Memorable Paris Restaurants – Meals You'll 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 devoted Paris foodies (and proud of it), we've saved room in our culinary hearts — and sometimes in our waistbands — 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, photo by 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, photo by 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.

Maxim's Paris: A Belle Époque Icon Reborn

The exterior of Maxim's Paris, photo Maxim's Paris

Few places in Paris capture the city's golden age like Maxim's Paris. From its decadent Belle Époque decor to a guest list boasting Picasso, Bardot, and Warhol, this legendary dining room has long been a symbol of luxury and intrigue. Now, with its grand reopening, Maxim's blends timeless elegance with contemporary culinary craftsmanship. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or just in search of a classic Parisian evening, this is where the past and present waltz in perfect harmony.

Le Grand Véfour – Palais-Royal

A table at Le Grand Véfour, photo 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, photo 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!

La Verriere

La Verriere, foie gras a la plancha in a dashi broth, photo by Mark Craft

We dined at La Verriere by chance when we were looking for a place to have lunch before visiting the new Musée de la Libération de Paris (Museum of the Liberation) in the 14th Arrondissement. The neighborhood is funky but lively while the renovated Hilton hotel Maison Astor Paris, where the restaurant is located, is swish and modern.

Chef Kayori Hirano brings her Asian flavors and integrates them with French culinary savoir-faire. There are some very good dishes — like the foie gras a la plancha in a dashi broth, and the canette with garlic, ginger, and a Japanese pepper sauce called Sanshoe. Worth a Metro ride.

• 4 Rue Niepce
• 14th Arrondissement
• Metro – Pernety
• Website…

The Hottest Paris Terraces

tThe terrace at restaurant Palais Royal, photo 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.

Hotel Particulier Montmartre & The Grand Salon

The entrance and courtyard of Hotel Particulier, photo by Mark Craft

If the crowds milling around the Grand Magasins are getting to you, hop on the Metro and head up to the top of Montmartre to tuck yourself into the Hotel Particulier Montmartre's comforting restaurant, Le Grand Salon. It's found in a quiet, secret garden that's far, far away from that madding crowd. Sip champagne from vintage flutes, dine on the refreshing vegetable-forward menu, and wonder what it was like to have lived here when it was a private mansion.

Chez Janou – Memorable Paris Restaurants

A simple course of pate and bread at Chez Janou, photo by 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…

Brasserie Bellanger

A line of chefs in the kitchen of Brasserie Bellanger, photo by Mark Craft

In a quiet corner of the 10th Arrondissement a tired corner cafe has been transformed into one of the best examples of an old-fashioned brasserie. Nothing fussy or fancy about the food — it's stick-to-your-ribs French grandmother classics made with high-quality ingredients sourced from every part of France. Hams from the Auvergne, rich butter from Brittany, and fish from the shores of Normandy on a short, fun menu at bargain-basement prices.

Although it has changed hands since we ate there, the fare at Brasserie Bellanger remains much the same.

Brasserie Lutetia – Hotel Lutetia

At Brasserie Lutetia in 2019, photo by Mark Craft

Four years and a zillion euros (approximately) in the making, Hotel Lutetia revealed a new look, including the restored restaurant, Brasserie Lutetia. Head Chef Gérald Passédat was brought in to apply the seafood sensibilities from his Michelin 3-Star restaurant in Marseille. We dined there when it was under his toque and found the experience less than stellar. Not one of our memorable Paris restaurants.

That was in 2019. By 2021 Chef Passédat was out of the picture and Executive Chef Patrick Charvet took over — to better reviews, perhaps? Our review covers the Passédat era, thereby dating both the review and ourselves!

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.