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In Paris, coffee shops and street food are gradually taking the place of bistros

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The Editor

Jagoda Bartus

Never before has the capital had so many places to eat. However, behind this abundance, Paris is seeing its streets change with the rise of coffee shops, street food, and imported concepts, while the neighborhood bistros, once everywhere, are slowly becoming less common.

For a long time, bistros have been the heartbeat of Parisian life. People would drop in at any hour for a quick coffee, a simple meal at lunchtime, or a drink shared at the end of the day. These places open to everyone, regardless of age or background, formed a true social glue. Today, this model is crumbling.

And it's no wonder, the renewal of generations has played a role here: habits have changed, quietly but surely. Eating out has become a commonplace act, often limited by time and budget. In this context, everyday cooking, accessible and without fanfare, has lost ground. The numbers say it all: while Paris once had several thousand bistros last century, now only a handful are left to survive.

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The Foreseen End of the Everyday Bistro

With over 15,000 restaurants, Paris remains the European city with the richest culinary offerings. But this abundance can be deceptive. The capital boasts nearly 3,000 brasseries compared to about 4,000 fast food or takeout establishments and over 2,000 bars and cafés where you can grab a quick bite.

In this bustling landscape, traditional establishments are declining, especially those serving classic French or European cuisine. Closures are piling up due to a combination of successive crises, rising costs, and decreased customer attendance. 

While Parisians still mainly eat out, they’re not always sitting down at the table. The restaurant “à l’ancienne” has gradually become a leisure activity, reserved for special occasions. The rest of the time, it’s all about faster, more flexible, and often cheaper options.


Street food: the city in express mode

The big winner in recent years has been fast food. In just a few years, it has captured a significant part of the Parisian landscape. Entire streets are now dedicated to takeaway world cuisines, burgers, premium sandwiches, and viral recipes.

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This dynamic is particularly visible in the eastern districts, where openings are happening at a lively pace. A clientele of young professionals, remote workers, and employees is flocking there, attracted by the novelty, speed, and aesthetics of the dishes. Social media plays a key role, turning some addresses into must-visit spots, sometimes at the expense of local uniqueness.


Coffee shops and chains: a city that looks alike

Another striking phenomenon is the explosion of coffee shops. Almost every day, a new place opens its doors, often in the place of a historic food business. These hybrid spots, both cafes, workspaces, and stylish showcases, attract a local as well as international clientele.

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In the face of increasing standardization, resistance attempts are emerging. Support for independent businesses, highlighting iconic bistros, and the return of popular and affordable formats: the landscape is reshaping itself. Modernized broths, neo-bistros that look like postcards, and comforting dishes are making a comeback.

If the charm of certain neighborhoods seems to have faded, not everything is lost. Discreet spots, away from the trends, still exist. It just requires being willing to slow down, search, and consider the impact of our food choices on the face of Paris.