Savor the City: A Local’s Guide to Dining in Paris

With Paris Fashion Week approaching, the city is abuzz — not just with style, but also with the question of where to dine, drink, and maybe even dance. While the runways will unveil bold new visions — what will Matthieu Blazy bring to the table at Chanel? – Paris’s culinary scene is equally dynamic, constantly evolving with exciting new openings alongside timeless classics. For instance, vegetarian options are finally expanding, including Ora Farmhouse (my personal recommendation, around the corner from my old appartement in the 19th arrondissement), an elegant venue in the heart of Buttes-Chaumont Park, beautifully designed by none other than Cordelia de Castellane, who also heads Dior Maison.

To help you navigate the best spots in the city, we’ve asked a few of our Parisian friends in the arts and cuisine to share their go-to places for breakfast, lunch, apéritif, dinner, and, for those still energized, where to sip and dance into the night.

Header Image: Brasserie l’Emil, Château Voltaire

Breakfast

Trisha Castro, chef, event planner and founder of creative culinary agency Con Gusto: ‘As a savory breakfast enthusiast, I often find Parisian morning options a bit too sweet for my taste. That’s why I prefer to curate my own breakfast spread at home. I’d say start the morning with a visit to the bustling Marché d’Aligre, a vibrant market teeming with fresh produce, cheeses, and charcuterie. If you prefer dining out, consider grabbing a ham and cheese croissant with a coffee to go at  Tapisserie or Chanceux, both located on Rue Saint-Maur in the 11th arrondissement. My friend Thomas runs these spots and crafts exceptional coffee. You won’t be disappointed.’

Clara Atlan, model and creator: ‘I personally love Fauna for their little sourdough sandwiches and cheese, cardamom roll or – if I’m in the mood for something lighter – homemade granola with Greek yoghurt.’

Hester Middelweerd, art consultant: ‘Blondie is my go-to for breakfast in Paris. With delicious croissants, sandwiches, and excellent coffee, it’s a relaxed spot that also works great for take-away. I usually grab a croissant or their pastrami sandwich. It’s a rare find in Paris for its creative mix of sandwich options. Plus, the vibes are always good.’ 

Anastasia Finders, founder of the eponymous creative agency specialized in event production, scenography, catering and food design: ‘Café Beaubourg, opened in 1987, is a contemporary brasserie located near the Centre Pompidou. Designed by Christian de Portzamparc, it boasts a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere. Known for its spacious terrace, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast while soaking in the energy of the Marais district.’

Tapisserie 11th,  arrondissement
Chanceux, 11th arrondissement
Fauna, 11th arrondissement
Blondie, 9th arrondissement
Café Beaubourg, 3rd arrondissement 

Lunch

Trisha: ‘For lunch, Le Dauphin is a must-visit. Their fish soup is exceptional, and their entrecôte de Galice and daily specials are consistently excellent. Another favorite is Moloko, where everything is always perfect. The food is soul-satisfying, and the warm welcome makes it a standout spot in the city. On Sundays, I recommend Amarante. Growing up in a cattle-breeding family in Colombia, I have a deep appreciation for meat, and they prepare offals to perfection. Christophe, the chef and owner, is such a generous guy. His passion for his restaurant is evident, and the wines are fantastic.’

Clara: ‘For lunch, Loan is my pick. I always order the chicken phở here — it’s as authentic as it gets.’

Hester: ‘For lunch during the week, Le Stresa is where you’ll likely find me. It’s classic Italian (not very French), but with a fabulous crowd, great food, beautiful art, and old-school photos. It was even Alain Delon’s favorite restaurant. The vongole here is the best I’ve ever had, hands down. On Sundays, I head to Le Petit Célestin, run by befriended chef Jaïs, for the best boeuf bourguignon. The team is amazing, and it’s always a fun atmosphere with music and dancing. After a while, they turn up the music, and everyone gets up from their seat and starts dancing – which is a mood, whether during the week or on the weekend, I’m always up for!’

Anastasia: ‘My favorite places in Paris are true Parisian pillars – institutions of the city! These are places with their own soul, spirit, and, of course, history. For lunch, Le Baratin is my go-to.’

Le Dauphin, 11th arrondissement
Moloko, 9th arrondissement
Amarante, 12th arrondissement
Loan, 10th arrondissement
Le Stresa, 8th arrondissement
Le Petit Célestin, 4th arrondissement
Le Baratin, 20th arrondissement

Apéritif

Trisha: ‘Le Mary Celeste for martinis and oysters. Period. If you want a light dinner or some snacks, some nibbles, I’d say Recoin. Julie Della Faille is a genius. She revisits old-school recipes in the most elegant, modern, and accessible way. I kinda don’t want to tell you, because then it’ll be impossible to get a table. But she deserves so much more recognition!’

Clara: ‘La Buvette in Paris is a charming, cozy spot with great, simple dishes and wine.’

Hester: ‘Aperitif at the bar of the Crillon is just stunning. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s an experience. The bar is beautiful, and enjoying a great glass of champagne there is always a treat. The Crillon hotel bar for champagne – what’s not to love?’

Anastasia: ‘A real bar boudoir, I love taking my aperitif with friends at L’Hôtel Paris. It makes for the perfect pre-dinner gathering spot.’

Recoin, 11th arrondissement
Le Mary Celeste, 3th arrondissement
La Buvette, 11th arrondissement
Hôtel de Crillon Bar, 8th arrondissement

Dinner

Trisha: ‘For something more accessible, but still fun, delicious, and really quite affordable, I’d say Le Servan. A classic. 10 years of consistent, amazing food with a little Filipino twist. The Levha sisters, the minds behind this beautiful bistro, are legends. But I also love Le Chateaubriand. I have a real weakness for that place. It’s simply a rock ‘n’ roll institution. They paved the way for bistronomy in this city. You have to go there at least once in your life.’

Clara: ‘I totally agree on Le Servan. You can never go wrong with this one.’

Hester: For dinner, Sugaar is a bit of a neo-bistro but with chic, cozy vibes — just sexy. It’s where all the fashion people go, with a creative scene and plenty of fashion parties. The cocktail bar downstairs comes highly recommended – they make their own. Located in the lovely Saint Germain, it’s definitely worth checking out.’

Anastasia: ‘Like I said before, I like to go with timeless classics. Aux Lyonnais oozes that quintessential Parisian spirit, even though its cuisine is rooted in the rich culinary heritage of Lyon.’

Le Servan, 11th arrondissement
Le Chateubriand, 11th arrondissement
Sugaar, 6th arrondissement
Aux Lyonnais, 2nd arrondissement 

After-Dinner Drinks

Trisha: ‘For after-dinner drinks, I’d recommend Bluebird. It’s a mid-century bar located on a little hidden street. The cocktails are fantastic, and I just love the looks, the service, and the ambiance. It’s also perfect for a romantic date. For dancing, Candelaria is the place. The music is great, and it’s even more fun when we take over the iPad, haha (it’s my best friend Carina’s bar). Then, you can keep the night going at Bambino until 4am. The tunes are amazing, the atmosphere is alive, and it’s a beautiful spot with great people and drinks.’

Clara: ‘Bar Principal is a walk-in spot with natural wines, special cocktails, and a great burger if you feel like it. Perfect for a relaxed drink or bite.’

Hester: ‘For after-dinner drinks, I head to Café de la Poste for a bit of a hipster crowd and super cocktails. For dancing, Chez Moune is the spot – a small, unpretentious club in Pigalle where you can dance the night away. The drinks come in plastic cups, but everyone’s having a great time with just fun vibes.’

Anastasia: ‘Natural wines, fresh local ingredients, and a walk-in friendly spot open until 2 AM – for after-dinner drinks, I head to Martin – Boire & Manger.’

Bluebird, 11th arrondissement  
Candelaria, 3rd arrondissement
Bambino, 11th arrondissement 
Bar Principal, 11th arrondissement 
Café de la Poste, 3rd arrondissement 
Chez Moune, 9th arrondissement
Martin, 11th arrondissement