If you’ve been exploring Paris by bike tour or by walking tour, you’ve undoubtedly worked up a hearty appetite by now. Paris is sectioned into 20 districts known as “arrondissements.”
In terms of mentally picturing their location, many suggest thinking of it like a snail – the first arrondissement begins in the center of the city, then the rest coil out from there like a snail, looped around.
Here are twenty recommendations for eating and drinking in the 20 arrondissements of Paris.
The 1st Arrondissement
Address: 41 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001
Founded in 2006, this reputed wine bar is one a top favorite of Paris locals. The women who run this wine bar are highly well-respected in their knowledge of good wine, and the service is very friendly too. Their exceptional knowledge of wine is reflected in the number of winemakers that gather at Le Garde-Robe when they happen to be in Paris. All regions of France are represented with wines, and their selection of Beaujolais is exceptionally strong. (Closed on Sundays.)
The 2nd
Address: 6 bis Rue du 4 Septembre, 75002
A Noste is a treat. This is a restaurant with three different concepts, and apparently, a fourth is on the way. They offer a lunchtime food truck serving Basque taloa, a restaurant serving pintxos (Basque tapas) at lunch and dinner, and a gastronomic restaurant upstairs. In the gastronomic restaurant, for 60 euros per person, one can eat a phenomenal meal prepared by Chef Julien Duboué, who competed on the French “Top Chef” in 2014. This place deserves all of the attention and accolades it gets. (Open every day.)
The 3rd
Address: 22 Rue du Grenier Saint-Lazare, 75003
Bring your appetite when you head to Ambassade d’Auvergne. You will need it! They present heavy and hearty meals, full of lots of pork, beef, potatoes, and cheese. Here, they also offer a solid selection of hard-to-find quality wines from Auvergne. (Open every day.)
The 4th
Address: 12 Quai des Célestins, 75004 Paris, France
This charming restaurant is full of beautiful framed prints on the walls, red tabletops, nice glassware, and offers a very typical and authentic French ambiance. Located opposite the docks of the river Seine, here you will find bistro fare and traditional French cuisine. (Closed Mondays.)
The 5th
Address: 25 Rue des Feuillantines, 75005
Le Vin Sobre is a classic French bistro situated in the heard of the 5th. With its outdoor tables (and heat lamps, when the season calls for it), you can sip on wine, nibble on duck confit, and watch the Parisian world pass you by. The service and staff are both exceptional.
The 6th
Address: 3 Carrefour de l’Odéon, 75006
L’Avant Comptoir is usually packed, which is a tip of the hat to how good this place is. Thus, it’s better to go on non-peak hours, so you won’t have to wrestle for a spot to sit and enjoy that incredible food and wine. Croquettes, foie gras macarons, tapas, pork belly, beef carpaccio, and more, are just a few mouthwatering offerings found here.
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The 7th
Address: 4 Rue de l’Exposition, 75007
Awarded Bib Gourmand status by Michelin, this might be one of the best gastronomical finds in Paris. And it’s a great value, too. For 35 euros, you can have a starter, a main course, and a dessert – all of exceptional quality.
The 8th
Address: 16 Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008
Le Mermoz specializes in French, International, and European cuisine, and it’s vegetarian-friendly as well (which can be tough to come by in Paris). The superior wine list and helpful staff are just two of many things visitors to Le Mermoz tend to rave about.
The 9th
Address: 3 Rue Victor Massé, 75009
A decidedly very French bistro, this place feels slightly reminiscent of the French bistro Café Boheme in London. Their 19 euro lunch menu is one of the best deals in Paris, and the service is as good as the lunch deal.
The 10th
Address: 6 Rue de Belzunce, 75010
Perhaps the best brunch deal in Paris, the food is phenomenal (even the bread and butter are made in-house). On the weekends, you can go into the wine cellar to pick out your bottle and pay the same price that the restaurant paid to acquire the wine! It’s best to arrive as early, as possible as this brunch is getting more popular by the day. (Closed for dinner on weekends.)
The 11th
Address: 45 Rue Oberkampf, 75011
The interior at Aux Deux Amis is what many visitors to France imagine of when they think of a typical Parisian bistro. Even more significant, though, the food is exceptional and the products are of high quality. Small plates are served in the evening, complete with a natural wine list with boasts some of France’s best-known winemakers (and not to mention, some of their best-kept secrets. (Closed Sundays and Mondays.)
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The 12th
Address: 4 Rue Biscornet, 75012
Be warned: Amarante is not for picky eaters! The meat here is served rare, and much of the meat is Offal (aka organ meat, like liver, kidneys, brains, etc.). Nonetheless, this may be one of the best places to enjoy a true traditional French meal in all of Paris. The preparations are simple, but lots of time and effort are put into these preparations to allow the ingredients to speak for themselves. (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.)
The 13th
Address: 129 ave de Choisy, 75013 If you’re looking for some killer Vietnamese food, let your belly lead you to the 13th, where excellent Pho can be found at several different restaurants. (Chinatown is also in the 13th, and there are many delicious Chinese restaurants there as well). Pho Banh Cuon 14 serves heaps of Pho. Often busy, this popular spot with generous portions is also a deal, and won’t break the bank. Note: this restaurant is cash only.
The 14th
Address: 8 Rue des Plantes, 75014
This restaurant boasts some of the best steaks (and meat) found in Paris. A steakhouse of Parisian repute, it even gives some famous New York City steakhouses a very good run for their money. (Closed weekends.)
The 15th
Address: 70 Boulevard de Grenelle, 75015
A longtime Fat Tire favorite, here at Au Dernier Metro (located near the Paris Fat Tire office), you’re in for a treat. This simple Basque restaurant that is continuously humming with life and activity, no matter the day of the week. You know it’s a good sign when restaurant employees from other Basque restaurants in Paris frequent Au Dernier Metro on their day off! Make sure you end up at the right one, as there are several restaurants in Paris with this name. (Open every day.)
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The 16th
Address: 17 Rue Annonciation, 75016
Fresh seafood comes to Huitres et Saumons from the market just down the street. A bit hidden, but once you find this gem it’s a great option in a neighborhood where quality like this can sometimes be hard to find. (Closed Mondays.)
The 17th
Address: 120 Rue Legendre, 75017
Artisanal wines, memorable décor, and gorgeous food presentation, Les Éléphants should be the first place you stop on your visit to the 17th.
The 18th
Address: 151 Bis Rue Marcadet, 75018
A former cook at the Ritz operates this kitchen, which is one of the reasons for its high quality and delicious food. Found on the backside of Montmartre, at Esquisse, you can eat a starter, main course, and dessert at lunchtime for 22 euros. Pair that with their exceptional wines, and you might have one of the better deals in all of Paris. (Closed Sundays and Mondays.)
The 19th
Address: 22 Rue du Plateau, 75019
If you find yourself near Parc Buttes-Chaumont, it is worth checking out Quedubon. A small menu guarantees that they are cooking everything fresh, and the wine selection is superb! (Closed Sundays and Mondays.)
The 20th
Address: 3 Rue Jouye-Rouve, 75020
Rounding out the list, we have Le Baratin. A short walk from Parc de Belleville, this is a great post- or pre-park visit stop for lunch or dinner. Here you’ll find lamb, fish, and more, along with some delectable wines. In the words of one visitor, the food is “drop dead gorgeous.” So have your camera ready here, as you may want to capture some pictures of your plates for your travel blog or social media! (Tag us @fattiretours if you make it there! We’d love to get a peek at your travels.)
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