If you personally know me well, you know that I take food very seriously. I won’t eat just anywhere, and I certainly don’t believe that super high prices will lead to the best meal ever. I’m all about finding the gems out there; the family owned places that you’d never know existed if someone hadn’t recommended them. Often, I hear people talk about their Paris trips and go on about their disappointment in the food. I can’t help but want to shake them and say, “WHY didn’t you ask me?!” I created this blog for the sole purpose of sharing my love and knowledge of this city, so it is absolutely my duty (and my pleasure) to share my favorite restaurants in Paris.
One of the more specific questions that I get a lot from friends, complete strangers in direct messages, and see on social media forums, is asking for a good French restaurant recommendation. In Paris the choices are overwhelming, and it can be easy to end up in a touristy joint that leaves you feeling like you didn’t try the real deal. What’s all this fuss about French food? Eat at one of my favorite classic French food restaurants in Paris and find out for yourself.
No tourist traps, no famous name attached – just great classic, French food.
Le Petit Cler
A classic bistro in the 7th arrondissement on a walking street (Rue Cler) that is an open market during the day. You can cozy up in this place to a steak and baked potato and some great wine for a nice price. No fuss menu and authentically French. Yes, they have escargot and your charcuterie boards as well. You can walk here from the Eiffel Tower so skip the many tourist traps in the area and try this place instead.
Why I love it
I’ve never had a bad meal here and neither have my friends. The staff is very friendly and speak English. They have a great wine selection at very affordable prices (Bottles starting at 20€). The street is also quite charming and feels like a hidden local secret.
Address: 29 Rue Cler, 75007 PARIS
Hours: Every day 8am – 11:30pm
Bouillon Pigalle
The cheapest and by far the busiest restaurant in Paris. Expect to wait in a (fairly quickly moving) line. Trust me, it’s 100% worth it. This restaurant boasts the cheapest prices in Paris for a classic, sit down French meal. Located in Pigalle area (the former red light district) and just a few blocks from the infamous Moulin Rouge, Bouillon Pigalle is open until midnight every evening. Go to a show and come for a late dinner to avoid the huge crowd.
Why I love it
You will not even believe how cheap it is. It’s also actually really delicious! I still don’t understand how they do it. I go crazy and get 4-5 starter dishes to share and a main dish for myself and a bottle of wine. A bottle of their house wine will only set you back 9.90€. Sold yet? You can even get their wine in pitchers larger than a bottle, up to 3 litres!!!
I recommend:
- Escargot, foie gras, bone marrow, eggs & mayonnaise as starters. I literally get all of them every time.
- Come later in the evening (like 11pm) if you want to avoid a long line.
- Order wine by the pitcher for the best price.
Address: 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 PARIS
Hours: Every day 12pm – 12am
Le Galopin de LuLu
A classic French restaurant boasting an amazing wine list and owned by two friends from Burgundy, France. I discovered this place over three years ago and have been repeatedly returning and bringing food lovers ever since. It’s located in the 11th district, not far from Bastille and they change the menu every three months, though some favorites remain.
Why I love it
The staff is super friendly and the food is just amazing. The decor is simple and you just feel like you’re in someone’s home eating a homemade French meal. Did I mention their wine list? It’s impressive. They also offer a wine “du jour” which is at a special price.
I recommend:
The lamb shoulder for two – a massive lamb shoulder that’s been cooking for over 12 hours in it’s own fats and juices. Believe me, you’ve never tasted anything so delicious in your entire life. It comes with any choice of unlimited garniture, though you won’t need to ask for more because I’ve never been able to get through this entire dish, even with three people sharing.
Address: 24 Rue des Taillandiers, 75011 PARIS
Hours: Weekdays 12pm – 3pm (lunch) 7pm – 11pm (dinner)
Weekends 7pm – 11pm (dinner only)
Lézard Café
Classic brasserie in central Paris with a very large terrace and classic dishes. They serve all day (no break during the afternoon) which is how I discovered it in the first place. I’ve been back since and have enjoyed every meal that I’ve tried here. The portions are enormous as well as beautifully plated and delicious. They bring the menu to you written on a big board so it gives you the classic French brasserie vibe.
Why I love it
The food is delicious and their terrace is wonderful during nice weather. It’s also in a perfect location in the 2nd arrondissement just off of Rue Montorgueil (my favorite walking street in Paris).
Address: 32 Rue Etienne Marcel, 75002 PARIS
Hours: 8am – 2am daily (closed Sundays)
Le Bistrot des Compagnes
Lovely countryside style bistro in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. The food is classic, delicious, and of large proportions. They change their menu daily so you must go by there to see what they are offering. They display their menu handwritten on a large board in front of the door.
Why I love it
The portions and variety of dishes are quite generous. The staff is friendly and you get Michelin quality French food. It feels very authentic to the countryside and it’s a great food find.
I recommend:
Come for lunch as the prices are less. They offer set formulas or you can pay a la carte. During lunch you can have two courses for 17€ or 3 courses for 22€.
Address: 6 Rue Léopold Robert, 75014 PARIS
Hours: Lunch 12pm – 3:30pm
Dinner 6:30pm – midnight
Closed on Sundays
Mmm c’est bon !
Paris is an amazing city for its cuisine. Restaurants are constantly changing but one thing remains, there will always be great, classic French food to enjoy. If you’re coming to Paris and looking for a hearty French meal, I promise you will totally love any of my favorite restaurants in Paris. They are also conveniently in totally different neighbourhoods so you can pick the one closest to you, or try them all! My only reservation is that you extend an invite for me to join you, because I’m always looking for an excuse to eat a great meal.
Bon appétit !
xo
Tamara ♡
Looking for a French restaurant with a plot twist? Head over to my restaurant review of Fulgurances in Paris.
zoe
Oh my gosh this would have been so useful for my trip to Paris a few months ago. Well, next time I will take note….and take you with me 😜
Jenn
Omg I am so THERE. Take my money nowwwww I need to eat at every one of these amazing spotssss!!
Jennifer Nicol Colwell
Thanks for this helpful info. I’m making a plan to go tour to your city as I feeled so much bore in this lock down.
However, I am a foodie and love to taste french foods and recipes. But I was confused on which restaurant I should go when I visit Los Angles.
Thankfully, now I have a handfull of options. Thanks for sharing this indepth info.
One question- is there any restriction to visit your country due to Covid-19? Are the restaurants open?
Waiting for your response…
Tamara
So glad you found it helpful! All these restaurants are currently open now during Covid but may require a reservation due to less capacity. A mask is also required except once seated at your table 😉 There are also still some travel restrictions imposed on the borders so it also depends where you are coming from if you are able to enter! Hope that answers your question 😀