rue sainte caro

After nearly a decade of living in the City of Light, I’ve rounded up my top spots for eating, drinking, and embracing that French joie de vivre. I've grouped them by the landmarks they're close to because it's easier to pick a place based on your location or planned visits rather than deciphering the Parisian arrondissements.

I highly recommend making lunch and dinner reservations in advance, especially for large groups. Even if landing a table without a reservation is possible, restaurants often reserve their prime spots for those who plan ahead. By securing your reservation, you know you’ll have a table waiting for you when you arrive. Paris may be the city of love, but it's not built for last-minute group feasts!

Palais Royal

Café Kitsune: My go-to spot for coffee or matcha before a stroll in Palais Royal gardens. Vibe: casual // Budget: € - €€

Dépôt Légal: Lovely French restaurant. I love their truffle croque monsieur, a staple on the menu, or their truffle, ham, parmesan & coquillette pasta, which appears on the menu during the fall and winter months. Otherwise, the dishes change seasonally. Lunch is first come, first serve. You can reserve for dinner. Budget: €€ // Dress code: casual

Daroco Bourse: Italian. Great food, great interior. Reservations a must. The bar in the back is everything you want it to be. Low lighting, great cocktails, and yummy appetizers. It’s also connected to Galerie Vivienne, which is one of my favorite covered passageways in Paris. Budget: €€€ // Dress code: casual

Tuileries Gardens

Angelina Rivoli: A delightful dessert experience, paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or rich hot chocolate. While the line can be a bit long, you can always opt for a to-go treat and enjoy it across the street in Tuileries Gardens (what I usually do). Budget: €€€ // Dress code: casual

Sentier

Clove Bakery: An American bakery that has conquered the hearts of Parisians with its cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and countless other treats. This bakery is tiny on the inside with no seating, so you must take your treaty to-go. Budget: € - €€ // Dress code: casual

Boneshaker Donuts: The best donuts in town. Vegan options available, too. Budget: € // Dress code: casual

La Plume: Asian fusion with a view. It’s chic, it’s vibey. Budget: €€€ // Dress code: chic

Bambou: The most romantic thai restaurant I’ve seen, especially if you’re seated inside. Candlelit tables, low lighting. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual, chic

Le Floor: This is my personal go-to spot as it's conveniently located near my office. Their granola bowl and oat milk cappuccino never fail to hit the spot. Budget: € - €€ // Dress code: casual

Passage des Panoramas

Racines: Located in Passage des Panoramas, one of Paris’ famous covered passageways, Racines is the best Italian I’ve had in the city. Be sure to reserve your spot, as it's popular among locals and visitors. It’s tiny inside, so not ideal for large groups. Budget: €€ // Dress code: casual

Marais

Miznon: Delicious Israeli food in the heart of the Jewish quarter. The lamb kebab is a personal favorite, but they offer fantastic vegetarian choices. You can dine in or take away. It's a casual setting that's perfect for a laid-back meal. Budget: €€ // Dress code: casual

Derrière: Not only does this place serve delicious, seasonal dishes, but it also boasts a quirky interior that adds a unique touch to your dining experience. The owner is lovely, too! Reserve in advance. Budget: €€€ // Dress code: casual

404: One of the best Moroccan restaurants in the city. Cousous is one of my favorite meals and 404 does it just right. You must reserve. Budget: €€ // Dress code: casual

Andy Wahloo: If you're in the mood for a cocktail and a trendy interior, this is your spot. Come early, as seats fill up quickly. Budget: €€€ // Dress code: casual, chic

Restaurant Hotel National des Arts & Metiers: A delightful Italian dining experience with a sophisticated interior designed by the renowned French designer and architect Raphael Navot. Reservations are a must. If you arrive early, grab a drink on the rooftop terrace. I also love to come for coffee or tea in the lounge. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: chic

Paris Artisanal Café: Sip on quality coffee while people-watching or take your brew to-go. Budget: €€ // Dress code: casual

Le Mary Celeste: I love their oysters, but you can’t go wrong here. Everything on the menu is delicious. Reservations are a must. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Marché des Enfants Rouge: The name, which translates to "Market of the Red Children," pays homage to an old orphanage that once stood there. Now, it’s an open-air food market with an array of international cuisine, fresh produce, and artisanal foods. Budget: €€ // Dress code: casual

Jardin des Plantes

Paris Mosque: There’s a wonderful restaurant and tea room. You can also tour the Mosque. The grounds are beautiful. There’s also a hammam, so if you’re on a girl’s trip, it’d be fun to squeeze that in! Budget: € - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Panthéon

Cafe de la Nouvelle Mairie: Nestled near the Panthéon, this charming spot serves classic French dishes with a modern twist. The menu isn't a novel; it's concise, seasonal, and well thought out. If you’re a connoisseur of biodynamic wines, you won’t be disappointed. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Luxembourg Gardens

Le Rélais de l’Entrecôte: Steak lovers, this one's for you. They’ve three locations in Paris. I always go to the location on Boulevard du Montparnasse since it’s in my neighborhood. On the menu? A simple yet mouthwatering steak, French fries, and a side salad with the best dressing. The drink and dessert menus offer more options. Get in line at least 25-30 minutes before opening to be seated for the first service. Otherwise, you could easily wait an hour before being seated for the second service. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Bread & Roses: This is a wonderful spot for brunch. They have two locations; one next to Luxembourg Gardens and one next to Tuilieries Gardens. I always go to the one next to Luxembourg Gardens because it’s in my neighborhood. Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, with a bakery and a restaurant under one roof. I love their pain campagne or scones from the bakery and their scrambled eggs when you dine in. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Café Judy: If you’re looking for a charming, healthy spot for brunch or lunch, look no further. They’ve two locations, but Judy Fleurus is my go-to. They have a sit-down restaurant (reservations recommended during the week) or a café for takeaway next door. Budget: € - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Hypothèse: This adorable, casual French restaurant is next to Luxembourg Gardens (one block from Café Judy). They have a classic French menu with seasonal daily specials. You can reserve online. It’s no fuss and delicious. If you’re traveling with a baby, they have a changing table—a rare sight in Paris.

Le Select: For a classic French brunch experience that oozes croissants, sliced baguette or tartine, butter, jam, eggs, fresh-squeezed juice, and, of course, coffee without a pancake in sight. It's Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots vibes minus the tourist hustle and bustle (and lines). You should easily find a table for breakfast, but reserve for lunch, especially if you want a good table in the front. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Saint Germain des Près

Laperouse: On the menu: classic French cuisine. The entire experience at Laperouse is truly something special. This place has always been on the map, but it’s even more well-known after its feature in the Netflix series Emily in Paris. Budget: €€€€ // Dress code: chic

Breizh Café Odéon: Not your average 5 euro crepe place on the go—elevate your crepe game with top-quality ingredients. The location near Odéon is my favorite, especially when you can sit on the terrace during spring and summer. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Ralph’s: Classic American dishes in the famous Ralph Lauren decor in one of the most lovely courtyards in the entire city. Although it is difficult to reserve a table here and reserve a table you must! Budget: €€€€ // Dress code: casual, chic

Le Bon Marché

Le Recamier: They have the best savoury and sweet soufflés ever. You must reserve at least a few days prior. Budget: €€€ // Dress code: casual, chic

Grace Café: Nestled next to Le Bon Marché, its location boasts a lovely terrace that neighbors the sweetest floral shop. Their salads and desserts are my go-to, especially the apple, pear crumble, and cheesecake. Just a heads up: the cheesecake packs a punch of orange blossom flavor, so it's not for everyone. But if you're a fan, you're in for a treat!

Le Bar des Près: Asian fusion; everything on the menu is delightful, from the dishes to the drinks to the dessert. Budget: €€€€ // Dress code: chic

Colorova: Arguably my favorite brunch on the left bank. I live for their granola and scrambled eggs. The coffee is also excellent. They can literally do no wrong. Reservations are strongly recommended for lunch or during the weekend. Budget: € - €€ // Dress code: casual

Ten Belles: Wonderful stop for a quality coffee or Chai. It’s small on the inside, so there’s not a lot of space to sit, but it’s great a place for coffee on the run. For a caffeine fix or a cozy spot for quality Chai, this is your place. It’s small on the inside, so if you’re a large group, it’s best to take to-go. Budget: € // Dress code: casual

Musée d’Orsay

Les Antiquaires: If you find yourself wandering the neighborhood in search of an authentic place to grab a very French lunch or dinner, then Les Antiquaires is your spot. Budget: €€ // Dress code: casual

Eiffel Tower

Les Deux Abeilles: French restaurant founded by two sisters a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower. Not touristy but you must reserve for lunch. Great for lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. I love their quiches, desserts, and hot chocolate. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

L’Alma: Upscale French cuisine without the tourist hordes. Locals, government officials, and in-the-know tourists come here. Booking in advance is wise, particularly for lunch. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: chic

Brasserie Thoumieux: Excellent French cuisine in a chic and convivial setting. Save this restaurant for a special night. You must book on their website in advance. If you’re a party of eight or more, they request you contact them via email. Budget: €€€ // Dress code: chic

La Fontaine de Mars: A classic French favorite in the heart of Paris. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Aux Merveilleux de Fred: They’ve several locations scattered across the city. They are famous for their meringues, but my guilty pleasure is their chocolate chip brioche. This is a place to grab and go, with no seating. Budget: €€ // Dress code: casual

Love Juice Bar: My favorite spot for cold-pressed juice in the neighborhood. I also love their chocolate-covered, peanut butter-filled dates. Budget: € // Dress code: casual

Gigi: The perfect blend of swank and Italian cuisine. Whether it's lunch, happy hour, or a cozy dinner, you'll enjoy the experience, the design, and the view. For the connoisseurs, the Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro designed the interior. You must reserve: lunch reservations are open two weeks in advance and dinner one week in advance. Budget: €€€€ // Dress code: chic

Champs Elysées

The Champs Elysées is not my top pick for dining (or anything). It's lost some of that Parisian charm and it’s rife with pickpockets. Still, if you're in tourist mode, here are a couple of spots for a quick treat or a bite.

Pierre Hermé: Pierre Hermé macarons are my favorite. They have a different texture than the famous Ladurée macarons. They’ve several locations throughout the city, but if you find yourself near the Champs Elysées, don’t hesitate to pop in for a treat. Budget: € - €€ // Dress code: casual

Les Jardins du Presbourg: Upscale French and Italian dishes; if you know you’ll be in the area, it’s best to reserve as it fills up quickly. Budget: €€€ // Dress code: casual, chic

Restaurant Le Drugstore: In prime location facing the iconic Arc de Triomphe, this contemporary brasserie offers a diverse menu with both French and international options. Reservations are a must. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Opera

CoCo Paris: Nestled within the Paris Opera, CoCo is a beautiful spot for lunch, happy hour or dinner. I love the terrace in the warmer months. A varied menu with French and international options. Reservations are a must.

La Belle Epqoue: Classic French dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients; you can’t go wrong here. Budget: €€ - €€€ / Dress code: casual

Udon Jubey: The Rue Sainte Anne area is known for its Japanese cuisine, and Udon Jubey is a personal favorite. I stumbled across this restaurant while studying abroad in 2013 and have been returning ever since. Budget: €€ / Dress code: casual

Sacré Coeur

Pink Mamma: Part of the Big Mamma group, this Italian restaurant is a hit. Make a reservation if you can, or try your luck in line. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Bar à Bulles: A bar on top of the Moulin Rouge. From the rooftop, you can see the iconic red windmill. It’s trendy, laid back, and a bit quirky. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Hotel Amour Restaurant: An eclectic, romantic ambiance with stylish decor and garden setting. A great spot for brunch, lunch, or happy hour. Reservations are recommended if you’re eating. Budget: €€ - €€€ // Dress code: casual

Cafe Tabac: Lovely coffee shop with great brunch and lunch Budget: € - €€ // Dress code: casual

From landmark to landmark: a guide to Paris bars, restaurants, and cafes