A Quick Guide to
Restaurants in Paris France

…and Bistros, Brasseries,
Cafés, Wine Bars

Restaurants in Paris France come with a bunch of different names. "Restaurants", of course, but also brasseries, bistros, bar and, cafés.

What's the difference? Does it really matter?

We're here to help with the restaurants in Paris France cheat sheet below, which has definitions to help you navigate the food scene.

It's important to know that Parisians dine later than North Americans. If you want to be part of the Parisian scene, make your restaurant reservations for 8:30 pm or 9:00 pm. Whatever restaurants in Paris France you choose, remember to keep an open mind about the menu and offerings. Dinner in Paris is an event so take your time and savor the meal.

And, wherever you eat, don't forget your please and thank you — s'il vous plaits and merci. And always remember to say bonjour and au revoir when arriving and leaving from restaurants in Paris, France. See, mom was right. Politeness does count.

By the way, our Paris Gourmet Food eGuide has reviews of 70 of our recommended restaurants.

Brasseries

Restaurants in Paris France

Brasseries

This once referred to a place that made and served beer.

Today it's where you can get all the classic French dishes you've been dreaming about. Service starts around midday and continues until about midnight.

Famous Paris brasseries include Brasserie Lipp, Brasserie Wepler, Brasserie Ile St. Louis. The oldest is Brasserie Mollard.

• Read Our Review of Brasserie Ile St. Louis »

Restaurants

Restaurants in Paris France

Restaurants

Bring out the linen and fine tableware.

In Paris, a restaurant usually refers to a more upscale experience. There will be set hours of service — lunch between noon and 2:00 pm, dinner between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Paris restaurants run from casual to 3-star Michelin temples of gastronomy.

It's where Parisians go for an evening of dining, and don't forget, if you want to feel like a local, book your table for 8:30 or 9:00 pm. It's best to make a reservation instead of just showing up.

Cafés

Restaurants in Paris

Cafés

This is probably what you're thinking about when you think about in Paris.

Many cafés have outdoor seating and non-stop service. And, once you order a drink, you own the table for an hour or for however long you want. This is where you can relax with a newspaper, a novel (either to read or to write) and do what Paris cafés are meant for — people watching.

Classic cafés include Cafe dé Flore, Les Deux Magots, Café de la Paix.

Bistros

More casual than a restaurant. A bistro is a small, neighborhood restaurant with a set lunch and dinner hours. They are often closed on week-ends.

Bars

These will be called called bars à vin (wine bars). Here you can get a glass of wine and a tasty bite of charcuterie, or a sandwich.

Salon de Thé

A casual place for a light meal or snack. Many tea salons specialize in cakes, pastries, and of course, tea. They are usually open from midday to early evening. Famous in Paris — Ladurée, Angelina, Mariage Freres.