Paris
The Best Local Restaurants in Paris
Here are the best local restaurants in Paris, recommended by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers.
Paris offers incredible dining experiences, boasting a diverse selection of restaurants that blend traditional French cooking with global influences, from classic bistros and brasseries to creative international cuisine. In this guide, we'll highlight the best local restaurants in Paris: ones primarily using local produce in their cuisine as well as ones that are loved by Parisians.
From the cozy, neighborhood charm of Le Baratin to the creative and modern approach of Parcelles, and the classic Parisian experience at Bistrot Paul Bert, each establishment is a must-try for anyone looking for the local experience. And don't just take our word for it since all picks are based on recommendations from top chefs and food writers, such as Margherita Bentivogli, Tom Jenkins, and Tara Montegriffo. Consider this your ultimate guide to the best local restaurants in Paris.
Le Baratin is a traditional bistro serving authentic French cuisine, masterminded by Chef Raquel Carena. Known for its signature dishes such as cervelle and ris de veau, the restaurant offers a genuine, no-frills dining experience. Alongside its food, Le Baratin boasts an impressive selection of natural wines, with patrons often encouraged to make off-list choices for a delightful surprise.
Recommended by
A must in Paris, proper bistro cuisineRaquel's and Pinuche’s house in Belleville, a must-do when you’re in Paris as they serve proper bistro cuisine. Chef Raquel is like a mother to chefs somehow. She has a few signature dishes, try the cervelle and ris de veau which are always on the menu. The food is served with beautiful natural wines, ask for recommendations! The wines are incredible. It's really pretty and really French, both the atmosphere and the cuisine. Some people would say the service is very Parisian but you could also say the service is 100% no bullshit. It’s what you expect from a French restaurant, right? Nobody's gonna come every two minutes to ask you if you're enjoying your dish, because of course you are. They don't sugarcoat anything in this restaurant. Definitely one of my favorites, I really love this place.
Parcelles is a modern Parisian bistro known for its elevated comfort food, offering a well-thought-out menu and a strong wine selection. The bistro provides a relaxed atmosphere where food is prepared to make you smile from the inside. Notably, Parcelles also features a wine shop across the street, where customers can purchase more of their enjoyed wines after their meal.
Recommended by
Classic Bistro vibes with elevated comfort foodA modern Parisian bistro serving out French classics, elevated through ingredients and techniques. The menu is very well thought out, wine selection is very strong and the service is friendly and attentive. If you are looking for relaxed vibes with food that is going to make you smile from the inside, Parcelles should go up high on your list!
Bistrot Paul Bert is a Parisian bistrot known for its rustic classic dishes. This establishment is recognized for its traditional French cooking, with a small menu that frequently changes, offering dishes like peppered steak, eggs with black truffle shavings, and homemade frites. The ingredients are locally sourced, with fruits and vegetables grown on their Normandy farm, seafood from Brittany, and wines brought directly by the winegrowers, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste.
Recommended by
Classic French bistrot serving phenomenal peppered steak I will forever remember this steak as some of the best we have ever had. Paul Bert is our go- to when in Paris & always blown away with our meal. Traditional french cooking, small menu & a lot of rich sauces. Great execution of all dishes - spectacular offal & pigeon. Sitting on a busy street of Paris, Paul Bert is the ultimate Parisian bistrot. No tourists in sight.
Joséphine Chez Dumonet is a long-standing brasserie that serves a variety of well-executed classic dishes, including marinated herring in a clay pot, pigeon, and apple tarts. They are particularly known for their Grand Marnier soufflé, a dessert so delicious that it's worth a trip across town. In addition to their sweet offerings, they also serve savory dishes such as mushrooms on toasted bread, and they offer the option of half-portions or shared dishes.
Recommended by
A very long standing brasserie with so many well executed classic dishes such as pigeon, classic apple tarts, marinated herring in a clay pot.
Le Bon Georges is a classic Parisian bistro, renowned for its ever-changing menu that reflects the freshness and seasonality of ingredients. The restaurant provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere, complemented by a knowledgeable staff that can guide you through their extensive wine list and menu. Dishes such as the duck Pâté En Croûte, foie gras, and green asparagus with herb vinaigrette come highly recommended for a true taste of French cuisine.
Recommended by
Classic Parisian Bistro with a true atmosphereA true Parisian classic that doesn’t take itself for granted. Although being one of the most popular bistros In France Le Bon George keeps on delivering top class food and service. The staff is happy, dedicated and knowledgeable about all ingredients in the menu and the extensive wine list. Le Bon George is a happy place that everyone should visit at least once.
Le Duc is a long-standing seafood and fish restaurant, having served customers since 1967. The menu is crafted based on daily catches, offering diners fresh and traditionally prepared dishes. Known for its classic setting and top-quality ingredients, Le Duc is a go-to spot for seafood lovers, albeit on the pricier side.
Recommended by
A real Parisian institution, legendary fish restaurant in the 14th arr. Dishes are really traditional as is the old school setting and clientele. No fuss, just great service and superb ingredients prepared in a classic way (and in many cases with a lot of butter.) Really, really expensive, though.
Chez Aline is a go-to spot for sandwich lovers, known for its outstanding baguettes filled with delicious ingredients. Their popular dish is the Poulet en Pot au Feu Mayo Salade, a delightful combination of poached chicken, carrots, celery, lettuce, and high-quality mayo. Many customers love this sandwich, making it a must-try item on their menu.
Recommended by
In today’s episode of When Average Photos Happen to the World’s Great Sandwiches: the poulet en pot au feu mayo salade at Chezaline. Poached chicken, carrots, celery, lettuce, really good mayo, outstanding baguette. Is this the best sandwich in France? I don’t know, but I can tell you that it’s really fucking tasty.
Le Voltaire is a classic French restaurant that serves traditional courses with style. It is not a place for modern cuisine but rather a spot where you can enjoy the classics done right. The restaurant also offers a relaxed and refined setting, making it an ideal place to unwind with friends or colleagues.
Recommended by
It doesn’t get more classic French than this. Immaculate, traditional courses served with style and panache. Looking for modern cuisine? Sorry, this is not the place. The classics are spot on though.
Le Châteaubriand is a cozy 1930s-style French bistro known for its simple yet delicious home-cooked meals and extensive wine list. The restaurant offers a single tasting menu, featuring dishes such as cuttlefish with black beans, scallops with peas and Iberian ham, and a variety of lamb parts, paired with wines like the Pinot Noir from Burgundy by Pierre Cossard. The staff is young, kind, and always ready to serve with a smile, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.
Recommended by
Cozy and 1930s-style French bistro with delicious home cooking and amazing wine listThe French bistro par excellence, 1930s-style decor (perhaps just a little noisy), simple and very delicious dishes that come directly to the heart, young, kind and smiling staff, interesting wines ... I had my favorite meal during my last stay in Paris.A single tasting menu of 4 dishes plus two desserts (and an entree, delicious mini cheese soufflés), a pairing with the Pinot Noir from Burgundy by Pierre Cossard, Vosne-Romanee, Les Champs Perdrix 2014.1. Cuttlefish and black beans2. Interior 3. Vosne-Romanee, Les Champs Perdrix 20144. Scallops, peas, Iberian ham5. Soufflé (entree)6.Oyster, cabbage, apple, crème fraiche 7. Lamb (various parts)8. Sweet egg9. Sliced orange as a finish 10. The place & staff
Chez Georges has been a staple in the culinary scene since 1964, offering generous portions of classic bistro fare. Their menu highlights include delectable dishes like rillettes, ratatouille, harengs à l’huile, salade de museau, turbot beurre blanc, riz de veau aux morilles, profiteroles and baba au rhum. Known as an ultimate Parisian institution, Chez Georges continues to serve its patrons with timeless recipes.
Recommended by
The ultimate Parisian institution, serving generous, classic bistro fare since 1964. Rillettes, ratatouille, harengs à l’huile, salade de museau, turbot beurre blanc, riz de veau aux morilles, profiteroles and baba au rhum.
"Le Petit Sommelier de Paris" is a traditional restaurant that combines the charm of a classic Parisian bistro with a contemporary approach to French cuisine. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu, accompanied by an extensive wine list of over 1000 references, managed by a knowledgeable team. Notably, the menu features bistro classics with contemporary touches, such as the highly recommended mallard and foie gras pie.
Recommended by
French classics and of course, a cracking wine listI don't drink, but I'm told there are some real gems on the wine list, as you'd expect. What I can talk about though is the food: bistro classics with contemporary touches, to a very high standard. I had a brilliant mallard and foie gras pie with the thickest and shiniest sauce, one of the best things I've eaten in Paris, and a perfect tatin. Traditional-like setting, but with a youngish knowledgeable team. Go!
"La Rôtisserie d'Argent" is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its traditional French cuisine, featuring an unpretentious menu. The restaurant offers a three-course meal that includes a burata spring onion & pea dish, roast poulee, and a 10 cheese tasting for dessert. It also boasts an extensive cheese selection, some of which are exclusive to the restaurant, and the largest wine list in Paris.
Recommended by
Fine dining French traditional menu with extensive cheese selection & largest wine list in Paris 1* Michelin restaurant served us a three course meal including a burata spring onion & pea dish, roast poulee & a 10 cheese tasting for dessert. They have access to some rare cheeses, some are exclusive to the restaurant. Traditonal french cooking & unpretentious menu considering its aesthetics.
Chez Marius is described as a "neo-Venetian" osteria, known for its fresh ingredients and signature dish, marrow bone topped with beef tartare. The restaurant is appreciated for its consistent menu, with the marrow bone and beef tartare dish always available. The welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by the friendly director Cédric, adds to the overall dining experience at Chez Marius.
Recommended by
Le Baratin is a traditional bistro serving authentic French cuisine, masterminded by Chef Raquel Carena. Known for its signature dishes such as cervelle and ris de veau, the restaurant offers a genuine, no-frills dining experience. Alongside its food, Le Baratin boasts an impressive selection of natural wines, with patrons often encouraged to make off-list choices for a delightful surprise.
Recommended by
A must in Paris, proper bistro cuisineRaquel's and Pinuche’s house in Belleville, a must-do when you’re in Paris as they serve proper bistro cuisine. Chef Raquel is like a mother to chefs somehow. She has a few signature dishes, try the cervelle and ris de veau which are always on the menu. The food is served with beautiful natural wines, ask for recommendations! The wines are incredible. It's really pretty and really French, both the atmosphere and the cuisine. Some people would say the service is very Parisian but you could also say the service is 100% no bullshit. It’s what you expect from a French restaurant, right? Nobody's gonna come every two minutes to ask you if you're enjoying your dish, because of course you are. They don't sugarcoat anything in this restaurant. Definitely one of my favorites, I really love this place.
Parcelles is a modern Parisian bistro known for its elevated comfort food, offering a well-thought-out menu and a strong wine selection. The bistro provides a relaxed atmosphere where food is prepared to make you smile from the inside. Notably, Parcelles also features a wine shop across the street, where customers can purchase more of their enjoyed wines after their meal.
Recommended by
Classic Bistro vibes with elevated comfort foodA modern Parisian bistro serving out French classics, elevated through ingredients and techniques. The menu is very well thought out, wine selection is very strong and the service is friendly and attentive. If you are looking for relaxed vibes with food that is going to make you smile from the inside, Parcelles should go up high on your list!
Bistrot Paul Bert is a Parisian bistrot known for its rustic classic dishes. This establishment is recognized for its traditional French cooking, with a small menu that frequently changes, offering dishes like peppered steak, eggs with black truffle shavings, and homemade frites. The ingredients are locally sourced, with fruits and vegetables grown on their Normandy farm, seafood from Brittany, and wines brought directly by the winegrowers, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste.
Recommended by
Classic French bistrot serving phenomenal peppered steak I will forever remember this steak as some of the best we have ever had. Paul Bert is our go- to when in Paris & always blown away with our meal. Traditional french cooking, small menu & a lot of rich sauces. Great execution of all dishes - spectacular offal & pigeon. Sitting on a busy street of Paris, Paul Bert is the ultimate Parisian bistrot. No tourists in sight.
Joséphine Chez Dumonet is a long-standing brasserie that serves a variety of well-executed classic dishes, including marinated herring in a clay pot, pigeon, and apple tarts. They are particularly known for their Grand Marnier soufflé, a dessert so delicious that it's worth a trip across town. In addition to their sweet offerings, they also serve savory dishes such as mushrooms on toasted bread, and they offer the option of half-portions or shared dishes.
Recommended by
A very long standing brasserie with so many well executed classic dishes such as pigeon, classic apple tarts, marinated herring in a clay pot.
Le Bon Georges is a classic Parisian bistro, renowned for its ever-changing menu that reflects the freshness and seasonality of ingredients. The restaurant provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere, complemented by a knowledgeable staff that can guide you through their extensive wine list and menu. Dishes such as the duck Pâté En Croûte, foie gras, and green asparagus with herb vinaigrette come highly recommended for a true taste of French cuisine.
Recommended by
Classic Parisian Bistro with a true atmosphereA true Parisian classic that doesn’t take itself for granted. Although being one of the most popular bistros In France Le Bon George keeps on delivering top class food and service. The staff is happy, dedicated and knowledgeable about all ingredients in the menu and the extensive wine list. Le Bon George is a happy place that everyone should visit at least once.
Le Duc is a long-standing seafood and fish restaurant, having served customers since 1967. The menu is crafted based on daily catches, offering diners fresh and traditionally prepared dishes. Known for its classic setting and top-quality ingredients, Le Duc is a go-to spot for seafood lovers, albeit on the pricier side.
Recommended by
A real Parisian institution, legendary fish restaurant in the 14th arr. Dishes are really traditional as is the old school setting and clientele. No fuss, just great service and superb ingredients prepared in a classic way (and in many cases with a lot of butter.) Really, really expensive, though.
Chez Aline is a go-to spot for sandwich lovers, known for its outstanding baguettes filled with delicious ingredients. Their popular dish is the Poulet en Pot au Feu Mayo Salade, a delightful combination of poached chicken, carrots, celery, lettuce, and high-quality mayo. Many customers love this sandwich, making it a must-try item on their menu.
Recommended by
In today’s episode of When Average Photos Happen to the World’s Great Sandwiches: the poulet en pot au feu mayo salade at Chezaline. Poached chicken, carrots, celery, lettuce, really good mayo, outstanding baguette. Is this the best sandwich in France? I don’t know, but I can tell you that it’s really fucking tasty.
Le Voltaire is a classic French restaurant that serves traditional courses with style. It is not a place for modern cuisine but rather a spot where you can enjoy the classics done right. The restaurant also offers a relaxed and refined setting, making it an ideal place to unwind with friends or colleagues.
Recommended by
It doesn’t get more classic French than this. Immaculate, traditional courses served with style and panache. Looking for modern cuisine? Sorry, this is not the place. The classics are spot on though.
Le Châteaubriand is a cozy 1930s-style French bistro known for its simple yet delicious home-cooked meals and extensive wine list. The restaurant offers a single tasting menu, featuring dishes such as cuttlefish with black beans, scallops with peas and Iberian ham, and a variety of lamb parts, paired with wines like the Pinot Noir from Burgundy by Pierre Cossard. The staff is young, kind, and always ready to serve with a smile, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.
Recommended by
Cozy and 1930s-style French bistro with delicious home cooking and amazing wine listThe French bistro par excellence, 1930s-style decor (perhaps just a little noisy), simple and very delicious dishes that come directly to the heart, young, kind and smiling staff, interesting wines ... I had my favorite meal during my last stay in Paris.A single tasting menu of 4 dishes plus two desserts (and an entree, delicious mini cheese soufflés), a pairing with the Pinot Noir from Burgundy by Pierre Cossard, Vosne-Romanee, Les Champs Perdrix 2014.1. Cuttlefish and black beans2. Interior 3. Vosne-Romanee, Les Champs Perdrix 20144. Scallops, peas, Iberian ham5. Soufflé (entree)6.Oyster, cabbage, apple, crème fraiche 7. Lamb (various parts)8. Sweet egg9. Sliced orange as a finish 10. The place & staff
Chez Georges has been a staple in the culinary scene since 1964, offering generous portions of classic bistro fare. Their menu highlights include delectable dishes like rillettes, ratatouille, harengs à l’huile, salade de museau, turbot beurre blanc, riz de veau aux morilles, profiteroles and baba au rhum. Known as an ultimate Parisian institution, Chez Georges continues to serve its patrons with timeless recipes.
Recommended by
The ultimate Parisian institution, serving generous, classic bistro fare since 1964. Rillettes, ratatouille, harengs à l’huile, salade de museau, turbot beurre blanc, riz de veau aux morilles, profiteroles and baba au rhum.
"Le Petit Sommelier de Paris" is a traditional restaurant that combines the charm of a classic Parisian bistro with a contemporary approach to French cuisine. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu, accompanied by an extensive wine list of over 1000 references, managed by a knowledgeable team. Notably, the menu features bistro classics with contemporary touches, such as the highly recommended mallard and foie gras pie.
Recommended by
French classics and of course, a cracking wine listI don't drink, but I'm told there are some real gems on the wine list, as you'd expect. What I can talk about though is the food: bistro classics with contemporary touches, to a very high standard. I had a brilliant mallard and foie gras pie with the thickest and shiniest sauce, one of the best things I've eaten in Paris, and a perfect tatin. Traditional-like setting, but with a youngish knowledgeable team. Go!
"La Rôtisserie d'Argent" is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its traditional French cuisine, featuring an unpretentious menu. The restaurant offers a three-course meal that includes a burata spring onion & pea dish, roast poulee, and a 10 cheese tasting for dessert. It also boasts an extensive cheese selection, some of which are exclusive to the restaurant, and the largest wine list in Paris.
Recommended by
Fine dining French traditional menu with extensive cheese selection & largest wine list in Paris 1* Michelin restaurant served us a three course meal including a burata spring onion & pea dish, roast poulee & a 10 cheese tasting for dessert. They have access to some rare cheeses, some are exclusive to the restaurant. Traditonal french cooking & unpretentious menu considering its aesthetics.
Chez Marius is described as a "neo-Venetian" osteria, known for its fresh ingredients and signature dish, marrow bone topped with beef tartare. The restaurant is appreciated for its consistent menu, with the marrow bone and beef tartare dish always available. The welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by the friendly director Cédric, adds to the overall dining experience at Chez Marius.
Recommended by
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Jessica Rosval
Jessica Rosval is a Canadian chef based in Modena, where she leads Massimo Bottura’s Casa Maria Luigia and Al Gatto Verde. She is also the co-founder of Roots Modena and the Association for the Integration of Women, offering culinary training to migrant women.