Paris is a world-renowned food capital. However, with so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily for you, these suggestions will help you find some of the best restaurants in Paris. E
1. Ober Mamma
Forget everything you think you know about pizza because Ober Mamma will change your entire worldview. This is hands-down the best place to get pizza in Paris. The owners and staff have all moved from Italy and can easily speak to you in French, Italian, and English. Ober Mamma’s pizza is crafted in the true Neapolitan style with fresh ingredients imported from Italy. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, their truffle pasta is just as famous as the pizza.
#SpoonTip: arrive 15 minutes before they open. The wait times can be as long as 2 hours, so put your name in early to secure your spot.
2. Biglove Caffè
An entirely gluten-free restaurant in a country that lives off of bread and pastries? Yes, dreams really do come true. Owned by Ober Mamma, their gluten-free pepperoni pizza is suspiciously delicious. This is one of the best restaurants in Paris that gives you gluten-free options without having to sacrifice the taste of traditional French cuisine. Unlike many cafés in Paris, Biglove is open all day, so you can stop by for any (or every) meal.
#SpoonTip: If you can’t make it to Ober Mamma or Biglove Caffè, the Big Mamma Group also owns East Mamma, Mamma Primi, and Pizzeria Popolare in Paris.
3. Chez Lili et Marcel
Chez Lili et Marcel is the quintessential French brasserie. They have the terrace (for smoking and for judging passersby), they have the checkered placemats, and they have the moustached waiters who will check on you once every two hours. The menu is total comfort food, and Chez Lili et Marcel has got to be one of the best restaurants in Paris to get a classic French hamburger. It doesn’t hurt that you can get all of their cocktails, including raspberry mint mojitos and Manhattans, for a steal at 8€.
4. El Nopal
You will inevitably miss tacos or guac at some point in your trip. Tucked away in the burgeoning 10th Arrondissement near the Canal St. Martin, this taco stand will get you your taco fix on the cheap — and they sure don’t skimp on the spice. El Nopal has all of the classics, including asada, carnitas, and al pastor. If tacos aren’t your thing, you can also get burritos, tortas, and quesadillas.
5. Marcel
Marcel has perfected the art of American brunch. They have a few locations around the city, including one hidden in the hills of Montmartre. Eggs Benedict, waffles, and kale salads are all available to fulfill your Sunday brunch desires. Don’t worry, they have mimosas, too.
6. Le Train Bleu
Wait, this isn’t Versailles? Nope, you’re actually eating inside of Paris’ beloved Gare de Lyon. If you’ve just taken the train in from Italy or Switzerland, Le Train Bleu is the perfect restaurant to get you acquainted with French opulence. I know that “dinner in a train station” doesn’t sound like it would be a great time, but Le Train Bleu offers a modern twist on the French classics that you came to Paris to eat. It’s a bit on the pricier side, so it would be perfect so save for a special occasion.
7. Les Quatre Amis
Let me tell you, these four friends know what they are doing when it comes to Chinese food. A Chinese restaurant may not be at the top of your bucket list, but Les Quatre Amis is one of the best in Paris. Their most famous dish is the Imperial Chicken, which has peanuts and bell peppers covered in a spicy sauce. The food is very authentic and the menu is large enough that you can try something you have never had before. Les Quatre Amis is also the perfect option for takeaway on a night in.
8. Umami Matcha
Matcha is huge right now, and Umami has quickly become Paris’ go-to café for everyone’s favorite green drink. Popular drinks matcha mochas, frappés, and for the adventurous ones, a plain shot of matcha. They also serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch, but the standout items on the menu have to be the desserts. Umami infuses matcha into muffins, cookies, pound cakes, and many other types of decadent sweets.
9. Pizzeria DaVito
I’m sure this place has great pizza, but that is not why you should come here. When you walk in the restaurant, just head straight through the freezer door and be transported into the 1920s. I’m not really allowed to say much more about it, so go check it out for yourself.
10. L’Ardoise
L’Ardoise is a classic Parisian hidden gem. It’s located on a side street off of Place de la Concorde, and you might accidentally walk past it if you aren’t looking close enough. Although it’s in the super-expensive-and-exclusive first arrondissement, it’s very cosy, and they have a small, classic menu. Not only have they perfected the French bistro game, but they are also well-known for having several vegetarian options.
11. La Crêperie Saint-Germain
La Crêperie Saint-Germain has every type of crêpe imaginable. Crêpes are a dime a dozen in Paris, and nothing can really beat a warm crêpe from a cart off the street, but La Crêperie Saint-Germain has created so many different flavor combinations that you will discover a crêpe that is entirely unique. Plus, it is located near several attractions including Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter, so it’s the perfect restaurant to pop into after a long day of sightseeing.
12. Bouillon Racine
Bouillon Racine can’t be missed if you want a classic French meal. From escargot to duck confit, Bouillon Racine can do it all. And just admit it, you’re kind of curious about what escargot tastes like.
13. Boulanger Patissier
Three words: Chocolat aux amandes. Boulanger Patissier is conveniently located next to Fromagerie Laurent Dubois, a world-famous cheese shop, and a wine market — so fill up a picnic basket with goodies from each place and head to the Eiffel Tower for the light show.
14. Télescope
This one isn’t technically a restaurant, but it is a great place to get coffee. The owner is French but got his coffee education in New York, and Télescope’s style definitely reflects that. They have a simple, classic menu, but the slow-roasted coffee is much more pleasant than the bitter double expressos you’ve likely encountered by now.
15. La Grande Mosquée de Paris Salon de Thé
Come for the mosque, stay for the mint tea. Paris’ largest mosque is open to the public for prayer or a visit, and it is definitely worth adding to your must-see list. The mosque also has a tea room that serves traditional food, pastries, and of course, mint tea. The mint tea is piping hot and super sweet, making it the perfect fall drink to share with friends.
Take advantage of the time you have in Paris to try some of the best restaurants in the world. This definitely isn’t an exhaustive list of the best restaurants in Paris, so use this as a guide to discover your own. If you can’t make it to any of these, there’s always Deliveroo.