Paris is a paradise for food lovers. From Michelin-starred fine dining to cozy bistros and budget-friendly street eats, every corner of the city tells a delicious story. Whether you’re chasing haute cuisine, authentic French comfort food, or a meal with an unforgettable view of the Eiffel Tower, Paris has it all. Here’s your definitive guide to the best meals in Paris—where taste, tradition, and creativity meet.
Michelin-Starred Masterpieces
For those seeking an extraordinary dining experience, Paris boasts some of the world’s most acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants.
Le Pré Catelan (Bois de Boulogne, 16th arrondissement) ⭐ is a three-star temple of French haute cuisine. Under the direction of Frédéric Anton, the tasting menu dazzles with dishes like scallops, langoustine, and caviar—each plate a work of art. It’s an experience for those who appreciate meticulous technique and refined flavors.
At Arpège (7th arrondissement) 🥕, Chef Alain Passard redefines fine dining with his vegetable-focused menu. Awarded three Michelin stars, Arpège’s produce comes straight from Passard’s own gardens. Signature dishes like beechwood-smoked potatoes and vegetable “sushi” are both innovative and poetic.
Astrance (16th arrondissement) 🍄 by Pascal Barbot offers another world-class tasting journey. Expect delicate, inventive creations like mushroom millefeuille with foie gras—a dish that perfectly represents Barbot’s mastery of texture and balance.
If you prefer a more contemporary twist, Frenchie (2nd arrondissement) 🍷 delivers a five-course tasting menu full of creativity, including dishes like house-smoked trout and seasonal vegetables. For fusion lovers, yam’Tcha (1st arrondissement) 🫖 combines French techniques with Hong Kong-inspired flavors in a six-course tea-paired tasting menu that’s as artistic as it is delicious.
And for an unforgettable setting, Le Jules Verne 🗼, perched inside the Eiffel Tower, offers a two-Michelin-star menu by Frédéric Anton, with the city of Paris glittering beneath your feet.
Classic Parisian Bistros
No culinary journey through Paris is complete without experiencing the charm of its traditional bistros.
- 🍽️ Le Comptoir du Relais (6th arrondissement) – A modern bistro icon by Yves Camdeborde, serving elevated French classics like foie gras ravioli and tuna tartare in a bustling Saint-Germain setting. Reservations are coveted, but the experience is worth it.
- 🍲 Benoit (4th arrondissement) – One of Alain Ducasse’s gems that transports you back to the Belle Époque with its elegant décor and rich flavors. Try the escargots, cassoulet, or the rare “Langue de Boeuf Lucullus”—beef tongue layered with foie gras.
- 🐓 La Fontaine de Mars (7th arrondissement) – A local favorite known for its hearty duck confit, cheese soufflé, and escargots. Its red-checkered tablecloths and cozy atmosphere embody the heart of French dining.
- 🕰️ Bouillon Chartier (9th arrondissement) – Since 1896, this Art Nouveau brasserie has served simple, affordable French fare—from steak-frites to onion soup—in a grand dining hall that feels frozen in time.
Budget-Friendly Bites
You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well in Paris. The city’s vibrant food scene offers plenty of affordable yet memorable options.
Miznon (Marais and République) 🥙 serves some of the city’s best street food, including their famous roasted cauliflower and chicken pita. Nearby, L’As du Fallafel 🌯 on Rue des Rosiers has become a Paris legend for its crispy falafel sandwiches packed with fresh vegetables and tahini.
If you’re after hearty comfort food, Chez Gladines (13th arrondissement) 🍛 is a Basque-style bistro loved by locals and students alike. Generous portions of cassoulet, duck, and potatoes will keep you full for hours. Meanwhile, Les Progrès (11th arrondissement) 🥩 offers perfectly cooked steak-frites in a laid-back atmosphere.
For an authentic Parisian picnic, 🧺 grab a baguette, some cheese, and charcuterie from a local market like Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre, and enjoy your meal along the Seine.
Iconic Parisian Dishes & Where to Try Them
Certain dishes define the Parisian experience—and knowing where to find the best versions makes all the difference.
- 🥐 Croissants & Pastries: Head to Du Pain et des Idées (10th arrondissement) for its legendary “escargot” pastries filled with pistachio or praline. The croissants are golden perfection.
- 🧅 French Onion Soup: Au Pied de Cochon (1st arrondissement) serves a rich, bubbling version 24 hours a day.
- 🥩 Steak-Frites: Le Relais de l’Entrecôte offers just one dish—steak-frites with its secret sauce—and it’s always perfect.
- 🥞 Crêpes: Breizh Café (16th arrondissement) elevates the humble crêpe with organic buckwheat galettes and artisanal ingredients.
- 🍬 Macarons: Indulge in these iconic sweets from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé, both masters of flavor and finesse.
Unforgettable Settings
In Paris, a meal is as much about atmosphere as it is about taste. For the most romantic dinner imaginable, Le Jules Verne 💫 offers panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower, while Ducasse sur Seine 🚤 takes fine dining onto the water—literally. This all-electric riverboat restaurant cruises past Paris landmarks while you enjoy a multi-course tasting menu.
For old-world grandeur, dine at Le Train Bleu 🚉 in Gare de Lyon, a Belle Époque masterpiece with gilded ceilings and murals. Or enjoy a candlelit dinner at Auberge Nicolas Flamel 🕯️, set in the oldest house in Paris (built in 1407), where modern French cuisine meets medieval charm.
Vegetarian & Vegan Gems
Paris’s culinary evolution has embraced plant-based dining beautifully. Bonnard 🥗 (Marais) offers chic vegetarian French fare, while Le Potager du Marais 🌿 reimagines classic dishes like cassoulet and boeuf bourguignon in vegan form. For flavorful Asian-inspired vegetarian options, Tien Hiang 🍜 (13th arrondissement) serves comforting noodle bowls and dim sum.
Even many Michelin-starred restaurants now offer vegetarian tasting menus—proof that Paris’s plant-based scene is more exciting than ever.
Final Thoughts
From Michelin-star artistry to bistro comfort and street food joy, Paris is a city where every meal tells a story. Whether you’re savoring a €7 falafel or a €300 tasting menu, each bite reflects the city’s deep love of flavor, craftsmanship, and beauty. In Paris, dining isn’t just eating—it’s living the art of good taste.