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Classic French

Café Des Ministères

First the bad news: Café des Ministères is almost impossible to book right now. We named it our best restaurant of 2022, and plenty of newspapers (Le Figaro, the New York Times) have lavished similar praise. If you manage to get in (they open online bookings three weeks in advance of a particular date), don’t neglect to order the choux farci façon Reine with leaves of Pontoise cabbage lacquered around a tender mound of smoky sausage and foie gras, in… Read More »Café Des Ministères

Juveniles

The casual neighborhood bistro we all dream about, complete with a charming host (Margaux) who remembers your previous visit, and her chef-husband Romain who makes beautiful bistro food in a tiny kitchen. The atmosphere is friendly and familial, despite the posh location near the Louvre. The wine cellar that began with Margaux’s father Tim Johnston remains one of the most delightful and well-priced in the city. The house-made terrine and rice pudding are recommended book-ends to your meal.  Juveniles is… Read More »Juveniles

Chez l'Ami Jean restaurant in Paris

Chez L’Ami Jean

Chef Stéphane Jego was an early star of the bistronomie movement, elevating traditional bistro fare with the sort of techniques and emphasis on quality ingredients that one might expect from finer dining. His simple, cheerful dining room at Chez l’Ami Jean has not wavered in quality, even though the dining room is filled with visitors expressing delight in foreign tongues. Meat and fish options abound (vegetarians beware), but wild game is the star when in season.  READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF CHEZ L’AMI… Read More »Chez L’Ami Jean

Patio at GrandCoeur restaurant in Paris | Paris by Mouth

GrandCoeur

A beautiful and expansive outdoor terrace tucked inside a hidden courtyard in the Marais, this is the Paris address of Mauro Colagreco, whose restaurant Mirazur was rated as the World’s Best in 2022. GrandCoeur offers a Mediterranean menu full of fresh fish, with a few vegetarian & carnivorous options. It’s open every day and is a good option for larger groups.  GRANDCOEUR 41 Rue du Temple, 75004Open every day for lunch and dinnerReservations online or at +33 1 58 28 18 90… Read More »GrandCoeur

Benoît

Open since 1912, this picture-postcard Paris bistro serves elevated and expensive French food.

Chez Michel

This bistronomic Breton restaurant near the Gare du Nord serves a four-course feast featuring dishes that are baked in a massive dining room oven.

Amarante restaurant in Paris | parisbymouth.com

Amarante

Go big or go home at this larger-than-life bistro featuring hearty, classically French fare.

bar at A l'Epi d'Or restaurant in Paris | Paris by Mouth

A l’Epi d’Or

A l’Epi d’Or is a second spot for classic French food from Jean-François Piège, and about half the price of its nearby sibling, La Poule au Pot. A daily two- or three-course menu (29€ or 39€) makes this a very good deal for central Paris, and the à la carte menu contains kid-friendly classics like croque monsieur (16€) and hachis parmentier (24€). It’s not inexpensive compared to Bouillon République, but it’s inexpensive for Jean-François Piège. We love the steak tartare – served… Read More »A l’Epi d’Or

Le Petit Sommelier

Le Petit Sommelier is a rare high-quality non-stop brasserie with a 1000-reference-strong wine list.

Aux Bons Crus

Read an old travel guide to France, and you’ll likely find mention of les routiers. At these roadside restaurants catering to truckers, grub was classic, cheap, and good. And despite the absence of any highway running through the trendy 11th arrondissement, Aux Bons Crus evokes these restaurants of yore.

L'Ami Louis restaurant in Paris | Paris by Mouth

L’Ami Louis

L’Ami Louis is one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Paris. It’s dark and dramatic, with white jacketed servers bringing overflowing plates of snails, foie gras, and other classic French dishes. The roast chicken, with its accompanying tower of shoestring fries, is as good as everyone says it is. But L’Ami Louis is also one of the most clubby restaurants in Paris. It’s filled with regulars, it’s hard to get a table, and the prices are high enough to scare… Read More »L’Ami Louis

La Bourse et la Vie restaurant in Paris | parisbymouth.com

La Bourse et La Vie

La Bourse et la Vie is one of our favorite Classic Bistros in Paris. It’s a place where you come to celebrate, to bring a date, and to devour one of the best steak-frites in Paris.

Le Maquis

Le Maquis is a small French restaurant located on the far side of Montmartre boasting small portions of impeccable, contemporary bistro fare and a small, all-natural wine list. A slight Italian leaning pervades the menu, which also includes more classic French dishes. Lunch is a steal at 16-euro for two courses and 18 for three.

À La Vierge de la Réunion

The overarching honesty and generosity of La Vierge’s concept places the restaurant alongside overachieving peers like Belleville’s Le Cadoret at the vanguard of a new generation of Paris bistrot that recognizes the value of virtue.

Le Cadoret bistro in Paris | Paris by Mouth

Le Cadoret

Le Cadoret is a French restaurant in Belleville offering traditional French fare, inexpensive natural wines, and craft beers. With sincere and efficient service and serious value for quality, it’s an excellent example of what a modern bistro can be.

Café de la Nouvelle Mairie

For the wine-indifferent, Café de la Nouvelle Mairie is merely a timeless, picturesque terraced café on a shady lane beside the Panthéon. But for alert wine geeks, it might as well be the Panthéon itself, as pertains to natural wine.

Arnaud Nicolas restaurant and charcuterie in Paris | parisbymouth.com

Arnaud Nicolas

At the impossibly young age of 24, Arnaud Nicolas achieved one of the highest honors in gastronomy – the title Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) – for his talent in charcuterie. Fourteen years later, he opened an ambitious shop and restaurant near the Eiffel Tower with the explicit goal of returning charcuterie to a place of honor on the French table. In the same way that prize-winning artisans have reshaped traditional baguette-making and pâtisserie, Nicolas wants to reintroduce charcuterie to palates that have become used to mediocre industrialized examples. So is it really that different? Yes.

À La Renaissance

Great natural wines by the glass, fresh well-prepared food, and congenial service at this simple bistro near Bastille.

L’Assiette

With its worn wooden tables, intricately painted ceilings, and charcuterie slicer propped on the marble counter, L’Assiette has the precise look of a dream Paris bistro. It also serves many of the classic dishes, like escargots and cassoulet, which have mostly disappeared from the city’s restaurants. The far-flung location in the 14th arrondissement, near the Catacombs but far from the center, has probably helped L’Assiette to stay off the tourist radar. Chef David Rathgeber and his team are friendly with visitors but don’t cater to them. The customers who come to indulge in this hearty fare are mostly local, which makes this a great option for tourists looking to avoid their own countrymen.

Le Villaret

Le Villaret is one of our favorite Classic Bistros in Paris. Sometimes in life we chase after the ones who play hard-to-get and we ignore the nice, stable options who just want to treat us right. Le Villaret is the homely neighborhood bistro that I never appreciated until I stopped looking for love at Le Baratin and Le Repaire de Cartouche.

Le Baratin Restaurant in Paris | Paris By Mouth

Le Baratin

Food and wine pilgrims, particularly those who read the New York Times or watch Anthony Bourdain, are willing to climb the hill for this Belleville institution. Raquel Carena tends the fire, offering her own personal brand of bistro cooking – sometimes delicate, sometimes hearty, always heartfelt. In stark contrast to the loving kitchen, the dining room is cold as ice, thanks to the joyless leadership of Carena’s husband Philippe.

Le Repaire de Cartouche | parisbymouth.com

Le Repaire de Cartouche

Le Repaire de Cartouche is a great place to sit at the bar without reservations, order wine with a slab of terrine, and wait for your table to open up at Au Passage. It’s still great fun as a wine bar, even if it can no longer deliver as a restaurant.

sauvage bar paris via fb | parisbymouth.com

Sauvage

Sauvage is boisterous and fun. It has the feeling of a friendly neighborhood wine bar that just happens to have real talent (chef Sébastien Leroy) in the kitchen. Sauvage caters to a local St-Germain clientele that doesn’t bat an eye at relatively high prices, resulting in luxurious dishes like quail with foie gras and black truffle. The wine list leans natural, and contains treasures. 60, rue du Cherche Midi, 75006Open Monday-Saturday for lunch & dinnerClosed SundayReservations at +33 1 45… Read More »Sauvage

Bistrot Belhara

A recent visit didn’t live up to the hype in which Thierry Dufroux’s Basque-inflected bistrot was declared “one of the revelations of 2013.” With the exception of a vanilla millefeuille with fresh strawberries, every dish was fine but forgettable. The wine list was uninspired and service was brisk and joyless. Three years ago, when most of this restaurant’s reviews were written, Belhara may have stood out as more exciting. It may have actually been more exciting back then. But today, when Paris is experiencing a renaissance of old-fashioned cuisine bourgeoise, Belhara doesn’t quite make it to Our Top 50 Paris Restaurants. Its saving grace: three courses for 38€ is still a great value for dinner in the 7ème near the Eiffel Tower. Read More »Bistrot Belhara

Mensae restaurant in Paris | parisbymouth.com

Mensae

Mensae is a contemporary French bistro not far from the sprawling Buttes-Chaumont park. Classics like frogs’ legs and steak tartare are frequently featured on the ever-changing menu, revisited with a contemporary bent and more reasonable portion size than the behemoths found in other restaurants. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse for dessert.

L'Auberge Bressane photo via FB | parisbymouth.com

L’Auberge Bressane

Practical information Address: 16 avenue de la Motte Piquet, 75007 Nearest transport: La Tour-Maubourg (8) Hours: Open Sunday-Friday for lunch & dinner and Saturday for dinner Reservations: Book a couple days in advance Telephone: 01 47 05 98 37 Average price for lunch: 20-39€ Average price for dinner: 60-100€ Style of cuisine: Classic French Website   Facebook Reviews of interest Alexander Lobrano (2015) “A living archive of the great tastes of Gaul… With the possible exception of the price–there’s an excellent value 24.50 Euros… Read More »L’Auberge Bressane

Le Severo steakhouse in Paris | parisbymouth.com

Le Severo

Practical information Address: 8 rue des Plantes, 75014 Nearest transport: Mouton Duvernet (4), Pernety (13) Hours: Closed Saturday and Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner Reservations: Book a few days in advance Telephone: 01 45 40 40 91 Average price for lunch: 20-39€ Average price for dinner: 40-59€ Style of cuisine: Classic French Facebook Reviews of interest Simon Says (2015) “Si l’on veut manger une bonne viande à Paris, c’est ici. Même les deux bouchers « stars » qu’une fausse inimitié… Read More »Le Severo

Willi's Wine Bar in Paris | parisbymouth.com

Willi’s Wine Bar

Willi’s Wine Bar has been a Paris institution since 1980, when Mark Williamson opened up near the Palais Royal. If you’ve come to Paris to drink wine, this is a great place to stop in for a glass (or bottle) and some simple food. It’s also a good place to book for larger groups. Open Saturday, open Monday, good for groups, vegetarian friendly, excellent wine, near the Louvre 13 rue des Petits-Champs, 75001Open Monday-Saturday for lunch & dinnerClosed SundayReservations online… Read More »Willi’s Wine Bar

Quedubon restaurant in Paris | parisbymouth.com

Quedubon

You can call Quedubon a bistro or a wine bar or a cave. All apply to this address near the beautiful Parc des Buttes Chaumont. The simple food ranges from light (capriccios of fresh fish) to homey (braised meats) to downright offal (veal brains), and is washed down by one of the vins naturels that populate the impressive wine list maintained by Gilles Bénard. Owing in part to the non-central location, there’s a village-like feeling to this friendly place. You can also buy bottles to go.

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La Cantine du Troquet

Warm, welcoming and well-priced. This bistro from Christian Etchebest follows the model of his other cantines, La Cantine du Troquet and La Cantine du Troquet Dupleix.

Le Dome Restaurant in Paris | Paris By Mouth

Le Dôme

Practical information Address: 108 boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Nearest transport: Vavin (4), Edgar Quinet (6) Hours: Open every day for lunch and dinner Reservations: Book a day or two in advance Telephone: 01 43 35 25 81 Website   Book Online What people are saying Not Drinking Poison in Paris (2015) “The upside of a city that trades on history, however, is the persistence of such majestic creations as Le Dôme’s airy millefeuille, gargantuan portions of which are hacked off a tree-trunk-sized… Read More »Le Dôme

L'Ourcine bistro in Paris photo via facebook | parisbymouth.com

L’Ourcine

Practical information Address: 92 rue Broca, 75013 Nearest transport: Les Gobelins (7) Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday; Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner Reservations: Book a few days in advance Telephone: 01 47 07 13 65 E-mail: ourcine@free.fr Average price for lunch:  20-39€ Average price for dinner: 20-39€ Style of cuisine: Classic French Website   Facebook   Book Online Reviews of interest Time Out (2013) “«Bons produits» ne rime pas toujours avec « repas réussi ». Si les éléments semblaient réunis pour s’offrir un dîner goûtu et audacieux– de… Read More »L’Ourcine

Le Casse Noix Restaurant in Paris | Paris By Mouth

Le Casse-Noix

Practical information Address: 56 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Nearest transport: Dupleix (6) Hours: Closed Saturday and Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner Reservations: Book a few days in advance Telephone: 01 45 66 09 01 Average price for lunch: 20-39€ Average price for dinner: 20-39€ Style of cuisine: Classic French Website   Facebook [slideshow_deploy id=’58754′] Reviews of interest John Talbott (2014) “The menu is as interesting as ever.” Table à Découvert (2011) “Générosité, simplicité et un petit truc en plus… Read More »Le Casse-Noix

biche au bois restaurant in paris photo via facebook | parisbymouth.com

A la Biche au Bois

Practical information Address: 45 avenue Ledru-Rollin, 75012 Nearest transport:  Gare de Lyon (1, 14, RER A), Quai de la Rapée (5) Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch & dinner and Monday & Saturday for dinner Reservations: Book a few days in advance Telephone: 01 43 43 34 38 Average price for lunch: 20-39€ Average price for dinner: 20-39€ Style of cuisine: Classic French Facebook Reviews of interest Atabula (2014) “Au programme: nappes épaisses, lourds couverts dans une ambiance mi populaire-mi bourgeoise.… Read More »A la Biche au Bois

La Fontaine de Mars

The Obamas ate here! The Obamas ate here! This perpetual favorite, a mainstay on the crowded rue Saint-Dominique, offers classic cooking with a southwestern tilt. Open every day.

Drouant

Facing a very pretty square, Drouant has been around since 1880. Now run by Antoine Westermann, the menu offers elegantly updated classics with an emphasis on seafood.

Chez Georges

A popular, old school bistro serving classics like frisée au lardons, jambon persillée, escargot, and tarte tatin.

Les Cocottes restaurant in Paris | parisbymouth.com

Les Cocottes

Practical information Address: 135 rue St. Dominique, 75007 Nearest transport: École Militaire (8), Pont le l’Alma (RER C) Hours: Open every day, 12pm-11pm Reservations: Reservations not accepted Telephone: no phone Average price for lunch: 20-39€ Average price for dinner: 40-59€ Style of cuisine: Classic French Website    [slideshow_deploy id=’58242′] Additional Locations Address: 2 avenue Bertie Allbrecht, 75008 Nearest transport: Ternes (2) Hours:  Open every day, 12pm-11pm Reservations: Reservations not accepted Telephone:  01 53 89 50 53 Website Reviews of interest Reviews from the… Read More »Les Cocottes

Allard restaurant in Paris | Paris By Mouth

Allard

The sepia-toned dining room at this historic bistro remains the same, but Alain Ducasse and protégé Laëtitia Rouabah have taken over the kitchen and the accompanying carte of classic Burgundian dishes. Reviews are mixed.

Read More »Allard

Josephine Chez Dumonet restaurant in Paris | parisbymouth.com

Josephine (Chez Dumonet)

Bring your appetite and wallet to this bistro – a perennial favorite for old-fashioned dishes like boeuf bourguignon, duck confit and gigot d’agneau. It’s the French bistro you’ve always imagined right down to the communal pot of pickled herring, the gruff waiters and red gingham toilet. They make a mean Grand Marnier soufflé as big as your head that must (and should) be ordered at the beginning of the meal. The millefeuille is worth saving room for, too. When half portions are available, order those as they tend to be the size of any other restaurant’s normal portions. There’s an excellent selection of Armagnac and other digestifs to help wash down all the duck fat.

Read More »Josephine (Chez Dumonet)

Le Bon Georges

It’s all about the bon produits at Le Bon Georges: beef from Alexandre Polmard, sustainable seafood from small-scale fishermen, market fresh veg from Joël Thibault, and vins de propriétés. The menu changes each day at this brand new, but classically beautiful bistro.