You know when Unesco inscribed the “gastronomic meal of the French” into its list of intangible cultural treasures, that this is a nation that is serious about its scran. From flaky, buttery croissants to that all-addictive steak frites sauce, a freshly cracked crème brûlée or a cheesy croque monsieur – Unesco was not wrong that this is a cuisine to be savored.
And nowhere is the time-honored tradition of a full belly (and an even fuller glass of wine) more celebrated than in the French capital. From old-school bistros to trendy vino bars, the best restaurants in Paris have the culinary spectrum covered. But if it’s fine dining that tickles your taste buds, there’s nowhere quite like Paris – there’s a reason why this city boasts the most Michelin stars than any other in Europe.
With 130 total stars scattered across the City of Lights, trying to choose which one – and then trying to get a reservation – might be the tricky part. To do our part and make that decision easier, we’ve selected the very best restaurants that Paris has to offer.
[See also: The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in London for 2024]
Restaurant Guy Savoy
Restaurant Guy Savoy is a culinary shrine to the skills of its namesake. Renowned not only for its food but also for impeccable service, characterized by happiness and conviviality instead of inaccessible aloofness, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant consistently enthralls its diners and is a source of inspiration for many other chefs. Signature dishes include Bouchot mussels roasted in beurre noisette with steamed Mousseron mushrooms, and the ‘Pure Chocolate Palet’, a dessert composed solely of chocolate, topped with chocolate ice and loaded with chocolate sauce to serve. Each day for lunch, Guy Savoy reserves one table for its guests to indulge in a French gourmet experience.
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Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen
One of the oldest restaurants in Paris, Pavillon Ledoyen first opened its doors in 1792 and was the place to see and be seen during the Belle Époque. The dining room, classified as a historical monument, is a sight to behold, retaining much of its exquisite 19th-century detailing. Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen reopened in September 2021 with new interior detailing from the artist Kostia and Atelier Montex, Chanel’s Parisian artisanal embroidery studio. The collaboration has seen the installation of a series of what Kostia describes as intricately crafted floral “veils” between each table. Interiors aside, the real pièce de résistance here is the stunning French haute cuisine. Earning the top mark of three Michelin stars, the restaurant serves modern dishes inspired by classical French fare from chef Yannick Alléno.
Le Cinq at Four Seasons George V
Reminiscent of an ornate château, Le Cinq, the standout dining offering at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, is undoubtedly luxurious yet also welcoming. The elegant dining room bathed in gold, the oil paintings adorning the walls and the beautiful flower arrangements all set the scene for this gastronomic experience. Awarded three Michelin stars, it serves classic French food with a contemporary inflection, with menus changing seasonally to make the most of each ingredient chosen. Chef Christian Le Squer’s delicious creations include traditional fare such as grilled lamb alongside more modern dishes such as lightly smoked eel with black bread and grape juice reduction.
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Arpège
On the chic Left Bank, Alain Passard’s Arpège is dedicated to creating cuisine filled with harmony; every ingredient of every dish is carefully considered to ensure it matches the rest, the result of which is a three-Michelin-starred rating. Passard is also devoted to quality; since 2000, the restaurant has been supplied by its own three potagers or kitchen gardens, which produce 40 tons of fresh, all-natural ingredients annually. Experience this devotion in Arpège’s sleek main dining room, or book the private dining room for a more intimate dinner for up to 14 guests.
Pierre Gagnaire
Acclaimed chef Pierre Gagnaire has restaurants all over the world. For those who have grown tired of heavy French classics and desire premium ingredients arranged in an exciting, innovative way, the choice is Pierre Gagnaire. At the center point of the Michelin-starred chef’s worldwide restaurant group, taste bizarre and beautiful combinations of flavors from all over the globe in this stylish location, where the artistry of the plates is complemented by the plush slate-grey tones of the interior decor. Particularly appealing is the tasting menu, which includes such dishes as porterhouse steak enrobed in a jus of beef tongue with tamarind, accompanied by butternut squash marmalade.
L’Ambroisie
L’Ambroisie combines elegant French haute cuisine and Parisian sophistication in the historic heart of the capital. Founded by his father Bernard, head chef Mathieu Pacaudhe oversees a classical, sophisticated and seasonal menu, with a focus on creating a unique tribute to every ingredient used in the dish. Highlighting traditional dishes such as marjolaine de foie gras, goose liver layered with truffles and celery, the restaurant is a showcase of the dedication of French gastronomy – it’s no wonder that it has stood as one of the best restaurants in Paris for almost four decades.
Kei
In 2020, Japanese-born Kei Kobayashi’s Kei restaurant became the first-ever Japanese-helmed eatery in France to earn three Michelin stars. The son of a kaiseki chef, Kobayashi honed his skills with French training at some of the country’s finest establishments, such as the three-Michelin-starred Auberge du Vieux Puits and Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée. His cuisine seamlessly blends the precision of traditional Japanese kaiseki with the rich traditions of French gastronomy. Known for its delicate and intricate flavors, Kei’s menu is crafted with the finest ingredients, offering an elevated dining experience that stands among the very best restaurants in Paris.
Le Pré Catelan
While it’s slightly outside the city, Le Pré Catelan is worth making the journey for – especially when searching for one of the best restaurants in Paris. With a kitchen led by the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (an award honoring France’s finest craftsmen), the three-Michelin-starred restaurant won’t disappoint. Chef Frédéric Anton creates innovative, ingredient-driven dishes, often featuring superstar elements like red mullet, pigeon, or langoustine. Located in the tranquil Bois de Boulogne, the elegant pavilion, dating back to Napoleon III, enhances both the setting and the culinary experience.
Le Meurice Alain Ducasse
Alain Ducasse oversees the signature dining outpost Paris’ Le Meurice hotel, receiving its two-Michelin-star status for its menu of world-class European classics. Here, the cusine is elegant and the mood is refined – much like the Versailles-inspired setting, courtesy of French designer Philippe Starck. Wines and champagnes are kept in a specially created wine cellar opening onto the dining room, while a special chef’s table in the kitchen allows guests a closer view of what’s going on. Dishes at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse include such lavish offerings as blue lobster with fennel, sea bass with gold leaf risotto, and scallops with white alba truffle foam.
Epicure
Comprised of two dining rooms – Winter and Summer – used according to the rhythms of the season, the three-Michelin-starred Epicure in Le Bristol Paris attracts with its gorgeous surroundings and delectable culinary offerings. Based upon traditional French cuisine, the menu at Epicure is always evolving and being improved – where head chef Arnaud Faye showcases simple but delicious combinations made with quality seasonal ingredients. Try the hearty roast saddle of venison with celeriac purée and beetroot in port accompanied by a wine chosen by chief sommelier Baptiste Gillet-Delrieu.
Le Jules Verne, Eiffel Tower
Towering above the Parisian boulevards on the second level of the Eiffel Tower, Le Jules Verne is far from a tourist trap, contrary to what you might assume given the flocks of visitors below. With bold modern decor by Patrick Jouin and cuisine by Frédéric Anton (of three-Michelin-starred and earlier mentioned Le Pré Catelan), it offers a delicate menu with precisely crafted dishes, in addition to sweeping views over western Paris through floor-to-ceiling bay windows.
La Dame de Pic
At La Dame de Pic, the menu is a reflection of Anne-Sophie Pic’s signature style: elegant, precise and boldly inventive – it’s no wonder Pic was the first woman in France to earn the converted three Michelin star accolade. Dishes are crafted with a meticulous attention to flavor, often spotlighting rare ingredients and unexpected combinations. The trademarked Berlingots, delicate pasta parcels infused with a surprising twist of flavors like matcha and smoked Pélardon cheese, have become a hallmark of Pic’s culinary philosophy. Seasonal ingredients take center stage, with dishes like line-caught sea bass paired with a fragrant saffron consommé, or venison in juniper, elevated by layers of smoky and floral accents. Every course is designed to ignite the senses, creating an unforgettable journey that celebrates Pic’s trailblazing legacy.
Septime
A critic’s darling on the burgeoning new Parisian cuisine scene, Septime attracts beanie-clad hipsters and refined locals alike, all standing shoulder to shoulder in the inevitable queue along a quiet stretch of Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Helmed by Bertrand Grébaut, the restaurant balances a trendy industrial aesthetic – think untreated wooden tables and exposed metal rafters – with a laser focus on seasonal, produce-driven dishes. The ever-changing tasting menu might include delicate creations like smoked eel with buttermilk and wild herbs or charred cabbage with hazelnuts and miso, each plate as artful as it is flavorful. Despite its effortlessly cool vibe, Septime’s dedication to service and quality has earned it a coveted Michelin star, a place as one of the best restaurants in Paris – and inevitably a notoriously long waiting list.
[See also: A Guide to All Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants in Spain]
