Heading to Paris, France and want to try the most delicious cuisine without getting caught at a restaurant geared towards tourists? The list below details many must visit restaurants during your weekend trip to Paris. It is divided by Arrondissements, which are the different neighborhoods or districts within Paris. The city is very walkable but is also serviced by a number of metro lines, buses and trains. Paris is a city filled with incredible food, desserts and drinks! You can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants listed below.
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Keep reading for must visit restaurants during your weekend trip to Paris!
1st Arrondissement: The Heart of Paris
The 1st Arrondissement is the geographical center of Paris and is home to the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, the Les Halles shopping district, and other popular tourist attractions!
Insider Tip: Don’t want to wait in line outside for entry at the Louvre? Go down the stairs near the Carrousel du Louvre sign. There is another entry into the Louvre for those with tickets!
Bistrot Victoires
Recommended by Christine Rogador of Journey to France
Bistrot Victoires provides a genuine and reasonably priced taste of France for tourists in Paris. The bistro’s proximity to the Louvre and the city’s other major attractions, combined with its location on a rather peaceful street, make it a convenient choice for a meal in the city.
Bistrot Victoires’ brown, rustic-style facade hints that an authentically Parisiandining experience awaits visitors. The entrance leads to a large counter stocked with bottles, polished wooden tables and chairs, and a flurry of activity among the wait staff. The bustle and noise of the mostly local regulars at Bistrot Victoires is the perfect accompaniment to a genuine Parisian meal.
Diners get authentic traditional French meals served in large portions here. Start with the beef tartare and onion soup, then go on to the duck confit and finish with the creme brûlée or profiteroles for dessert. Visitors can also have wine and other alcoholic beverages for reasonable prices. Coffees and cocktails are available as well. Plus, the service is much warmer than it would be in a more touristy area.
Angelina
Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise
Angelina has been a Paris institution since 1903. Located in the 1st Arrondissement on Rue de Rivoli, across from the beautiful Tuileries Garden, you’ll likely find yourself in walking distance at some point if you’re visiting the City of Lights.
It may be tempting to grab one of their fancy pastries from the counter when you enter, but best to head in the restaurant to enjoy your meal or snack. Step inside and you’ll see why Coco Chanel fell in love with this grand place. The ornate room decorated in frescos and accented with lots of gold will transport you back in time.
Angelina serves delicious versions of many of France’s most famous foods. Order the Croque Madame, a gooey ham and cheese sandwich with and egg on top, and you will not be disappointed. The pastry they are most known for is the one they invented, the Mont Blanc—a delightful ball of crispy-creamy of chestnut and meringue. However, you must not leave without trying their African Hot Chocolate. You will return home craving this thick rich chocolate decadence, so buy the mix in the Angelina store on the way out.
3rd Arrondissement: The Marais
The 3rd Arrondissement makes up one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris and is filled with tons of cafes, restaurants and shops. It is also home to the Musee Picasso.
Insider Tip: Explore the art galleries and cafes surrounding Place des Vosges.
Carette
Carette has 3 locations across Paris including one surrounding the Place des Vosges. Popular on TikTok for it’s incredible hot chocolate, Carette is worth the hype with one caveat. Don’t wait in the sometimes hours long wait at the location near the Eiffel Tower, instead enjoy a delicious breakfast in the 3rd.
If you are interested in trying multiple dishes or are looking for a large brunch to fill you up before a day of exploring, consider the Prix Fixe brunch option. You can choose from a variety of popular dishes. The soft scrambled eggs were delicious and you can’t go wrong with a piece of quiche or a croissant. The fresh orange juice is the perfect accompaniment to the heavy but tasty hot chocolate.
5th Arrondissement: The Latin Quarter
The 5th Arrondissement is filled with locals, students and tourists alike. It’s home to a number of French universities, the Pantheon and many delicious places to eat.
Insider Tip: Wander the market stalls on Rue Mouffetard in the morning because they often close around lunch time.
A. Lacroix Pâtissier
Recommended by Paul D’Souza of Paulmarina
The A. Lacroix Pâtissier is a typical Parisian pastry place located in the 5th Arrondissement. A seat at the window gives you a direct view to the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral. Street artists nearby enhance the location’s typical Parisian feeling. The A. Lacroix Pâtissier however earned its name here for the special individual pastries that they sell there. These are geometrical pastries or pastries that are shaped into special realistic objects such as an apple or a heart with a lock on it. The flavors are complex and diverse, the textures go from velvety to crunchy, the layers and the thought put into these little wonderful pastries will turn every non-sweet lover into a fan.
The white and round orange pastry called Madagascar is filled with mango, passion fruit and coconut flavors. Each fine dessert is different, adding to the fun in trying them all out. They also offer completely homemade ice creams in various flavors, larger gorgeous looking cakes, macarons in all flavors and colors and of course coffee. The area is not all too busy but still very centrally located, making it a great place to hang out after a busy afternoon in the city.
Visitors who have only one day in Paris will want to add this secret pastry hideout to their bucket list.
La Petite Bouclerie
Recommended by Jessica of Lathrop Goes A.W.O.L.
La Petite Bouclerie is a fantastically delicious, family-friendly creperie located in Paris’ Latin Quarter, and is only a few minutes walk from the Notre Dame, and Sainte Chappel.
Tucked into a quiet space at 33 Rue de la Harpe, look closely for their small group of street-side tables and menu stand. With more seating awaiting you inside, the cozy and comfortable atmosphere surrounds you with hanging plants and colorful wall art, making La Petite Bouclerie feel like a magical space tucked away from the rest of the world.
With a wide variety of both sweet and savory crepes, La Petite Bouclerie makes an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even just a quick stop for dessert.
But unlike the many other yummy creperies spread throughout Paris, La Petite Bouclerie offers something that sets it apart from most- a wide selection of gluten free crepes that are as delicious as their wheat-based counterparts.
In fact, this quaint little creperie is quickly becoming famous for their many gluten-free dishes. A particular favorite among guests, myself included, is the Chèvre, which combines their homemade apple compote with walnuts and a fine goat cheese, for a sweet and savory combination sure to please.
To satisfy a sweet tooth, the gourmet Chocolat (Maison) et Fraise is a mouth-watering crepes dish with their own homemade chocolate and strawberries.
In addition to their large assortment of crepes, they also have hot sandwiches (called a croque in French), egg omelets, and salads as well as a large variety of beverage options, including gluten free beer. Their large menu makes it an easy restaurant choice that the entire family will enjoy.
You can read more tips for visiting Paris (especially if it’s your first time) here and be sure to include La Petite Bouclerie on your itinerary for a wonderful, memory-filled vacation to Paris, France.
6th Arrondissement: St. Germain des Pres
The 6th Arrondissement is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Paris. It is filled with art galleries, boutiques, and many must visit restaurants.
Insider Tip: Skip the line at Cafe de Flore and instead enjoy drinks and quick bite to eat across the street at Cafe Louise. If the weather is nice, sit outside and people watch.
Sadaharu AOKI Paris
Recommended by Cosette from KarsTravel
Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris is a pastry store on the 35 Rue de Vaugirard in the 6th arrondissement. Japanese pastry chef Sadaharu Aoki started his confectioner’s chain in 1998 in Paris. At his stores he sells beautiful pastry creations. From macarons to cakes to croissants.
All looking like works of art and tasting perfect. He combines Japanese flavors, such as macha and yuzu, with French pastries. Their macarons are among the best in Paris. A must-stop on a self-guided macaron walking tour. The store on Rue de Vaugirard is small and you could almost pass it by without noticing, but the small window display is a feast for the eye. Inside they’ve displayed all the goodies from cakes to macarons to eclairs.
Try at least the yuzu flavored macaron. Yuzu is a Japanese lemon. The flavor of the macaron is delicious. Sour, but not too sour, a fresh flavor. Also try the Symphonie, a large macaron with violette flavor and with raspberries. It’s a true work of art, this small tart and delicious.
Besides the one on Rue de Vaugirard there are 3 more stores in Paris.
Freddy’s
Freddy’s is a must visit restaurant during your weekend trip to Paris. Serving a rotating menu of tapas, Freddy’s is a favorite spot for locals to enjoy shared plates and a drink. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations so ensure you get there early to snag a spot. If you are a group of 4 to 6, there is only one actual table so consider getting there by 6 pm and enjoy a drink before the kitchen opens at 6:30 pm. The restaurant is primarily counter seating, which is great for solo diners or groups of two to three.
The menu is comprised of sections for vegetables and sides, seafood, meat and dessert. The chalkboard menus are primarily in French though there is usually an English menu floating around as well. Consider choosing a few options from each section or letting the server guide you through the menu! Most of the dishes are prepared in the small open kitchen in the center of the restaurant.
Freddy’s is a great spot to visit for an early, slow dinner before exploring the nearby bars scattered nearby.
7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower
The 7th Arrondissement is home to the Eiffel Tower, Musee d’Orsay, Les Invalides and other popular tourist attractions. It is filled with many bistros, shops, parks and museums.
Insider Tip: Want to see the the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night? Beginning at dusk, the tower twinkles in sparkling lights for 5 minutes at the start of every hour. At 1 AM, the tower sparkles for the last time that night without the other structural lights and beacon shining.
Le Florimond
Recommended By Amber of Amber Everywhere
Le Florimond is a charming and tasty bistro located in the 7th Arrondissement near Rue Cler, about halfway between Invalides and Champs de Mars. This restaurant is known for its classical French dishes, which are seasonally informed and prepared with a great deal of care and attention to detail. The most famous dish on the menu is the chou farci or cabbage stuffed with ground meat, but you’ll find that the menu changes frequently based on the availability of local ingredients.
When you sit down, you’ll be served a lovely glass of bubbly wine with a candied cherry on top, a wonderful way to start a very special meal. For dessert, consider ordering a cheese plate, which is full of curated cheese selections from across France. Alternatively, the olive and chocolate dessert is special and unique, a perfect way to experience the chef’s creativity and style.
A dinner at Le Florimond is one of the most relaxing and cozy ways to spend an evening in Paris. If you’re on a budget or only visiting the 7th Arrondissement to see the Eiffel Tower, you may prefer to dine at Le Florimond for lunch, when the price for a set menu is somewhat reduced.
10th Arrondissement: Les Gares
The 10th Arrondissement is home to the two largest train stations in Paris including Gare du Nord. Not on many itineraries, there are many shops and restaurants located in the 10th.
Insider Tip: Arriving by train at Gare du Nord? Consider walking the 10 minutes from Gare du Nord to Jah Jah for lunch!
Jah Jah
Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures
Located in the 10th Arrondissement, Jah Jah by le Tricycle is an incredibly delicious and unique Afro vegan restaurant. The restaurantpays tribute to Afro-Caribbean culture in their décor with Rastafarian art and homely plants. The atmosphere feels like being welcomed into someone’s home. It’s the perfect spot to bring a friend or make new ones!
The food is to die for and affordable! Try a hot (chaud in French) vegan bowl with curried lentils, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies. Their cauliflower wings are also perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
If you’re looking for a break from traditional French food, but want something that will be just as memorable on your trip to Paris, don’t miss Jah Jah!
To get there, take Metro line 4 to Château d’Eau then walk West on Rue du Château d’Eau continuing on Rue des Petite Écuries where Jah Jah will be on your left.
11th Arrondissement: Bastille
The 11th Arrondissement is considered more of a locals area. While you may run into less tourists, you will find exceptional bars, restaurants and cafes.
Insider Tip: If you are in the area on a Thursday, check out Marche Bastille to experience a local Parisian market.
Le Bistrot Des Vosges
Situated on Blvd Beaumarchais is Le Bistrot Des Vosges, an incredible restaurant serving a variety of French cuisine. They specialize in cuisine from the Aveyron region of France.
Start off your meal with an affordable bottle of wine and a bowl of one of the best onion soup’s in Paris. They also serve aligot, which is a traditional French dish made from cheese blended into mashed potatoes. Be sure to add this side to your entree!
Other delicious dishes include the duck confit, pan fried lamp chops, and escalope Aveyronnaise.
Consider making a reservation to ensure that you can dine at this amazing establishment while in in Paris.
Bonus: Seine Dinner Cruise
Recommended by Sabrina of Shades of Summr
One of the most romantic and memorable experiences in Paris is the Seine dinner cruise. There are multiple tour operators offering this experience with various starting points all around Paris.
Upon boarding, you will be spoiled with a glass of champagne while settling into your seat. The small but luxurious boat with a glass ceiling will take you past the city’s most stunning monuments whilst enchanting you with the sounds of a great pianist. We were gliding alongside the Eiffel tower, the Louvre, the Ile de la Cite as well as the famous Notre Dame church.
During the 1,5 hour long cruise, a three-course gourmet dinner is served. We started off with typical French foie gras, followed by chicken breast on a vegetable medley. For dessert, we tasted a delightful mousse au Chocolat with raspberries. All three courses were paired with a glass of French wine that exquisitely complimented the food. Our tour operator offered surprise menus, where you could either choose between meat, fish or vegetarian for the main course.
The exquisite selection of French cuisine, paired with fabulous wine with Paris’s most enchanting monuments lit up by the moonlight in the background makes this one of the greatest culinary experiences in all of Paris.
Hopefully this list has inspired you and has helped you determine which restaurants you will visit on your next weekend trip to Paris. Have you been to any of these or have another favorite restaurant that should be on the list?
Share your experiences in the comments below!
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