Finding a good restaurant in Paris usually isn't difficult.
But finding the right one close to where you're staying, with a menu that includes what you feel like eating, and offering the kind of experience you want can be much harder.
Readers often ask me for restaurant recommendations near a particular hotel, neighborhood, or attraction. Others are looking for a specific type of food — perhaps modern or traditional French cuisine, fresh seafood and oysters, a casual neighborhood bistro, or somewhere memorable and classic for dinner.
In the Sunday edition of my free Paris Discoveries Newsletter, I answer reader questions about Paris travel. Not surprisingly, requests for restaurant suggestions near a specific hotel or neighborhood, or with a menu that promises a certain type of cuisine are among the most frequent. I love recalling wonderful meals I've enjoyed in Paris as I share my recommendations.
This article is part of the Paris Discoveries Q&A Archive and brings together my answers to those questions based on my own dining experiences throughout Paris.
You'll find my personal recommendations for Paris restaurants, bistros, and cafes near popular landmarks and hotels, suggestions about where to savor specific cuisines and dining styles, and practical tips about reservations and choosing where to eat.
I've lightly edited, expanded, and updated my original answers, and added photos to make this a more complete Paris travel resource.
Top photo: Le Nemours, a cafe serving casual French food near Jardin du Palais Royal and the Louvre, (c) Paris Discovery Guide
Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication. If you purchase through our links, PDG may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Merci for your support!
Best Places to Eat near the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe Hotel in the 17th Arrondissement
Mauri's Question:
My husband, a close friend, and I will be visiting Paris in mid-October. This will be our first visit to Paris. We are staying at the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe Hotel and looking for good places in the area for breakfast and lunch (outdoor bistros). Thank you!
Susan's Answer:
Hi Mauri, You chose a terrific location for your stay, particularly in terms of food at outdoor cafes and bistros. Your hotel, which is in the very upscale Ternes neighborhood, is less than a 5-minute walk from what is arguably the best food street in Paris, and definitely the most gourmet version: Rue Poncelet, and perpendicular to it, Rue Bayen.
There are probably at least half a dozen bakeries and patisseries alone, plus butchers (including Philippe Divay, who's famous for making his own sausages), fromageries selling numerous varieties of cheese, produce vendors, seafood sellers, chocolate makers, wine shops, and everything else you can imagine. And squeezed in between all the shops and stalls are the small, market-based cafes, bistros, plus even a few specialty coffee shops (meaning: the coffee is good, far better than what the bistros typically serve). Most have outdoor terrace tables.
The market opens each day except for Monday at around 7:30, plus it also closes early on Sunday - around 1-2pm, depending on how much each vendor has sold and how much they want to head home. On other days, many vendors take a midday lunch break from about 1pm-3pm and then depart around 7pm.
Rather than recommending specific places to eat, my advice is to walk around well before noon and check everything out since there's a wealth of choices here, decide where you want to have lunch, and either stop in and reserve a table (if they're open) or otherwise, come back a little before noon. There are also several more places to eat including an oyster bar along nearby Rue Saussier-Leroy.
For breakfast, check out the bakeries, or stop at whatever cafes are open for a coffee. Close by on Boulevard de Courcelles, Torré Coffee Shop is quite good, and further away on Rue Pierre Demours, The Coffee is excellent. On a nice day, I'd pick up a croissant or pain au chocolat at a bakery, grab a to-go coffee at Torré, and walk over to nearby Parc Monceau (which, by the way, is one of Paris's most beautiful parks) and find a bench to sit on while enjoying breakfast. My favorite spot in this area for a bigger brunch-type breakfast is Inform Cafe at 11 Rue Georges Berger. They open at 9:30 and can get crowded on the weekends so go during the week if possible.
Wishing you many enjoyable meals in this wonderful part of the city!
Where to Eat near Notre Dame for Breakfast & Dinner
Kirk's Question:
Hi Susan, I'm bringing my family of 5 adults and 1 grandchild (3 months) from Australia to Paris for 3 nights staying on Rue Chanoinesse next to Notre Dame.
Hoping you could suggest some great places for breakfast and dinner that are not touristy.
Susan's Answer:
Hi Kirk, That's a wonderful street and a very convenient location in Île de la Cité. I'm sure you'll all enjoy your stay.
Almost by definition, that's a very touristy area because some of the most famous attractions in the world are located here and a significant number of visitors to Paris come to this tiny island in the Seine to see Notre Dame Cathedral. At the island's western tip, Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning walls of 13th-century stained glass and La Conciergerie, the medieval castle-turned-prison where Marie Antoinette spent her final days, also attract their share of visitors.
So it's virtually impossible to eat anywhere near here without encountering other tourists, especially since only a fraction of a percentage of Paris residents live on Île de la Cité.
But that doesn't mean that there aren't a number of very good restaurants nearby, including Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole on Rue Chanoinesse, where you can enjoy traditional French favorites such as seared foie gras on toast, beef cheeks, veal sweetbread fricasée, duck confit, crème brûlée, and prunes Armagnac.
Around the corner from Rue Chanoinesse, I highly recommend Les Deux Colombes for its classic French cuisine including frogs legs, escargots, steak-frites, and a number of other tasty dishes.
Down toward the other end of the island, there are a couple of good brasseries offering continuous service: Les Deux Palais and Le Soleil d'Or. Both have great terrace (outdoor) seating with excellent people-watching if the weather is mild, and are reasonably large inside as well. Both offer a mix of French classics (onion soup, beef bourguignon, etc.) along with a few more modern dishes. I have a slight preference for Les Deux Palais because I like their salads and omelettes, plus it opens at 7am so it would also be a possibility for breakfast, but you really can't go wrong with either of them.
Finally, if you're looking for a spot for morning coffee and maybe a croissant, Le Saint-Regis on Île Saint Louis has a nice terrace with wonderful views. Other meals there can be hit or miss. Another spot for decent (usually) coffee is Noir coffee shop, on Rue Saint-Louis en I'Île. The island also has several crêperies (mostly take-away, or very limited seating), plus a good bakery and an excellent cheese shop. There are also a number of small bistros, so stroll around and check out the menus at the ones that appeal to you.
From Rue Chanoinesse, you can also easily access the Latin Quarter and the Marais - although with a baby, you may prefer the convenience of being closer to where you're staying.
You may also want to check out the article about Paris Cafés, Bakeries, and Coffee Shops in the Paris Q&A Archives.
Where to Find a Great Dinner near Palais Royal Garden
Shelley's Question:
We have never been to Paris, but we are taking a Tauck Normandy cruise next September, then staying in Paris another four days post-cruise.
We have rented an Airbnb near Galerie Montpensier, and are looking for a really yummy place for a dinner - can you recommend one?
Susan's Answer:
Let me start by saying you're staying in a fabulous location, as Galerie Montpensier runs along the western side of Palais Royal Garden, one of Paris's most beautiful almost-hidden gardens. Plus there's a fascinating assortment of shops tucked away under the arcades on the ground floor of the galerie.
I stay in this neighborhood frequently, partly because I love the garden and surrounding area, and partly because it's a super-convenient location.
The area surrounding the garden is filled with lots of wonderful restaurants.
Here are a few of my personal favorites that are very close by:
- Le Grand Vefour - On the north side of Palais Royal - easy to spot the tables among the colonnades. Open (aside from a few interruptions) since the late 1700s, when Palais Royal's garden was the epicenter of entertainment, shopping, gambling, prostitution, and dining for upper-class Parisians (yes, wild times in those days - quite unlike the calm tranquility that the garden embraces today). The food is elevated classic French, which seems like the perfect pairing for the setting and ambiance. Make reservations online a week or so in advance.
Tip 1: The outdoor tables overlooking the garden offer lovely views but for a special experience, book a table in the "Salle Historique" dining room inside - it retains its original "art decoratif" decor, with lots of mirrors and painted panels.
Tip 2: If you choose an outside table but want to see the lovely interior, go inside to use the restroom. - Café Kitsuné and Muscade - Excellent spots for a relaxing drink and perhaps a small snack at a terrace table overlooking Palais Royal Garden - both are under the ground-level arcade of Galerie de Montpensier.
- Juveniles - Wine bar/bistro - the menu changes frequently, based on what's good in the markets. Modern updates to bistro classics (except for the traditional-style house-made terrine and foie-gras). Very good wines - Juveniles is known for discovering gems from lesser-known regions. It is very small (9-10 tables), with lots of fans; for a September date, make reservations online 2-3 weeks ahead, especially if you want a table for the early seating at 7pm; they will contact you to confirm.
- Bistro Valois - If you're a fan of "Emily in Paris," you may remember this bistro from a few episodes. It's just beyond the east side of the garden. Casual, simple French bistro dishes with daily specials and, except for an enormous steak for two, moderate prices. Food here is usually very good. You can book online - a day ahead is normally fine. Or just walk up, making sure to be on the early side to get a table.
- Finally, H.A.N.D., near Juveniles on Rue de Richelieu - It's the owner's homage to American food, based on memories from a trip he made to California. But except for the desserts, think of it more like a French version of California cuisine. It's my favorite place in Paris for a burger, and the carrot cake and lemon meringue pie are also outstanding - actually, everything I've had here has been great. Nice vibe too. Open daily for breakfast/lunch, and dinner on Wednesday through Saturday.
Since you're visiting Paris for the first time, I'm guessing that you're probably primarily interested in trying French cuisine - but I also want to point out that Rue Sainte-Anne and nearby streets, located a couple of blocks to the west of the garden, form the epicenter of some of the best Asian food in Paris.
Some of my long-time favorites include La Taverne de Zhao (Rue Moliere), Kunitoraya (Rue Villedo), Kadoya (Rue Sainte-Anne), On the Bab and Sapporo (Rue Therese), and a snack to take to the park for a picnic, Aki Boulangerie (Rue Sainte-Anne).
Where to Find Restaurants with Modern French Cuisine in Paris
Eran's Question:
I am going to Paris with my wife in January. Not the first time we've been there.
Can you recommend some really good restaurants with modern French cuisine for our 5 dinners? Also some nice bars where we can go and enjoy drinks and ambience.
Susan's Suggestions
This is an excellent question. I'm going to share a number of suggestions - way more than enough for 5 dinners, so that you can check out their menus online and decide which ones align best with what you and your wife would enjoy, and also figure out which locations work best for you. I've been to a number of them myself, heard good things about others from friends whose judgment I trust, and a couple are on my list to try.
I'm also happy to recommend some bars with a nice ambiance.
Modern French Restaurants to Consider
- Hugo & Co - 5th arr, Latin Quarter - The owner/chef, Tomy Gousset, has a Michelin star for one of his other locations (Tomy & Co in the 7th arr) but this one is my favorite - the menu changes often, and I've loved every dish I've had here - always innovative. Good wine list too. Very small, so make reservations a week or so in advance. One slightly quirky thing: you are expected to order three courses, but the portions are a reasonable size so I've never had an issue finishing every bite.
- Juveniles - 1st arrondissement, near the Louvre - Formerly a simple wine bar that's now become more of a bistro (although it's still famous for its wine) - tiny spot where the chef/owner (and son-in-law of the founder) creates "bistronomic" cuisine. One of my favorites. I also recommended it (above) to Shelley who's staying nearby - so please see my answer to her for more details.
One more note about Juveniles: they've always specialized in lesser-known regions and vintages - Beaujolais and Languedoc before they became widely recognized, sherries from overlooked parts of Spain, South America. While they offer wine by the glass to pair with each evening's courses, don't hesitate to ask about other bottles that you might want to try - you'll see cases of them lining one of the walls, because in essence, Juveniles continues to be an excellent wine bar that just happens to serve really wonderful food. In fact, it's not uncommon for someone from the neighborhood to stop by as you're eating dinner to buy a bottle to take home. - Comice - 16th arr - Michelin-starred contemporary French cuisine, beautifully presented. The two owners are Canadian. I haven't been here, but friends whose judgment I trust enjoyed it.
- Pierre Sang - 11th arr, Oberkampf - Modern French cuisine with Korean touches - very innovative and good. The chef/owner opened this small bistro in one of Paris's trendiest neighborhoods (especially for food) almost 15 years ago. It's known for its open kitchen surrounded by counter seating, and constantly changing menus which you cannot view ahead of time, so every meal is a surprise. It sounds gimmicky, but I've enjoyed it the couple of times I've been here - lots of fun. It's tiny and hard to get reservations - so book as far as possible in advance.
- FIEF - 11th arr, Oberkampf - The restaurant's name is an acronym for "Fait Ici en France" (made in France) - in other words, all local ingredients, and the chef has one Michelin star. There are three tasting menus - vegan, omnivore (meat, fish, vegetables), and a much more expensive experience where the chef explains (in French) each dish as it's served to you at the counter. Expect small portions of innovative creations, beautifully presented and delicious.
- Eels - 10th arr, in a newly hip neighborhood - Both à la carte and tasting menus are on offer, and feature very good modern (and creative) French cuisine. Every foodie in Paris raced to book a table at Eels when it first opened, but thankfully that has died down - and as a bonus, the food is even better now, in my opinion. Easy to book.
- Bouillon Racine (6th arr, Saint-Germain) - This very popular spot serves modern versions of casual French fare - in some cases (onion soup) almost identical to the original, while other dishes sport more modern flourishes. I wouldn't call the food innovative or even especially creative, but it's always reliably good and the dining rooms (ground floor and upstairs) are both gorgeous. Reservations are usually easy to get, but you might err on the side of safety by booking a few days in advance.
- Flocon - 5th arr, Latin Quarter - Flocon is easy to miss among all creperies and kebab shops on Rue Mouffetard, partly because their sign is small and hard to spot. This is a small bistro with a chef/owner who specializes in creative modern French cuisine. A hotel where I stayed 5-6 years recommended it to me soon after it opened. It was very good then, but I've liked it even more each time I've been back. Fairly easy to book.
Bars with Great Ambiance
Here are a few you might enjoy:
- La Fantaisie rooftop bar - 9th arr, Rue Cadet market street - Lovely decor. I would make reservations; I've only been on the seasonal outdoor terrace, but was definitely glad we'd booked as there was a line of people waiting to get a spot. During the colder months, check to see if the terrace is open; if not, the indoor seating also lets you enjoy the sweeping views through the windows.
- Bar Josephine, at Hotel Lutetia - 6th arr - Named after American-born jazz musician Josephine Baker and French Résistance agent. Very posh, with beautiful frescoes and (usually) a jazz pianist on Thursday - Saturday. Make reservations, and raise a glass to Josephine while you're there.
- Terrass Hotel Rooftop Bar at the Terrass Hotel, 18th arr, Montmartre - Gorgeous distant views of the Eiffel Tower. No reservations, but usually not hard to get a table.
- The Hemingway Bar at the Ritz at the Ritz Hotel in Place Vendôme, 8th arr - Very retro, and always reliable. American novelists Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald drank here in the 1920s, and Americans have gathered here ever since.
- Rehab Bar - 1st arr - Styled as a "speakeasy" in the basement of Hotel Normandy - you go through a mirrored door in the hotel's restaurant and then down a spiral staircase and into a nicely decorated room - trendy right now, and although it's slightly gimmicky, it's fun.
- Les Ambassadeurs, at the Hotel Crillon, 8th arr - Gorgeous space in this former palace.
- Duc des Lombards - 1st arr - This is a jazz club - but like most Paris jazz clubs, it's also a bar. You can check the website (click the What's On link) to find out who's playing. Some shows are free admission (with the expectation that you'll buy a drink or two). If the musician is well-known, there may be a cover charge (and you're still expected to buy a drink). There are also other jazz clubs on the same street (Rue des Lombards) and nearby. I'd skip the food at all of them. And to be clear, the ambiance is great if you like jazz clubs - but it's not at all elegant or chic, and pretty much the opposite of the sophisticated elegance at Bar Josephine, where you can also hear jazz.
Where to Find Excellent Seafood & Oysters
Diane K.'s question:
I'm coming to Paris in December, and looking for a seafood restaurant that specializes in fresh fish, especially oysters. Hopefully somewhere quiet, and away from the tourist crowd - ideally somewhere that Parisians would go. Thank you.
Susan's answer:
Hi Diane,
Here are several excellent oyster-focused seafood bars and cafes where you're less likely to encounter tourists:
- Chasse Marée (60 Avenue Mozart, near the Rue Assomption food street, 16th arr) - Classic French seafood restaurant connected to the fish market next door, with oysters, many other kinds of shellfish, and fish delivered from Brittany every morning, plus a decent wine list, reasonably priced. Since you asked specifically about oysters, you really owe it to yourself to come here. Plus you'll find other treats along Rue Assomption if you want dessert. Closed Monday and Sunday, open for lunch and dinner on other days.
- Pleine Mer (22 Rue de Chabrol, near Gare de l'Est, 10th arr) - Oyster bar, featuring oysters, sea urchin, and a few other marine specialties delivered from Cancale, Brittany each morning. Wine by the glass. Eat on site, or carry out. Open Wednesday - Saturday, plus Sunday morning
- Sur Mer (1 Rue de Marseille, Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood, 10th arr) - A favorite of Parisian foodies whose tastes and values align with the emphasis on fish and shellfish sourced from small artisanal fishing boats and fishermen committed to line fishing, plus natural wines; open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday. The menu changes daily based on what's fresh and available.
Since you're going to be in Paris in December when the number of tourists drops compared with the busier summer season, you might also consider shellfish bars and seafood brasseries in more central districts (the first two are well-known; the third, less so):
- Vaudeville (29 Rue Vivienne, 2nd arr) - Brasserie with Art Deco vibes serving traditional French specialties including fresh seafood platters. There's an oyster bar, oyster tasting platter, and even a very affordable "Happy Hour" special for oysters and a glass of Sauvignon. I haven't tried their oysters but I can vouch for the deliciousness of their fish tartares and steak-au-poivre with frites.
- Le Mary Celeste (1 Rue Commines, 3rd arr) - Wine bar in the Upper Marais, known for its oysters plus a few other main courses.
- Seulement Sea (9 Rue Lobineau, 6th arr) - By Marché Saint Germain, where it buys its super-fresh seafood each morning. Their specialty is mussels (a favorite of one of my daughters), but they're also famous for their Mediterranean-style aioli platter with seasonal fish (my fave). Despite being in the heart of Saint-Germain, I usually see as many Parisians as tourists here throughout most of the year, although all bets are off for peak tourist season in June and July.
Classic Seafood Brasseries in Montparnasse
They're all fairly touristy, expensive, and famous in part because of the famous artists and writers who used to gather in them - but the seafood is top quality and Parisians also come here (which is why you should make reservations for the weekends, even in the winter):
- Le Dome (108 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 14th) - Popular with both Parisians and tourists. The bouillabaisse is legendary, although it's for a minimum of 2 people, which is sad for solo diners. You might want to avoid Sunday lunch, when it's often packed with Parisian families.
- La Coupole (102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 14th) - In my opinion, they have the best oyster bar and seafood platters as well as lobsters and other crustaceans - plus lovely Art Deco painted panels, and a cabaret with music, burlesque, and dancing in the basement on one Saturday each month.
- La Rotonde (104 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 14th) - Very good selection of oysters, shrimp, and clams, plus impressive seafood platters. Their sidewalk terrace is one of my favorite spots in this area to enjoy a beverage and people-watching.
Where to Eat near Trocadéro in the 16th District
Charles's Question:
I will be visiting Paris the last week in October for five days. During my time in Paris I will be staying in the 16th Arrondissement, at the Renaissance Paris Nobel Tour Eiffel Hotel. Can you suggest places close by for breakfast, lunch and dinner within walking distance or a short taxi ride? Thank you.
Susan's Answer:
Hi Charles, I've heard wonderful things about your hotel, especially the greenhouses and historic buildings. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your stay.
Your hotel is very close (maybe a 5-6 minute walk) to Trocadero, which is probably best known for its gardens and viewing platform which offers stunning, straight-on views of the Eiffel Tower but is also packed with some of the city's best lesser-known museums and an interesting cemetery, Cimetière de Passy with its own Eiffel Tower views, all well worth a visit if you have the time and interest.
Around the plaza (Place du Trocadero) that anchors the whole area are several casual cafes and bistros that are mostly open between around 7:30 - 8am through 1am or 2am. I've had breakfast and/or lunch at probably most of them, and they're all fine, although probably the best one is Lulu's, a bit back from the plaza on Rue Kleber (it's small so you might want to make reservations even just half an hour ahead to avoid waiting for a table). I also like Cafe Kléber and Cafe du Trocadéro, both right on the plaza.
For a whole different experience, Girafe at the Cité de l'Architecture specializes in seafood and has an outdoor terrace facing the Eiffel Tower. Its sister restaurant, La Suite, occupies the former curator's apartment on the 9th floor and offers panoramic views from its own terrace. Expect prices at both to reflect the location and the views.
Back up Avenue Raymond Poincaré and closer to your hotel are a couple of small bistros, Bistrot Chez Martine and Bistro Poincaré, both of which are very good - traditional French bistro-type dishes. Chez Poincaré has a somewhat smaller menu and is more daily market-based, whereas Bistro Martine offers somewhat more selection. Prices at both are quite reasonable.
On this same street but a bit to the west near a plaza called Place de Mexico (maybe a 10-minute walk from your hotel) are several other very good restaurants, including several offering Asian cuisine - Unagi and Chez Printemps (Japanese), and Saigon Bowl (Viet) - plus another casual French bistro (La Place Longchamp).
A bit further up the street, Bigoudi Rooftop, offers Mediterranean cuisine and indoor as well as outdoor seating. Although it's known for its nice views of the Eiffel Tower from its outside terrace, you should check to see if the terrace is still open in November. The food is fine but the views are the real reason to come. Definitely make a reservation.
Happy dining, and enjoy your visit to Paris!
Where to Eat near Hotel de Crillon
Diane L.'s Question:
I am new subscriber to your helpful newsletter ....we need great recommendations for dinners and lunches while in Paris for 7 days...staying at Hotel de Crillon. Thank you so very much!
Susan's Answer:
Hi Diane, Thank you for your kind words about the newsletter.
The Crillon is not much more than a block away from one of my favorite “almost-secret” spots in Paris - a small “passage” called Le Village Royal, which you can access from either Rue Royale (the more impressive entrance) or Rue Boissy d'Anglais.
The passage is lined with designer boutiques, and has a small bistro called Le Village Café (about midway down on the right if you enter from Rue Royale), which is one of my favorite spots in this area for a late lunch, especially at one of the outdoor tables on a sunny afternoon. Its food has always been reliably good, in my experience, but the main appeal is the tranquil setting.
There's also another much fancier historical haute cuisine Michelin-starred restaurant a bit further up the street at the corner of Place de la Madeleine called Maison Lucas Carton, which is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau interior.
You're also not far from Angelina on Rue de Rivoli. Although not everyone loves their very thick hot chocolate and getting a table can be a pain due to the long line that stretches down the street, they have do have nice teas and pastries, and the Art Nouveau decor is stunning.
Definitely ask your hotel for recommendations too - I'm sure they'll be able to give you many wonderful suggestions nearby.
Where to Eat near Rue Cler in the 7th Arrondissement
Sherry's question:
Four of my family members, all women, have rented an apartment at the corner of Avenue de Breteuil and Avenue Duquesne. I'd appreciate dining suggestions in the area.
Susan's answer:
That's a wonderful part of the 7th - close to so many things! I stayed in that area two years ago - the first night at Hotel La Comtesse in order to enjoy the spectacular Eiffel Tower views, and then a couple of weeks at a friend's nearby apartment. She wasn't there at the time so I was on my own for dinner and tried many of the nearby restaurants.
Here's what I found (keep in mind that I'm not a food critic - these are just my personal impressions, and in some cases are based on just one experience):
Avenue Duquesne - The place I liked best was D'Chez Eux (on the side street Avenue de Lowendal); Chez Denis was a close second (decor is nicer than D'Chez). Both serve traditional French dishes.
At the end of the street by the École Militaire metro station, I tried most of the places - they were ok but the nearby Rue Cler market street has better options.
Rue Cler - This is a quintessential Parisian market street with traditional shops for produce, cheese, and meats, a good bakery, an excellent chocolatier, a couple of florists, and a number of places offering their own prepared foods to eat on the spot or take home, including a butcher shop with a rotisserie grill - definitely buy a rotisserie chicken (whole or a piece) and veggies to have for dinner in your apartment one evening.
In addition, the street is lined with small cafes. Many of them get at least some of their ingredients at the shops along the street, and then prepare and serve them.
I ate at most of them and enjoyed the food - you really can't go wrong. I was there in May and June, so always sat at an outdoor table.
Rue Saint-Dominique - There are a number of small cafes along this street, and one posh-looking restaurant, Thoumieux, where I broke my own rule about avoiding any place that looks like it was designed to look good on social media - and yes, this was my one disappointing meal during the whole trip, although the interior decor was movie-set lovely.
The place that I liked best on this street was Bar du Central - casual French bistro fare such as onion soup, eggs mayo, duck confit, and croque monsieur, plus outdoor terrace seating - definitely not fancy, but everything was delicious.
See More Questions & Answers about Where to Eat in Paris
Wondering about specific neighborhoods for your Paris visit? You'll find those Q&A archives here:
- Paris Cafés, Bakeries, and Coffee Shops
- Where to Eat Traditional French Food in Paris
- Where to Eat in Paris: Local Favorites & Practical Dining Advice
Paris Discoveries Q&A Archive - See Q&As on all topics
Have a Paris Travel Question?
Want to get more questions and answers about Paris travel, or ask your own question? Sign up for Paris Discoveries and you'll get Paris travel planning tips and the newsletter's Q&A edition delivered straight to your inbox each week.
More about Food & Dining in Paris
You may also want to read:
Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication. If you purchase through our links, PDG may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Merci for your support!
























