Where to eat in Paris

Paris is definitely one of the best food cities in the world, and I'm not just saying this because it's the place I call home. Just walking around the city will make you hungry, as you stroll past traditional bakeries, butchers and cheese shops. On every street corner, you will walk past cafes where locals gather on the terrace at any time of the day, for a glass of wine or a coffee. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the choice of Parisian cafes, traditional bistros, hole-in-the-wall Japanese eateries and authentic Italian trattorias. Some of them are tourist traps, but hopefully by reading this list, you will be guided in the right direction and experience the best that Paris has to offer (the ones marked * are a my absolute favorites).

Louvre Rivoli (1e)

* Boutique Yam’tcha - Chinese fusion tea house serving the best bao buns, made using local ingredients, such as French style pork and Sichuan eggplant or compté cheese and onion.

* Enza & Famiglia - Italian trattoria featuring pizza and homemade pasta. The white truffle tagliatelle are a must.

* Rue Sainte-Anne - This is not a restaurant but a street in Paris with dozens of Japanese restaurants, my favorites include You for sushi and Udon Jubey for noodles.

* Ellsworth - This modern Parisian restaurant has a vegetable focused dinner menu and an amazing brunch.

Sanukiya - One of the best udon restaurants in Paris, serving warm and comforting broths.

Chang - Upscale Thai restaurant with a great cocktail bar.

Uma nota - Japanese and Brazilian fusion in a convivial setting. Everything is made to share. The restaurant is on two floors and the bar is inspired by Sao Paolo's salsa clubs.

Kunitoraya - Watch the chefs prepare the thick Udon noodles and broths while seated at communal tables.

Poulette - French cuisine with an american twist and beautiful decor.

Lobster bar - Lobster bar also serving prawn and other delicious seafood dishes.

Enyaa - Not your regular Japanese gastronomic restaurant. This one specializes in dishes from the Kyoto region and has a champagne and sake bar.

Au Pied de Cochon - 24h brasserie serving local dishes, including cheesy French onion soup.

Marcel - American style breakfast, brunch and lunch.

La guinguette d'Angèle - Healthy takeaway lunch boxes, perfect for a picnic.

Gemini - Classic Italian restaurant with good pasta and pizza.

Sentier & Arts et Metier (2e)

* La bourse et la vie - French bistro run by an American chef. Order the steak cooked in Armagnac with thickly cut, crispy chips.

* Rice and fish - Japanese-Californian fusion restaurant serving fresh sushi and creative rolls.

* Daroco - Upscale Italian restaurant serving delicious food in a beautiful decor.

* Salatim - Casual Israeli restaurant serving special challah sandwiches and bowls.

* Pizzeria Popolare - Some of the best pizza in Paris, in a warm and energetic atmosphere. The restaurant belongs to the Big Mamma Group which owns and runs Italian trattorias and pizzerias all over the city. The products they use are directly imported from Italy. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait in line.

Chez Georges - Old-school bistro serving hearty Parisian classics such as sole meunière.

Echo - LA-inspired restaurant serving generous Californian food, perfect for brunch. Don't forget to order the chocolate and sea salt cookie.

Racines - Wine bar serving superb-quality cheese and charcuterie plates, along with some hot dishes such as pork cheeks stewed in red wine or braised lamb.

Rivié - All day restaurant in the Hoxton hotel, famous for its amazing interior design. Great at any time of the day, especially brunch.

La Cevicheria - Peruvian tapas restaurant including great ceviche dishes.

Filakia - Small cafe serving Greek street food and kebabs in an intimate setting.

Pollop - Minimalistic and contemporary restaurant serving French bistro style dishes inspired by Asian cuisine, such as creamy potato puree with Japanese shiitake mushrooms. They serve a 3-course lunch menu for an excellent value.

Twinkie - Small cafe serving a variety of breakfast options including delicious eggs.

Sunday in Soho - Deli, cafe and bakery with great pancakes and savory brunch dishes.

Noglu - Gluten free bakery and pastry shop.

Le petit vendôme - Parisian bistro serving classic meat dishes and cold cuts.

Frenchie - Famous for its modern, market-driven, unpretentious dishes, Frenchie is a 1-Michelin starred restaurant serving only five-course menus. Reserve well in advance.

Frenchie to go - Frenchie's little sister serving pastrami sandwiches and hot dogs to go.

Frenchie bar à vin - Frenchie's wine bar, easier to get into than the original Frenchie restaurant and the food is equally as good.

Alma - Small brunch spot, specializing in burgers, delicious coffees and chimney cakes. mushroom and burrata burger comes in a brioche bun

Blend burger - American burger joint with several locations in Paris.

Petit bao - Shanghai-style dumplings in a convivial setting.

Le Marais (3e & 4e)

* L’aller retour - This place is all about red meat and red wine. That should be enough to convince you to go.

* Breizh cafe - By far the best crepes in Paris. They have classic savory buckwheat ones with local ham and cheese or more adventurous ones with sea scallops or smoked duck breast. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait in line.

* Miznon - Mind blowing, warm and fluffy Israeli pita pockets.

* 3 fois plus de piment - The name of this restaurant translates to "Three times more spice". If that's not enough of a hint, this Chinese Sichuan restaurant serves homemade spicy noodle dishes, hearty broths and flavorful dumplings.

* Soma - Japanese tapas-style plates, from traditional dishes such as butterfish sashimi to more creative items such as green tea-infused octopus salad.

* Benedict - As the name suggests it, Benedict specializes in egg dishes, including eight variations of eggs benedict. The menu also offers generous appetizers, salads and burgers.

* BigLove - Part of the Big Mamma Group, this restaurant specialized in gluten free pizza.

* The French bastards - Young and fun bakery serving traditional breads as well as more creative items such as the 'cruffin', a mix between a croissant and muffin.

* Neighbours - Australian café serving great coffee, breakfast and brunch. Order any dish with their thick and fluffy, homemade crumpets.

* Carbón - This restaurant celebrates nature by serving wood-fire cooked vegetables, meat and fish dishes in an exclusive and trendy atmosphere.

Seasons - Relaxing cafe serving healthy food from around the world. From naan wraps to kefta salads, Seasons has plenty of tasty gluten free options.

L'As du falafel - An institution in Paris. It is a tourist trap but the falafels are still really good.

Nanashi - Healthy and fresh Japanese bento boxes in a canteen-like atmosphere.

Maison Plisson - Stylish and airy cafe, restaurant and grocer inspired by New York City's specialty food shops.

Tavline - Israeli restaurant with Morrocan and Lebanese influences. The spices used in each dish are from the 'Shuk Ha'Carmel' market in Tel Aviv.

Eataly - Famous indoor Italian food market with fresh produce and food stalls.

Wild & the moon - Homemade, organic and plant-based smoothies, soups and hot dishes.

Le loir dans la théière - Tiny and cozy tea shop famous for its cakes, especially the lemon meringue pie.

Les petites bouchees - Tapas-style restaurant meant for sharing. The name of this restaurant translates to 'small bites'.

Le petit commines - French bistronomic restaurant serving homemade dishes using fresh ingredients.

Le marche des enfants rouges - The oldest market in Paris, it's been around since 1615. Stroll around and pick which stall appeals to you the most, from the Moroccan tagines, Italian sandwiches or Japanese bento boxes.

Bonnes soeurs - Tiny café, ideal for breakfast. Order their famous eggs benedict, crunchy chips, and salmon or grilled bacon.

Bagnard Saintonge - Mediterranean tapas with Middle Eastern influences.

Salon - Warm, welcoming and flavorful Armenian and Israeli restaurant.

Fragments - A cute café with great coffee and delicious breakfast items such as banana porridge with dulce de leche or their famous avocado toast.

Chez Haki - Chinese restaurant specializing in noodles that the chef makes in front of you.

Ammazza - Cocktail bar and Italian restaurant and pizzeria with a hidden terrace.

46 & 3rd - Delicious brunch with great savory and sweet options.

Bontemps - Cozy and floral pastry shop in a romantic courtyard, serving shortbread biscuits, lemon tarts and other cakes.

Quartier Latin (5e)

* Au bougnat - Traditional bistro serving generous French dishes that change daily, such as homemade duck foie gras terrine with milky bread and quince chutney.

Mirama - Unpretentious Chinese restaurant with generous portions. Don't forget to order the delicious shrimp dumpling soup and crispy Pekin duck.

Au p'tit grecque - A bit of a tourist trap, but the sweet crêpes are tasty, especially the one with nutella and banana.

Les Papilles - Bistro, wine cellar and food grocer serving weekly market casseroles.

La Bête Noire - One meat and one vegetarian option served daily, made with seasonal ingredients from local farmers and small producers.

Shiso burger - Burgers made with Asian ingredients, for when you're craving both.

Alliance - Gastronomic 1-Michelin starred French and Japanese fusion restaurant.

Saint Germain (6e)

* Desi road - My favorite Indian restaurant in Paris, order their tasting plate which includes several of their best dishes.

* Le bar des prés - Another one of my favorite restaurants in Paris, I celebrated one of my most special birthdays here and recommend it to everyone for special occasions. The restaurant and bar serve creative cocktails, fresh sushi and sashimi, and contemporary dishes such as marinated scallop ceviche and crunchy crab and avocado galette.

Aux prés - Modern French bistro, next door to Le bar des prés, also by Cyril Lignac. Come here for their 3-course brunch, côte de boeuf or vanilla millefeuille.

L'avant comptoir - One of Yves Camdeborde's tapas bars serving everything related to seafood, from blood-orange razor clams to roasted scallops and salmon croquettes.

Blueberry - Creative sushi rolls and chef's plates made for sharing.

Terrasse de l’Alcazar - This trendy restaurant serves local food and is famous for its brunch. The food is good but you mostly come here for the upbeat atmosphere and flowery garden-like interior.

Judy - Healthy and gluten free canteen, ideal for vegetarians.

Blend burger - American burger joint with several locations in Paris.

Maison sauvage - Deux étages, une terrasse et une façade recouverte de végétaux, qui changent au rythme des saisons, c'est cet ensemble harmonieux qui en fait un lieu au charme unique. Order the avocado toast with crumbled feta and pomegranate seeds.

Bouillon Racine - This heritage-listed art nouveau ‘soup kitchen’ from 1906 serves classic, hearty French meat dishes.

Saint perl - Seasonal brunch, specialty coffee and homemade cakes and pastries.

Au Pied de Fouet - Charming historic Parisian bistro, serving homemade dishes on red checkered table clothes. Eggs & Co - Eggs available in every form and variation, as well as delicious coffee.

Jixiao dumplings - Chinese cafe serving fried bao buns filled with pork, vegetables and warm flavorful broth.

Invalides & Ecole Militaire (7e)

* Marzo - Authentic Italian pizzeria with a second location in thee 16th arrondissement.

Café du marché - This popular café is on a pedestrian street, ideal for people-watching.

Marlon - Hearty Californian brunch spot serving eggs, burgers, pancakes and french toast.

La Laiterie Sainte-Clotilde - Small and relaxed bistro serving a comfort-food-centric menu.

Noglu - Gluten free pastry shop and café with some lunch options.

La fontaine de mars - Enjoy delicious duck breast, black pudding and lavish seafood platters at this iconic 1930s-styled neighbourhood bistro.

Epoca - If you can't pick between Paris and Rome, order some fried artichokes, spaghetti caccio e pepe, and buffala and truffle ravioli at this Roman-style restaurant.

Champs-Elysees (8e)

Le Mermoz - Neo-bistro serving a great-value menu that changes daily and leans towards vegetables. Think creative dishes at lunch, such as orange, date and almond salad with Earl Grey cream, and tapas and sharing plates at night.

Komatsubaki - Authentic Japanese fine dining restaurant. Go during the day as it is more affordable and get their lunch time chirashi bowl, a bowl of warm rice topped with fresh fish.

Flora Danica - Danish restaurant with delicious salmon and other smoked fish dishes.

Thierry Marx boulangerie - Upscale bakery and pastry shop. Order the brioche tigrée (tigre brioche), a fluffy brioche stuffed with gooey praline.

SoPi (9e)

* Mamiche - One of best modern bakeries in the city, serving traditional items such as the Parisian sandwich, made with fresh baguette, creamy butter, cornichons and Parisian ham. They also have more creative sweet items such as orange blossom brioche or babka.

* Le Bon Georges - Traditional bistro with a menu that changes daily. All the dishes are homey and hearty such as rabbit stewed with prunes, or the côte du boeuf.

* Flesh - French barbecue-style food, often recommended as one of the best steakhouse in Paris. Order the steak with fries coated in garlic.

Magna - Neapolitan-style street food joint known for its pizza sandwiches.

Isana - Organic and homemade South American food, such as ceviche, empanadas, braised meats and tropical desserts.

Pizzou - Pizza made with local ingredients, cooked in a wood-fire oven.

Simone lemon - Ethical restaurant using only fruit and vegetable thrown away by producers due to their shape or size. All fruits and vegetables are made beautiful and served in form of a buffet, with different recipes according to the produce.

Restaurant tous - Creative Middle Eastern inspired sharing dishes such as mushroom and pistachio terrine or kefta meatballs with houmous, greek yoghurt and mint.

Supernature - Organic cafe with healthy yet dishes such as mushroom and pesto risotto.

Otium - Beautiful coffee shop serving cold pressed juices, bowls and healthy sandwiches, like the tofu and grilled pepper burger.

Sloe - brunch bowls Bar à açaí bowl, jus bio pressés à froid minute, ateliers sportifs (yoga, boxe et autres ateliers en petits groupes)"

Ha noi ca phe - Dynamic cafe serving delicious Vietnamese dishes and sharing plates. Belle Maison - Breton restaurant serving classic seafood dishes such as scallops with parsnip purée, line-caught whiting with Cévennes onion brûlée, or Earl Grey–marinated mullet.

Buvette - Small plates and fresh sandwiches, with an interesting wine list.

Republique & Oberkampf (10e & 11e)

* Bistro Paul Bert - My absolute favorite restaurant in Paris, it is a must! Every single dish is delicious and authentic. My favorites are the steak frites with pepper sauce (which is not on the menu), the foie gras, scallops, mushroom fricassée and of course, the cheese platter and Paris-Brest for dessert. Just a warning that you will be in a food coma afterwards.

* Clamato - This one is another favorite, Clamato is the little sister of Septime, a popular Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. Clamato's menu is entirely composed of raw seafood dishes, from fresh oysters, crab and seafood towers, to creative ceviches, tartares and fish terrines. To be eaten with their warm homemade sourdough bread and a cold glass of French white wine.

* L’Écailler du Bistrot - The seafood version of Bistro Paul, serving freshly shucked oysters from Brittany and Normandy, as well as seafood platters, sea urchins and seared tuna steaks.

* Cantina - Small South American eatery with Italian influences, serving delicious appetizers and sharing plates. From homemade empanadas and smoked scamorza beef burgers with caramelized onions and chimichurri sauce to homemade focaccia with smoked burrata and blood orange zest. Enjoy it all with a glass of Portuguese white wine.

* Libertino - Another Italian trattoria part of the Big Mamma Group. Just like the name of the restaurant, every aspect of the space evokes the feeling of freedom, from the design to the food. The restaurant is designed to resemble the Garden of Eden and it has a disco bar in the basement. The menu is similar to all other locations, except this one has a open pastry kitchen where chefs showcase a decadent array of Italian desserts.

* Cafe du coin - Small bistro and wine bar by night, serving sharing plates, including their signature miniature pizzas.

* East mamma - Another Big Mamma Group restaurant. This one is the group's very first restaurant and serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and fresh pasta made by hand.

* Ober mamma - This big mamma group restaurant has an open kitchen, and is known for its chaotic yet wonderful cocktail bar.

Deux fois plus de piment - Small and authentic Sichuan restaurant. You can choose your own heat level on a scale of 1-5. Don't forget to try the pork dumplings.

Distrito frances - Mexican tapas and traditional dishes served in a warm atmosphere.

IMA cantine - Vegetarian restaurant with Middle Eastern flavors such as sweet potato falafel or quinoa, apricot, mushroom and cashew kefta.

Amici miei - Sardinian trattoria serving wonderful octopus carpaccio and thin crust pizza.

The dude - French bistro with a daily market dish francais plat du jour, everything to share,

Vida restaurant - Healthy restaurant run by a young Colombian chef. The menu changes daily, from ceviche and salads to soups and sandwiches.

Borgo delle tovaglie - Eclectic italian bistro, serving delicious antipasti plates and a generous brunch buffet.

Le sot l’y laisse - Japanese inspired French restaurant with a good value lunch menu.

Les resistants - Les resistants promotes "slow food awareness" by using local and seasonal products and avoiding food waste. Their short menu changes daily, as they serve a mix of creative dishes and locally sourced cheese and charcuterie platters.

Ragazzi - Neapolitan pizzeria run by chef Emanuele Contardi, who was named best pizzaiolo of Paris in 2019. All the products they use are imported from Italy.

Siseng - A trendy eatery serving Asian fusion dishes such as their signature Bao Burger.

Chiche - This easy going Israeli restaurant imports its famed humus from Israel and serves it with organic vegetables from the South of France.

Marrow - This cool neobistro is said to "snatch up thirsty wandering souls and lost appetites" as it serves adventurous flavour combinations. Chambelland - Gluten free bakery serving French breads, pastries and sandwiches.

Café Méricourt - Popular brunch spot famous for their instagrammable shakshuka, green bowl, and daily specials.  Mokonuts - Cosy lunchtime café serving organic dishes and wines. They are famous for their inventive desserts such as clementine almond cake and white-chocolate almond cookies.

Les vinaigriers - This rustic restaurant serves modern French dishes such as duck carpaccio with pomegranate dressing and almond-crusted sea bream with dauphinoise potatoes. They have an excellent lunch menu with daily specials. Book ahead.

Street bangkok - This stylish Thai canteen is run by the former chef of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. He creates colorful dishes served in baskets such as chicken coconut skewers or marinated beef salad.

Yafo - Middle Eastern canteen serving warm creamy hummus with veggies or meat, and fluffy charred pita bread. Drinks include homemade pink lemonade and cardamom coffee.

Septime - Michelin-starred restaurant serving beautiful and innovative creations. The menu lists only three ingredients of each dish, with an option of just ordering the chef's menu, which comes as a complete surprise. Must reserve in advance.

John viande - A creative meat-centric restaurant serving regional-inspired recipes from all over the world. If you're very hungry, try one of their signature burgers.

Levantine - Hummus bar and Middle Eastern canteen serving only vegetarian dishes.

Brutos - A South American meat-centric restaurant serving creative dishes cooked on an open pit barbecue.

Ten belles - British bakery serving homemade bread, English pastries, sandwiches, soups and delicious sausage rolls.

Batignolles & Villiers (17e)

* Mamma Primi - But onto our ‘primi piatti’. This Big Mamma Group Restaurant specializes in 'primi' also known as first course in Italian. All the pasta, from the ravioli stuffed with squash, amaretto and gorgonzola, to their legendary truffle pasta with mascarpone and mushrooms.

* Pink Mamma - The restaurant sprawls over four floors, with a speakeasy in the basement. This Big Mamma Group restaurant specializes in chargrilled steaks, as well as their usual wood-fired pizzas and generous pasta portions.

Le bistro des dames - Simple and authentic bistro serving hearty traditional French dishes from D'Aubrac beef fillet with truffle gratin to Grand Marnier soufflé.

Les poulettes - Contemporary bistro serving Catalan and French dishes.

Tonton des dames - Quality steaks, charcuterie platters and wines, served in a youthful and high-energy environment.

Fratelli - Italian restaurant serving delicious pizza and appetizers. Order the parma ham.

Yansai - Convivial asian restaurant, serving street food at communal tables.

Montmartre (18e)

* Le jardin d’en face - Very small local Parisian restaurant. Reservations are mandatory, and so is the foie gras.

* La boîte au lettres - Charming French restaurant with delicious and unpretentious dishes.

* Bulot Bulot - Oyster bar, seafood counter and delicious cocktails.

* Vava - Semi gastronomic Mediterranean restaurant with an original menu. The chef previously worked with Alain Ducasse.

Tentazioni - Small Italian eatery run by two Sicilian brothers.

Uptown - Sharing tapas plates during the week, good brunch on the weekend.

Les inseparables - Contemporary bistro with Scandanavian influences.

Abbatoir vegetal - Vegetarian restaurant serving salads and healthy bowls.

Soul Kitchen - Small canteen with comforting, organic and homemade dishes.

All good things - Perfect aperitif spot serving organic wines, tartines, and cheese and charcuterie platters.

L'Anvers du decor - Classic hole in the wall serving traditional French food.

Faggio - Italian restaurant serving delicious pizza and organic wine.

Other districts

* Yaya (19e) - Greek restaurant with large family style dishes for sharing.

* Julien Dechenaud (Vincennes) - Not a restaurant, but a chocolate store with the absolute best chocolate molten cake. A must if you are in Vincennes.

Mama shelter (20e) - Buffet brunch and music in this quirky Parisian hotel.

La felicita (13e) - Huge indoor Italian food market with various stalls (big mamma group).

Le saut du crapaud (14e) - French bistro with Mexican influences.

Ngoc Xuyen Saigon (13e) - Authentic Vietnamese restaurant in Paris.

Cravan (16e) - Parisian cocktail bar and cafe with a short food menu.