The origin of haute cuisine and the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest chefs, alive or dead, French gastronomy means one of the most respected culinary cultures in the world.
And, although Paris’s best restaurants have modernized, adapted, and reinvited since the grand era of legendary chef Auguste Escoffier, the influence of this golden era remains.
From convivial bistros, where thick French onion soup and steak tartare are perfected, to Michelin-starred temples (there’s over 130 stars scattered across these streets) with gilded ages and copious caviar, this raucous capital city still has one of the world’s finest restaurant landscapes in the world.
But, trying to choose one of these restaurants – and then scoring 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.
Best restaurants in Paris to book
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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.
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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, retains much of its original 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. Interiors aside, the real pièce de résistance here is the French haute cuisine which has earned the top mark of three Michelin stars.
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Le Cinq at Four Seasons George V
Reminiscent of an ornate château, Le Cinq at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, is luxurious yet also welcoming. The gold-bathed dining room, the oil paintings adorning the walls, and the lavish flower arrangements all set the scene for an indulgent 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. Chef Christian Le Squer’s creations include traditional dishes such as grilled lamb alongside more modern options including lightly smoked eel with black bread and grape juice reduction.
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Arpège
On the chic Left Bank, Alain Passard’s Arpège creates cuisine filled with harmony; every ingredient of eac dish is carefully considered to ensure it matches the rest, the result of which is a three-Michelin-star 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 to produce in Arpège's sleek main dining room, or book the private dining room for a more intimate dinner for up to 14 guests.
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Pierre Gagnaire
For those who have grown tired of heavy French classics and want premium ingredients arranged in an exciting, innovative way, the choice is Pierre Gagnaire’s eponymous restaurant in the 8th. At the center point of the chef’s worldwide restaurant group, the restaurant offers bizarre but beautiful flavor combinations in a stylish setting, where the artistry of the plates is complemented by the plush slate-grey tones of the interior decor. The restaurant has held its three Michelin stars since 1996.
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L’Ambroisie
One of Paris’s great dining institutions, L’Ambroisie has remained true to its commitment to classic French cookery since it opened in 1981 (although it has since moved to its current Place des Vosges location). The restaurant was founded by Bernard Pacaudhe, but son Mathieu Pacaudhe now runs the show and 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 and 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.
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Kei
In 2020, Japanese-born Kei Kobayashi’s Kei became the first-ever Japanese-helmed restaurant 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 blends the precision of traditional Japanese kaiseki with the rich traditions of French gastronomy and is known for its delicate and intricate flavors.
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Le Pré Catelan
Although slightly outside of Paris proper, Le Pré Catelan is worth the journey. 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 which dates back to Napoleon III is a welcome respite from the city’s mania.
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Le Meurice Alain Ducasse
Alain Ducasse oversees the signature restaurant at Paris' Le Meurice hotel, which has long-held two-Michelin-stars for its menu of world-class European classics. The cuisine 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 first-row look at the action.
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Epicure
Comprising 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 inventive dishes. Based on traditional French cuisine, the menu is constantly evolving and 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.
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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 the 11th. The restaurant was co-founded by the late Bertrand Grébaut, whose focus on vegetables helped shape the city’s modern dining landscape. At Septime, 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 is as artful as it is flavorful. The restaurant balances a trendy industrial aesthetic with a laser focus on seasonal, produce-driven dishes. Despite its effortlessly cool vibe, Septime’s has earned itself a coveted Michelin star, a place as one of the best restaurants in Paris, and a notoriously long waiting list.
