In a foodie’s heaven like Paris, it’s easy to get sucked into tourist traps – whether it’s in the bougie 16th arrondissement or low-key and hipster Marais district. While a Marie Antoinette macaron from Ladurée or a savory crêpe from La Crêperie de Josselin can satisfy anyone’s desire for a classic French experience, there’s more to the City of Lights than the typical touristy fare. Here are a list of five restaurants where you can wine and dine like a real Parisian.
1. Le Volant Basque
Photo by Yegina Whang
Basque cuisine is one of the most underrated foods in Paris, and no one does it better than Le Volant Basque. The restaurant is loud, crowded, and rowdy, and you’ll find yourself brushing elbows with the table next to you. The beef bourguignon is full of flavor and compliments the mashed potatoes and rice that come as sides, and unlike many other restaurants in Paris, the portions are generous.
2. Le Reminet
Photo by Yegina Whang
Foie gras (duck liver) is probably the most recognizable French delicacy, besides escargot, of course. Tucked away on a small street next to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Le Reminet serves up one of the most interesting foie gras dishes in Paris.
The pâté comes with smoked eel, passionfruit purée, and fried onions that adds interesting layers of flavors to this classic French dish. For those not brave enough to try it, the restaurant also has some amazing crusted tuna and caramelized pork.
3. Pouic Pouic
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Another hidden gem located near Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Pouic Pouic has an amazing scallop dish that will leave you begging for more. Covered in a cream sauce with truffle, the scallops are perfectly seared on top of homemade macaroni pasta.
4. Le Bistro du Périgord
Photo by Yegina Whang
Le Bistro du Périgord is the best restaurant in Paris if you’re on a budget. A three-course dinner will only set you back 28 Euro, and their magret de carnard with sweet potatoes is the best you can find in town. Also, the bistro’s apple caramel millefeuille dessert is to die for.
5. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Photo by Yegina Whang
Probably the most recognized restaurant on this list, L’Atelier de Jöel Robuchon is famous for its modern take on French cuisine and two Michelin stars. Although the ten-course tasting menu here will cost you an arm (or more), it is 100 percent worth it if you’re looking to splurge.
The star of the meal is definitely the lamb chops, which are so tender that they will melt in your mouth. Finish it off with a glass of Bordeaux, because no meal in France is complete without the perfect wine pairing.