The local take
Mornings belong to the bakery: a buttery croissant, a fresh baguette, or a pastry from a pâtissier with a signature specialty. Lunch can be a prix fixe at a neighborhood bistro, or onion soup and steak frites at a bouillon, one of the big old-style dining halls serving affordable French classics. Market days bring cheese, charcuterie and galettes eaten on the go.
Dinner might be a seafood platter in a brasserie, a modern French menu, or small plates with natural wine. The 11th and 10th arrondissements carry much of the list, with more around Montmartre. Every address comes with a note from the licensed local guide who recommends it, often including the one dish you shouldn't skip.
CasualChez Georges
Close to 100 years old, Chez Georges exudes all the feels of Paris way back when.
Paris, 2nd arrondissementRecommended by Mathilde D.
CasualBistrosJuveniles
Established in 1987, Juveniles is a second-generation family-run restaurant, with the original owner’s daughter (Margaux) now at the helm.
Paris, 2nd arrondissementRecommended by Jess T.
Bakeries/CafesArnaud Larher
En route to the Luxembourg Gardens, make a pit stop at Arnaud Larher, and grab a box of chocolates or sweet treats like you’ve never imagined before.
Paris, 6th arrondissementRecommended by Jess T.
Bakeries/CafesBabka Zana
Have you ever tried babka before?
Paris, 9th arrondissementRecommended by Jess T.
Food MarketsBastille Market
Fresh bundles of lavender, handcrafted soaps, silky soft pashminas, leather bags, and rows of flower bouquets; this is just a few of the the items to shop for at the iconic…
Paris, 11th arrondissementRecommended by Mathilde D.
CasualBistrosBistrot Vivienne
Located inside the Neoclassical Gallerie Vivienne, this French bistro is a popular restaurant that evokes old Paris.
Paris, 2nd arrondissementRecommended by Jessica D.
Bakeries/CafesBlé Sucré
Calling fans of the classic madeleine (a genoise sponge cake in the shape of tiny shells, sometimes made with lemon zest or almond flour).
Paris, 12th arrondissementRecommended by Jess T.
CasualBig Group FriendlyBofinger
Serving up Alsatian cuisine (Alsace is in northeast France, bordering Germany and Switzerland.
Paris, Le MaraisRecommended by Mathilde D.
Bakeries/CafesBontemps
Bontemps has been wooing the crowds since 2014 with their incredible layered shortbread varieties, topped with all sorts from jams to chantilly creams to fresh fruits.
Paris, Le MaraisRecommended by Jess T.
CasualBistrosBonvivant
If you’re in the mood to try something unusual, Bonvivant in the Latin Quarter often serves offal (animal organs) on the menu.
Paris, 5th arrondissementRecommended by Jess T.
Bakeries/CafesBoris Lumé
Traveling in Paris with kids?
Paris, MontmartreRecommended by Jess T.
CasualBouillon Julien
Edouard Fournier designed the stunning Art Nouveau interior with respected artists and artisans.
Paris, 10th arrondissementRecommended by Jessica D.
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