The most famous restaurants in Paris for a trip or a weekend

You are passing through Paris and you look for the most iconic restaurants in Paris ? Here is our top of the most famous Parisian restaurants, based on their historical heritage, their ambiance and their cuisine.

This list is not just another list of restaurants gleaned from the Internet, but the fruit of our experience in the catering industry for more than 10 years, as a Mediterranean restaurant. Be careful, however, you will sometimes have to be patient to get a place in these restaurants, or go there at opportune times, because these places are very often victims of their own success.

In the meantime, feel free to discover our Mediterranean specialties of falafel, hummus and shawarma in Paris. Visit one of the Libshop restaurants for a friendly and delicious meal.

12. Pink Mamma

Address : 20 bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris (9th arrondissement)

Opened in 2017 by the Big Mamma group, Pink Mamma is a four-story Italian trattoria renowned for its eclectic decor (glass roof, hidden speakeasy) and authentic cuisine (Neapolitan pizzas, truffle pasta, tiramisu). Located in Pigalle, it attracts tourists with its festive atmosphere and Instagrammable aesthetic, while embodying the modernity of the Parisian culinary scene.

Crowd: Extremely popular, with long queues. Popular with young travelers and Italian food lovers.

11. Chartier Broth

Address : 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris (9th arrondissement)

Founded in 1896, Bouillon Chartier is one of the oldest and most famous Parisian broths, known for its traditional French dishes at affordable prices (escargots, duck confit, crème brûlée). Its Art Nouveau decor, with its large mirrors, wood paneling, and lively atmosphere, embodies the soul of Paris's historic brasseries. Once frequented by figures like Edith Piaf, it remains a symbol of popular and accessible cuisine.

Attendance: Extremely popular with tourists and Parisians, with long queues, especially at peak times, as reservations are not accepted. Its 320-seat capacity and fast service attract a diverse clientele.

10. The Rib Steak Relay

Address : 15 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris (8th arrondissement) (and other addresses) – €

Famous for its unique concept: a single dish (steak and fries with a secret sauce) and a dessert. Open since 1959, it embodies Parisian simplicity and draws crowds for its friendly atmosphere. While this place is historically iconic, it has also experienced a resurgence in popularity among young people thanks to more recent exposure on social media.

Attendance: Frequent queues, especially at mealtimes. No reservations.

9. The Blue Train

Address : Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris (12th arrondissement) – €€€

Located in the Gare de Lyon, this 1901 restaurant is a Belle Époque masterpiece with its frescoes, chandeliers, and gilding. It serves classic dishes like filet mignon and rum baba in a theatrical atmosphere.

Attendance: Very popular with travelers and tourists for its unique setting.

8. The Dome

Address : 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris (14th arrondissement) – €€€

This Art Deco brasserie, opened in 1927, is a mainstay of Montparnasse. Frequented by Hemingway, Picasso, and Chagall, it is renowned for its seafood platters and lamb curry. Its decor, with its painted columns, is iconic.

Attendance: Very popular, especially for lively dinners. Reservations recommended.

7. Maxim's

Address : 3 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris (8th arrondissement) – €€€

This Belle Époque restaurant, opened in 1893, is an icon of Parisian glamour. Known for its sumptuous Art Nouveau decor and refined French cuisine, it has attracted celebrities such as Coco Chanel and Brigitte Bardot.

Attendance: Frequented by a wealthy clientele and tourists in search of elegance.

6. At Paul's

Address : 13 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris (11th arrondissement) – €€

This traditional bistro, founded in 1900, is a must-visit for its bourgeois cuisine (beef bourguignon, escargots). Its retro decor and warm atmosphere make it a favorite with guides and Parisians alike.

Attendance: Highly popular with locals and knowledgeable tourists. Reservations recommended.

5. Lasserre

Address : 17 Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008 Paris (8th arrondissement) – €€€

Opened in 1942, this Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its sunroof, Directoire decor, and classic French cuisine (pigeon, lobster). It attracts an elegant, international clientele.

Attendance: Destination for special occasions, reservation required.

4. The Procopius

Address : 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris (6th arrondissement) – €€

Opened in 1686, this is the oldest café-restaurant in Paris. Frequented by Voltaire, Rousseau, and Danton, it offers traditional French cuisine (coq au vin, calf's head) in a historic setting.

Attendance: Very popular with tourists for its history and setting.

3. At the Pig's Foot

Address : 6 Rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris (1st arrondissement) – €€

Opened in 1947 in the Les Halles district, Au Pied de Cochon is a Parisian institution renowned for its 24-hour service and hearty French cuisine. Known for its pork dishes, such as calf's head and grilled pig's trotters, this restaurant embodies the spirit of traditional brasseries. Its retro decor, with red banquettes and mirrors, evokes Paris of yesteryear, and its location near the former Les Halles market gives it a historic aura.

Attendance: Popular with tourists for its lively atmosphere and with Parisian night owls thanks to its 24-hour opening hours. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2. The Silver Tower

Address : 15 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris – €€€

Founded in 1582, this is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris, known for its numbered pressed duck and breathtaking views of Notre-Dame. Awarded a Michelin star, it embodies French gastronomic luxury and attracts an international clientele. Its legendary wine cellar (over 300,000 bottles) is another asset.
Attendance: Very popular with tourists and lovers of fine dining, reservations essential.

1. The Café de Flore

Address : 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris (6th arrondissement) – €€

This legendary café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a symbol of Parisian intellectual life. Frequented by Sartre, Beauvoir, and Picasso, it is famous for its Art Deco ambiance, hot chocolate, and classic dishes like the omelet.

Attendance: Crowded with tourists and locals, especially during the day. No reservations required.

Also find my guide to the best places to discover in Châtelet.