Parisian Nights: An Insider’s Guide to the Best Dinner Spots in the City of Lights

Paris
Updated on 18 Aug 2023

Paris, a city where the delicate scent of freshly baked croissants swirls in the air, and every corner café is a culinary adventure waiting to be savored. To help you out on this delicious journey, here’s the ultimate list of Paris’s finest supper spots.

Les Parisiens: High-end Dining in the Heart of Paris

Les Parisiens Paris
Source: TripAdvisor

(1 Rue du Pré aux Clercs, $$$$, Perfect for special occasions, intimate meals, and dinner with family)

Tucked inside the chic Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain Hotel, Les Parisiens is where French culinary traditions meet contemporary elegance. The food here is prepared with artistic flair, with dishes like veal tartare and sole meuniere so exquisitely presented, they are almost too beautiful to eat. In Les Parisiens, dining is a theatrical experience – a tasteful drama unfolding course after course.

L’Ami Jean: A Lively French Bistro

L'Ami Jean Paris
Source: Condé Nast Traveler

(27 Rue Malar, 7th Arr., $$$$, Great for a bustling dinner with friends or family)

At L’Ami Jean, you’re not just getting dinner; you’re getting a quintessential Parisian experience. Right from its quirky mismatched furniture to the captivating artwork adorning the walls, every corner of this lively bistro breathes character. The menu boasts an array of hearty, home-style French fare like roasted veal cheek and comforting beef bourguignon. It’s the place where you can enjoy great food, a laid-back atmosphere, and magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower.

Le Bon Georges: A Nostalgic Charm

Le Bon Georges
Source: TripAdvisor

(45 Rue Saint-Georges, 9th Arr., $$$$, Ideal for casual dining, wine enthusiasts, and a cozy family dinner)

Nestled near the Galerie Lafayette, Le Bon Georges pairs nostalgic charm with modern sophistication. They specialize in making delectable steak frites but also offer an array of other classic French dishes. Whether it’s asparagus in the spring or truffle-topped fish in the fall, their seasonal menu promises an exceptional dining experience.

Parcelles: A Hidden Gem in Le Marais

Parcelles Paris
Source: Star Wine List

(13 Rue Chapon, $$$$, Perfect for a quiet meal, date night, and wine lovers)

Parcelles is a cozy spot run by a couple passionate about hearty, homestyle cooking. Each dish is a culinary adventure – from cabbage stuffed with minced pork and foie gras to seared scallops served with parsley, butter, and guanciale. The relaxed, warm ambiance is occasionally punctuated by Michael Jackson tunes, adding a touch of nostalgia to your dining experience.

Café De Luce: The Classic Corner Café

Café De Luce Paris
Source: TimeOut

(2 Rue des Trois Frères, $$$$, Ideal for a laid-back lunch or dinner)

Café De Luce, perched in the vibrant neighborhood of Montmartre, is your quintessential corner café. With its large outdoor seating area and menu filled with classic French dishes like oeufs mayonnaise and tartare de boeuf, it’s a great spot to relax and watch the world go by. Their special dish – a mouthwatering duck fat burger served with perfectly seasoned fries – is a must-try!

Chez L’Ami Louis: A Century-Old Parisian Institution

Chez L’Ami Louis Paris
Source: TimeOut

(32 Rue du Vertbois, $$$$, Ideal for a vintage bistro experience)

Stepping into Chez L’Ami Louis is like time-traveling to the Paris of the 1930s. Famous for its roast chicken, escargots, and foie gras, it’s where you go for a traditional French culinary experience. With its vintage mirrors, aged wooden tables, and unpretentious atmosphere, Chez L’Ami Louis is a place where food takes center stage.

Frenchie: A Modern French Bistro

Frenchie Paris
Source: Frenchie

(5-6 Rue du Nil, $$$$, Perfect for a casual yet sophisticated dinner)

Frenchie, run by the celebrated chef Greg Marchand, brings a contemporary approach to French cuisine. With its sleek decor and innovative menu – think smoked trout with rhubarb and hibiscus or duck with endive and cherries – Frenchie delivers a stylish and mouth-watering dining experience.

Clown Bar: A Quirky Bistro in the Cirque d’Hiver

Clown Bar Paris
Source: TheFork

(114 Rue Amelot, $$$$, Great for adventurous foodies and people looking for a fun dining experience)

The playful Clown Bar, with its circus-themed décor, is a fun and vibrant bistro located near the Cirque d’Hiver. Its creative menu includes dishes such as veal tartare with oysters, making it a hotspot for culinary thrill-seekers. It’s also got a fantastic wine list that pairs perfectly with their food.

Bouillon Chartier: A Taste of Old Paris

Bouillon Chartier Paris
Source: Trip.com

(7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, $$$, Ideal for a historic and budget-friendly dining experience)

The charming Bouillon Chartier is an affordable gem that has been serving classic French dishes since 1896. With its Art Nouveau décor, bustling atmosphere, and hearty dishes like escargot and duck confit, Chartier guarantees an authentic and affordable Parisian dining experience.

L’Astrance: High-end Haute Cuisine

L’Astrance Paris
Source: Condé Nast Traveler

(4 Rue Beethoven, $$$$, Perfect for special occasions and gourmet dining)

L’Astrance is a Michelin three-star restaurant known for its innovative tasting menus. Chef Pascal Barbot’s refined and creative cuisine features dishes like foie gras with hazelnut oil and lemon curd that are as delicious as they are beautiful. This is a place where every meal is an adventure.

Le Meurice Alain Ducasse: Dining Fit for a King

Le Meurice Alain Ducasse Paris
Source: Dorchester Collection

(228 Rue de Rivoli, $$$$, Ideal for a regal and luxurious dinner)

Le Meurice Alain Ducasse is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Le Meurice Hotel. With its Versailles-style dining room and menu featuring dishes like Brittany lobster and Bresse chicken, it’s where you can dine like French royalty.

Le Petit Varenne: A Charming Neighborhood Bistro

Le Petit Varenne Paris
Source: TheFork

(57 Rue de Bellechasse, $$$$, Great for a relaxing, casual dinner)

Tucked away in the 7th arrondissement, Le Petit Varenne is a cozy neighborhood bistro that serves delicious, straightforward French fare. The warm interior and inviting atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a quiet, casual dinner.

So there you have it. From nostalgic bistros and modern eateries to Michelin-starred establishments, there’s something in Paris for every palate and occasion. Enjoy your culinary adventures in the City of Lights!

What would you like to read?

Paris