best places to eat and drink in paris
bistrot instinct
le marais / $$
A small and unassuming restaurant located in the hip Parisian neighborhood Le Marais, Bistrot Instinct is as charming and friendly as it is efficient and hospitable.
les philosophes
le marais / $$
l’avant comptoir
tapas / $$
This charming, standing-room only tapas place has their menu creatively hanging from the ceiling. .
du pain et des idées
canal st. martin / bakery / $
holybelly
brunch / $$
This Australian brunch place is amazing.
les temps du cerises
le marais / bistro / $$
One of my favorite restaurants in Paris, this bistro is tucked away on an unassuming street just steps away from the Place de la Bastille. Serving quality homemade French food at reasonable prices, Les Temps du Cerises caters to a local Parisian crowd.
la jacobine
les caves saint-gilles
This quaint tapas restaurant in the Marais district first introduced me to burrata, so it will always have a special place in my heart.
au petit chavignol
Although very unassuming from the exterior and interior, this restaurant churns out surprisingly homemade and delicious food.
un air de famille
le recamier
A upscale restaurant located in Paris’ quintessential 6th arrondissement neighborhood, Le Recamier is famed for its airy, flavorful souffles. Recommended to me by my Parisian friend, this restaurant has been dubbed the best purveyor of souffles in the city. Featuring a variety of different savory and sweet souffles to choose from as well as other popular French dishes like beef tartare and foie gras, Le Recamier will more than satisfy your cravings for classic French cuisine.
mokonuts
che tango
argentinian / montmartre / $
This tiny Argentinian cafe is tucked away on a quiet side street in Montmartre. With simple, homemade, and healthy food options, Wi-Fi, and the nicest and friendliest waitstaff, Che Tango is the perfect place to rest and recharge after a few hours spent trudging up the infamous Montmartre hills.
quick bites
If you ever need to grab a quick bite to go, find the nearest boulangerie for a selection of quiches (ask for them to be heated up!), sandwiches, pizzas, breads, and more. You’re guaranteed a fantastic meal for only a couple of euros, and you get your pick of dessert also! The only downside to this is that boulangeries are a grab-and-go place, and don’t have seating. Below are some additional options that do have tables.
cojean
With several locations around the city, this elevated fast casual place has plenty of healthy seasonal breakfast, sandwich, soup, salad, and other options to choose from. (Keep in mind they are a bit pricey for the size of their portions. I would not come here if you are starving.) With spacious and clean interiors, cojean is a bright and inviting place to stop by for a light, satisfying meal.
la croissanterie
Specializing in sandwiches and pastries, La Croissanterie is a local sit-down boulangerie with several locations around the city. I used to grab lunch here sometimes, as there was a location by the university I was studying at in the 6th arrondissement.
paul
You can find this bakery almost anywhere in France, whether you’re in an airport, train station, gas station, or what have you. There’s also several standalone bakeries in Paris serving up the same delicious baked goods.
Bars –
Gare Jazz
Candelaria (Mexican speakeasy)
La Mezcaleria (Mexican speakeasy, on Saturday nights there is another hidden bar through this one – accessible through a large wardrobe like in Narnia)
La Perchoir - With three locations around the city, this spacious rooftop bar is a top spot to hangout for amazing views of Paris.
Experimental Cocktail Club