Paris Restaurants
Paris is known around the world as one of the centers of fine dining. But the truth is that the city of lights is the place to go both for decadent gourmet meals and truly affordable bites on the go.
Cheap Eats: Ironically, the most Parisian-feeling moments come at the lowest prices. After all, what could feel more authentic than poking around one of the city’s ethnic enclaves for some unique flavors or bringing a classically French meal of a fresh baguette and a bottle of wine to one of the city’s gorgeous parks or gardens?
Anyone who has been to Paris more than once is very likely to recommend falafel shop L’as du Fallafel in Paris’s thriving Jewish district for the first category of cheap, authentic eating. Once you get onto Rue de Rosiers, the small, simply decorated restaurant will be easy to find due to the long lines that snake down the cobblestone street outside of its pick-up window. This local favorite serves mind-blowing falafel sandwiches, often paired with thick-cut French fries and a fresh lemonade. The restaurant offers sit-in or take-out dining options, and those brave enough to take the hot, wrapped sandwiches on the go must be prepared for the messiness that will ensue due to the piles of seasoned eggplant, perfectly crumbly falafel balls and delicious spicy sauce that are stuffed in the fluffy pita. Dining in is a bit more peaceful, and diners can gaze at photos of Lenny Kravitz, the restaurant’s most famous fan, that line the walls.
As for Parisian bakeries, a stroll down almost any street will reveal several. But locals and regular travels have designated their favorites and the word spreads quickly, so you’ll be able to tell the best by the lines that form outside the bakery door in the morning and during after-work hours when Parisians pick up a hot baguette to eat with their dinners. One favorite is Maison Kayser, a chain of bakeries that has maintained its high quality. Aside from classic offerings like chocolate croissants and beautifully colored macaroons, the bakery also offers specialty loafs like raisin baguettes and multigrain loafs. Another favorite is Poilâne on the rue du Cherche-Midi, where eager customers have visited since 1932 for its delicate cookies and wood-fired sourdough loafs.
Mid-Priced Delights: It’s not impossible to find Parisian restaurants that offer authentic cuisine, reasonable prices and pleasurable atmosphere all in one place. If you have the time to wait in line, a must-try is Le Relais de l’Entrecote, a famous steak frites establishment with three Paris locations. The steak and fries are so central to this restaurant, in fact, that it’s the only thing on the menu. Once diners brave the line and enter the cozy, bustling restaurant (reservations are not accepted), the brisk but friendly waitresses ask you how you’d like your meat. Be sure to learn rare, medium or well-done in French, and they’ll write your answer on the paper tablecloth. While they prepare your steak, you’ll receive a delightfully light salad and delicious bread. Then comes the big event — and trust us, it’s big. The steak comes immersed in a rich, creamy sauce that’s impossible to describe enough to give it justice. The fries are thin-cut and crispy, perfect for sopping up the leftover sauce. And just when you think you could eat an entire second dish…they bring you one. That’s right, two entrees for the price of one (about $30) guaranteed for every diner. You may not think there’s any room left in there for a second helping, once you dig in, you’ll find it easier than you thought. You can get creative with the menu’s desserts, which include crème brûlée and fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Going Gourmet: Of course, there is no shortage of splurge locations for true foodies in Paris. One name that even beginning gourmets may recognize is Guy Savoy, whose hot restaurant is on the rue Troyon in the 17th Arrondissement. As with many Parisian restaurants, the food is offered in prix fixe menus or a la carte. The fixed menus are best if you want to be sure to try all of the restaurant’s many specialties. The dishes are small and beautiful, so you may not be completely stuffed at the end of the meal, but you will definitely be happy.
Another spot with enough buzz to fill a hive is L’Astrance, on rue Beethoven in the 16th Arrondissement. Co-owners Christophe Rohat and Pascal Barbot have created one of the most coveted dining spots in Paris, thanks to their fresh, inventive menu with dishes that take artful interpretations of classic ingredients like pasta and seafood.