Best Places to Eat in Paris
Clover Grill
6 Rue Bailleul, 75001 Paris, France
A modern French steakhouse that’s as well suited for a business lunch as for a lengthy meal among friends, Clover Grill, from award-winning chef Jean-François Piège, is an elegant spot popular among the fashion and media crowd. The chef found a location with a big enough space to fit a custom meat cabinet as well as two dining rooms. Beef is the obvious star of the show here—filet, prime rib, or as a burger—but don’t overlook the elevated starters, such as tomato tartare with basil and straciatella, or a gravlax of wild sea bass with lemon and dill. There’s divine braised shrimp and local fish, served with a choice of sauces. Go light or go all in, but whatever you do order the churros for dessert, which you’ll dream about long after you’ve left the restaurant
La Fermette
86 Rue Montorgueil
La Fermette is a cheese shop on one of my favorite streets, Rue Montorgueil. I discovered this shop ten years ago and still love popping in when I am nearby. The staff is friendly and helpful. The street has a boulangerie and wine shop nearby to pick up everything you need for a picnic or impromptu meal at your apartment or hotel room.
Ritz Paris Le Comptoir
38 Rue Cambon, Paris
If the culinary vision of Auguste Escoffier established the Ritz Paris as a dining institution more than 120 years ago, it’s the creative talent of François Perret, the hotel’s pastry chef since 2015, that has anchored its role as food destination today. That was clear from the chef's grand Tea Time menu and plated desserts at the hotel and now it's clear from Le Comptoir, the hotel's pastry shop helmed by Perret. The peach-colored shop features a long molded counter and brushed brass alcoves filled with giftable items, from candles to Champagne, a leather banquette for on-site snacking, as well as a striking series of curved Bohemian crystal light fixtures that nod to the chef’s signature treat: the madeleine. We advise you leave with a collection of Perret's signature Madeleines (keep in mind, he rolls out limited edition varieties at major holidays), the cake marbré, and one of the cake shakes (although perhaps it's best not to consume all of these at once).
Le 52
52 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010
A hangout for 10th arrondissement locals and other Right Bankers who love the accessibility of the neo-brasserie format that Charles Compagnon helped pioneer. These are diners that are serious not only about food but also a high good-times quotient and the comfort of knowing the servers. The menu changes at least once a month and it's that endless variety that keeps them—and the occasional out-of-towner—returning. In addition to more classic cuts of meat and fish, you might also find sardines, mackerel, root veggies like Jerusalem artichokes, and poultry, which can make for an affordable but no less interesting meal.
L'As du Fallafel
Every list of where to eat in Paris is going to include L’As du Falafel in the Marais, and while those lists aren’t wrong, they are also not necessarily complete. Because yes, L’As du Falafel is definitely delicious, affordable and casual, but I did also say this list would include recommendations for restaurants in Paris that you can actually get into! It’s more likely than not that you’ll spend an hour or more waiting in line at L’As du Falafel. If you happen to walk by and the line is reasonable, definitely go here. But here’s the secret that other where to eat in Paris lists tend to overlook: there’s a ton of falafel restaurants lining this stretch of Rue de Rosiers in the Marais, and they are all just as good. So if the line looks more reasonable at Chez Hanna across the street, go there. Pop into Miznon if you find an open bistro table, Chez Marianne is great too. You really can’t go wrong, but a falafel in the Marais (from any restaurant!) is a must for an affordable casual meal in Paris.
Breizh Cafe
109 Rue Vieille-du-Temple
Breizh offers, quite simply, the best Breton-style crêpe in Paris. And while not gratuitously tricky, the menu includes more original flavor combinations, beyond the usual egg, ham, and cheese. To wit: smoked herring with Saint Malo potatoes; smoked salmon with ikura salmon roe, crème fraîche, and dill; poached peaches, raspberry sauce, vanilla ice cream, and fresh mint; rolled crêpe with white chocolate mousse and matcha tea, with strawberries; and a brown sugar with Bordier salted butter, classically done with top-shelf ingredients.
​​​
Parisian Life Travel