12 Favorite Fine And Casual Places To Dine In Paris Right Now

We just returned from Paris, France this week and want to share our favorite fine and casual places to dine there right now. These are the ones we keep coming back to every year and some great new ones to add to our recommendations. There is a summary with links at the end.

You may know that we lived in Paris 25 years ago and have been coming back about twice a year ever since.

More Formal Restaurants – Recommendations For Fine Dining Experiences

Always check the website to make a reservation (my husband, Howard likes to use The Fork when possible). Sometimes you have to call the restaurant, but I have found that once I try speaking in French, they quickly give me help in English!

1. Le Grand Café At Le Grand Palais

It was my cousin’s 75th birthday last weekend and we wanted to treat him. This restaurant opened up last year and is called one of the most beautiful in the world. We loved the interiors and friendly service.

It is a splurge but we enjoyed the seafood and rib-eye steak (and the little silver cup of radishes with delicious butter and bread on the table).

They accept reservations two weeks out.

2. Les Antiquaries Bistro – 13 Rue Du Bac, 75007

We ate here our first night for the first time… and it’s perfect with the authentic French bistro menu and cozy atmosphere.

It was near our hotel and we noticed that was popular for lunch, too. I am sure we will go back next time too.

3. Le Violin d’Ingres 135 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007

Howard and I ate at this one Michelin star restaurant many years ago. We came here again to celebrate our 41st anniversary on Monday. It’s a “neo-brasserie style restaurant that showcases traditional dishes with a modern twist.”

We went with the Menu Violoncelle for 90€. It was delicious…gave us inspiration for what to cook at home (like the rich roasted red pepper amuse-bouche).

4. La Closerie des Lilas 171 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006

They have a lovely lilac garden at the entrance. First, have a drink in Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar in Paris. Howard said their martinis are one of the best in Paris. This was our third vacation in a row going here…so that tells you something.

The service at the restaurant is friendly and the menu is elevated traditional French cuisine. We had the oysters and for my main dish I had Sole Meunière. For dessert, our table had Crepes “Suzette” flambé with Grand-Marnier, very fun!

5. Allard 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006

This bistro has been in business since 1932 and is one of Alain Ducasse’s restaurants. It’s in a charming neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. We loved the duck with olives.

6. Le Cafe´ Marly At The Louvre

“Nestled in the heart of the Tuileries, beneath the arcades of the Louvre, it represents the perfect blend of a Parisian brasserie and a literary café where one can settle on the terrace, savoring the view of the pyramid.” And the sun setting on the Eiffel Tower. Annie and I had a memorable dinner together here.

The seafood was great. Annie had the salmon and I had the sole with puréed potatoes.

7. Hotel Particulier Montmartre – 23 Avenue Junot, 75018

“Le Grand Salon, Hotel Particulier Montmartre restaurant invites you for a culinary experience in an enchanting setting, at any time of the day, from lunch to dinner.”

Annie and I had a light lunch of salads with fresh ingredients (and French fries).

Casual Places To Dine In Paris With Good Food

8. L’Altro Frenchie – 9 rue du Nil, Paris, 75002

We had lunch at this small modern Italian-style bistro. It’s on a cool little street and their wine shop is next door. Side note: the actress who plays the boss on Emily In Paris was having lunch while we were there (not shown).

9. Da Alfredo Italian Restaurant 182 Bd Haussmann 75008

This was our third time coming in recent years since the new owner (it used to be called Finzi). It’s a friendly place with locals. I had the Spaghetti Vongole. Howard ordered the carpaccio and the Veal Milanese. It was all delicious.

10. Relais de l‘Entrecôte 20, rue Saint-Benoît – 75006

There are a few locations in Paris and you will see Parisians and tourists here alike.

“The Relais de L’Entrecôte owes its reputation to its single course menu: a walnut salad followed by an extra tender sirloin steak with its famous secret sauce.”

Get there right before they open at noon so that you can make it into the first service. This was the line at 11:50 am.

11. Montmartre Walking Food Tour

We did this last year… Our food walking tour included choupettes (amazing and so fresh), lunch, cheese, and two desserts (in all six stops to eat). There is a bit of a hike up to the top to Sacred Coeur cathedral so you wear a bit of it off. Howard and I thought it was fun and you get a little history of the area.

12. Take Away Meal From Bon Marche’s La Grande Epicerie Rue de Sèvres 75007

We always get an assortment of beautifully prepared food to take away…either for a picnic in a nearby park if it’s warm or to take back to the VRBO apartment.

This last time, we stayed in a charming little hotel instead of an apartment but bought gifts to take home (more on that on Sunday).

For a take-out meal, we usually get baguettes for sandwiches with foie gras, cheeses, vegetables, sausages, duck confit, etc. to make small plates. And pastries for dessert. It’s fun.

You may also like: My Perfect Packing List For Autumn in Europe and Planning A Paris Trip: Round-up.

Pin the image below to refer to this post for your next Paris trip or if you know someone who is going!

Table of Contents:

• 1. Le Grand Café At Le Grand Palais
• 2. Les Antiquaries Bistro – 13 Rue Du Bac, 75007
• 3. Le Violin d’Ingres 135 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007
• 4. La Closerie des Lilas 171 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006
• 5. Allard 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006
• 6. Le Cafe´ Marly At The Louvre
• 7. Hotel Particulier Montmartre – 23 Avenue Junot, 75018
• 8. L’Altro Frenchie – 9 rue du Nil, Paris, 75002
• 9. Da Alfredo Italian Restaurant 182 Bd Haussmann 75008
• 10. Relais de l‘Entrecôte 20, rue Saint-Benoît – 75006
• 11. Montmartre Walking Food Tour
• 12. Take Away From Bon Marche’s La Grande Epicerie Rue de Sèvres 75007