Where to Dine in Paris

There are plenty of top quality restaurants in Paris, but there are also a number of mediocre eateries with inflated priced catering mainly to tourists, so it pays to know some of the better choices.

If you’re looking for something unusual and spectacular, you will be spoilt for choice. The famous Ladurée restaurants are ideal if you want to be immersed in the Paris of yesteryear. Their atmosphere and fairytale interiors give a Marie Antoinette view of Paris and there are restaurants at rue Royale Paris VIII, rue Bonaparte Paris VI, and Le Printemps Boulevard Haussmann, as well as the Champs Élysées. For something completely different the Dame de Canton, a replica Chinese junk moored on the Seine, has a fabulous restaurant on the lower floor which still manages to be romantic despite the lively music from the upper levels.

For those looking for a cosy romantic choice that’s not too touristy, Le Pamphlet in the Marais district is a fabulous bistro where you can get top quality southwest inspired food for very reasonable prices, although you will have to reserve. Le Coupe Chou, near the Panthéon is also a great choice, just make sure you know where you are going as it is easily missed. For a restaurant nearer to the Eiffel Tower, check out the Café du Commerce which is spread over three floors and has a glass roof that opens in summer, as well as an excellent menu that is popular with locals.

If you’d prefer a historic location for dinner, try La Truffière, a very romantic 17th century candle lit restaurant near the Panthéon. As the name suggests it’s a must for truffle lovers. Au Boeuf Couronné, a nineteenth century restaurant close to Parc de la Villette in the north east of Paris is ideal for old style Parisian cuisine, especially the iconic steak frites. If you just want lunch or a light meal, try Le Baron Rouge, not far from Bastille, which has a great selection of wines, served with platters of cheese, charcuterie, pate, bread and oysters.