12 best restaurants in Paris

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Paris is not only the capital of haute couture, but also haute cuisine. There is a huge number of establishments for every taste. And here is the largest number of high-class establishments. France as a whole is a gourmet paradise and Paris has concentrated the best of the best. This city has more Michelin-starred restaurants than half of the European countries combined. It is second only to Tokyo in the world ranking among cities, occupying an honorable second place in the Michelin guide, and possessing, in total, 203 stars. 167 restaurants in Paris can boast of this highest award. In addition, in the French capital, there are many establishments that have not yet been included in the Michelin list, but have other prestigious awards, and most importantly, the recognition of visitors. Therefore, choosing the 12 best restaurants in Paris is not easy. Our rating includes truly unique establishments that differ from the rest in something special. A visit to these restaurants will be an unforgettable culinary experience, and you will certainly want to come back here again.

Rating of the best restaurants in Paris

Nomination	a place	a restaurant	rating
Rating of the best restaurants in Paris	1	Pierre gagnaire	5.0
	2	L'Ambroisie	5.0
	3	La grande cascade	5.0
	4	Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee	4.9
	5	Guy Savoy	4.8
	6	L'Astrance	4.8
	7	Epicure	4.7
	8	Cobea	4.7
	9	Les Apotres de Pigalle	4.7
	10	La Truffiere	4.6
	11	L'Arome	4.5
	12	Graindorge	4.5

Pierre gagnaire

Rating: 5.0

Pierre Gagnaire restaurant bears the name of its founder – the famous French chef. This is his first establishment of the maestro of culinary opened in Paris in 1996. Since then, the restaurateur has founded many outlets in all corners of the world, but Pierre Gagnaire, apparently, remains the most beloved brainchild. It was this restaurant that for three years in a row (from 2006 to 2008) ranked third in the list of the best restaurants in the world and received many prestigious awards, including, of course, Michelin stars.

This place will be appreciated by those who love culinary adventures. Pierre Garnier is an unrivaled master of experimentation. It combines the incompatible – ingredients, colors, textures – in such a delicate way that even the most demanding gourmets will be delighted. After all, who else would dream of stuffing raw shrimp with chili or making parsnip carpaccio. And Pierre Garnier comes up with even crazier ideas that are embodied in real masterpieces.

Advantages

• Very cozy atmosphere.
• Spacious rooms with a small number of tables.
• A special place for the curious – one of the tables is set in the kitchen area.
• An original serving concept (each dish is divided into several different parts).
• Bright, memorable taste of food.
• Rich wine list.
• Well-trained, helpful staff.
• The chef communicates with the guests personally.

disadvantages

• The restaurant is closed on weekends.
• Several times a year – long vacations (for example, three weeks in August).
• High prices (the average bill for a dinner for two with wine is about 1000 Euro).

L'Ambroisie

Rating: 5.0

L'Ambroisie is another Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant serving authentic French classics. Many celebrities do not ignore him. The restaurant's VIP guests include François Hollande and Barack Obama. However, everyone here will feel like a welcome guest and will receive maximum attention from the staff.

L'Ambroisie offers a seasonal menu with only fresh ingredients. There is no over-experimentation here – the food is traditional rather than innovative. But this is a classic brought to perfection. No wonder the name of the restaurant – Ambrosia – translates as 'food of the gods'.

The interior is also designed in a 'divine' style. Luxurious tapestries, black and white marble floors, sparkling crystal, gilding in the decor create an atmosphere of solemnity and special importance of the moment. This place is perfect for a romantic dinner in Paris or celebrating a significant event.

Advantages

• Prestigious culinary awards.
• Good location (in the central part of Paris, in an old building of the 17th century).
• A carefully thought out menu consisting mainly of delicacies (lobster, snails, lobster, foie gras, etc.)
• Delightful signature desserts (for example, orange-pink grapefruit biscuit).
• Friendly, warm atmosphere.
• Great service.
• Convenient work schedule (from 12.00 to 22.15).

disadvantages

• High prices (tasting set for one guest – 350 Euro, and the cost of individual dishes – at least one hundred Euro).
• Small selection of food.
• Menu in French only.

La grande cascade

Rating: 5.0

La Grande Cascade has a reputation for being the most glamorous restaurant in Paris. If you try to put it in three words, it will be: 'Rich. Expensive. Tasty'.

The restaurant is located in the Bois de Boulogne, in a building built for the rest of Napoleon III. The royal scale is felt here in everything – in the square (there are several halls and a large terrace), and in the decoration, and in the approach to all details. Even the most picky visitors will not be able to find a single flaw in either the decor or the food. La Grande Cascade offers gourmet cuisine that will surely bring new tastes to the table.

This place is often chosen for weddings, banquets, gala dinners. After all, there are not so many restaurants in Paris where everything is perfect – including the location. According to guest reviews, La Grande Cascade deserves even more than three stars, because the food here is truly beyond praise.

Advantages

• Excellent location – in the middle of the forest, near a cascading pond.
• Impeccable table setting (exclusive dishes, silverware).
• There are special offers for vegetarians.
• Very friendly, helpful staff.
• Own parking.
• Free Wi-Fi.
• Facilities for people with disabilities.
• The restaurant is open seven days a week.
• Possibility of discounts when booking in advance.
• If necessary – an individual menu.

disadvantages

• High prices.
• Menu in French only, no prices indicated.
• Limited running time.

Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee

Rating: 4.9

Alain Ducasse is, without exaggeration, the legend of the world restaurant business. This award-winning French chef has 19 Michelin stars in his professional 'collection' and three of his 26 restaurants have been awarded three Michelin stars.

So why did we include Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee in the TOP, and not some other restaurant of the Alain Ducasse Enterprise chain? Because this restaurant is an example of an enchanting success, earning its three stars in just five months since opening in Paris in 2000 (a world record).

Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee's menu is based on modern variations on the theme of classic French cuisine. The chef has added new touches to the traditional compositions of ingredients, which give the food an absolutely unique, inimitable taste.

The restaurant is located in one of the most expensive districts of Paris – on Rue Montaigne in the Plaza Athenee hotel.

Advantages

• Luxurious interior, in the 'Versailles' style with an exclusive chandelier, including 10 thousand crystal pendants.
• Original sofas that resemble antique steel serving caps.
• Impeccable service.
• Beautiful design of dishes.
• Biologically pure, natural, fresh products.
• Huge wine list (over 1000 items).
• Cozy patio.

disadvantages

• Very high prices (set – 400 Euro, individual dishes – from a hundred and more).
• Limited running time.
• According to the guests' comments, not all dishes are exquisite.

Guy Savoy

Rating: 4.8

Among the gastronomic restaurants in Paris, Guy Savoy stands out for its special style. Everything here – including the menu – is laconic, restrained, minimalist – and at the same time fantastically beautiful. The famous French chef Guy Savoy opened this institution back in 1987 and traditionally named it with his own name. At Guy Savoy, he embodies his concept of food as art versus fast food and industrial food.

The Guy Savoy restaurant consists of several small rooms that have their own names ('Scenes of Paris', 'Library', 'Beautiful Bacchantes', etc.). Menus are developed here, focusing on seasonal products. However, some specialties are always present, such as artichoke soup with truffles. Guests are offered only two variants of tasting menus, the price of which is fixed ('Prestige' – 250 Euro, 'Colors, textures and sensations' – 360 Euro).

Advantages

• Cozy environment.
• Beautiful location on the banks of the Seine.
• Excellent cuisine.
• Prepare vegetarian meals.
• Daily delivery of products from the best suppliers.
• An extensive wine list (over two thousand items).
• The possibility of holding closed events.
• It is proposed to rent a restaurant on non-working days.
• There are individual rooms.
• Menu in several languages ​​(including Russian).

disadvantages

• The restaurant is only open during limited hours on weekdays and Saturday evenings. Sunday-Monday – days off.
• High prices.

L'Astrance

Rating: 4.8

The Parisian restaurant L'Astrance earned its three Michelin stars thanks to the talent of a young chef. At the age of 35, Pascal Barbeau has the greatest authority in the restaurant business. It is very difficult to book a place in L'Astrance – there are many people in Paris who want to try its amazing dishes, and the restaurant hall is designed for only 25 guests.

The interior of the establishment may seem too uncomplicated and unremarkable: gray walls, ordinary sofas – it's hard to believe that you are in a haute cuisine establishment. But this is also a conceptual move. Pascal Barbeau calls the restaurant 'anti-fashion' and believes that nothing should distract from food. And the food here is really great. Creativity, creativity and innovation are what L'Astrance visitors appreciate. The menu is new every day, the only thing that remains unchanged is the signature pie with champignons and foie gras, which can be ordered here at any time.

Advantages

• Very loyal prices, as for a gourmet restaurant in Paris (average prices for lunch or dinner without wine are 130-160 euros, but you can dine for 70 euros).
• Daily changing menu (15 new dishes every day).
• Special offers for special occasions (for lovers, business meetings, etc.)
• The ability to create an individual menu (taking into account food intolerances, taste preferences, etc.)
• Unique dishes of author's cuisine.
• Excellent wine list.
• Calm, peaceful atmosphere.

disadvantages

• Being too 'light' about the schedule may not be to the taste of those who are used to planning or have limited time.
• According to guests' reviews, there are comments on the work of the staff.

Epicure

Rating: 4.7

Epicure restaurant is one of the most popular in Paris. It is located in the equally famous Parisian hotel Le Bristol. And Epicure is famous not only for having three Michelin stars – there are many 'star' establishments in the French capital. This restaurant has become famous as one of the favorite places of Nicolas Sarkozy. He was also honored with the attention of many other famous people, like Vladimir Pozdner, who celebrated his 80th birthday here.

Epicure is sure to delight those looking for new gastronomic discoveries. Its chef, Eric Frechon, has won the title of Best Chef in France and many other prestigious awards, including the Knight Commander of the Legion of Honor. But, despite the stardom and numerous titles, Frechon often stands at the stove himself, and guests have the opportunity to enjoy food prepared by the great master with his own hand.

Advantages

• Very beautiful huge garden with greenery and flowers all year round.
• Luxurious interior.
• A spacious, bright room with large panoramic windows.
• An impressive selection of wines (over 2,200 names).
• Among the ingredients of the dishes are the most expensive and rare products.
• Perfect serving.
• There are tables on the terrace.
• Breakfast is served (from 7.00 to 10.30).
• A highly professional team of 15 chefs, four pastry chefs, two bakers and three sommeliers.

disadvantages

• Very high cost.

Cobea

Rating: 4.7

Located in Paris in the Montparnasse district, the Cobea restaurant attracts many visitors with its relaxed atmosphere and exquisite cuisine. The elegant, carefully thought-out interior, large windows overlooking the green area with kobei – all this contributes to a serenity, relaxation and getting the maximum pleasure from food. Chef Philippe Bellicent and sommelier partner Jerome Kobu make sure that guests get an unforgettable taste experience.

Cobea cannot boast of a very extensive menu – it offers only a few varied lunch and dinner complexes. But what kind! Visitors have the opportunity to choose positions from four, six or eight sets, as well as order selected wines, of which there are more than 250 brands in the Cobea card.

A special offer awaits lovers – a separate table has been prepared for them, hidden from the eyes of other guests in a small alcove.

Advantages

• Significant awards including a Michelin star.
• Chef Philippe Bellicent is the winner of the 'Best French Menu' TV competition.
• Very attractive prices (lunches from 55 Euro).
• Possibility to order a banquet.
• Carefully planned menu.
• Orientation to seasonal products.
• Friendly, helpful staff.

disadvantages

• Limited opening hours, closed on Sundays.

Les Apotres de Pigalle

Rating: 4.7

This small restaurant near Montmartre has a spontaneous, casual atmosphere. You won't be able to retire here – it is always crowded and noisy in a small room, and the interior is not at all restaurant-like. Therefore, for a romantic date, it is better to choose another place in Paris, but to have a great time with friends, have a delicious meal and not spend a lot of money at the same time – it’s the very thing. After all, the food here, although without gastronomic delights, is insanely tasty and extraordinary. Besides European, South American dishes are served here. But both the first and the second – in the author's improvisation, which will certainly surprise.

The culinary experiments of the three brothers, who opened Les Apotres de Pigalle in the summer of 2016, were so popular with the residents of the French capital and guests of Paris that the restaurant in the shortest lines not only took off in the Tripadvizor TOP, but took first place in the ratings of visitors. To get here, you will have to book a table at least several weeks in advance.

Advantages

• Interesting loft-style design.
• Affordable prices (price range – 5-25 Euro).
• The menu includes options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free.
• The original names of the dishes.
• Good wine list.
• Very helpful staff.
• Warm, family atmosphere.
• Free Wi-Fi.

disadvantages

• Quite a modest menu.
• The restaurant is only open in the evening and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

La Truffiere

Rating: 4.6

The name of this restaurant actually reflects its concept: the main product is a truffle. La Truffiere offers a wide variety of truffle dishes, including desserts. Aurélien Braguier, a young yet award-winning and experienced chef, creates delightful truffle masterpieces that you will never forget.

However, this restaurant is famous not for truffles alone in Paris. The menu contains many interesting dishes. Guests are offered unique combinations, extraordinary solutions, an author's view of modern French and European cuisine. Gourmets will appreciate the creative approach to desserts – La Truffiere serves macaroons with truffles, anchovy ice cream, rosemary sorbet and other very original sweets. Particular attention is paid to the quality of products (some are specially ordered in other countries).

Advantages

• Quality awards (Michelin star, Tripadvisor winner 2015, 2016, 2018).
• Great interior.
• One of the richest wine lists in Paris – more than 4,200 items.
• Vegetarian dishes on the menu.
• Great presentation.
• High level of service.
• Discounts are offered with advance booking.
• Free Wi-Fi.
• Free parking.
• Possibility to order a banquet.

disadvantages

• According to the comments of the guests, the location is not very good.
• High prices (tasting menu 'Surprise' with truffles – 225 Euro).

L'Arome

Rating: 4.5

L'Arome is a restaurant in Paris that will be remembered for its special refinement, charm and elegance. The establishment received its first Michelin star back in 2009. This success is the merit of the chef Thomas Bullo – a professional of the highest class. He offers an author's menu, in which every dish is worked out to the smallest detail. This is a delightful harmony of colors, taste sensations, aromas. Bullot has added an oriental touch to traditional French cuisine. The result is innovative flavors and completely new flavors. However, Bullo's culinary creativity remains within reasonable combinations, so at L'Arome, guests are never disappointed, as is often the case with other gourmet restaurants. The portion sizes will also delight – they are not microscopic here at all, unlike many gastronomic establishments in Paris. Therefore, many choose L'Arome as a place where you can eat not only tasty, but also hearty, and most importantly – at a price that is quite loyal, as for Paris.

Advantages

• Good location – in the center of Paris, not far from the Champs Elysees.
• The menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.
• Delightful presentation with theatrical elements.
• Reasonable prices, given the high status of the restaurant (you can dine for only 60 Euro).
• Excellent service.
• The staff speaks four languages, including English.
• There is a small room (up to 10 guests) for confidential meetings.

disadvantages

• Limited opening hours, the restaurant is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
• According to guests' comments, the tables are too close.

Graindorge

Rating: 4.5

Opened in Paris back in 1992, in 2017 Graindorge finally received its well-deserved Michelin star, which confirms the high level of culinary skills of the chef and at the same time the owner of the restaurant Bernard Brooks.

This small restaurant, decorated in an art deco style, has long been a favorite place for Parisians. The interior is in the style of the 30s, the calm atmosphere is conducive to a pleasant pastime and enjoyment of food. This place is suitable for both business meetings and a romantic dinner.

The name of the restaurant may seem a little strange – from French 'grain dorge' is translated as 'grain of barley'. But this particular culture is one of the main ones in Flanders – a region whose traditions have become 'programmatic' for the restaurant. The Graindorge offers authentic Flemish cuisine. One of the menu options is called 'Return of Flanders'. In addition, you can taste excellent beer and decent quality wine here.

Advantages

• Convenient location in the central part of Paris, near the Arc de Triomphe.
• Several menu variations are offered (lunch, evening, for special occasions, branded Flemish).
• It is possible to order food with you.
• Warm, friendly atmosphere.
• Free Wi-Fi.
• There is parking.
• Very attractive prices, including for alcoholic beverages (lunch will cost only 32 Euro, the cost of a bottle of wine – from 15 Euro).

disadvantages

• Limited running time. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
• A small number of items in the menu.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.