Paris · food
Meeting point
1Les Deux Magots
The Literary Heart of Saint-Germain
Once the favorite haunt of Hemingway, Sartre, and Beauvoir, Les Deux Magots remains a definitive symbol of Parisian intellectual life. Founded in 1885, its name comes from two Chinese wooden statues that still oversee the dining room. Sitting at these green tables, you are participating in a century-long tradition of philosophical debate and espresso sipping. While the neighborhood has become more fashionable over the decades, the cafe preserves the quintessential brass-and-leather aesthetic of old Paris. It is the perfect place to watch the world go by on the Boulevard Saint-Germain.
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L'As du Fallafel
Jewish Quarter Street Food Royalty
Deep in the heart of the Marais district lies Rue des Rosiers, home to the most famous falafel shop in the world. L'As du Fallafel has been serving its legendary pita sandwiches since 1979, drawing crowds that span several blocks. The 'Special' involves crispy chickpeas, creamy hummus, grilled eggplant, and a secret spicy sauce that defines the experience. Notable celebrities often stop by, but the charm remains in its frantic, window-service energy. It represents the vibrant melting pot of flavors that define the historic Jewish quarter of Paris.
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Angelina
Belle Époque Indulgence
Founded in 1903 by confectioner Antoine Rumpelmayer, Angelina is a temple to French pastry and luxury. The tearoom, designed in the Belle Époque style, was a frequent stop for Coco Chanel, who reportedly sat at table 10 every day. It is most famous for its 'L'Africain' hot chocolate, a thick, rich concoction served with a dedicated side of whipped cream. The Mont-Blanc pastry, featuring chestnut purée and meringue, is their signature dessert. Entering this venue feels like stepping back into the early 20th century under the gilded arches of the Rue de Rivoli.
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Marché des Enfants Rouges
The City's Oldest Food Market
Established in 1615, the Market of the Red Children takes its name from a 16th-century orphanage where children wore red capes. Today, it is a bustling maze of food stalls representing global cuisines alongside fresh French produce. You can find everything from Moroccan couscous and Italian pasta to Japanese bento boxes and traditional galettes. It is a favorite lunch spot for locals in the Marais who share long communal tables. The atmosphere is casual, fragrant, and deeply rooted in the history of Parisian community dining.
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Harry’s New York Bar
The Birthplace of Iconic Cocktails
This legendary watering hole was dismantled in New York and shipped to Paris in 1911. Known as the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, the Sidecar, and the French 75, Harry’s has hosted luminaries like George Gershwin and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The interior is dark, clad in mahogany, and adorned with college pennants and history. It served as a sanctuary for American expats during Prohibition and remains a serious destination for cocktail aficionados. The 'I’ve Been to Harry’s' vibe is a badge of honor for travelers and locals alike.
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Le Baratin
Natural Wine and Belleville Soul
Located in the heights of Belleville, Le Baratin is a pioneer of the natural wine movement and serves soul-warming bistro fare. Chef Raquel Carena crafts a menu that changes daily based on market finds, emphasizing raw flavors and exceptional sourcing. The space is unpretentious, often loud, and filled with the energy of a true neighborhood haunt. It is widely considered a chef's favorite, where industry professionals go to relax. The cellar is stocked with rare vintages from small producers, making it a pilgrimage site for wine enthusiasts.
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Au Pied de Cochon
The 24-Hour Legend of Les Halles
Opened in 1947, this brasserie was the first in Paris to stay open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located near the historic Les Halles market, it once fed the night workers and butchers who sustained the city. True to its name, 'The Pig's Foot,' the menu celebrates every part of the hog, including its crispy breaded trotters. The interior is a riot of brass, murals, and vibrant energy regardless of the hour. It represents the gritty, gastronomic heart of the 'Belly of Paris' that keeps beating through the night.
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Bertillon Glacier
The Gold Standard of Sorbet
Located on the picturesque Île Saint-Louis, Bertillon is arguably the most famous ice cream maker in France. Founded in 1954, it remains a family-run business that refuses to use artificial ingredients or stabilizers. Their wild strawberry ( fraise des bois) sorbet is legendary, capturing the essence of the fruit in every spoonful. On warm afternoons, the queues stretch down the narrow cobblestone streets, filled with tourists and locals seeking a cold treat. It is a quintessential stop while strolling between the two islands in the Seine.
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Le Comptoir de la Relais
High Gastronomy in a Bistro Setting
Chef Yves Camdeborde’s establishment is credited with helping start the 'bistronomy' movement—serving gourmet food at accessible bistro prices. Situated in the Odéon area, this small, bustling spot offers an incredible array of small plates and larger mains. The atmosphere is cramped and lively, typical of a Parisian zinc bar, but the quality of the cooking rival's Michelin-starred venues. Expect expertly prepared foie gras, snails, and seasonal terrines. It is a masterclass in how to combine traditional French techniques with a modern, relaxed urban energy.
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Du Pain et des Idées
Artisanal Baking Excellence
Housed in a 19th-century bakery with painted glass ceilings, this shop near the Canal Saint-Martin is a temple to sourdough and traditional flours. Baker Christophe Vasseur is famous for his 'Pain des Amis,' a large, flat loaf with a distinct smoky crust. Their escargot pastries—swirls of dough filled with pistachio or chocolate—are social media icons for a reason. Everything here is made with slow fermentation and ancient grains, reflecting a commitment to pre-industrial techniques. It stands as a beacon for the modern revival of artisanal French baking.
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Café de Flore
The Rivalry of Intellectualism
Just down the street from its rival, Les Deux Magots, the Café de Flore is another cornerstone of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It was the headquarters for the Surrealists and later the existentialist movement. With its distinctive red booths and Art Deco interior, the cafe has barely changed since the mid-20th century. While it attracts fashion icons and celebrities today, it remains a place where one can sit for hours with a single café au lait. The prestige of the name is matched only by the price of its famous hot chocolate.
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Brasserie Lipp
Politics and Power Dining
Opened in 1880 by an Alsatian refugee, Brasserie Lipp has long been the canteen for the French political and media elite. Known for its strict service and traditional menu, it famously has a 'no salad' policy as its main courses. The interior features beautiful ceramics and large mirrors, reflecting a clientele that includes presidents and writers. It serves classic dishes like choucroute garnie and herring in oil, staying steadfast in its culinary traditions. It is one of the few places in Paris where the hierarchy of seating is an art form in itself.
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Le Grand Colbert
Cinematic Brasserie Grandeur
Tucked away near the Palais-Royal, Le Grand Colbert is a historic monument in its own right. With soaring ceilings, palm trees, and brass railings, it represents the height of French colonial-era aesthetics. Fans of cinema may recognize it as the setting for the climax of the film 'Something's Gotta Give.' The menu focuses on large seafood platters and traditional roasts served by tuxedoed waiters. It offers a sense of ceremony that is increasingly rare in the modern dining landscape. It is the perfect place for a celebratory dinner in a grand, historic setting.
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Septime
Modern Gastronomy by the Canal
Septime is the face of modern Parisian cool, blending high-end technique with a relaxed, industrial vibe in the 11th arrondissement. Chef Bertrand Grébaut offers a tasting menu that focuses on hyper-seasonal vegetables and sustainable seafood. The restaurant has consistently held a Michelin star and a spot on the World’s 50 Best lists, yet it feels like a neighborhood spot. The wood-heavy decor and natural wine focus attract a global foodie crowd. It is notoriously one of the hardest reservations to secure in the city, representing the shift toward 'casual fine dining.'
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Bouillon Chartier
A Working Man’s Feast
Established in 1896, Chartier was born from the concept of providing a decent meal at a modest price. The dining hall is a massive, high-ceilinged room where servers in traditional waistcoats scribble your order directly onto the paper tablecloth. It is loud, chaotic, and incredibly efficient, serving classics like snails, steak frites, and baba au rhum. You will likely be seated at a table with strangers, adding to the communal, historic energy. It remains one of the best ways to experience a grand Parisian brasserie without breaking the bank.
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Stohrer
The Oldest Pâtisserie in Paris
Located on the cobblestoned Rue Montorgueil, Stohrer was founded in 1730 by King Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer. The shop is a masterpiece of ornate decor, featuring frescoes and gilded moldings that reflect its royal roots. It is the birthplace of the 'Baba au Rhum,' a dessert Nicolas created for the King of Poland. Beyond sweets, they offer incredible savory pies and traditional French deli items. Walking through its doors is a journey into the history of pastry, where every cake is a piece of art. It serves as a reminder of the city's long-standing obsession with sugar.
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La Palette
The Artist's Outdoor Lounge
Situated in the heart of the gallery district, La Palette has been a meeting place for art students and legendary painters like Cézanne and Picasso. Its interior is decorated with palettes and paintings, but the real draw is the expansive terrace that spills into the street. It is the premier spot for people-watching in the 6th arrondissement, especially during Fashion Week when the industry elite congregate here. The menu is simple—charcuterie, large salads, and good wine—focusing on the social experience. It captures the relaxed, bohemian spirit of the Left Bank perfectly.
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Ladurée
The Inventor of the Double-Decker Macaron
While many shops sell macarons, Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées is the place that gave the cookie its current form. In the mid-19th century, Pierre Desfontaines had the idea of joining two macaron shells with a creamy ganache filling. The flagship store is a fantasy of pastel colors and gold leaf, drawing crowds from across the globe. Beyond the sweets, their tea rooms offer a refined escape from the bustle of the city's most famous avenue. It is a symbol of French 'art de vivre' and the global phenomenon of high-end confectionery.
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Little Red Door
Conceptual Cocktails in the Marais
Little Red Door is a leader in the global cocktail scene, known for its creative and conceptual approach to mixology. Accessed through a tiny (you guessed it) red door, the interior is chic and cozy with warm lighting and exposed stone. Their menus often focus on specific themes, such as 'flour' or 'social architecture,' resulting in drinks that are as much about the story as the flavor. The ingredients are often sourced from small French farmers, bridging the gap between agriculture and the bar. It is a sophisticated, modern contrast to the city's historic drinking holes.
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Le Train Bleu
Dining in a Railway Palace
Located inside the Gare de Lyon railway station, Le Train Bleu is perhaps the most beautiful restaurant in the world. Built for the Exposition Universelle in 1900, every inch of its interior is covered in intricate carvings, gilding, and 41 enormous murals representing the regions of France. It was a favorite of Coco Chanel and Salvador Dalí, offering a luxurious sanctuary for travelers. Despite being in a train station, the service is silver-spoons and white-tablecloth. It represents the height of travel glamour from a time when the journey was as important as the destination.
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