Paris, the city of love, art, and culture, also boasts a world-renowned culinary scene. This is a city where food isn’t just sustenance, it’s an experience. Join us as we revisit some of our most memorable dining moments in the City of Lights and rediscover the best restaurants in Paris.
Exceptional Dining Experiences
We’ve dined at countless restaurants in Paris, each leaving its mark on our memories. From the iconic Le Jules Verne atop the Eiffel Tower, with its breathtaking views, to Les Climats near the Musée d’Orsay, renowned for its exceptional wine list, and the classic Jacques Faussat in the 17th arrondissement, every experience has been special. Follow us on a culinary journey through our Parisian restaurant adventures!
Italian Delights with a French Touch
While Paris is renowned for its French cuisine, we discovered a hidden gem: L’Assaggio. Nestled within the elegant Castille Hotel on Rue Cambon, this restaurant seamlessly blends Italian flavors with refined French techniques. Chef Ugo Alciati and Executive Chef Sasha Arandjelovic collaborate to create truly exemplary dishes. We urge you to indulge in their unforgettable tasting menu.
A Century of Culinary History
Le Grand Véfour, with its rich history dating back to 1784, has graced the palates of luminaries like Bonaparte and Josephine, Victor Hugo, Jean Cocteau, Colette, and Sartre. This legendary restaurant has fed the famous and celebrated of every era.
After a meticulous renovation, Le Grand Véfour regained its original glory and was awarded three Michelin stars in the year 2000. While it now holds two stars, its history and charm remain as captivating as ever.
Dining on the Seine
For a truly magical Parisian experience, we recommend a dinner cruise along the Seine. The iconic landmarks of the city illuminated at night create an unforgettable backdrop as you savor a multi-course classic French meal. Everything looks better from a bateau sailing along the river. For the ultimate experience, choose the Service Privilege option – it includes the best seating, the best meal, and plenty of champagne!
Modern French Flavors with Asian Accents
La Verriere caught our attention while we were searching for lunch before exploring the Musée de la Libération de Paris. Located in the Hilton Maison Astor Paris, a modern and stylish hotel in a vibrant neighborhood, La Verriere offers a unique culinary experience.
Chef Kayori Hirano blends Asian flavors with French culinary savoir-faire. We particularly enjoyed the foie gras a la plancha in a dashi broth, and the canette with garlic, ginger, and a Sanshoe pepper sauce.
Parisian Terrace Dining
As the weather warms, Parisian terraces come alive with diners enjoying the outdoor scene. For the best summer dining experience, we recommend exploring the hottest terrace spots, as curated by Le Figaro, a Parisian newspaper. From the Palais Royal to St-Germain, and even venturing out to Belleville, you’ll find some of the most charming Parisian terraces.
A Secret Garden Oasis
If you need an escape from the bustle of Grand Magasins, head to the Hotel Particulier Montmartre. Tucked away in a quiet, secret garden, Le Grand Salon, the hotel’s restaurant, offers a tranquil retreat from the city’s chaos. Sip champagne from vintage flutes, enjoy a vegetable-forward menu, and imagine yourself living in this former private mansion.
Provence in the Marais
The Marais, a vibrant neighborhood known for its bustling streets and trendy shops, is also home to a popular bistro that evokes the sunny flavors of Provence: Chez Prune. At lunchtime, locals flock to this bistro to savor casual-fare favorites. From roasted goat cheese rounds with a rich tomato sauce, to petite friture de poissons, and lamb, rabbit, or duck main courses, Chez Prune offers a taste of classic French bistro cuisine. Be prepared for crowds and potentially a bit of sloppy service, but it’s worth the experience.
A Classic Brasserie
In a quiet corner of the 10th arrondissement, a tired corner cafe has been transformed into a classic brasserie. Le Bouillon Chartier, with its simple yet delicious French grandmother classics, offers a taste of authentic French cuisine. The menu, while short, features high-quality ingredients sourced from every corner of France: hams from Auvergne, rich butter from Brittany, and fish from Normandy.
Seafood Sensations at Brasserie Lutetia
After a major renovation, Hotel Lutetia revealed a new look, including the restored Brasserie Lutetia. Renowned chef Gérald Passédat, known for his seafood-focused Michelin 3-Star restaurant in Marseille, brought his expertise to this brasserie. Fresh oysters are the highlight, alongside seafood platters and whole fish.
Remembering Chef Christian Constant
For many years, a Parisian culinary adventure was incomplete without dining at one of Chef Christian Constant’s restaurants. His restaurants dominated a street near the Eiffel Tower, including Les Cocottes.
While Chef Constant has since retired, his legacy lives on in our memories. We fondly recall dishes like seared duck with Asian vegetables, scallops served in the shell with celeriac purée, flavorful roast chicken, and Basque cheese with black cherry jam.
Paris is a city that captivates the senses. From its charming streets to its iconic landmarks, every corner offers a new discovery. And when it comes to food, Paris is a haven for culinary enthusiasts. We encourage you to explore its diverse restaurants, from classic brasseries to modern bistros and terrace dining experiences. Let your taste buds guide you on a journey through the culinary delights of the City of Lights.
