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Eating & Drinking in Paris
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CAFÉS
Going to a café is an essential part of Paris' social life. It was invented as the meeting place of artists, writers, and intellectuals and many became institutions, remaining today as one of the city's best-known images.
What is considered to be the first café in the world opened
in 1686. That's Le Procope, serving famous names such as philosopher Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin over
the years, and today retaining a centuries-old décor. It's located in St. Germain des Prés, the district with the highest concentration of cafés
in the city. Among them is Café de Flore, known for its classic art deco interior and as a favorite of
Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. It has a rival just around the corner, Les Deux Magots,
which was frequented by surrealist artists and writers such as Ernest Hemingway. Today it is a good place for a hot chocolate, although the
best place for that in Paris is ANGELINA (226 Rue de Rivoli). Its thick Le Chocolat Africain is simply divine, as are its
teas and cakes.
Other historic cafés include La Coupole (favored by Josephine Baker and Roman Polanski), decorated by various artists since it opened in 1927, and La Closerie des Lilas further down the boulevard. Hemingway wrote Fiesta on the terrace here, and set a large part of the story here.
If these are not enough classic Paris experiences for you, you may also want to check out CAFE DE LA PAIX across from the Opera, with its 19th century decoration by Charles Garnier. Look for the couture-looking fashion pastry series -- cakes sculpted by local designers.
But speaking of fashion, this is the city for that, so you'll also want to check out the most stylish modern cafes. Start at the Le Réfectoire with a laid-back urban décor and ambience, and serving an excellent breakfast.
Also trendy is CAFÉ BEAUBOURG by the Centre Pompidou, with a minimalist space where you may order light meals.
Finally, overlooking the Louvre is another of the city's most stylish cafés. Run by the Costes brothers, CAFE MARLY is the ideal place to meet for a drink. You may sit among a fashion-conscious crowd in a stunning dining room, or choose the long terrace.
RESTAURANTS
The bar (with its orchids and Louis XV armchairs) is welcoming enough, but step into Kong's bright dining area on the upper floor next to the glass rooftop, and you'll be in one of Paris' most inviting spaces. You may have seen it before in one of the last episodes of Sex and the City that was set in Paris.
Our advice is to start at the bar with a Martini, and then go sample the fine Fumiko Kono menu.
Cafe Baci is a chic eatery with an elegant decoration that combines baroque chandeliers and leather stools. The menu is Italian but the wine list has both Italian and French names. It is also open for breakfast.
La Fontaine Gaillon is owned by actor Gerard Depardieu, but unlike many celebrities' attempts in the restaurant business, this one is quite good. There are five private dining rooms showing an incredible art collection that includes works by Picasso and Miró. It is recommended that you book well in advance, but note that it is closed on weekends.
The Baccarat shop's Cristal Room is one of those glamorous spaces that you need to be placed on a waiting list to experience. With classic chandeliers hanging above crystal glass, mirrors, and modern design from Yves Savinel and Gilles Rozé, this stunning room can be quite a distraction from the equally tasteful menu.
Apicius is very popular with all kinds of tourists. Now that you've been warned, you should also know that it serves a quite imaginative menu, making it a good fine dining experience.
CHEZ BENOIT is another very popular option next to the Centre Pompidou. The cuisine is traditional French and is served in large portions, reinforcing the classic-traditional ambience.
Opened by a chef who was previously awarded three Michelin stars, Senderens is a refined yet informal dining experience. This is an excellent value when considering the quality.
Atelier Maître Albert is a charming rotisserie designed by Jean-Paul Wilmotte in a contemporary style. Chef Guy Savoy prepares his delicious offerings for a sophisticated professional clientele.
He has another restaurant with his name, where his dishes are also one of the city's best gastronomic delights. Guy Savoy Restaurant requires jackets and ties for male diners, so you get the picture of how smart and chic the place is.
L'ASTRANCE is a huge local favorite, although the space is limited, so book at least one month in advance. You'll want to do that, as the modern and creative cuisine is a must for any food lover. The owners were previously at L'Árpege, one of the best and most expensive restaurants in the city. If you feel like splurging, this is a must-do. It offers an exciting menu dégustation with plenty of seafood and poultry, but also a great focus on vegetables. The wine list is equally superb.
L'AMBROISIE is a great contender for the best restaurant in Paris. Located under the 17th century arcades of the magnificent
Place des Vosges, it serves classic French cuisine with a certain modern twist. It is a memorable gastronomic experience worth every euro.
Spoon, Food & Wine opened in 1998 with a never-done-before concept: It offered a fusion menu that patrons could mix and match. The fashionable set liked the idea and it became instantly popular. It remains a fun dining experience with a selection of French, Asian, Italian, and American flavors.
Taillevent defines haute-cuisine luxury. Adorned with contemporary paintings on the walls of a 19th century townhouse, it serves memorable cuisine in an atmospheric dining room. The wine list is among the best in the city, and as one of Paris' most outstanding restaurants, you should book at least one month in advance.
Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée is one of Paris' most stylish restaurants serving the celebrity chef's signature dishes at the Plaza Athénée Hotel. The service is impeccable.
A similar option is L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, offering reinvented haute cuisine in a dining area overlooking an open kitchen. You may not book in advance, so be prepared to line up with a moneyed clientele for some time if you don't arrive early enough. The celebrity chef opened a second space, La Table du Joël Robuchon, with a less formal atmosphere and with a booking option, but the menu maintains the same high quality.
Gaya Rive Gauche is a fashionable seafood restaurant with artfully presented dishes, but not as expensive as you'd expect at a Paris restaurant of this caliber. The wine list is also quite good and the desserts are worth leaving plenty of room for.
To overlook the city as you eat, head to GEORGES RESTAURANT on the top floor of the Pompidou Center. It's a favorite among the city's jetsetters, with a minimalist and postmodern décor. The large windows providing views of the entire city is the main reason to come here, although the fusion-cuisine is also satisfying.
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