Memorable Paris Restaurants – Meals We Actually Talk About Later

We've eaten at more memorable Paris restaurants than is strictly advisable, and while some were delightfully quirky, others were unforgettably posh — and a select few, admittedly questionable. But every meal was an adventure, usually delicious, and always memorable enough to brag about back home. Hop on the Metro with us as we revisit our tastiest hits and a few glorious misses, arrondissement by arrondissement.

As people who travel to Paris to eat, we've saved room in our culinary hearts for those memorable Paris restaurants that surprised and delighted us. From Michelin-starred dazzlers to cozy neighborhood finds, these restaurants have rightfully earned their place in our hall of tasty fame.

The Best Restaurants In Paris

The glass and iron awning of restaurant La Grande Cascade - Mark Craft

We maintain a special vault in our memories for the exceptional culinary experiences we've had in Paris at restaurants like Le Jules Verne on the Eiffel Tower, Les Climats near Musée d'Orsay, Jacques Faussat in the 17th.

Each has earned a spot in our culinary hall of fame of memorable Paris restaurants, offering dishes that linger not only on our palates but fondly in our memories. Take a stroll with us down our very tasty memory lane.

L'Assaggio

The terrace of L'Assaggio - Mark Craft

Usually, hunting down Italian cuisine in Paris feels about as sensible as looking for croissants in Pompeii — but L'Assaggio convinced us otherwise. Located in the ultra-chic Castille Hotel on Rue Cambon — yes, the very street Coco Chanel once called home — this spot blends Piedmontese flair with meticulous French technique.

Thanks to Chef Ugo Alciati and Executive Chef Sasha Arandjelovic, their memorable tasting menu changed our tune entirely. This isn't just dinner — it's a delightful diplomatic culinary mission.

Le Grand Véfour – Palais-Royal

A table at Le Grand Véfour - Le Grand Véfour

"Bonaparte and Josephine, Victor Hugo, Jean Cocteau, Colette, Sartre…" That's how every review of Le Grand Véfour starts out. Understandably so, since the place has been serving Paris's crème de la crème since 1784

Restored to its historic splendor, Le Grand Véfour claimed the highest honor — three Michelin stars in the year 2000. Today the restaurant still holds two stars (not a bad achievement!) and retains the glory of bygone days. Eating here isn't just a meal, it's a brush with history, one luxurious bite at a time.

Seine River VIP Dinner Cruise

The Eiffel Tower from a Seine River Dinner Cruise - Paris City Vision

Sure, dinner cruises can seem touristy — until you actually step onto one, champagne glass in hand. Dining aboard a bateau along the Seine offers stellar views matched only by the surprisingly impressive multi-course French feast served onboard. Who would have guessed that one of our memorable Paris restaurants was floating on the river?

We loved this dinner cruise along the Seine. Not only did we view the iconic landmarks of Paris, we dined on a multi-course classic French meal that exceeded our expectations. Everything looks better from a bateau sailing along the river at night. For the the ultimate experience, choose the Service Privilege option with the best seating, the best meal, and more champagne!

The Hottest Paris Terraces

The terrace at restaurant Palais Royal - Restaurant Palais Royal

If anyone knows how to enjoy outdoor dining, it's the Parisians, and we have a virtual tour of the hottest Paris restaurant terraces — at least according to the Paris newspaper, Le Figaro. We've pared down their selection to our ten top favorites, found everywhere from the Palais Royal in the 1st Arrondissement to St-Germain on the Left Bank to way out in Belleville in the 20th.

Summer dining in the city is best on these hot Paris terraces. Eat with the locals, outside where the sun is warm and the views are spectacular.

Chez Janou

A simple course of pate and bread at Chez Janou - Mark Craft

Bask in the sunny flavors of Provence at this popular bistro in the Marais. Chez Janou feels like someone plucked a Provençal bistro and plopped it into the heart of the Marais. It's a crowded scene at lunchtime with regulars filling up on casual-fare favorites like roasted goat cheese rounds in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce; petite friture de poissons (deep-fried, bite-size fish); and a lamb, rabbit, or duck main course. Yes it can get packed, and sometimes the waitstaff forget you exist — but we love it anyway.

• 2 Rue Roger Verlomme
• 3rd Arrondissement
• Metro – Chemin Vert
• Chez Janou Website…

Les Cocottes – Retrospective Review

Duck and vegetables at Les Cocottes, photo by Mark Craft

At one time, a culinary visit to Paris wasn't complete for us without a meal at one of Chef Christian Constant's restaurants. If you lodged around Rue St-Dominique near the Eiffel Tower, it was hard not to dine at one of them — three of his restaurants dominated the last block of the street. Among them was Les Cocottes.

However, Christian Constant has retired and the restaurants he created are closed or have changed hands. But, we have fond memories of dining at Les Cocottes. We remember seared duck with Asian vegetables, scallops served in the shell with a purée of celeriac, flavorful roast chicken (served on Sundays only), and Basque cheese with black cherry jam. Bonne retraite, Chef Constant.

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