of Food and Drink in Paris makes my tastebuds dance every time I think about it. And forget what you think you know about French Cooking- the French have their absolute classic dishes which I love, but in Paris you will also discover a food scene that is sustainable, inventive, and completely delicious! Keep reading as I give you a list of my favorites, and the spots that are on my list for my trip to Paris in June.
Did you know?
Restaurants, Brasseries, Bistros, and Cafés each mean something different in France. Simply put, the label will give you an idea of what the menu, and the hours of an establishment will look like. Click here to read a short article about the simple differences.
Where to Eat and Drink in Paris: My favorite Cocktail Bars
Let’s be honest, I’ll be happy at any cafe with a view that serves a Côtes du Rhône or a glass of Champagne. However, Bisou, Danico, and Little Red Door serve up exceptional cocktails and vibes that will leave an impression on your lips that will linger long after you enjoy the last drop.
This past summer, Danico wowed me with an espresso martini that was anything but basic. Espresso and coffee liqueur was met with banana water, and vodka infused with mustard seed. Yes you read that correctly! And boy oh boy did it make me go Mmmmm.
Bisou has been in a my life for a few summers now. On one occasion, I even stayed at the hotel next door, and you better believe I drank well on that trip! And last but not least, the world renowned Little Red Door continues to make the list of top bars in the world year after year. You can read more about my experience with Bisou’s no menu concept and the whimsical menu of the Little Red Door here.
My Cocktail Bar List for 2023
Le Syndicat, Copper Bay, Bluebird, Divine, Experimental Cocktail Club, and Prescription Cocktail Club. Lastly, Le Collier de la Reine– which is a great 2nd option if Little Red Door has a long line.
Rooftops on my Radar for 2023
The rooftbop bar at Hotel des Grands Boulevards, Hotel National des arts et Métiers, Le Tout-Paris-Cheval Blanc
Wine Bars on my radar for 2023
Juveniles, Septime La Cave, and La Buvette. The simple elegance of La Buvette has also been documented in a book that highlights its atmosphere, wine and food.
Where to purchase wine:
Anywhere will do, but Delicatessen Cave in the 2nd arr. steered me towards unique French wines that I brought home with me. You are allowed to bring 3 bottles back to the US in your checked luggage, and contrary to popular belief, you can’t find everything in the United States.
Where to Eat and Drink in Paris: My Favorite Sandwiches
Grab a Sandwich at Pig Character and head to one of Paris’s many gardens where you will find green chairs lined up around fountains, statues, and lush greenery. They are just waiting for you to enjoy a Parisian Moment with something delicious.
This past summer I stopped at Le Petit Vendome to grab a sandwich for my long train ride from Paris to London. I highly recommend the fromage, jamon et buerre (ham, cheese, and butter), but let’s be honest. Anything you order will be the best you’ve ever had. I promise to branch out with my sandwich knowledge this summer- because all in the name of research!
My Sandwich List for June 2023:
Graine Bakery, La Maison du Daya, or the numerous Le Zingam locations.
Sandwiches and Picnics!
Here are my favorite places to sit back and relax….with a sandwich or pastry of course. Whether you find a chair, or pack a blanket for a picnic- all of these suggestions will be the perfect setting. This is also a great way to save a dollar or two while still eating incredibly well.
You may choose the Jardin des Tuilieres, the Jardin du Luxembourg, or the Champ de Mars. Or perhaps the Place des Vosges or the Jardin du Palais-Royal which were highlighted in Emily in Paris. The Seine River is another lovely place to enjoy a snack and an incredible view. Just grab a seat, and try not to lose your shoes in the river.
Sister Travels: My first trip to Paris
My first Parisian picnic was with my sister Ally. I still remember drinking a French red , eating meat, cheese, and a baguette of course! We played cards in the glorious shadow of the Iron Lady and we waited for the lights of the Eiffel Tower to twinkle through the night sky.
For this moment, we set up shop at the Jardin du Trocadéro. The picnics I have had in Paris may be the most memorable moments of all. The only challenge a picnic brings is when you have to go to the bathroom…and that my friends is another story for the next time we raise a glass.
My favorite place in the world
On this same trip, Ally and I grabbed breakfast from a local grocer and made our way to the Louvre. We thought we’d be standing in line, but instead we sat on a bench and had our breakfast alone with the sparrows, who are quite aggressive I must add, and the stunning architecture.
As fate would have it, the Louvre was closed, and we didn’t realize that until we got there. And so began my love affair with this beautiful little pocket of Paris. The Place du Carrousel. From the Glass Pyramids to the fountain, to a perimeter of the finest architecture in the entire world! This place is perfect to me, and will always bring me great joy.
Paris Tips | Where to eat and drink in Paris
Try to catch the area outside of The Louvre, also known as the Place du Carrousel, early in the morning, or at night when it’s not packed with tourists.
Best Cafés for Coffee and a Croissant
I love a double espresso, and while you can order this anywhere, some spots have more charm than others. My favorites are Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, and the café at the bottom of the Sacre Coeur- Le Ronsard. Sipping your café while looking upon this remarkable structure will feel like a dream!
Bakeries
While every bakery will give you bread or a croissant that will make you wonder what on earth makes it taste so much better in France, some will be better than others.
Last summer I enjoyed a loaf of Raisin bread from one of Polaine’s many locations that had me googling whether or not I could bring bread back home to the United States with me. And to my delight- you absolutely can!
Sweet treats:
On another occasion as I was strolling through Le Marais, I came upon Dunes Blanches. Adorable little puff pastries sprinkled with powdered sugar stared at me through the window, and before I knew it I had emerged from the store with a small box of these tiny cream filled delights.
I had every intention of saving a few for later, but 3 quickly turned into a few remnants of powdered sugar. I licked my fingers while grinning through my sugar buzz, pitched the empty box into a garbage bin, and went skipping on my way.
My Bakery List for June 2023:
The French Bastards, Copains (gluten free!), and Farine & O, Brigat’. Each of these bakeries has numerous locations.
Travel Tips:
One of the greatest bits of travel advice I was ever given, was to eat, and also use the restroom whenever you have the chance. Because you never really know when your next chance will be! And now if I may, I will add an important addendum to that philosophy.
When you pass a bakery in France, always stop in for a pastry. Because even in Paris, you never know when you’ll pass another bakery, or need a croissant. So take my advice to heart, and always have a croissant in your bag- future you will be so delighted that you got yourself an extra.
Where to Eat and Drink in Paris: My Favorite Restaurants
I’m going to break this down into 2 categories. Classic Paris, and New Paris. Classic Paris is the kind of restaurant where you think of delightfully rich dishes like Coque a vin, or Boeuf Bourguignon- or a Steak Tartare.
New Paris has a style that is more about fresh and sustainable ingredients that are incredibly inventive. Many of these restaurants will give you traditional French dishes with a twist of the New. For instance, I once drooled over a Veal Tartare with a twist at Clown Bar– click here to read more.
I highly recommend a nice mix of both, as both styles leave me dreaming of French cuisine even when I’m home! And trust me, Chicago is a top notch culinary destination, so that is quite the compliment.
Travel Tips:
As you read this article, search these places on your Google Maps, and SAVE THEM! For example, Search Septime, click the “Save” button, and you can “star” or “favorite” the location from there.
Classic Paris Restaurant Favorites
Les Cocottes Arc de Triomphe– a Christian Constant Restaurant (all of his restaurants are excellent), and Café L’Etincelle.
La Société. A classic and stylish spot- I enjoyed dinner, drinks, and some fabulous people watching here back in 2016. And I was happy to see that La Société was still the place to be when Sophie had lunch here on Season 2 of Emily in Paris
Where to eat and drink in Paris: The most famous Café’s
I recently did a deep dive of the most famous Café’s in Paris. Many places in Paris have a history, and many were frequented by my favorite writers and artists back in the day. For instance, both Picasso and Hemingway would frequent La Rotonde, among many others! The following article gives an extensive list of Cafés that will give you inspiration, historical gems, and traditional Parisian food and beverage. Click here to read more.
New Paris Restaurant Favorites:
Clown Bar, Le Servan, Poulette, Restaurant Au Passage, Le 6 Paul Bert, Ellsworth, and Le Comptoir des Petits Champs.
My Restaurant List for 2023:
Josephine Chez Dumonet, Restaurant David Toutain, La Bourse et la vie, Lou Lou Restaurant, Verjus, Le Comptoir du Relais, Lolo cave à manger, Le Trein Bleu, Cafe Charlot, Bistro Paul Bert.
Where to Eat and Drink in Paris: New Paris Prix fixe Superstars
Septime
This is one of my all time favorite food experiences! At about 100 Euro for the tasting menu, you will leave with a full belly and the biggest smile on your face- I know I did!
At Septime, the courses were an adventure for the senses. Each dish was prepared with care, and as they came out, a staff member would explain where the ingredients were from, as most, if not all, are locally sourced. I opted to do the wine pairing as well, and with each glass, the sommelier enthusiastically told me about each wine. The choices were incredibly unique, and I highly recommend the pairing if you are able.
The staff at Septime truly creates a passionate and welcoming environment to go along with a menu that will have you giddy with each bite. Book online asap- this is one of the hardest reservations to get in Paris.
Verjus
Back in 2018, I met my dear friends Mike and Lorie here for dinner. Meeting up with friends in other countries is one of the greatest gifts that life can present you. They had just been in Italy, and I had been exploring the island of Sardinia. Meeting them in Paris was the sweetest end to one of my favorite trips of all time.
At Verjus, each course was delightfully refreshing and delicious, and afterwards, we made our way downstairs to enjoy a bottle of bubbles that Mike and Lorie brought back from Italy. This summer, Verjus is having their grand re-opening! They closed their doors to do some renovations at the height of the pandemic, and I cannot wait to go back and enjoy their dishes and atmosphere once again.
Restaurant Tip:
If you were unable to get a reservation for a restaurant ahead of time, I highly recommend stopping by when they open! I was able to snag a reservation at Septime this way. I popped in when they opened on say a Tuesday, and was enjoying one of the greatest meals of my life a couple days later.
Where to eat and drink in Paris: Who to follow on Instagram
David Lebovitz has been inspiring my food and drink adventures in Paris, and at home for years! A chef from San Francisco, he now lives in Paris. He has authored numerous cookbooks and tells countless stories of being an American in Paris through his recipes. And most importantly? He has shared how to eat like a local.
So when he posts about a restaurant or bakery, I immediately save it on my google maps so I am prepared for my future travels. Merci Beaucoup David! I appreciate your recipes, your refined palate, and your active presence on instagram.
Where not to eat in Paris
This past summer, I made my way to see the lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night from the Trocadero perspective. I was starving, and my mind was set on enjoying a beautiful view at night. While I walked, a thought crept into my head. Perhaps the food wouldn’t be as tasty as I’m used to since this was a tourist spot? But I shook that off. I mean, how bad could it really be?
Welllll let’s just say that after one glass of wine and a dish that I’d rather forget, I ended up enjoying a delicious crepe from the stand right in front of the Musee de l’Homme. This also happens to be one of my favorite viewpoints of the Eiffel Tower, so in the end I got exactly what I wanted. I really should have known better, and an important lesson was re-learned that night. Moving forward, I will be doing my homework ahead of time. A great view does not always equate to happy tastebuds.
Restaurant Tips for wherever you travel
The best restaurants are usually around the corner from touristy areas- not on the main drag. Also, when the menu is written on a chalkboard- that’s a good sign. The late and great Anthony Bourdain taught me that! His shows are still big part of the research I do before I jump on a plane.
Where to eat and drink in Paris: Don’t forget to ask questions
Many thanks to my friends that love the Parisian food scene as much as I do! I look forward to taking your recommendations for a spin this summer. And a VERY special note of thanks to all the people I’ve met in Paris who have taken the time to share their favorite places with me! Lawrence at The Little Red Door, and Inez at Ellsworth- your recommendations have been pure gold. Merci Beaucoup et à bientôt!
Want to read more about Paris, and my best tips for meeting new people while you are traveling? Click here to read my Solo Travel Tips. Click here to read about my favorite way to spend 48 hours in Paris.
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