Paris
The Best Paris Bistros
Looking for the best bistros in Paris? This is your ultimate insider's guide.
There's no restaurant category that captures the essence of eating in Paris better than the bistro. This relaxed, local, and quintessentially Parisian type of restaurant comes in both traditional and modernized versions. What defines a bistro in Paris is the casual, seasonal, and local connection on the menu, be it a rustic slice of country terrine, a bubbling hot, cheese-oozing French onion soup, or a contemporary dish of raw fish or seafood. The wine list is affordable and mostly French, often with a presence of smaller producers and natural wines.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, Paris has a wide range of great bistros in all categories that are sure to make your visit memorable. Our list includes both classic bistros like Bistrot Paul Bert and newer favorites like Brutos, but every one of these Paris bistros is worth a visit. All our picks in the article are based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts, including chef Bruno Verjus, food writer Wendy Lyn, and Sachin Obaid. Keep reading as we highlight the best Paris bistros to visit while in the city.
Bistrot Paul Bert is a Parisian bistrot known for its rustic classic dishes. This establishment is recognized for its traditional French cooking, with a small menu that frequently changes, offering dishes like peppered steak, eggs with black truffle shavings, and homemade frites. The ingredients are locally sourced, with fruits and vegetables grown on their Normandy farm, seafood from Brittany, and wines brought directly by the winegrowers, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste.
Recommended by
Classic French bistrot serving phenomenal peppered steak I will forever remember this steak as some of the best we have ever had. Paul Bert is our go- to when in Paris & always blown away with our meal. Traditional french cooking, small menu & a lot of rich sauces. Great execution of all dishes - spectacular offal & pigeon. Sitting on a busy street of Paris, Paul Bert is the ultimate Parisian bistrot. No tourists in sight.
Parcelles is a modern Parisian bistro known for its elevated comfort food, offering a well-thought-out menu and a strong wine selection. The bistro provides a relaxed atmosphere where food is prepared to make you smile from the inside. Notably, Parcelles also features a wine shop across the street, where customers can purchase more of their enjoyed wines after their meal.
Recommended by
Classic Bistro vibes with elevated comfort foodA modern Parisian bistro serving out French classics, elevated through ingredients and techniques. The menu is very well thought out, wine selection is very strong and the service is friendly and attentive. If you are looking for relaxed vibes with food that is going to make you smile from the inside, Parcelles should go up high on your list!
Le Bon Georges is a classic Parisian bistro, renowned for its ever-changing menu that reflects the freshness and seasonality of ingredients. The restaurant provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere, complemented by a knowledgeable staff that can guide you through their extensive wine list and menu. Dishes such as the duck Pâté En Croûte, foie gras, and green asparagus with herb vinaigrette come highly recommended for a true taste of French cuisine.
Recommended by
Classic Parisian Bistro with a true atmosphereA true Parisian classic that doesn’t take itself for granted. Although being one of the most popular bistros In France Le Bon George keeps on delivering top class food and service. The staff is happy, dedicated and knowledgeable about all ingredients in the menu and the extensive wine list. Le Bon George is a happy place that everyone should visit at least once.
Le Baratin is a traditional bistro serving authentic French cuisine, masterminded by Chef Raquel Carena. Known for its signature dishes such as cervelle and ris de veau, the restaurant offers a genuine, no-frills dining experience. Alongside its food, Le Baratin boasts an impressive selection of natural wines, with patrons often encouraged to make off-list choices for a delightful surprise.
Recommended by
A must in Paris, proper bistro cuisineRaquel's and Pinuche’s house in Belleville, a must-do when you’re in Paris as they serve proper bistro cuisine. Chef Raquel is like a mother to chefs somehow. She has a few signature dishes, try the cervelle and ris de veau which are always on the menu. The food is served with beautiful natural wines, ask for recommendations! The wines are incredible. It's really pretty and really French, both the atmosphere and the cuisine. Some people would say the service is very Parisian but you could also say the service is 100% no bullshit. It’s what you expect from a French restaurant, right? Nobody's gonna come every two minutes to ask you if you're enjoying your dish, because of course you are. They don't sugarcoat anything in this restaurant. Definitely one of my favorites, I really love this place.
Bistrot Des Tournelles brings an old-fashioned charm to the dining scene with its classic dishes and natural wines curated by Édouart Vermynck. The restaurant is known for its warm, nostalgic ambiance, complete with retro fittings like a marble bar, century-old mirrors, and art deco chandeliers. With a traditional a la carte menu featuring timeless favorites like eggs mayo, croque-monsieur Comté, and house-made grilled Andouillette, Bistrot Des Tournelles offers a comforting and familiar dining experience.
Recommended by
Édouart Vermynck’s wildly popular new Marais bistrot is already a classicI hope I don’t regret giving this one away. In just a few months, Édouard Vermynck’s beautiful new bistrot in the Places des Vosges & Place de la Bastille neighborhood already feels like home. As a trusted long-time restaurateur and a great guy in Paris, (Édouard founded L’Entree des Artistes) it didn’t take long for the local restaurant & natural wine industry family to fill the dining room the six nights a week. Édouart chose the retro fittings (think marble bar, century-old mirrors, art deco chandeliers) to create a warm, nostalgic & intimate space - it feels like it has always been there. With the candles and wine, it is like one big industry date night. The traditional a la carte menu by his Chef Geoffroy Lalangella isn't fancy, it just reads like a dream with classic eggs mayo, croque-monsieur Comté & jambon Prince de Paris, house-made grilled Andouillette, daube de boeuf à la Provençale, noix de Saint-Jacques au beurre blanc sauce, Limousin faux-filet steak, farm-raised chicken and even a (I haven’t seen in years) chicken Cordon Bleu. Every meat dish is followed by “au jus” and jus you get, as much as you want. There are two side dish choices of frites or puréed potatoes - choose BOTH. Plats are followed by Brillat-Savarin cheese and/or mousse au chocolat, crème brulée with Madagascar vanilla, and tarte tatin dressed with raw cream. As one of the forerunners of serving only natural wine, some of the gems on Ed’s tight list are Laval and Rupert-Leroy Champagnes, Valette Macon’s, Foillard & Dufaitre Beaujolais, Bernard & Ratapoil Jura’s and Clos Du Tue-Boeuf from the Loire. What to expect? It is busy, loud & lively, only one server. Tables are elbow to elbow. Easy and delicious. Nothing over the top. Every table knows each other, and… the owner. Maybe that is what we crave now. No BS. Just good satisfying food & great company. Although everyone is welcome, although it is packed with friends who all know each other, although it is a classic French bistrot - the local crowd would appreciate my saying out loud it is not for tourists, nor everyone.
Brutos is a restaurant where meat-lovers can enjoy a variety of dishes, all grilled over an open flame. The menu boasts a selection of aged beef steaks, succulent whole chickens, and the legendary beef bone marrow, served with pureed potatoes. The restaurant also offers a range of starters, including hand-minced Adana lamb skewers and pasteis, a take on Brazilian street food, complemented by a carefully curated natural wine list.
Recommended by
A carnivore’s and natural wine lover’s dream, everything is grilled over an open flame.Owners Ninon Lecomte and Brazilian chef Lucas Baur de Campos’s rustic little neighborhood spot grills, braises and roasts everything over an open-flame including juicy whole chicken served with garlic fries and spicy mayonnaise, the grilled beef bone marrow dripping jus into pureed potatoes is practically a legend, and of beautiful aged beef steaks like the cote de boeuf with chimichurri and powdered arofa, a traditional Brazilian side dish made with toasted yuca flour/cassava flour to sprinkle over for extra va-va-voom. Don’t overlook the fantastic starters though like the hand-minced Adana lamb skewers or the pasteis, a riff on Brazilian street food filled with seasonal ingredients such as the deep-fried crab raviolis w/chorizo and smoked ricotta. Ninon is front of house serving family-style platters and in charge of their spectacular natural wine list. Brutos was built for groups of friends to share – rare for Paris - especially on the magical terrace. Sunday lunch is the most popular day of the week and locals reserve weeks in advance.
Le Grand Bain is a popular bistro, situated near the vibrant Canal Saint Martin. The restaurant offers a buzzing atmosphere with a menu full of delicious food, as noted by diners. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 7pm to 11:30pm, Le Grand Bain also offers a second service starting at 9:30 pm without the need for reservations.
Recommended by
Perfect neighbourhood bistro in a cool part of Paris (right next to Canal Saint Martin) always buzzing and delicious food...
Bouillon Pigalle is a large, always bustling restaurant known for its affordable, traditional French comfort food. Located near famous landmarks like the Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur, it offers a modern take on 19th-century Parisian dining, with a menu that features classic dishes from various regions of France. With 300 seats, including 100 on the balcony, this restaurant serves a wide array of dishes from noon to midnight, appealing to a diverse clientele of locals and tourists alike.
Recommended by
Extremly CHEAP restaurant in Pigalle. Classical french comfort food. It’s a huge location and it’s always full!
L’Ami Jean is a lively, rustic bistro run by Chef Stéphane Jego, who brings his personality to every dish. The food is the main attraction here, with options to order à la carte or opt for the tasting menu. Don't miss out on their signature dessert, the family-style rice pudding served with nougatine and caramel.
Recommended by
A fun, lively, tightly packed rustic Parisian bistro. It’s all about the food here.One of my go to bistros in Paris for years! It’s a fun, lively, tightly packed rustic Parisian bistro. Chef Stéphane Jego is quite the personality but it’s all about the food here. Order à la carte or put it in the chef's hands and go for the tasting menu. Either way you’ll be happy. Don’t forget to order the rice pudding served family style in a big wooden bowl and spoon with nougatine and caramel on the side!! Always a winner.
Chez Georges has been a staple in the culinary scene since 1964, offering generous portions of classic bistro fare. Their menu highlights include delectable dishes like rillettes, ratatouille, harengs à l’huile, salade de museau, turbot beurre blanc, riz de veau aux morilles, profiteroles and baba au rhum. Known as an ultimate Parisian institution, Chez Georges continues to serve its patrons with timeless recipes.
Recommended by
The ultimate Parisian institution, serving generous, classic bistro fare since 1964. Rillettes, ratatouille, harengs à l’huile, salade de museau, turbot beurre blanc, riz de veau aux morilles, profiteroles and baba au rhum.
Buvette Paris is a cozy bistro offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a suitable spot for any meal or just a glass of wine. It is located near Pigalle and Montmartre, but situated on a quiet street, providing a respite from the usual tourist crowds. The bistro is part of a global chain with branches in New York, London, Tokyo, and Mexico City, and is known for its friendly service and soulful environment.
Recommended by
Cosy bistro away from the crowdsIn spite of having restaurants in six cities all over the world, Buvette makes you feel like a local. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Buvette is a perfect spot to drop by for a snack, a meal or just a glass of wine. The Paris branch is located close to Pigalle and Montmartre but on a quiet street away from the hoards of tourists. Nice and friendly service in a soulful environment.
Café les Deux Gares is an all-day café-restaurant between Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord, known for its Parisian bistrot decor, natural wine list, and large sun-drenched terrace. The menu, crafted by Chef Jonathan Schweizer and Frédéric Lesire, offers delicious set and a la carte options, with the crispy ris de veau being a favorite among industry insiders. Perfect for travelers, its location near two major train stations makes it an ideal spot for a meal or a drink.
Recommended by
Chef Jonathan Schweizer's delicious all day café-restaurant between the Gare de l'Est & Gare du NordAn all-day café-restaurant with lunch and dinner run by the brilliant Frédéric Lesire and Chef Jonathan Schweizer. Count on gorgeous Parisian bistrot decor, 100% natural wine list, large sun-drenched terrace and delicious set and/or a la carte menus. Industry friends agree, Jonathan's crispy ris de veau is one of the best in the city. The location between the two major train stations Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord makes it the perfect place to eat & drink for those traveling in and out of Paris for lunch, dinner and apero.
Bistrot Paul Bert is a Parisian bistrot known for its rustic classic dishes. This establishment is recognized for its traditional French cooking, with a small menu that frequently changes, offering dishes like peppered steak, eggs with black truffle shavings, and homemade frites. The ingredients are locally sourced, with fruits and vegetables grown on their Normandy farm, seafood from Brittany, and wines brought directly by the winegrowers, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste.
Recommended by
Classic French bistrot serving phenomenal peppered steak I will forever remember this steak as some of the best we have ever had. Paul Bert is our go- to when in Paris & always blown away with our meal. Traditional french cooking, small menu & a lot of rich sauces. Great execution of all dishes - spectacular offal & pigeon. Sitting on a busy street of Paris, Paul Bert is the ultimate Parisian bistrot. No tourists in sight.
Parcelles is a modern Parisian bistro known for its elevated comfort food, offering a well-thought-out menu and a strong wine selection. The bistro provides a relaxed atmosphere where food is prepared to make you smile from the inside. Notably, Parcelles also features a wine shop across the street, where customers can purchase more of their enjoyed wines after their meal.
Recommended by
Classic Bistro vibes with elevated comfort foodA modern Parisian bistro serving out French classics, elevated through ingredients and techniques. The menu is very well thought out, wine selection is very strong and the service is friendly and attentive. If you are looking for relaxed vibes with food that is going to make you smile from the inside, Parcelles should go up high on your list!
Le Bon Georges is a classic Parisian bistro, renowned for its ever-changing menu that reflects the freshness and seasonality of ingredients. The restaurant provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere, complemented by a knowledgeable staff that can guide you through their extensive wine list and menu. Dishes such as the duck Pâté En Croûte, foie gras, and green asparagus with herb vinaigrette come highly recommended for a true taste of French cuisine.
Recommended by
Classic Parisian Bistro with a true atmosphereA true Parisian classic that doesn’t take itself for granted. Although being one of the most popular bistros In France Le Bon George keeps on delivering top class food and service. The staff is happy, dedicated and knowledgeable about all ingredients in the menu and the extensive wine list. Le Bon George is a happy place that everyone should visit at least once.
Le Baratin is a traditional bistro serving authentic French cuisine, masterminded by Chef Raquel Carena. Known for its signature dishes such as cervelle and ris de veau, the restaurant offers a genuine, no-frills dining experience. Alongside its food, Le Baratin boasts an impressive selection of natural wines, with patrons often encouraged to make off-list choices for a delightful surprise.
Recommended by
A must in Paris, proper bistro cuisineRaquel's and Pinuche’s house in Belleville, a must-do when you’re in Paris as they serve proper bistro cuisine. Chef Raquel is like a mother to chefs somehow. She has a few signature dishes, try the cervelle and ris de veau which are always on the menu. The food is served with beautiful natural wines, ask for recommendations! The wines are incredible. It's really pretty and really French, both the atmosphere and the cuisine. Some people would say the service is very Parisian but you could also say the service is 100% no bullshit. It’s what you expect from a French restaurant, right? Nobody's gonna come every two minutes to ask you if you're enjoying your dish, because of course you are. They don't sugarcoat anything in this restaurant. Definitely one of my favorites, I really love this place.
Bistrot Des Tournelles brings an old-fashioned charm to the dining scene with its classic dishes and natural wines curated by Édouart Vermynck. The restaurant is known for its warm, nostalgic ambiance, complete with retro fittings like a marble bar, century-old mirrors, and art deco chandeliers. With a traditional a la carte menu featuring timeless favorites like eggs mayo, croque-monsieur Comté, and house-made grilled Andouillette, Bistrot Des Tournelles offers a comforting and familiar dining experience.
Recommended by
Édouart Vermynck’s wildly popular new Marais bistrot is already a classicI hope I don’t regret giving this one away. In just a few months, Édouard Vermynck’s beautiful new bistrot in the Places des Vosges & Place de la Bastille neighborhood already feels like home. As a trusted long-time restaurateur and a great guy in Paris, (Édouard founded L’Entree des Artistes) it didn’t take long for the local restaurant & natural wine industry family to fill the dining room the six nights a week. Édouart chose the retro fittings (think marble bar, century-old mirrors, art deco chandeliers) to create a warm, nostalgic & intimate space - it feels like it has always been there. With the candles and wine, it is like one big industry date night. The traditional a la carte menu by his Chef Geoffroy Lalangella isn't fancy, it just reads like a dream with classic eggs mayo, croque-monsieur Comté & jambon Prince de Paris, house-made grilled Andouillette, daube de boeuf à la Provençale, noix de Saint-Jacques au beurre blanc sauce, Limousin faux-filet steak, farm-raised chicken and even a (I haven’t seen in years) chicken Cordon Bleu. Every meat dish is followed by “au jus” and jus you get, as much as you want. There are two side dish choices of frites or puréed potatoes - choose BOTH. Plats are followed by Brillat-Savarin cheese and/or mousse au chocolat, crème brulée with Madagascar vanilla, and tarte tatin dressed with raw cream. As one of the forerunners of serving only natural wine, some of the gems on Ed’s tight list are Laval and Rupert-Leroy Champagnes, Valette Macon’s, Foillard & Dufaitre Beaujolais, Bernard & Ratapoil Jura’s and Clos Du Tue-Boeuf from the Loire. What to expect? It is busy, loud & lively, only one server. Tables are elbow to elbow. Easy and delicious. Nothing over the top. Every table knows each other, and… the owner. Maybe that is what we crave now. No BS. Just good satisfying food & great company. Although everyone is welcome, although it is packed with friends who all know each other, although it is a classic French bistrot - the local crowd would appreciate my saying out loud it is not for tourists, nor everyone.
Brutos is a restaurant where meat-lovers can enjoy a variety of dishes, all grilled over an open flame. The menu boasts a selection of aged beef steaks, succulent whole chickens, and the legendary beef bone marrow, served with pureed potatoes. The restaurant also offers a range of starters, including hand-minced Adana lamb skewers and pasteis, a take on Brazilian street food, complemented by a carefully curated natural wine list.
Recommended by
A carnivore’s and natural wine lover’s dream, everything is grilled over an open flame.Owners Ninon Lecomte and Brazilian chef Lucas Baur de Campos’s rustic little neighborhood spot grills, braises and roasts everything over an open-flame including juicy whole chicken served with garlic fries and spicy mayonnaise, the grilled beef bone marrow dripping jus into pureed potatoes is practically a legend, and of beautiful aged beef steaks like the cote de boeuf with chimichurri and powdered arofa, a traditional Brazilian side dish made with toasted yuca flour/cassava flour to sprinkle over for extra va-va-voom. Don’t overlook the fantastic starters though like the hand-minced Adana lamb skewers or the pasteis, a riff on Brazilian street food filled with seasonal ingredients such as the deep-fried crab raviolis w/chorizo and smoked ricotta. Ninon is front of house serving family-style platters and in charge of their spectacular natural wine list. Brutos was built for groups of friends to share – rare for Paris - especially on the magical terrace. Sunday lunch is the most popular day of the week and locals reserve weeks in advance.
Le Grand Bain is a popular bistro, situated near the vibrant Canal Saint Martin. The restaurant offers a buzzing atmosphere with a menu full of delicious food, as noted by diners. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 7pm to 11:30pm, Le Grand Bain also offers a second service starting at 9:30 pm without the need for reservations.
Recommended by
Perfect neighbourhood bistro in a cool part of Paris (right next to Canal Saint Martin) always buzzing and delicious food...
Bouillon Pigalle is a large, always bustling restaurant known for its affordable, traditional French comfort food. Located near famous landmarks like the Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur, it offers a modern take on 19th-century Parisian dining, with a menu that features classic dishes from various regions of France. With 300 seats, including 100 on the balcony, this restaurant serves a wide array of dishes from noon to midnight, appealing to a diverse clientele of locals and tourists alike.
Recommended by
Extremly CHEAP restaurant in Pigalle. Classical french comfort food. It’s a huge location and it’s always full!
L’Ami Jean is a lively, rustic bistro run by Chef Stéphane Jego, who brings his personality to every dish. The food is the main attraction here, with options to order à la carte or opt for the tasting menu. Don't miss out on their signature dessert, the family-style rice pudding served with nougatine and caramel.
Recommended by
A fun, lively, tightly packed rustic Parisian bistro. It’s all about the food here.One of my go to bistros in Paris for years! It’s a fun, lively, tightly packed rustic Parisian bistro. Chef Stéphane Jego is quite the personality but it’s all about the food here. Order à la carte or put it in the chef's hands and go for the tasting menu. Either way you’ll be happy. Don’t forget to order the rice pudding served family style in a big wooden bowl and spoon with nougatine and caramel on the side!! Always a winner.
Chez Georges has been a staple in the culinary scene since 1964, offering generous portions of classic bistro fare. Their menu highlights include delectable dishes like rillettes, ratatouille, harengs à l’huile, salade de museau, turbot beurre blanc, riz de veau aux morilles, profiteroles and baba au rhum. Known as an ultimate Parisian institution, Chez Georges continues to serve its patrons with timeless recipes.
Recommended by
The ultimate Parisian institution, serving generous, classic bistro fare since 1964. Rillettes, ratatouille, harengs à l’huile, salade de museau, turbot beurre blanc, riz de veau aux morilles, profiteroles and baba au rhum.
Buvette Paris is a cozy bistro offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a suitable spot for any meal or just a glass of wine. It is located near Pigalle and Montmartre, but situated on a quiet street, providing a respite from the usual tourist crowds. The bistro is part of a global chain with branches in New York, London, Tokyo, and Mexico City, and is known for its friendly service and soulful environment.
Recommended by
Cosy bistro away from the crowdsIn spite of having restaurants in six cities all over the world, Buvette makes you feel like a local. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Buvette is a perfect spot to drop by for a snack, a meal or just a glass of wine. The Paris branch is located close to Pigalle and Montmartre but on a quiet street away from the hoards of tourists. Nice and friendly service in a soulful environment.
Café les Deux Gares is an all-day café-restaurant between Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord, known for its Parisian bistrot decor, natural wine list, and large sun-drenched terrace. The menu, crafted by Chef Jonathan Schweizer and Frédéric Lesire, offers delicious set and a la carte options, with the crispy ris de veau being a favorite among industry insiders. Perfect for travelers, its location near two major train stations makes it an ideal spot for a meal or a drink.
Recommended by
Chef Jonathan Schweizer's delicious all day café-restaurant between the Gare de l'Est & Gare du NordAn all-day café-restaurant with lunch and dinner run by the brilliant Frédéric Lesire and Chef Jonathan Schweizer. Count on gorgeous Parisian bistrot decor, 100% natural wine list, large sun-drenched terrace and delicious set and/or a la carte menus. Industry friends agree, Jonathan's crispy ris de veau is one of the best in the city. The location between the two major train stations Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord makes it the perfect place to eat & drink for those traveling in and out of Paris for lunch, dinner and apero.
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