Let’s talk restaurants. There are over 40,000 in Paris and over the years I’ve been lucky enough to eat in lots of them. Here, I’ve gathered together a list of eight that I really enjoyed, for one reason or another.
Here’s what to expect, where to find them, and how to see my work and interviews from each establishment.
But first, when it comes to Parisian restaurants, it’s important to remember that you can’t really go wrong. This city is known as the world’s culinary capital and it’s easy to see why. From frogs legs to banh mi and beyond, you’re sure to find whatever your stomach desires.
And if you truly do find a bad meal, or at least an average one, at least you’re in Paris 🙂
Here are seven memories of my most memorable restaurant visits – all of them are in different arrondissements (and the addresses are included).
1. Le Meurice
On the luxurious end of the scale, the restaurant at hotel Le Meurice is worthy of a special occasion. I took my chance to interview top Paris chef Amaury Bouhours, which I recorded at the magnificent Chef’s Table downstairs and while walking through the busy kitchen.
I later ate at the restaurant to mark the end of our countdown season of all the Paris arrondissements. Le Meurice has a special place in my heart, it’s where I’d usually recommend anyone go for a special meal or drink. Address: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
For more: here’s where you’ll find the podcast episode and photos when I met the head chef and talked food with him.
2. Holybelly
If it’s good enough for LeBron James, it’s good enough for me! That’s right, the NBA superstar chose this place on a Paris trip, which is unusual considering it’s a long way from the five-star elegance that most celebrities go for.
Holybelly is a Paris institution thanks to its top-class coffee and pancakes. And this place has a really laidback atmosphere and friendly staff. It is very popular, though, and it’s almost not worth showing up during the lunch rush. Go early, get in, get out, and enjoy. Address 5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010
For more: here’s my interview with the owner Nico Alary.
3. Le Dôme
When it comes to Parisian bistros, there aren’t many as iconic as Le Dôme. You may have heard about it without even knowing; it features in the work of everyone from Ernest Hemingway, Edith Piaf, Anaïs Nin and Henry Miller.
This is a restaurant to visit for the experience, rather than the meal (although the meal was great). Address 108 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014
For more: here are some photos from our visit and a little more.
4) La Tour d’Argent
Lunch at the Tour d’Argent was the best dining experience I’ve ever had. A four-course Michelin meal with a view over the Seine, the Notre Dame and the rooftops of Paris – it was two-and-a-half hours in Parisian heaven.
It was also the most expensive lunch I’ve ever had. Once in a lifetime, perhaps. This is the place where they give you a certificate with the number of the duck that you ate, ours was up around the 1.17 million mark. Address 15 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005
For more: here’s the podcast episode recorded from our dining table. So, enjoy the photos of the marvellous renovation job.
5) Le Train Bleu
The Train Bleu restaurant is a Paris icon. It’s visually phenomenal, the dining experience is off the charts, and it makes for a fantastic special occasion in Paris. The picture at the top of the page with the waiter making the crepe suzette… that’s the Train Bleu too. It’s a show, it’s dazzling, it’s opulent. I loved it. Note: Some foodies turn up their nose at this place. Not me. I loved it.
Address Gare de Lyon, Place Louis Armand, 75012
For more: take a look at the photos of this restaurant’s stunning interior. This trip was part of our 24-hour exploration of the 12th arrondissement, where we incidentally now live.
6) Milagro
Opening a restaurant during the Covid pandemic was not for the faint-hearted. Chef Justin Kent took the plunge with Milagro, and I’m delighted to say his gamble paid off. He was even acknowledged by Michelin in their latest guide. Address 85 Avenue Bosquet, 75007
For more: here’s the foodie-themed podcast episode I recorded with Justin on Spotify and iTunes.
Maybe some of you remember our Patreon-Only walk show from May 2020, where we saw inside the construction site of the restaurant. You can watch the replay here. If you’re in a rush, you can skip to the bit where we get inside the restaurant via this link.
Then in August 2021, Justin and I walked down the charming Rue Cler for this members only video, stopping at food shops, chatting about the area, and ending up in his renovated restaurant.
7) Bonnie
I loved my time at this place. The venue and view are nothing short of exceptional. Address 10 Rue Agrippa d’Aubigné, 75004
For more: here’s a ten-minutes bonus podcast episode where Lina and I talk about our visit, complete with what we ate, why I used a fake accent to reserve a table, and what we thought of it all.
8) Comice
A truly wonderful dining experience. We were treated like royalty at this Michelin-starred restaurant in the 16th arrondissement.
For more: here’s a podcast episode I did a few years ago with Etheliya, the sommelière at Comice. Address 31 Avenue de Versailles, 75016
Still looking for more? Really?? OK. Here’s my restaurant tip for each of the 20 Paris arrondissements, and here’s a list of six classic French restaurants on the Left Bank.
Bon appétit.