From luxury dinners to old-school brasseries, Paris has many famous spots. But not all of them are as amazing as you might expect.
First, let’s locate these restaurants on a map:
La Tour d’Argent
15-19, quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
9.5/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
La Tour d’Argent is one of Paris’s most legendary restaurants. It’s been serving food since the 1500s!
Today, people come for its famous duck dishes, the Michelin-starred menu, and of course, the incredible view of the Seine and Notre-Dame from the dining room.
Pros:
- One of the oldest restaurants in Paris, full of history.
- Gourmet dishes prepared with great care.
- Stunning views over the Seine and city rooftops.
Cons:
- Very expensive — this is a true splurge meal.
- Dress code is more formal than many places.
- Not really for picky eaters or casual dining.
My Take:
If you want a once-in-a-lifetime Paris dinner, this is one of the top picks.
You’re paying for the view, the history, and the experience — and for many, it’s absolutely worth it.
Restaurant Guy Savoy
11, quai de Conti, 75006 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
9.5/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Guy Savoy is one of the top fine dining experiences in Paris — and in the world. The restaurant holds three Michelin stars and has been named World’s Best Restaurant multiple times.
It sits inside the historic Monnaie de Paris building, right by the Seine, offering a private and elegant atmosphere.
Pros:
- Extraordinary food prepared at the highest level.
- Signature dishes like the famous artichoke and black truffle soup.
- Impeccable service and a very intimate dining room.
- Beautiful setting in a historic building with Seine views.
Cons:
- Extremely expensive — one of the priciest meals in Paris.
- Formal atmosphere may not appeal to everyone.
- Not ideal for picky eaters or casual dinners.
My Take:
If you’re ready for one unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime Paris dining experience, Guy Savoy is hard to beat.
The food, service, and setting are exceptional — but expect a very high price tag.
Le Grand Véfour
17 Rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
8/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Le Grand Véfour sits in the beautiful Palais-Royal gardens and has served Paris’s elite since 1784. The dining room is full of gold details, mirrors, and history.
Famous figures like Napoleon and Victor Hugo ate here.
Pros:
- Stunning historic interior — pure old-world Paris.
- High-end French cuisine, beautifully presented.
- Feels like stepping into a piece of Paris history.
Cons:
- Extremely expensive.
- Very formal atmosphere — not for casual dining.
- The menu may feel adventurous for picky eaters.
My Take:
If you love history and want a truly special occasion meal, this is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place. The price is very high, but the setting is unforgettable.
Le Fouquet’s
99 Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris, France
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
7/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Le Fouquet’s is one of the most famous brasseries on the Champs-Élysées.
Movie stars, politicians, and celebrities have dined here for decades.
The red awnings and outdoor terrace are iconic.
Pros:
- Central location right on the Champs-Élysées.
- Classic French brasserie menu.
- Elegant, very “Paris in the movies” vibe.
Cons:
- Expensive for what it is.
- Service can feel a bit stiff.
- Many locals consider it more of a tourist or celebrity spot.
My Take:
It’s worth visiting if you want to sit where celebrities have. The food is good, but you’re mostly paying for the location and name. Great for a coffee or drink if you want the experience without the full bill.
Le Procope
13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
7.5/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Le Procope calls itself the oldest café in Paris, open since 1686. Famous writers, philosophers, and even Benjamin Franklin once ate here.
The historic dining rooms, old paintings, and chandeliers give you a real taste of Paris from centuries ago.
Pros:
- Rich history — feels like eating in a museum.
- Classic French food with good options for first-timers.
- Located in a charming part of the 6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain).
Cons:
- Food is good but not as special as the setting.
- Prices are a bit high for the quality.
- Service can feel rushed when it’s busy.
My Take:
Come for the history, not for the most amazing food. It’s a fun place to sit where Voltaire once ate, and the cozy rooms make it perfect for a relaxed lunch or early dinner.
La Coupole
102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
8/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
La Coupole is a legendary Art Deco brasserie in Montparnasse.
In the 1920s, famous artists and writers like Picasso, Hemingway, and Sartre gathered here.
The huge dining room, columns, and colorful ceiling make it one of Paris’s most iconic restaurants.
Pros:
- Beautiful historic decor and huge, lively dining space.
- Classic French brasserie menu: seafood platters, beef tartare, and desserts.
- Good for large groups and special dinners.
Cons:
- Service can sometimes feel rushed during busy times.
- Prices are higher than smaller brasseries.
- Quality can vary depending on what you order.
My Take:
It’s not the best food in Paris, but it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere and history. Perfect if you want to experience a bit of 1920s Paris glamour with your meal.
Le Bouillon Chartier
7, rue du Faubourg-Montmartre, 75009 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
8/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Bouillon Chartier has served traditional French food since 1896. It’s known for its huge dining hall, long tables, and waiters in black vests rushing around.
Locals and tourists love it because it’s cheap, fast, and very Parisian.
Pros:
- Very affordable prices — full meals for under €20.
- Classic French dishes like escargots, beef stew, and chocolate mousse.
- Fun, lively atmosphere.
Cons:
- No reservations — expect long lines.
- The service is quick but not personal (they move fast!).
- It can get loud and crowded.
My Take:
Is it touristy? Yes. But it’s still a great way to taste classic French food without spending a fortune.
Go early to avoid the line, and enjoy the busy, old-school Paris vibe.
La Brasserie Lipp
151, Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
7/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Brasserie Lipp has been serving traditional Alsatian and French food since 1880.
Located in Saint-Germain, it has welcomed writers, politicians, and celebrities for generations.
It’s known for its no-nonsense waiters and unchanged old-school charm.
Pros:
- Historic and very Parisian atmosphere.
- Classic French comfort food like choucroute, sausage, and roast chicken.
- Right in the heart of Saint-Germain, perfect for a full Paris day.
Cons:
- Service can feel old-fashioned (some say grumpy).
- Expensive for simple dishes.
- May not appeal to people looking for modern or light menus.
My Take:
Lipp is pure Paris tradition. You don’t go for trendy food — you go for the experience of sitting where generations of Parisians have.
Great spot if you want a real brasserie vibe and aren’t in a hurry.
Café de Flore
172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
8/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Café de Flore is one of Paris’s most famous cafés, located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
It was once the hangout of writers and philosophers like Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
Today, it’s known for its beautiful terrace and people-watching.
Pros:
- Iconic Paris atmosphere and beautiful outdoor seating.
- Great for people-watching in a historic neighborhood.
- Classic café menu with good coffee, hot chocolate, and simple meals.
Cons:
- Expensive for simple food and drinks.
- Often very crowded, especially in good weather.
- Some say service can be rushed or distant.
My Take:
You don’t come here for gourmet food — you come for the experience.
Sitting outside with a coffee at Café de Flore feels like you’re part of Paris history. Great for a one-time visit.
Café de la Paix
5 Place de l’Opéra 75009 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
9/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Café de la Paix sits next to the Opéra Garnier and has been a symbol of elegant Paris since 1862.
The grand interior, high ceilings, and marble columns make it feel like dining inside a palace.
Pros:
- Gorgeous historic interior with luxurious details.
- Central location near major landmarks.
- Classic French menu with seafood, meat dishes, and beautiful desserts.
Cons:
- Very expensive, especially for lunch or dinner.
- Service can sometimes feel formal or distant.
- Not ideal for quick or casual meals.
My Take:
If you want a very classic, elegant Paris dining experience, Café de la Paix delivers.
It’s pricey, but perfect for a special lunch or afternoon tea after visiting the Opéra.
Les Deux Magots
6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
7.5/10 : France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Les Deux Magots is one of Paris’s most legendary cafés, right next to Café de Flore in Saint-Germain. Famous writers like Hemingway, Camus, and Simone de Beauvoir once sat here. Today, it’s known for its classic Parisian terrace and literary history.
Pros:
- Beautiful outdoor seating with a perfect view of Saint-Germain.
- Deep history and strong literary connection.
- Classic café menu with good coffee, breakfast, and light meals.
Cons:
- Expensive for what you get.
- Very touristy and always busy.
- Some say the service can feel a bit cold or rushed.
My Take:
Just like Café de Flore, you come here for the atmosphere, not for the food. Sitting at Les Deux Magots feels like being part of Paris history. It’s a great spot for a coffee break while exploring Saint-Germain.
Le Train Bleu
Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
9/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why It’s Famous:
Le Train Bleu is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris. Built in 1901 inside the Gare de Lyon train station, it’s filled with gold, chandeliers, and huge painted ceilings.
Eating here feels like stepping into old Paris.
Pros:
- Stunning Belle Époque decor — every corner is breathtaking.
- Classic French dishes like beef filet, roast lamb, or seafood.
- Excellent for a special occasion or anniversary.
Cons:
- Prices are high.
- Some visitors say the service can feel a little formal.
- Not the best spot for young kids or casual meals.
My Take:
If you want a real “Paris movie scene” moment, this is it. You don’t just eat here — you experience it. Worth the splurge if you want one unforgettable meal.
Bonus: Parisian Favorites Locals Love
If you’ve already tried the big famous names, here are two extra spots that many Parisians enjoy — a bit less touristy, but still very easy for visitors to try:
Bouillon Pigalle
22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
8/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why locals love it:
- This modern bouillon offers classic French comfort food at very affordable prices.
- The menu includes escargots, beef bourguignon, roast chicken, and plenty of traditional desserts — most dishes under €15.
- It’s popular with Parisians of all ages, creating a lively, friendly atmosphere.
My take:
If you want the bouillon experience with slightly better quality and shorter lines than Chartier, Bouillon Pigalle is a great option. Very local, very Parisian, and very budget-friendly.
Chez Janou
2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris
Afficher cette publication sur Instagram
8.5/10: France Hotel Guide Expert Rating
Why locals love it:
- A cozy neighborhood bistro known for its Provençal-inspired dishes.
- The huge bowl of chocolate mousse is a favorite — and it’s served all-you-can-eat style.
- Outdoor terrace tables are perfect on sunny days, right in the heart of Le Marais.
My take:
Chez Janou feels like one of those little Paris discoveries you’ll want to tell your friends about. The food is simple but tasty, and the atmosphere is warm and relaxed — very different from the big tourist restaurants.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
