Embrace the magic of Paris this winter! Discover charming, atmospheric restaurants where warmth and deliciousness meet. From historic havens to contemporary gems, these eateries will make your Parisian experience unforgettable.
Time Travel Through Parisian History
Journey through centuries in these restaurants where history whispers through every corner. Imagine a world where gas lamps illuminate the streets and cobblestone alleys lead to hidden treasures. These eateries embody that timeless allure, making every meal a voyage through Parisian past.
Le Petit Parisien: Step into this 1791 charmer, a true Parisian gem. Settle on the charming terrace and admire the Jardin du Luxembourg, a serene oasis just across the way. Don’t forget to bundle up, though, as French outdoor terraces are no longer heated. Inside, the red-leather banquettes and old-world wooden chairs beckon you to linger. The globe lights cast a soft, warm glow, creating a cozy ambience, and the tempting display of homemade desserts will make you forget about your menu choices. But rest assured, you’ll find classic Gallic favorites at reasonable prices.
Le Caveau de la Huchette: This enchanting restaurant, nestled in the Latin Quarter, transports you to medieval Paris. Explore its rabbit-warren corridors, venturing into rooms within buildings dating back to the 14th, 16th, and 17th centuries. Every corner reveals a piece of Parisian history, with beamed ceilings, antique bibelots in wall cabinets, and old street plaques unearthed during the 1960s restoration. Imagine the excitement of the founders discovering vestiges of a Gallo-Roman swimming pool and a 16th-century well! Don’t miss the chance to sit near the roaring Louis XIII fireplace, a perfect winter refuge.
Charming Eateries for Every Mood
Discover hidden gems where every detail adds to the magic of Parisian dining. These restaurants offer a comforting mix of classic cuisine and cozy ambiences.
Le Petit Paris: This sweet spot in the Lower Marais is adored by locals and visitors alike. Nestled in an 18th-century cottage with a 1930s interior, it exudes classic charm. Start your meal with an apéritif, enjoying a kir royal mixed with various fruit liqueurs, like cassis or cherry, a nod to the restaurant’s name. End with a soul-stirring dessert, and don’t miss the delightful tarte tatin.
Le Provençal: While perfect for summer dining, this Provençal-themed restaurant near Place des Vosges transforms into a cozy haven during winter. The terrace beckons with warm blankets and budlights, while the interior glows with golden lighting and polished wood tables. Indulge in classic South of France dishes that will transport you to the Côte d’Azur, and explore the winter menu featuring creative mains like prawns flambéed with Pastis and served with anise-infused rice.
Indulge in Parisian Luxury
Escape to a world of elegance in these restaurants where every detail whispers of Parisian grandeur. Imagine chandeliers casting shimmering reflections on mirrored walls, and private rooms perfect for romantic evenings. These restaurants offer a luxurious dining experience that will linger long after your meal.
Lapérouse: Behind the elegant gilded-boiserie façade of this 17th-century townhouse lies one of Paris’s most decadent dining experiences. The recently refurbished Belle Époque interior is a feast for the senses, from the painted ceilings to mirrored walls and candlelit ambiance. For an intimate and romantic meal, book one of the exquisite private rooms for two. Larger groups can choose from smaller rooms for parties of four, six, eight, and more. Lapérouse holds a fascinating secret. In the late 19th century, Parisian libertines favored these private nooks for rendezvous with their mistresses, often using a secret stairway for discretion. Many of the rooms still bear the marks of history, with scratched mirrors left by courtesans testing the veracity of their gifts.
Le Petit Châtelet: Tucked into a 16th-century building nestled between two taller structures, one housing the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookshop, Le Petit Châtelet embraces the past. A family business since 1951, it offers an authentic French dining experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll be seated near the dormer windows on the first floor, overlooking the towers of Notre-Dame. Alternatively, the cozy ground floor, with its country-restaurant allure, old wood-fired grill, and large chalkboard menu, will make you feel right at home.
Parisian Classics: From Brasseries to Bistros
Embrace the timeless spirit of Parisian dining in these beloved eateries, where classic cuisine meets warm hospitality. Whether you’re craving a traditional brasserie experience or a cozy bistro atmosphere, these restaurants offer a taste of Parisian life.
Les Éditeurs: If you find yourself at the Carrefour de l’Odéon crossroad, Les Éditeurs offers a relaxed and welcoming ambiance. With comfy seating and friendly staff, it’s a true local favorite. The menu features a crowd-pleasing mix of comforting French classics like croque-monsieur and onion soup, alongside more elaborate mains. It’s also a perfect spot for solo diners, and if you don’t have a book, feel free to browse the library-like atmosphere created by the bookcases lining the walls.
Chez Georges: For a quintessential Parisian brasserie experience, Chez Georges is an absolute must. Its lace-curtained windows, tiled mosaic floor, and banquette seating evoke its 1964 opening. Don’t be intimidated by its mysterious façade, as inside awaits a bustling and welcoming restaurant. Savour the handwritten menu, boasting a selection of homemade dishes, from classic œuf mayo to sole meunière, and complement your meal with a glass of wine from their petite but perfectly curated list.
Bistrot Vivienne: Located just steps from Palais-Royal and within the stunning Galerie Vivienne, this bistro is perfect for a day of shopping. Enjoy a classic breakfast, or escape the rain for a long lunch, as they offer continuous service from midday to 11 pm. Choose from several areas with distinct ambiances, including the pretty terrace on the tiled arcade floor or the velvety boudoir-like room upstairs. The original 19th-century space, with its authenticity, offers a calming atmosphere, and the homemade dishes, like French onion soup and creamy truffle-infused pasta, are sure to delight.
Parisian Nightlife Gems
Experience the vibrant energy of Parisian nightlife at these charming bars and restaurants where conversation flows as freely as the wine. From cozy hideaways to lively terraces, these spots offer a perfect end to your Parisian day.
Le Cheval d’Or: This emerald-green bar in the Marais, named for its horseshoe-shaped counter, is a joy to visit. Enjoy an apéro at the le zinc or sit en terrasse, watching the world go by. For a truly cozy experience, request a table in the tiny back room, where the chalked script on the blackboard menu, featuring daily specials like soup, meat, and fish, will transport you to another era.
Paris is a city that offers a dining experience for every taste and mood. Explore these hidden gems and create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy your journey through the heart of Paris!
