15 Best French Restaurants in Paris for 2025
Seeking out the best French restaurants Paris has to offer? Ready to find a solid foundation to start from? We’ve compiled a list to help you explore the many establishments, old and new, that this amazing city has to offer. From traditional bistros to contemporary brasseries, the restaurant scene here is as rich and diverse as the city’s history.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best French restaurants in Paris, each offering a unique taste of the city’s gastronomic soul. Whether you’re looking for the perfect French onion soup or steak frites or ready to try escargot and other delicacies, this list has got you covered. Bon appétit!
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The 15 Best French Restaurants in Paris
1. Chez Janou
Starting off strong at the top of our list is Chez Janou. If you’re seeking one of the best French restaurants in Paris on a budget, this spot will impress with its classic Provençal dishes and a long list of pastis (an anise-flavored spirit) to explore.
The Vibe
Found tucked on a corner, the quaint and intimate nature of the space makes this one of the best French restaurants for Paris tourists and locals seeking a homey atmosphere.
What to Order
Go for the ratatouille, a beautifully-plated vegetable stew known to be one of the best in the city.
Chez Janou | 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003, Paris, France | €€
2. Bistro Paul Bert
Head to the 11th arrondissement for a traditional Parisian experience at Bistro Paul Bert. For more than two decades, this beloved spot has been one of the best French restaurants in Paris for authentic, locally-sourced cuisine.
The Vibe
Dine on comfy red leather chairs in a vintage space lined with mirrors and historic artwork. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable with a dash of old-world charm to boot.
What to Order
This is one of the best French restaurants in Paris for those seeking the perfect steak au poivre, served with crisp handmade fries. Each bite is tender and full of flavor.
Bistro Paul Bert | 18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011, Paris, France | €€€
3. Benoit
Opened over a century ago, Benoit began as a neighborhood bistro and has since become a top French dining spot, expanding to Tokyo and New York. As locals say: “At your place, Benoit, we drink and feast like kings.”
The Vibe
Today, you’ll find timeless décor from a simpler age with candlesticks, a roaring fireplace and a private lounge. Gold windowpanes add an elegant touch here at one of the best French restaurants in Paris.
What to Order
Guests come for the house's signature dish, the cassoulet, a rich stew of white beans, sausage, pork and duck confit under a crisp crust. It comes in a heavy cast-iron pot, ready for sharing.
Benoit | 20 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004, Paris, France | €€€
4. Joséphine Chez Dumonet
Originally founded in the late 1800s, Joséphine Chez Dumonet is a café/coal merchant-turned restaurant, a family-run business and of course, one of the best French restaurants in Paris for classic dishes.
The Vibe
While it’s not one of the top options if you’re looking for the best French restaurants in Paris on a budget, the charming ambiance of classy amber walls, rustic seating and shelves of books and wine to admire make up for it.
What to Order
Try the bœuf bourguignon aux tagliatelles featuring in-house soup stock, one of the best of its kind in the city. The Grand Marnier soufflé is also a local favorite.
Joséphine Chez Dumonet | 117 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006, Paris, France | €€€€
5. Robert et Louise
Named after its founders, Robert et Louise has years of history under its belt as a family-owned business. This steakhouse is one of the best French restaurants in Paris for expertly cooked meats and seafood grilled over an open fire.
The Vibe
Enjoy the rustic communal atmosphere as you watch your meal grilled to order under an arched stone ceiling. Dining here at one of the best French restaurants Paris offers feels like traveling back in time.
What to Order
Go for the signature entrecôte (rib-eye). It’s known to be one of the best in France. Guests rave about the crème brûlée flavored with fragrant Madagascar vanilla.
Robert et Louise | 64 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003, Paris, France | €€
6. Chez Georges
This brother-owned restaurant is a favorite of chefs like Julia Child and David Lebovitz for good reason. Chez Georges is one of the best French restaurants in Paris to explore an extensive handwritten menu in an old-school dining hall.
The Vibe
The archways are old and the paintings are even older, yet everything gleams with care as you dine in this lively, intimate space. Warm chandelier lighting and window-like mirrors complete the experience as you enjoy some classic Paris food.
What to Order
At this top contender for the best French restaurant in Paris, try the signature sole Georges, a sole fish served in a creamy white-wine sauce. It’s a uniquely rich seafood dish.
Chez Georges | 1 Rue du Mail, 75002, Paris, France | €€€
7. Café des Musées
First opened in 1924, Café des Musées is one of the best French restaurants in Paris for experiencing remnants of the belle époque era (the beautiful era, in reference to the thriving times of the early 1900s). Visitors of the museums nearby often come here after, hence the name.
The Vibe
Dark red columns stand tall against pale yellow walls in this rustic, low-key space. Observe the historic photos on the walls as you enjoy your meal.
What to Order
During a visit at this example of one of the best French restaurants Paris has to offer, go for the award-winning boeuf bourguignon.
Café des Musées | 49 Rue de Turenne, 75003, Paris, France | €€
8. La Poule au Pot
90 years ago, La Poule au Pot was established as a late-night place for market workers and early morning dwellers. Today, it’s known as one of the best French restaurants in Paris for those wanting to return to the simpler times of the 1930s.
The Vibe
If you’re into art deco-inspired mosaics and shiny copper columns, this is the place to be. This spot is one of the top French restaurants in Paris for enjoying an utterly vintage vibe.
What to Order
The signature poule au pot is a savory stew of poached chicken and vegetables dating all the way back to the 1600s.
La Poule au Pot | 9 Rue Vauvilliers, 75001, Paris, France | €€€
9. Les Philosophes
After a long day around town, head to the Marais district for a taste of history and authentic Parisian cuisine. Les Philosophes is among the best French restaurants Paris offers for those who want a menu inspired by fresh ingredients.
The Vibe
There’s something romantic about this example of one of the best French restaurants in Paris, likely in the spiral staircase and stone walls. The rustic wooden seating and no-frills decorations provide ample space for the bustling atmosphere.
What to Order
Try the beloved French onion soup, a generous bowl topped with fluffy bread pieces. For dessert, go for the île flottante (floating island), a dish of cooled poached meringue and vanilla custard.
Les Philosophes | 28 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004, Paris, France | €€
10. Chez Monsieur
It’s a house. It’s a restaurant. It’s Chez Monsieur, one of the best French restaurants in Paris for gourmet fare. This century-old restaurant, featured in the Michelin guide, is all about traditional fare and indulgent wines to match.
The Vibe
Spend a romantic evening here with crimson velvet booths, mosaic tile flooring and a metallic countertop bar to set the mood.
What to Order
The homemade terrine of duck foie gras with cherry jam is a crowd favorite. This dish has helped make the spot one of the most famous French restaurants in Paris.
Chez Monsieur | 11 Rue du Chevalier Saint-George, 75008, Paris, France | €€€
11. Au Pied de Cochon
Similar to La Poule au Pot, Au Pied de Cochon is another establishment opened initially to serve market workers. It was the first spot in the city to be open 24 hours a day, all week long. Today, this remains one of the best French restaurants in Paris for classic brasserie fare.
The Vibe
As one of the best French restaurants in Paris, this place is lively and timeless with its mirrored walls, brass fixtures and bustling crowds.
What to Order
Customers love the 14-hour slow-cooked confit pork loin, a rich and tender dish served with pesto and finely mashed potatoes.
Au Pied de Cochon | 6 Rue Coquillière, 75001, Paris, France | €€
12. Les Cocottes
Nothing beats a hot meal served in an equally hot cocotte (a heatproof dish). That’s what Les Cocottes is all about. This is among the best French restaurants Paris has to offer for comforting casseroles and seafood dishes.
The Vibe
The atmosphere strikes a balance between the old and the new with stone walls and colorful red and blue seats all around. It’s one of the best French restaurants that Paris boasts when it comes to finding a more modern ambiance.
What to Order
Go for the langoustines ravioli served with a light shellfish emulsion. The dish is sweet and savory. Save room for the lineup of classic French desserts like crème brûlée.
Les Cocottes | 135 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007, Paris, France | €€
13. L’Atelier Maître Albert
Nestled in the Latin Quarter is a house that dates back to the 1400s with stone walls, private rooms and a roaring fireplace to enjoy while dining. That’s L’Atelier Maître Albert by Chef Guy Savoy, one of the best French restaurants Paris offers today with astounding historic value.
The Vibe
The energy here feels upscale and warm. Modern pop art hangs on the walls of one room, while a wine cellar lines another. Soft ambient lighting sets a cozy mood.
What to Order
The spit-roasted free-range chicken is a regular favorite for many guests of this spot, one of the best French restaurants in Paris.
L'Atelier Maître Albert | 1 Rue Maître Albert, 75005, Paris, France | €€€
14. Le Comptoir du Relais
With a history of fame and a Michelin guide mention under its belt, Le Comptoir du Relais stands tall among the best French restaurants in Paris. It was sold by Chef Yves Camdeborde to Chef Bruno Doucet in 2022, marking its direction toward a bustling brasserie experience.
The Vibe
Today, this spot is as lively as ever with sunny yellow walls and wooden embellishments. Historic ephemera hangs on the walls here at one of the best French restaurants Paris has to offer.
What to Order
The menu changes regularly. Past standout dishes include the pig’s trotters and the lobster bisque, both of which are deeply savory French classics.
Le Comptoir du Relais | 9 carrefour de l’Odéon, 75006, Paris, France | €€€
15. L’Ardoise
Helmed by Chef Pierre Jay, L’Ardoise (meaning “slate”) rounds out our star-studded list with its focus on thoughtfully crafted, seasonal cuisine using local ingredients. The elegant yet relaxed setting makes it one of the best French restaurants in Paris for modern bistro dining.
The Vibe
Relax after a long day here at one of the top French restaurants in Paris. With a quaint atmosphere and modern-chic décor, plus booth seating, soft lighting and the day’s specials elegantly written on the walls, you’ll be relaxed in no time.
What to Order
Don’t miss the beef bourguignon — a beloved dish here, served with penne pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a comforting twist on the classic.
L’Ardoise | 28 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001, Paris, France | €€
Other Foodie Experiences in Paris
After all the visits to the best French restaurants in Paris, you may be ready to discover other foodie experiences in the City of Love. Immerse yourself in French culture with one of the many hands-on cooking classes in Paris. Or if you’d rather sit back and relax, hire one of the various expert private chefs in Paris.
If you’re still up to exploring the city in a more interactive way, consider booking one of the many food tours in Paris. Find hidden gems and learn more about the local food scene from experienced tour guides who know the city like the back of their hand. Soon enough, you’ll know about the most famous French restaurants in Paris as well as the best-kept secrets, just like a local.
Whether you're craving timeless classics or modern twists, dining in Paris is an experience that goes beyond the plate. From cozy bistros to Michelin-starred spots, these picks highlight the best French restaurants Paris has to offer.
As you plan your culinary adventures, let this guide lead you to the best French restaurants Paris serves up — each one a delicious window into the city's culture, history and irresistible charm. For even more ways to explore Paris and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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