Craving something fresh and different after all those delicious steaks and cassoulets? Paris, the city of lights, is also home to an impressive selection of seafood restaurants that will make your taste buds sing!
A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
You might think of Paris as a land of pastries and baguettes, but believe me, the city’s seafood scene is just as captivating. It took me a few trips to truly appreciate the quality and variety of seafood restaurants here. Now, I eagerly seek out fresh scallops, mussels, and more after visiting the Eiffel Tower!
Dive into Clamato: A Trendy Seafood Tapas Haven
Nestled in the vibrant Sainte Marguerite neighborhood, Clamato is a trendy seafood restaurant that will leave you craving more. I’d heard whispers of its deliciousness, so I couldn’t resist trying it out. I was immediately charmed by the rustic decor and green and cream color scheme, but the menu was the real star.
Clamato embraces the tapas concept, allowing you to try a variety of small plates. My personal favorites were the whelks, a briny and meaty delicacy best enjoyed with creamy garlic aioli, and the pollock ceviche, a vibrant dish bursting with citrus and pungent onions. Don’t forget to explore their extensive selection of natural wines – they’re perfect for pairing with the delicious dishes.
La Cagouille: Sophisticated Style Meets Shellfish Delights
Just on the edge of Montparnasse lies La Cagouille, a stylish bistro that might have easily slipped under my radar. The interior boasts a sophisticated and chic ambiance with a touch of nautical flair, but I opted to dine al fresco, soaking up the Parisian sunshine in their spacious patio.
While the menu tempted me with many excellent seafood options, it was the crustacean dishes that caught my eye. I couldn’t resist sharing oysters from renowned oyster farm David Hervé with my friend. They were succulent, fleshy, and lightly sweet, exceeding even my high expectations.
We also sampled cockles, offering a refreshing clean, salty taste and firm texture. La Cagouille is a delightful blend of style and substance, perfect for a seafood-loving foodie.
Indulge in Michelin-Star Excellence at Restaurant Divellec
For a truly special occasion, venture into the 7th arrondissement to experience the Michelin-starred Restaurant Divellec. This elegant establishment will transport you to the seaside with its wicker seating and subtle blue and green upholstery, creating a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.
The impeccable service and extensive menu and wine list will leave you feeling pampered. My journey began with the Italian-style seabass carpaccio, a delicate and flavorful combination of seabass, sour apple jelly, and tart lemon caviar.
For my main course, I chose the turbot, a fish that’s a rare treat, and was delighted by its rich yet gentle taste, perfectly complimented by fruity chanterelle mushrooms and a zesty citrus broth. Restaurant Divellec is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Sur Mer: Sharing Plates and Fresh Flavors in the Heart of Paris
Tucked between the charming districts of Le Marais and Canal Saint-Martin, Sur Mer, helmed by Chef Olive Davoux, is a fantastic choice for groups, offering an array of sharing plates. The simple and traditional dining room features monochrome tiles and Mediterranean-style prints, and the open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs work their magic.
We quickly found ourselves savoring razor-clam tartare and grilled octopus. The tartare was exquisite, featuring a sharp, tangy flavor and an artistic presentation, further enhanced by the nutty Jerusalem artichokes and crispy, earthy sorrel.
The grilled octopus was a burst of robust flavors, with the slightly chewy, mellow meat soaking up the heat from the chilis, the herby notes from the capers, and the fennel’s licorice-like tones. Sur Mer is a delightful fusion of fresh flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
Prunier Victor Hugo: Caviar Dreams Come True
Just a stone’s throw from the Arc de Triomphe, Prunier Victor Hugo stands out with its eye-catching blue exterior and ocean-like design. This Art Deco eatery is a slick and stylish haven, with polished furnishings, gold finishes, and tapestry-inspired wallpaper, creating an experience for all your senses.
I was determined to sample the caviar at this iconic brand’s only restaurant, having previously enjoyed their offerings in London. The server’s detailed explanation of each variety led me to the baeri caviar, which captivated me with its deep color and remarkably intense flavor.
The salty flavors and notes of hazelnut lingered in my mouth, along with the silky-smooth texture of the melting grains, leaving me in a state of caviar-induced bliss. Prunier Victor Hugo is a must-visit for caviar connoisseurs and seafood enthusiasts alike.
Le Crabe Marteau: A Casual Seafood Haven with a Pirate Ship Vibe
Le Crabe Marteau, located in the 17th arrondissement, is one of two branches run by the team behind this popular seafood brasserie, and the only one in Paris. The relaxed atmosphere was a pleasant surprise, and the thick sailing ropes and rescue buoys lining the walls gave it a fun, pirate ship vibe.
This casual haunt is known for its langoustines and crab, and true to their reputation, each diner is provided with a hammer to crack open their meal! I went all out and ordered half a crab with langoustines, and let me tell you, it was worth it!
The langoustines were some of the juiciest and most tender I’ve ever had, with a clean, delicate finish. The crab, with its flaky meat and hint of fishiness, was equally impressive. Le Crabe Marteau is a fun and casual spot for quality seafood.
Langousta: Modern Elegance and Ocean-Fresh Delights
In the heart of the 16th arrondissement lies Langousta, an unassuming restaurant serving up top-notch seafood. I was lucky enough to grab a table on their modern patio, which features cool-toned colors and marble-esque tables.
Our group opted for a seafood platter overflowing with prawns, lobster, and violets. It was massive, so only order if you have a hearty appetite!
The prawns were delicious, with a subtle sweetness, and the lobster was delightfully buttery, but it was the violets that truly stole the show. Despite my initial skepticism about their high iodine content, I found myself dreaming about their luscious texture and potent, umami flavors. Langousta is a stylish and delicious choice for any seafood aficionado.
Discover the Seafood Delights of Paris
While Paris may not be a coastal city, its seafood scene will make you believe otherwise! The Parisian foodie culture is a vibrant mix of flavors and cuisines, and its seafood restaurants are a testament to this. From upscale bistros to casual brasseries, quality seafood awaits you in every arrondissement. So, go on, explore the Parisian seafood scene and discover your new favorite dish!
