The Best Cafes in Paris
They embody the lively capital and whisk us back to the authentic and gourmet Paris of yesteryear. At a time when trendy canteens are multiplying in the city, Parisian cafes remain timeless and, above all, unmissable institutions. What could be better than going for a drink at the local cafe with your colleagues and following it up with a cheese and charcuterie platter, or even enjoying typical, simple, and delicious French dishes, all in a friendly and warm atmosphere? Let's head to the best cafes in Paris, those that have a lasting soul.
Le Paco
Le Paco is a true neighborhood cafe where it feels good to live, a family-friendly place. You will be immediately charmed by the chill and warm decor of this new spot in the 9th arrondissement, where one can already imagine enjoying cocktails while nibbling on tapas or taking a coffee break on the terrace.Sunshine on beautiful days. The story begins with two buddies who share a common passion: the love of good food and partying. Johann and Vladimir have joined forces to open a café that reflects them, both festive, and ultra greedy, accessible to all budgets. We start the festivities with grilled mushrooms with ricotta cream or a poached egg with creamy yogurt and paprika butter. We continue on the pleasure highway with generous and comforting dishes, such as tagliatelle with mushroom cream, caramelized onions, and Serrano ham, or the heart of Rumsteck Aubrac with creamy calvados sauce. Vegetarians will not be left out with several plates to share or individual dishes to choose from in the appetizers for variety. Here, sunshine and indulgence are a must. To be tested as soon as possible!
Le Paco
80 rue de Maubeuge - 9th
More info
BB restaurant
Do you want to indulge in delicious charcuterie platters, a good country terrine, or a tasty croque-monsieur, just the way we like them? You've come to the right place. At BB restaurant, we serve a revamped traditional cuisine. Our chef is full of imagination, offering dishes that are simple yet astonishing. On the menu, there's a slow-cooked lamb with delicious carrot puree, rich jus, and burnt thyme, or a superb French-style burger, oozing with cheese. You can go there with your eyes closed!
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BB restaurant
8, rue Pierre Sémard — 9th arrondissement
Bistrot Paris 9: trendy Paris bistro
Restaurant open from Tuesday to Friday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 1:30 AM, Saturday non-stop, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
To make a reservation: 01 48 78 70 31
More info
Lou Cantou
Red storefront, vintage tiles, wooden tables, and vintage decor: all the criteria are met to transport you to a timeless address. For over a century, Lou Cantou has been a haven for bon vivants. Tucked away on a quiet street, not far from the Galeries Lafayette and the Palais Garnier, this place delights the taste buds of anyone who crosses its threshold. The dishes are generous and delicious, and the classics of French cuisine are not missing from the menu! A true epitome of traditional bistro fare at affordable prices. On the menu: an incredible gratinéed onion soup, a...Supreme crispy yellow chicken from Petit Duc served with tagliatelle and thyme gravy, a sausage from Montagne Aveyron with a generous serving of homemade aligot, or a delightful brioche style French toast that melts in your mouth.
35 cité d'Antin – 9th
Bistro in Paris 9
From Monday to Tuesday from 12pm to 3pm
And from Wednesday to Friday from 12pm to 10pm
Happy hour from 5pm to 10:30pm
More information
Astair
Take a deep breath and sit down, because this truly Parisian spot is about to captivate you like a passionate Casanova who charms you before disappearing for days just to make you crave him more. There's nothing toxic about Astair, but the delightful sensation of floating and traveling through time once you're seated at this charming bistro on Passage des Panoramas (is there even a more idyllic street?).
Nice for dinner in good company? Should we bring up the argument of red sofas and wooden tables, the perfect soundtrack or the well-worked French cuisine, our hearts hesitate, but three things are certain: you will be well served, you will have a good time and you will not be disappointed. So go ahead and choose the green bean salad or the chicken supreme and pair it with a good bottle of red wine. My +1 used the expression "good vibes" and I promised him that it would be transcribed here, so here it is, you've been warned: I always keep my word.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Astair
19 passage des Panoramas — 2nd
Bistrot Paris 2
More info
La Robe de la girafe
When we talk about a typical Parisian bistro, what do we think of? Zinc counter, wooden chairs, vintage tiles, vintage decor, and, in terms of cuisine, simmered dishes, 5A andouillette and homemade french fries, all in a unique and noisy atmosphere. La Robe de la Girafe is exactly that, and that's why we love it. Today, to our great delight, our favorite bar in the 11th arrondissement is renewing itself to offer even more small pleasures with a French touch. If we were used to going there with friends in the evening or with colleagues at lunchtime for a good piece of meat accompanied by a glass of red wine, we can now enjoy the popular and warm atmosphere for a quick lunch. Every lunchtime, a special area with high tables invites sandwich lovers.I'm so excited to introduce you to a delicious Parisian experience, where you can take a gourmet break in a laid-back and cozy atmosphere.
Let me show you a picture of this amazing place:
©Nais Bessaih
Now, let's dive into the details. The name of this enchanting spot is "La Robe de la Girafe". It is located at 5 rue Froment in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. It's a fantastic bistro where you can indulge in some mouth-watering treats.
Open from Monday to Saturday, this place is a hidden gem that offers a relaxed and cozy ambiance. We highly recommend checking out our article about it. Just click here to read all about it: Notre article
Now, let's move on to another delightful spot. Allow me to present to you "Les Arlots", nestled in the heart of the 9th arrondissement. This neighborhood bistro, with its black facade, has become a cult favorite among locals.
One of its specialties that you absolutely can't miss is their sausage and mashed potatoes, cooked to perfection with heavenly butter. The taste is incomparable! But that's not all, this place also boasts an impressive selection of delicious wines. It's the perfect spot to gather with friends and enjoy a generous and comforting meal. And the best part? The prices won't break the bank!
To sum it up, if you're looking for a gastronomic experience that combines relaxed vibes with exceptional flavors, "Les Arlots" is the place to go. Whether it's for a delightful apéritif or a tasty dinner, this neighborhood gem won't disappoint!
Les Arlots
136, rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière – 10th arrondissement
Bistro Paris 10
From Tuesday to Saturday
Pierrot
This neighborhood institution in Montorgueil has become a must-visit for a post-work drink. Everyone knows Pierrot, who moves between the tables with a smile on his face. We go to Pierrot above all for the atmosphere, and it's always a pleasure to come with the family to taste this refined cuisine from the Southwest. In fact, generations have been coming here to eat as a family, and this place is a true Proustian madeleine.
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Pierrot
18, rue Étienne-Marcel – 2nd
Bistrot Paris 2
From Monday to Saturday
Le Petit Célestin
The old tiled floor, red tables, and checkered tablecloths bring together all the criteria to find oneself in a timeless place. At the back of the room, we catch a glimpse of a cramped kitchen from which a truly mastered bourgeois fare emerges. A short menu, where you can find classics like an insane egg-mayo, a super-crispy veal head, or a perfectly tender skate wing. For dessert, the choice is tough between a dainty crème brûlée or an intensely chocolate mousse. We accompany the meal with a little glass of wine of the moment, a Macon or a Morgon.
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Le Petit Célestin
12, quai des Célestins – 4th arrondissement
Bistro Paris 4
Open from Wednesday to Sunday
Le Square Trousseau
A bistro dating back to 1907, located in front of the beautiful Square Trousseau in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. This typical Parisian establishment made an appearance in the movie "Le Père Noël est une ordure" when Zézette and Thérèse were searching for oysters and white wine. Here, you can enjoy a steak tartare with fries, a lemon ginger sea bream carpaccio, or even a prawn risotto. The cuisine is authentic yet original, and it is best enjoyed on the spacious and heated terrace, with a glass of wine in hand. However, be prepared for a slightly hefty bill.
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Le Square Trousseau
1, rue Antoine-Vollon – 12e
Bistrot Paris 12
Du lundi au dimanche
Pharamond
It is by far the oldest on our list! Born in 1879, in the Etienne-Marcel district, the Pharamond bistro offers generous, Normandy-inspired cuisine in a slightly formal but not too stuffy atmosphere. Carnivores will be delighted: from pheasant pie, in the style of Caen tripe, handmade andouillette or royal hare, there is plenty to feast on before finishing with a delicious Trou Normand! And if Fitzgerald and Hemingway were fans in the 1920s, we can assume that this bistro address is a little marvel!
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Pharamond
24, rue de la Grande-Truanderie – 1st
Bistrot Paris 1
From Monday to Sunday
La Fontaine de Mars
Located on rue Saint-Dominique, not far from the Eiffel Tower, this bistro dating back to 1908 offers traditional cuisine where duck confit, Basque blood sausage, and a plate of cold cuts compete with each other. Like a good neighborhood bistro, we love to gather here for a drink in a friendly atmosphere! Even Obama often enjoys a meal here. And what we love the most is that each day has its own dedicated dish! So you won't get tired of the delicious choices from Monday to Friday!
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The Fountain of Mars
129, Saint-Dominique Street – 7th
Bistro Paris 7
From Monday to Sunday
The Stairs
This bistro located near the Eiffel Tower between the Seine and the Museum of Modern Art, belonging to the "Relais Routier" since 1972, offers a page of history to discover without delay. Checkered tablecloths, authentic decor, no fuss, just good times. The dishes are generous and delicious, and the classics of French cuisine are not lacking on the menu! A true literature of bistros in its purest form and at affordable prices! Beef ribeye steak, kidneys with Dijon sauce, pot-au-feu, veal chop with morels... A delight for the taste buds of food lovers! All in a guaranteed friendly atmosphere!
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Les Marches
5, rue de la Manutention – 16e
Bistrot Paris 16
Open from Monday to Sunday
Café des Musées
Located a stone's throw away from Place des Vosges and the Picasso Museum, this institution founded in 1924 has preserved the heritage of Parisian cafes from the 1930s with its Art Deco stained glass, woodwork, and open kitchen. Café des Musés offers traditional bistro cuisine, homemade with fresh and local ingredients, and most importantly, different every day. You can delight in the watercress soup, the country terrine with Calvados, or even the shared Charolais rib steak. A timeless place full of character where a friendly atmosphere reigns, perfect for those slightly gloomy evenings!
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Café des Musées
49, rue de Turenne — 3rd arrondissement
Paris Bistro 3
Open Monday to Sunday
La Palette
This counter cafe from 1902 was the hangout of Cézanne, Picasso, and Braque. Today, La Palette is lively with students and professors from the Beaux-Arts school and the nearby school of architecture, as well as neighboring art galleries. It attracts a cosmopolitan clientele, and on sunny days, it's very pleasant to have lunch on the terrace. Inside, sitting on the moleskin bench next to the ceramic walls and a few Art Deco frescoes from the 1930s in the second room is particularly enjoyable. The menu offers delicious Poilâne sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese platters, steak tartare, and a variety of organic egg dishes. With its soft and rare light and its intimate atmosphere, this Parisian bistro has become a must-visit spot.
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La Palette
43, Seine Street - 6th
Paris 6 Bistro - chic bistro in Paris
From Monday to Sunday
Les Deux Magots
In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a neighborhood with a special charm, you can find:
And here it is, the renowned café-bistro that no longer needs any introduction! Many famous artists such as Louis Aragon, André Gide, Picasso, and Hemingway used to spend countless hours here. Inside the grand room, the spirit of poets lingers, while outside on the terrace, you can savor the famous old-fashioned hot chocolate facing the church. This bistro is where you come to immerse yourself in the incessant Parisian ballet. Here, you can indulge in excellent, authentic croque-monsieurs, as well as quiches, omelettes, fresh salads, and other typically French specialties. This prized Parisian institution is one of the oldest cafés in Paris and continues to attract personalities from the world of arts, letters, fashion, and politics, not to mention tourists from all around the globe.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Les Deux Magots
6, place Saint-Germain-des-Prés – 6th arrondissement
Bistro Paris 6
Every day from Monday to Sunday
Le Bar du Marché
Known as one of the most popular terraces in the Odéon district, people rush to Le Bar du Marché for an aperitif, and a little tip, it's best to go early! Located near the Buci market, this small bar with unassuming decor is one of the must-visit spots in Paris. You'll find a bourgeois and student crowd, as well as a trendy local clientele. Despite its appearance of romantic old France, this bistro is very welcoming and the atmosphere is more than friendly! Typically Parisian with its red and white checkered tablecloths and waiters dressed in berets and overalls, Le Bar du Marché offers sausages-fries-beer, cheese-toast-red wine, and of course, tartare, beef flank, omelette, or ham macaroni!
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The Marche Bar
75, rue de Seine - 6th
Bistro Paris 6
Every day from Monday to Sunday
The Truc Café
With a name like that, you can't escape it! Just a stone's throw away from Bastille, Laurent Couegnas, who describes his cuisine as "good old-fashioned cooking", prepares delicately selected seasonal products and offers à la carte dishes in addition to his "Trucs du jour". Chalkboards on the walls, steaming copper pots on the tables, vintage silverware, bistro chairs, everything is there to make this place a typical Parisian bistro! You can enjoy homemade cuisine with dishes such as veal blanquette, beef skirt steak with sautéed ratte potatoes, Provencal-style scallops, or the famous escargots and rice pudding for dessert, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere that we love so much. The wines are selected annually from independent regional producers.
The Café Truc
8, rue Froment – 11th arrondissement
Parisian Bistro 11
Le Laffite
Here's a great bistro where you can have a drink in this hipster neighborhood! It's fast, it smells good and it's great! It's the kingdom of Lulu, Claude, and Olivier, three buddies who took over the business seven years ago. The menu is focused on red meats directly from Gillot, and the andouillette is also one of their specialties. For desserts, classics such as chocolate mousse, rice pudding, and crème caramel are a must-try. In short, they serve delicious and comforting plates that have the scent of France. Many regulars particularly appreciate this bistro where you are received like family, and gather to share lunches with authentic flavors.
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Le Laffite
43, rue Laffitte – 9th arrondissement
Bistro Paris 9
From Monday to Friday
Le Petit Village
In the heart of Batignolles, it's sort of the ideal neighborhood bar to go to after work! With reasonable prices, amazing cocktails, great glasses of wine, and very welcoming bartenders, you can enjoy charcuterie and cheese boards just like you love them! The decoration, without fuss, a bit messy with used furniture, makes this Parisian bistro a unique and authentic place where many regulars gather every week. The cuisine is only made with fresh and seasonal products, and the daily specials are always well sought after, a true safe bet! We smoke on the sidewalk in whispers, with a glass in hand, and we stay there for hours debating about life and having a great time with friends until closing time. Relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere where good music always flows!
