When you imagine a trip to Paris, you probably think about all the beauty this great city has to offer. Alongside the many museums and monuments, you’re likely eager to discover the best restaurants in Paris as well.
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the famed French cuisine? So, without further ado, here are some Parisian restaurants that are sure to impress. From traditional French onion soup to Paris’s top luxury dining, affordable spots, family-friendly places, and more, we’ll show you where to indulge.
Must-visit restaurants in Paris
If you want to savor both the City of Light and great food, these restaurants in Paris won’t disappoint.
To help you plan, here’s an interactive map (you can zoom in and explore it) showing the best places for:
- Traditional French cuisine
- Historic bars and restaurants
- Restaurants with scenic views
- Great brunch spots
You can filter by categories by clicking on the icon in the top left corner of the map:
Best Affordable Restaurants
Now, let’s move on to the top places to eat well in Paris without breaking the bank:
L’assiette aux Fromages
What could be more French than a cheese and wine pairing? If you’re looking to sample the best cheeses, this specialty spot near the famous Pantheon is a fantastic choice.
Here, you can enjoy lunch or dinner with set menus that include two courses and dessert, priced between 14 and 25 euros. This restaurant is open daily during lunch and dinner hours.
Le Resto
Located in the Latin Quarter, this Paris restaurant has a unique charm. As you’ll see on the Paris tourist map, it sits strategically between the Jardin des Plantes and the Pantheon. Inside, the rustic stone walls create an intimate atmosphere.
The cuisine is varied and high-quality, combining traditional dishes with innovative touches. Prices start around 40 euros for a two-course meal and dessert (drinks not included). It’s open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
If you’re exploring the Latin Quarter, this is a great spot to enjoy a meal.
Café Ménilmontant
As mentioned on our blog, the 20th arrondissement is one of Paris’s most interesting areas.
Here you’ll find Ménilmontant, home to Père Lachaise Cemetery, a popular tourist attraction. If you’re nearby and feeling hungry, this restaurant offers a convenient and affordable dining option.
For just over 20 euros, you can enjoy classic French dishes. The café’s décor, reminiscent of early 20th-century Paris, adds a touch of nostalgia to your meal—a great choice for good, budget-friendly dining in Paris.
Le Grenier de Notre-Dame
The location of this restaurant is no mystery—it’s just 200 meters from a Parisian landmark you likely won’t miss: Notre-Dame Cathedral.
This time, instead of focusing on traditional local cuisine, we’re highlighting Le Grenier, a vegetarian restaurant.
Founded in 1978, this is Paris’s first vegetarian and macrobiotic restaurant, with many ingredients sourced from organic farming and fair trade. Prices are very affordable, with weekday lunch options under 20 euros. Dinner and weekend meals are slightly more expensive, but the difference is minimal.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the best places for anyone looking for a vegetarian option and a spot to eat near Notre-Dame.
Chez Alexandre
Chez Alexandre is one of the most popular places to eat in Paris. One of its specialties is stone-cooked meat.
The menu is also enticing; for a minimum of 16 euros, you can enjoy a stone-cooked meat dish and two of France’s classic fondues: Fondue Bourguignonne (meat) and Fondue Savoyarde (cheese).
Another fun option for a small group is a classic chocolate fondue with seasonal fruits, a great and affordable way to finish your meal. Chez Alexandre is actually a franchise with locations in various French cities. In Paris, you’ll find two, both in the Latin Quarter.
One is on Rue de la Parcheminerie, near the Sorbonne University. The second is on Rue du Pot de Fer, close to the Natural History Museum.
La Taverne de Montmartre
In the Montmartre neighborhood and just steps from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, you’ll find this cozy restaurant. This spot is ideal for fans of historic buildings with lots of character, both inside and out.
Here you can enjoy traditional French dishes for under 20 euros. This is the perfect place to savor Paris’s best and most authentic onion soup, a local favorite.
Le Moulin de la Galette
We can’t leave out one of the most historic restaurants in Paris. If you’re a fan of painting, you may recognize this spot from Renoir’s famous painting of the same name.
Le Moulin de la Galette opened in 1980 in an old mill originally built in 1812. After closing briefly for renovations in 2015, it reopened later that year.
Though it’s pricier than other places mentioned, especially for its grilled meats—the house specialty—the experience is well worth it. Wine lovers will also find an extensive selection of fine vintage wines, though they come at a premium.
All the restaurants we’ve highlighted offer affordable options for dining in Paris.
Gastronomic Activities and Experiences
In addition to visiting the best restaurants in town, why not try some culinary activities that let you have fun, learn, and sample some of Paris’s top dishes all at once?
Here are some of the most recommended experiences:
Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour in Le Marais
Dine in Paris’s Le Marais neighborhood and try a blend of traditional and modern French cuisine. This three-and-a-half-hour tour offers the chance to taste the best of the city in its most authentic spots.
You’ll enjoy 11 appetizers and two drinks across eight specially selected family-owned restaurants and cafes that are off the typical tourist track.
More information at this link.
Dinner at Madame Brasserie in the Eiffel Tower
Enjoy dinner on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower at the renowned Madame Brasserie. Delight in dishes created by Parisian chef Thierry Marx in this iconic, romantic setting with unbeatable views of the city.
The staff speaks Spanish, and your entry ticket to reach the restaurant is included with the reservation, so there’s no extra cost.
More information at this link.
French Wine Tasting Class with a Sommelier
Learn how to taste French wines in Paris with this engaging class led by a professional Parisian sommelier. Take a virtual tour of France’s wine regions while tasting top selections in the company of an expert.
This two-hour experience includes tastings of wines from various French regions (up to 5 wines), plus a glass of premium champagne.
More information is available at this link.
4-Course Dinner Cruise on the Seine with Live Music
One of the best ways to experience French cuisine is by taking a dinner cruise on the Seine. Enjoy the city’s major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Pont des Arts while savoring a four-course meal with half a bottle of wine.
The cruise lasts 150 minutes and includes live music, creating a romantic atmosphere that’s definitely worth it. A professional photographer will also be on board if you’d like to purchase some memorable photos.
More information is available at this link.
Luxury Restaurants in Paris
If you’re ready to splurge on a luxury dining experience, the video below highlights some of the most prestigious restaurants in Paris.
Many of these restaurants offer tasting menus priced over 100 euros. They may be pricey, but knowing about them adds to your appreciation of Paris’s culinary offerings.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants
Exploring Paris without overspending on meals is possible, thanks to numerous restaurants offering high-quality French cuisine at reasonable prices. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy great food affordably in the City of Light:
Bistrot Mee
This Korean restaurant is known for its authentic dishes like mandoo (dumplings), tripe salad, and bibimbap—all at wallet-friendly prices. Whether you’re on a long or short trip, with family or friends, this spot is known for its quality and memorable flavors.
Le Blainville
Another option is Le Blainville, where you can enjoy classic French dishes like veal with Brussels sprouts and mushrooms at affordable prices.
The decor has a charmingly old-fashioned style, and the restaurant promises a rich culinary experience without straining your budget.
Mama Kossa
Mama Kossa is an upbeat restaurant offering African and Caribbean-inspired dishes that break from the conventional. Must-try options include Djalon rice with chicken and pikliz, a pickled cabbage salad. The vibrant, colorful ambiance is perfect for a casual meal, with most dishes priced under 10 euros.
Nos Grands-mères ont du Talent
This bar-restaurant near the Louvre is popular among both locals and tourists. Offering a complete three-course meal for under 12 euros, it’s known for its homemade desserts, freshly prepared on-site each day.
Pho 14
Pho 14 is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Paris for those on a budget. Located in Chinatown, it’s a local favorite for delicious pho. Expect generous portions at affordable prices—around 9 euros for a large bowl. Note that it’s a small place, so reserving a table is recommended.
Kunitoraya
Last but not least, Kunitoraya is a high-quality Japanese restaurant close to the Louvre. Their signature udon dishes and karaage (Japanese fried chicken) are must-tries, with udon bowls starting at 10 euros.
As you can see, the restaurants in Paris we’ve covered are conveniently located in popular tourist areas, so you can enjoy a great meal without straying too far from the sights. We hope these recommendations help. Bon appétit!