When Walking the streets of Paris many of the cafes can look alike and it can be a challenge to choose. Read on to learn the best places to eat in Paris.
Are you preparing for an upcoming sojourn in Paris?
A Paris vacation often involves a lot of wandering, and for good reason. The City of Lights is highly walkable, home to infamous sidewalk cafes, quaint shops, and cobblestone alleys.
It’s also known for its delectable cuisine.
If you haven’t visited Paris yet, you may be unsure about where to entertain your inner foodie first.
In this post, we cover the best places to eat in Paris so that your French vacation can be everything you’ve dreamed of!
1. Maison Aleph
If French patisseries are on the menu, look no further than the Maison Aleph. This bakery offers visitors a host of pastries with multicultural flair.
Anything from the Maison Aleph fuses French, Middle Eastern, and European flavors. You’ll experience the genuine perfection of French pastry flakiness plus exotic flavors like mango, pistachio, cardamom, and more.
Top off any Maison Aleph pastry with savory cream and you’ll be glad you stopped by this corner patisserie. Find the Maison Aleph on Rue de la Verrerie.
2. Les Deux Moulins (The Two Windmills) Cafe
If you’re down for some serious people watching in Paris, don’t miss this sidewalk cafe when you visit.
Situated in artistic Montmartre, Les Deux Moulins is often packed full of artists and European bohemians eager to discuss the latest trends in fashion and art.
Lovers of the film “Amelie” will particularly appreciate a visit to this sidewalk cafe, as it features in several prominent scenes.
The food at this brasserie (cafe) is typical French bistro fare; drop by for a coffee or quick breakfast and linger to savor the neighborhood vibe!
3. Bistro Paul Bert
Considered to be one of France’s best bistros, Bistro Paul Bert won’t fail to disappoint. A sidewalk cafe and restaurant in one, Paul Bert changes its general menu on a daily basis, so you can always be assured of trying something new.
Paul Bert is particularly known for its peppercorn steak, so if you are a carnivore, be sure to put this sidewalk restaurant on your list. It can also be an ideal destination for seafood lovers, as it tends to offer fresh portions from the sea.
If you visit during warmer months, be sure to savor that infamous steak outside. Poised along Rue Paul Bert, this bistro will also give you a great panorama of a unique Parisian street corner.
It’s important to note that Paul Bert is well known by locals and visitors, so it may be wise to book reservations as far out in advance as possible.
4. Le Sancerre
If you find yourself in the Montmartre area of Paris after a day of wandering Sacre Coeur, stop by Le Sancerre. This is located in the neighborhood of Abbesses, what has now become bohemian central.
This is definitely the place to visit if you want to people watch while sipping an aperitif, a European pre-dinner drink.
It’s also open late, perfect for longer evenings when you feel keen for some French bistro fare, including burgers, salads, and simple pastas.
Find Le Sancerre on Rue des Archives. Want more in this area? Find a tour here.
5. Stohrer Pastry Shop
Paris is infamous for its delectable pastries. Who doesn’t dream of wandering those French streets with a warm croissant or baguette in hand?
If you’re keen to make French bakeries a part of your foodie tour, be sure to stop by Stohrer. This pastry shop is one of Paris’s oldest bakeries, dating back to 1730!
Stohrer is located on rue Montorgueil, a quaint street lined with cobbles and green trees.
You can’t go wrong with anything behind the counter. But you may want to pay special attention to their baba au rhum, a small liquor cake typically filled with cream.
6. Le Procope
If you find yourself in the idyllic St. Germain district, known for its historic congregations of intellectuals and artists, drop by Le Procope for some French fare. This should be a historic affair–Le Procope is allegedly Paris’s oldest operating establishment!
Dating back to 1686, Le Procope has hosted several prominent thinkers and artists, including Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, and Marat. While one of your pricier options for places to eat in Paris, Le Procope will also give you a taste for history while you savor some delectable menu options.
Enjoy some lobster rigatoni, for example, or Le Procope’s Charolais steak tartar. Or simply sip on some French onion soup–in France!–or sink into some crêpes flambées au Grand Marnier.
7. Philou
Philou is one of Paris’s best-known bistros, particularly when it comes to its wine selection and ambiance. If you’re interested in a delicious, quiet evening tucked into Paris’s best corner, look no further than Philou.
Get a spot on Philou’s terrace, situated near Hôpital St. Louis and Canal St. Martin. Enjoy their classic Breton desserts or splurge on some wild game dishes (a hot item in the winter months).
And if you’re looking for a place to try some real foie gras, drop by Philou.
The more budget-conscious can still have a lovely evening at Philou, given the restaurant’s prixe fixe menu: you can easily enjoy a two-course or three-course meal for less than 45 euros.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Eat in Paris
Paris is a spectacular destination for anyone interested in world-class cuisine, culture, and history. Yet planning your vacation to France can be daunting, especially if you want to identify the best places to eat in Paris.
Luckily, you truly can’t go wrong visiting any sidewalk cafe in Paris. But save time on review browsing by dropping by any of the cafes and restaurants mentioned in this post.
Some of these cafes may only have outdoor seating in certain seasons; others, however, are the authentic Parisian sidewalk cafe, set up for people watching and aperitif enjoying.
Visit Philou for its ambiance and fancy French cuisine. Drop by Le Procope to catch a glimpse of centuries-old history or Maison Aleph for creative interpretations of French pastries.
Here at Beekman Beer Garden, we are always in search of the world’s best cuisine, particularly craft beer. Want some more life tips about your next travel destination? Start a conversation with us now!