Paris is one of Europe’s most exciting and diverse cities for Arabic cuisine. Shaped by decades of migration from North Africa and the Levant, the French capital has developed a food scene where Moroccan, Lebanese, Syrian, and broader Middle Eastern traditions are deeply woven into everyday life. What makes Paris particularly compelling is not only the sheer number of Arabic restaurants, but the depth, continuity, and seriousness with which these cuisines are represented.
From bustling neighborhood couscous houses in the eastern arrondissements to elegant, design‑forward dining rooms near the city center, Arabic food in Paris spans every budget, mood, and occasion. You will encounter humble counters serving shawarma and falafel to locals on their lunch break, family‑run restaurants where recipes have barely changed in decades, and refined tables offering carefully plated mezze, slow‑cooked meats, and contemporary interpretations of classic dishes.
Unlike many other global cities, Paris offers not just variety but longevity. Long‑established institutions coexist with modern reinterpretations, allowing diners to experience time‑honored recipes alongside new culinary ideas. Many restaurants remain family‑run, preserving regional techniques from Morocco, Lebanon, or Syria, while younger chefs bring creativity, modern presentation, and seasonal sourcing into the equation. This balance between heritage and innovation gives Arabic cuisine in Paris a unique sense of identity.
Whether you are seeking a comforting bowl of couscous on a cold evening, an expansive mezze feast shared over long conversation, or a sophisticated take on Levantine classics paired with wine or cocktails, Paris consistently delivers exceptional quality. Arabic cuisine here is not niche or marginal — it is a fully integrated and celebrated part of the city’s gastronomic landscape.
Below is a carefully researched and curated guide to the best Arabic restaurants in Paris. Each selection highlights the cuisine type, atmosphere, price level, and — most importantly — what each restaurant truly excels at, helping you choose the right place for your next meal, whether casual, professional, or celebratory.
Lebanese Restaurants in Paris
Kubri (11th Arrondissement)
Kubri represents the modern, creative edge of Lebanese cuisine in Paris. Located near Rue Amelot in the lively 11th arrondissement, the restaurant blends contemporary design with deeply rooted flavors. The open kitchen and minimalist interior create an intimate setting that feels refined without being intimidating, attracting both food‑focused locals and curious visitors.
Kubri is particularly celebrated for its exceptionally smooth hummus, inventive aubergine dishes, and refined meat preparations such as lamb tartare. Dishes are thoughtfully balanced, with careful attention paid to texture, acidity, and spice. Ingredients are high quality, seasoning is precise, and presentation is clean and modern without losing warmth or generosity.
The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging diners to explore multiple dishes in one sitting. Mezze arrive gradually, creating a relaxed rhythm to the meal rather than a rushed dining experience. Prices fall into the mid‑range for Paris, making Kubri accessible while still feeling special. Because of its popularity and limited seating, reservations are highly recommended, particularly in the evening and on weekends.
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ambiance: Modern, elegant, intimate
Best for: Elevated mezze, creative Lebanese flavors, sharing plates
Liza (2nd Arrondissement)
Liza is widely regarded as one of the finest Lebanese restaurants in Paris and has become a benchmark for upscale Levantine dining. Located near the Bourse district, it offers a bright, contemporary dining room paired with polished yet welcoming service that strikes a balance between refinement and comfort.
The menu focuses on refined mezze, seasonal vegetables, expertly grilled meats, and slow‑cooked traditional dishes executed with precision. Signature offerings include generous mezze assortments, delicate salads, and classic preparations such as fattet batinjan, all prepared with a strong sense of balance and depth.
Prices are higher than average, but the quality of ingredients, consistency of execution, and portion sizes justify the cost. Liza is particularly well suited for business dinners, celebrations, and occasions where a more elegant dining experience is desired. Despite its upscale positioning, the atmosphere remains warm, sociable, and relaxed rather than formal.
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ambiance: Chic, spacious, refined
Best for: Special occasions and high‑end Lebanese cuisine
Assanabel (6th & 10th Arrondissements)
Assanabel is a long‑standing favorite among Parisians who value authenticity, generosity, and reliability. With locations in both the 6th and 10th arrondissements, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and traditional décor that emphasizes comfort over trendiness.
The restaurant is best known for its abundant mezze platters, well‑seasoned grilled chicken, and classic Lebanese comfort dishes. Plates arrive generously filled, making Assanabel a popular choice for groups, families, and anyone seeking a satisfying meal without complexity.
Prices remain reasonable compared to many newer concepts, making Assanabel one of the best value Lebanese restaurants in Paris. It is an excellent choice for diners seeking dependable flavors, generous portions, and a dining experience that feels both familiar and authentic.
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ambiance: Traditional, cozy
Best for: Generous mezze, authentic flavors, excellent value
Qasti (Multiple Locations)
Qasti brings a youthful, contemporary approach to Lebanese cuisine. With several locations across Paris, it has become especially popular with diners looking for a lively atmosphere and a menu built around shareable plates.
The menu focuses on modern reinterpretations of mezze, including flavored hummus, crispy cauliflower, and compact shawarma dishes served in a playful, accessible format. Portions are intentionally designed for sharing, encouraging a relaxed, social style of dining that suits groups and casual evenings.
The interiors are modern and energetic, and pricing remains accessible, reinforcing Qasti’s appeal as a fun, informal Lebanese dining option. It works particularly well for after‑work meals, casual dinners, or nights out with friends.
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ambiance: Trendy, relaxed
Best for: Casual dining, mezze‑focused meals, group outings
Moroccan Restaurants in Paris
404 (3rd Arrondissement)
404 is one of Paris’s most atmospheric Moroccan restaurants. Designed to resemble a traditional riad, the restaurant features dim lighting, stone walls, and intimate dining rooms that create a deeply immersive and transportive experience.
The undisputed highlight is the couscous méchoui, featuring a slow‑roasted lamb shoulder served over fluffy semolina with rich broth and vegetables. The lamb is tender, aromatic, and deeply flavored, making this dish a reference point for couscous in Paris. The menu also includes classic tagines, pastries, and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
404 is a strong choice for romantic dinners or evenings when ambiance is just as important as the food itself.
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ambiance: Intimate, traditional
Best for: Couscous méchoui and atmospheric dining
Le Tagine (11th Arrondissement)
A true Parisian institution, Le Tagine has been serving Moroccan classics for decades. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with mosaic tables, patterned tiles, and a relaxed, neighborhood feel that attracts a loyal local crowd.
Its couscous — offered with lamb, chicken, or vegetables — is widely regarded as one of the best in the city. Portions are generous and consistently prepared. The menu also features reliable tagines and well‑executed pastilla, making Le Tagine a dependable option for traditional Moroccan cuisine at accessible prices.
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ambiance: Casual, vibrant
Best for: Classic couscous and relaxed meals
Timgad (17th Arrondissement)
Timgad is a grand, old‑school Moroccan brasserie that emphasizes tradition, ceremony, and hospitality. Service is formal, portions are generous, and the décor reflects classic North African elegance.
The couscous méchoui is legendary, served in impressive quantities with frequent refills of broth. Meals here are intentionally slow and abundant, making Timgad particularly well suited for large gatherings, celebrations, and diners who appreciate ritual, generosity, and classic service.
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ambiance: Traditional, formal
Best for: Large portions and classic Moroccan dining
Chez Younice (20th Arrondissement)
Chez Younice is a beloved local favorite and a true hidden gem. Located far from tourist areas, it offers authentic Moroccan home cooking at very accessible prices.
The menu centers on grilled lamb brochettes, hearty soups, and simple, well‑seasoned tagines. There is little emphasis on décor, but the warmth of the welcome and the honesty of the food more than compensate. It is an ideal spot for an honest, satisfying meal that reflects everyday Moroccan cooking.
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ambiance: Simple, family‑run
Best for: Authentic flavors and budget‑friendly meals
Choukran (9th Arrondissement)
Choukran modernizes Moroccan cuisine with contemporary presentation and a counter‑style format. The interior is minimalist, and the menu strikes a balance between tradition and creativity.
Highlights include beetroot hummus, batbout sandwiches, and both vegetarian and meat‑based couscous options. Choukran is especially well suited for quick lunches, informal dinners, or diners looking for a lighter, more modern approach to Moroccan food.
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ambiance: Modern, casual
Best for: Fast, modern Moroccan food
Dar Mima (5th Arrondissement)
Located inside the Institut du Monde Arabe, Dar Mima uniquely combines culture, architecture, and cuisine. The restaurant offers elegant interiors and rooftop seating during warmer months, making it one of the most visually distinctive Moroccan dining experiences in Paris.
The menu celebrates Moroccan classics such as pastilla, zaalouk, and grilled meats, accompanied by mint tea and refined cocktails. Live music frequently enhances the dining experience, reinforcing Dar Mima’s position as both a cultural and culinary destination.
Cuisine: Moroccan / Oriental
Ambiance: Elegant, cultural
Best for: Refined dining with cultural context
Chez Gala (8th Arrondissement)
Chez Gala delivers a theatrical dining experience that blends Moroccan flavors with nightlife energy. Disco‑inspired décor, live performances, and a glamorous crowd define the atmosphere.
The menu is upscale, featuring premium ingredients such as lobster, scallops, and lamb rack, paired with creative cocktails. Chez Gala is as much about entertainment as it is about food, making it ideal for celebratory evenings and late dinners.
Cuisine: Moroccan / Oriental
Ambiance: Festive, glamorous
Best for: Dinner combined with live shows and nightlife
Syrian and Levantine Cuisine
La Damascèna (6th Arrondissement)
La Damascèna is a small Syrian counter renowned for its authenticity and exceptional value. The setting is casual, service is fast, and flavors are bold, comforting, and deeply traditional.
Specialties include chicken shawarma, taouk, falafel, and classic Levantine mezze served in generous portions. Recipes emphasize warmth, spice, and balance rather than presentation, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or informal dinner near Saint‑Germain.
Cuisine: Syrian / Levantine
Ambiance: Casual, street‑food style
Best for: Affordable, authentic Syrian dishes
Final Thoughts
Arabic cuisine in Paris reflects both deep tradition and ongoing innovation. From elegant Lebanese dining rooms to no‑frills Moroccan counters and vibrant Syrian street food, the city offers exceptional diversity, authenticity, and quality.
Whether you are visiting Paris for the first time or living there long‑term, exploring these Arabic restaurants provides a deeper understanding of the city’s multicultural culinary identity — and consistently rewarding dining experiences that extend far beyond the usual tourist routes.