Our favourite bistros in Paris

© Marie Desprez for Margaux / Minim’s / Auberge des Crus

Dining in a bouillon, sitting down in an Art Nouveau decor, feasting at a roadside eatery, or socializing on formica… The Parisian working-class charm and titi spirit have never been more in vogue: œuf mayo, escargots, steak-frites, and chocolate mousse reign supreme, and atmospheric tables are the most sought-after spots for trendy Parisians. Proof? All the great chefs are getting involved! What are the best Parisian bistros? We tested them for you…

The place: Paris Society has struck again. Just a stone’s throw from Maxim’s, still on Rue Royale, its little brother Minim’s has just been inaugurated. This quintessentially Parisian bistro, with stunning decor designed by Cordélia de Castellane, instantly transports you to a Belle Époque universe. Wood-paneled walls, Art Nouveau details, colorful carpeting, and olive-green velvet banquettes—proof of the talent of Dior Maison’s artistic director, the room looks as if it hasn't changed in over a century. And yet, everything is brand new! You’ll find the fashion elite on lunch break (Place Vendôme is nearby), the chic neighborhood crowd, and a few savvy tourists who have sniffed out the new cool spot.

To try: pâté en croûte (€18), œufs mayonnaise (€7), sautéed mushrooms (€21), beef tartare (€26)… all the bistro staples we love, executed to perfection and served impeccably. Among our favorites: frisée salad with bacon and perfectly seasoned poached eggs (€15), Grenobloise-style scallops (€35), and a melt-in-your-mouth hanger steak with shallots (€28), naturally paired with crispy fries, green beans, or mashed potatoes. Top dessert: the Tarte Tatin with Isigny cream (€12) for those who have long abandoned the idea of a bikini body, or a silky rice pudding (€8).

Minim’s, 7 Rue Royale, Paris 8th.  01 42 65 30 30. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

The place: A true countryside home in the heart of the 16th arrondissement. Already a hotspot for the most stylish Instagram influencers and the chic West Parisian crowd, Charles Laborde’s new table (Charly to his friends) is a winner. Just look at the gently crackling central fireplace, large tables for friends, church-salvaged banquettes, and château chandeliers! A true escape from time, L’Auberge des Crus blends warmth and elegance, with fine touches like silverware and Gien porcelain. A highlight: the stunning wine cellar in the basement, featuring around 700 exclusively French labels (#cocorico), and a historic iron door from the Banque de France, dating back to the 1940s.

To try: Not a meat lover? Then don’t even think about it. Here, both starters and main courses proudly showcase premium meat, and everything is tempting! Amid the soft fireplace glow and the lively chatter of friendly banquets, we devour a devilish bone marrow with garlic (€12), a pâté en croûte with sweetbreads and foie gras (€14), a divine Chateaubriand with pepper sauce (€36), a foie gras sausage with mashed potatoes—the house specialty (€26.50), and as the dish of the day, a succulent morel chicken. Sweet touch: the rice pudding, covered with a generous layer of caramel (€12), ensuring a thoroughly indulgent feast. Naturally, you’ll want to pick a bottle from the 18,000 stored downstairs, with selections for every budget starting at €32.

L’Auberge des Crus, 13 Rue Bosio, Paris 16th.  01 56 07 10 38. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Closed on weekends.

The place: Perched on the Seine quay, facing the Eiffel Tower, the brand-new Margaux is the latest venture from restaurateur Michel Puech, who brought in his favorite chef, Paul-Alexandre Laumont (Biche), to create refined French cuisine. This nostalgic bistro embraces tradition with a grandmother’s dining room aesthetic—buffet cabinet, classic bistro tables draped in white cloths, wooden walls, terracotta tiles, vintage photos, and old-fashioned plates. Best two-seater spot? Right at the entrance, near the small tables by the windows, offering a direct view of the Iron Lady.

To try: Start with an intimidatingly large bone marrow (€14), classic œufs mayo—but with truffle, please (€11)—or sautéed mushrooms with herbs and a poached egg (€14). For sharing: a 1.2 kg Norman beef rib (€120). Prefer solo? The truffle mac and cheese with baked ham is perfect (€19), as is the chicken stew with morels and vin jaune (€29). Surprise: the menu includes a free-range chicken cordon bleu—yum (€26)! In pure vintage style, the vol-au-vent à la financière (€28). For dessert, the classics shine: chocolate mousse served by the spoonful (€12), vanilla bourbon crème brûlée (€11), and even crêpes Suzette (€14).

Margaux, 10 Avenue de New York, Paris 16th.  01 86 04 40 54. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 7:00 PM onward.

© Marie Desprez

The place: Nestled in Rue Saint-Marc, near La Bourse, this bistro was taken over in 2002 by Alain Ducasse and has now passed into the hands of the Dumant family (Aux Crus de Bourgogne, Les Marches), who have a passion for soulful establishments. The décor remains untouched: retro tiles, red banquettes, moldings, and woodwork. A lovely upstairs dining room and even a private lounge for 8–10 guests. At the helm, Lyon-native chef Victoria Boller, handpicked by Alain Ducasse, delivers generous, modern twists on traditional dishes.

To try: The legendary pike quenelle with crayfish sauce (€24) takes the gold medal! Indulgent baked egg with cream and country bacon (€18). Perfect country terrine with toast (€16). Among mains, the free-range chicken in cream sauce with black trumpet mushrooms (€40) satisfies the heartiest appetites. A lighter option: pan-seared scallops with cabbage and sorrel sauce (€36). Utterly retro: the gourmet pot-au-feu with marrow and mustard condiment (€28). Save room for the floating island with pink pralines (€14) or Rolande’s caramel cream (€14). Ultimate steal: the worker’s menu changing weekly (€32 for starter/main/dessert).

Aux Lyonnais, 32 Rue Saint-Marc, Paris 2nd.  01 42 96 65 04. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:15 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

© Aux Lyonnais x The Travel Buds

The place: final clap for Café Lignac which handed the keys to David Bottreau, already owner of the renowned Comptoir des Fables nestled a few numbers further away. If the place opens a new page of its history, it has retained its taste from before, its sublime counter, and its authentic atmosphere. At the helm of the kitchen, Chef Guillaume Dehecq (who passed through George V, Fitzgerald, and Ami Jean), who delivers here a bistronomic cuisine well anchored in tradition and indulgence. Best spots: the table under the stairs on the ground floor and if you are alone, the counter obviously!

To try: the canaille feast can start with sharing the œufs mimosa, ventrêche de thon, and cœur de laitue (€9) and the gravlax de saumon with citrus, lime, and mâche (€16). For enthusiasts: the cuisses de grenouilles en persillade and their crème d’ail doux are to die for (€13). On the dish side, big crush on choucroute de la mer with three fish (€27). At lunchtime, the croque-monsieur, pommes allumettes, and salad are always a good option (€16). For dessert, don’t let slip the fantastic riz au lait covered with salted caramel and nougatine crunch (€10). And if you pass by at aperitif time, the planche de fromage (€17) with a little glass of red or white ensures delight!

The Fables Bistro, 139 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris 7th. +33 1 47 53 73 34. Open daily, continuous service from 12 pm to 11 pm.

The place: the Dumant family (Les Marches, Aux Bons Crus) has struck again! Neighboring its Crus de Bourgogne, Le Chardonnay rolls out a canaille menu in a bistro spirit where you can sit either on the benches, high tables, or straight at the bar in a wildly Parisian atmosphere where glasses clink, cutlery falls, and diners laugh heartily.

To try: yum, the poireaux vinaigrette (€8) or the œufs mayonnaise (€6) as a starter, unless sharing some rillettes to spread greedily on toasted bread (€7). The pulled-guignon burger is the star dish (€19), but fans of croques will love the truffle one, generously filled with jambon Prince de Paris (€21). Ultimate joy: a magret de canard with black cherries (€24), to accompany with homemade ratatouille (€5) or gratin dauphinois (€6).

Le Chardonnay 3 rue Bachaumont, Paris 2nd, open Tuesday to Saturday, lunch and dinner

The place: since François-Régis Gaudry praised the merits of his vol-au-vent on Instagram, everyone is flocking to Magnum 150cl. It must be said that for this new address, a stone's throw from parc Monceau, Chef Matthieu Garrel has made it his mission to bring the myths of French gastronomy back into the spotlight, all in a decor very compatible with Maigret featuring carpets and walls decorated with hundreds of wine bottles (with no less than 220 references, including about fifty in magnum).

To try: ravioles de langoustines (€20), saucisse purée by the meter, reduced juice, and pommes purée (€19), vol-au-vent (€43), and for dessert, île flottante with ultra-creamy crème anglaise (€9). Dieters abstain: here butter is king.

Magnum 150 cl 1 rue de Phalsbourg, Paris 17th, open daily for lunch and dinner

The place: finally, a nice address near Place de Clichy to enjoy a meal after a show in one of the nearby theaters. Between the Art Nouveau walls of an old brothel adorned entirely with wood and mosaics, this pocket bistro surprises with its mini size and its few tables lined up facing a majestic bar. There, Chef Charleyne Valet assembles creative and colorful plates in a titi spirit.

To try: terrine and homemade pickles or betteraves rôties with bergamot raw cream, gnocchis de patate douce, crème with blood orange, and crumble parmesan-poivre (€18) for the savory. For dessert, one can be tempted by a pavlova with pear and chili whipped cream or a chocolate fondant with candied fennel.

Cyrano 3 rue Biot, Paris 17th, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2am and Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 2am

The place: with a new chef in Irwin Durand (behind his starred table Le Chiberta in the 8th) and under the benevolent guidance of the king Guy Savoy, Le Petit Rétro gets a makeover. A true institution in the 16th, nestled in a discreet street, this bistro inaugurated in 1904 does not lack charm with its classified tile decor, turquoise benches, and massive bar. A lovely address to rediscover for fans of well-cooked bourgeois dishes.

To try: a retro version pâté en croûte (€25), ravioles de langoustines (€22), an excellent traditional blanquette de veau with riz pilaf (€29). For dessert, we opt for an airy soufflé au chocolat (€14) or the decidedly satisfying crème brûlée (€12).

Le Petit Rétro 5 rue Mesnil, Paris 16th, ouvert du lundi au samedi midi et soir

The place: an old bouchon lyonnais established since 1945, just after the war, facing the lovely promenade Pereire, Chez Fred has just undergone a slight facelift with a new owner, Laurent Hullo (ex-Monsieur Bleu, Kinugawa), a new chef, Benjamin Lavenne (ex-Procope, Le Georges), and a clean-up of the walls. The titi atmosphere remains with old Maigret-compatible posters, old New Year menus from 1895, and still that almost mythical wooden bar and the requisite red benches. Closed on Sundays!

To try: homemade foie gras de canard (€24) and the chef's terrine (€12), the very mild tartare de Charolais (€24) or the beef fillet with sauce au poivre or béarnaise (€44) and their bowl of perfectly crunchy fries, to wash down with a glass of Côtes du Rhône (€8). For dessert, we completely share the tarte fine aux pommes with vanilla ice cream, crispy and taking up the whole plate (€14) or the baba au rhum with whipped cream to share (€14 per person).

Chez Fred 190 bis boulevard Pereire, Paris 17th, ouvert du lundi au vendredi de 12h à 14h et de 19h à 2

The spot — nope, 139 rue Saint-Dominique is not a new bistro.
Cyril Lignac recently took over Christian Constant's café, a Parisian favorite, worthy of Claude Sautet or Emily In Paris.

Café Lignac is already considered a landmark - a place where one can drop by at any time during the day for a cup of coffee, a quick bite, tea and tarte tatin (10 €), a croque and Negroni, or simply a glass of wine to toast to the aperitif.

Must-try dishes — For the appetizers: French deviled eggs (11 €), artichoke vinaigrette (17 €), pumpkin velouté and smoked eel (15 €), vitello tonato (19 €) or squid with chorizo cream (17 €). For the main courses: vol-au-vent (38 €), chicken Milanaise (28 €), chicken casserole with mushrooms and yellow wine (32 €), Black Angus chuck with black garlic and vegetables (31 €) or miso caramelized salmon with spinach shoots (26 €). Madeleines de Proust of the Parisian titi, the desserts naturally come from the Lignac patisserie where Benoît Couvrant excels, from rum baba to praline and pecan mille-feuilles (10 €). And let's not forget the French toast (12 €). 
Café Lignac, 139 rue Saint-Dominique, Paris 7th open every day from noon to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm

The places: with Les Marchés (16th), Aux Bons Crus (11th), and Aux Crus de Bourgogne (2nd), Margot and Félix Dumant have successfully introduced the surprising yet charming concept of the “bourgeois routier” to Paris. With their usual talent, the twins focus on 1900-style decor with large mirrors and tablecloths that are sometimes white and sometimes checkered, along with charming terraces, all while attracting a stylish clientele in search of something down-to-earth.

To try: the entire bourgeois menu is absolutely exceptional! At Les Marchés: œufs mayo (€6.50), entrecôte béarnaise (€29). The blanquette de veau makes many happy (€22), while regulars at Aux Crus de Bourgogne rave about the filet de bœuf aux morilles (€45) and the profiteroles (€14). Pair it all with a bottle of Burgundy, fitting for the occasion.

Les Marchés 5 rue de la Manutention, Paris 16th, Aux Bons Crus 54 rue Godefroy Cavaignac, Paris 11th, Aux Crus de Bourgogne 3 rue Bachaumont, Paris 2nd, open daily from noon to 2.30pm and from 7pm to 10.30pm

The place: from Neuilly to Saint-Germain, all of fashionable Paris is still searching for the secret ingredient of the divine sauce at L’Entrecôte, a historic monument of addictive meat without fuss, where passing Americans, CEOs from the CAC, and actors jostle at the door. Let’s just say that after a year of deprivation, a visit to this historic meat monument in Marbeuf or Saint-Germain-des-Prés to rediscover its atmosphere should be prescribed...

To try: as usual, a unique menu with a walnut salad as a starter, followed by super tender faux filet + a divine, slightly green magical sauce + perfectly crunchy fries, paired with organic wines from Château de Saurs, all served in two rounds by small ladies in aprons. Authentic is chic! (Menu at €29).

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte 20 rue Saint-Benoît, Paris 6th, open every day from 12pm to 2.30pm and from 6.45pm to 11pm
© Instagram / Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Instagram/ @elorouge

The place: attention institution! In the heart of the historic area of the down-to-earth, bistros, and suppers, Georges stands as a resistance against the trendy and outdated vibes of Etienne Marcel. Its clientele (the teams from all the fashion houses in the neighborhood) explodes all the local glamour quotas and attracts celebrities passing through like flies. Note: Chez Georges has a terrace, always featuring its unmistakable checkered tablecloths that make it the cutest and most picturesque table in Paris.

To try: the grilled entrecôte à la moelle (€33), the beautiful Sole "Georges" grilled or Meunière (€46), and the profiteroles au chocolat (€12).

Chez Georges 1 rue du Mail, Paris 2nd open from Monday to Friday from noon to 2pm and from 7pm to 10:30pm

The place: an institution made in Oberkampf since 1956 where people love to feast in style. Recently taken over by Frédéric Hubig, a true gourmet dandy (Jeanne A), this authentic bistro has retained its soul in a sleekly designed decor.

To try: all the classic dishes, filet de bœuf with pommes Dauphine (€42), côte de cochon fermier marinated with piment d'Espelette (€24) served with ratatouille, and the signature baba au rhum for dessert (€15). And the wine cellar: what a cellar!

Astier, 44 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Paris 11e, open Monday to Thursday from 12h30 to 14h and from 19h to 21h30, Friday until 22h30, Saturday from 12h30 to 14h30 and from 19h to 22h30, and Sunday from 12h30 to 15h and from 19h to 21h30.

Astier 44 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Paris 11th, open every day from noon to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 9:30 pm

The place: the whole of Paris gathers behind the wonderfully retro facade of this legendary address on rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, just a stone's throw from Louboutin. There’s a frenzy in the air and a stylish crowd to inaugurate their fifth location. Elodie and Jean-François Piège have once again made a strong impression. After their trendy rehabilitation of La Poule au Pot, a century-old brasserie in Les Halles, À l’Épi d’Or has made a unanimous impact. An atmospheric spot that is delightfully girl power with Mariola in the kitchen, Margot managing the dining room and the regulars, including the gang of friends like Aurélie Saada (Brigitte), Caroline de Maigret, and Cécile Cassel, aka Hollysiz...

To try: we love to let ourselves be guided by the weekly menu at very reasonable prices: starter-main or main-dessert for €37. The full deal is €46. Otherwise, we recommend the foie mousse to spread on toasted Poilâne bread until full (€14), a green salad with a truly memorable dressing (€10), an unforgettable croque-madame (€18), or a steak tartare served with homemade fries for dipping in mayo (€26), to be paired with a glass of Côte du Rhône (€13) or Chablis (€19). For desserts, it depends on the day: chocolate cake, banana marmalade, and lime on Mondays, or a cream puff “like a Paris-Brest” on Fridays…

À l’Épi d’Or 25 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris 1st, open Monday to Friday from noon to 2:30 pm and from 7 to 11 pm

The place: located in the 10th arrondissement, this is the bistro of the hotel designed by Adrien Gloaguen, the hotel entrepreneur behind Touriste (Bienvenue, Beaurepaire, Panache, that's him). In addition to the chef's table service, the place functions as a neighborhood and train station address, starting at 7h for a comforting coffee-croissant and running non-stop all day with good sandwiches, right up to late-night thirsts around a drink and a plate of cured sausage until midnight.

To try: the sensational Jonathan Schweizer, who already turned heads at Sauvage in the 6th with his brilliant take on bistro cuisine, showcases the same talent here and rolls out a simple yet undeniably sexy menu, all paired with some of the most name-dropped natural wines. On the chalkboard, the starter-main-dessert menu changes daily (€28). For example, yesterday it was croustillante tête de cochon, fenouil, condiment poire, ail, and menthe (€16), truite en gravlax, lait fermenté, poire, and bergamote (€17), and échine de cochon de Lacausne with betterave, carottes, and courges (€27). For dessert, glace caramel with condiment châtaigne, pamplemousse, crème crue montée, and feta glacée (€13).

Les Deux Gares 1 rue des Deux-Gares, Paris 10th, open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight
© Instagram / Café Les Deux gares

The place: voted best bistro in Paris by Priceless Cities Best New Bistro x Mastercard, this charming spot in the 18th arrondissement feels like a meeting place for good-taste gourmets, international fashion folks, and lovely ladies from the neighborhood… And for good reason: you can enjoy drinks at the Formica counter before settling on the vinyl banquettes, with a playlist that comes straight from the kitchen! Because here, the gangsters love to cook with good music. We're all in.

To try: plates full of technique but without pretension. It's rare to achieve such perfection… The menu changes daily, so you might find fritot de cervelle de veau with sauce tartare, perfect to nibble on with a natural champagne (€7) as an aperitif, followed by tartare de daurade royal with shiso and citron caviar (€14) and a fantastic pâté de boudin noir (€8). The only downside: you'll need to reserve well in advance now. But trust our experience, you’ll want to return…

Le Maquis 53 rue des Cloys, Paris 18th

The place: at the little brother of La Tour d’Argent, exceptional products from the legendary starred restaurant that inspired Ratatouille are served in a more “accessible” version. Located at the foot of the parent restaurant, this vintage bistro features checked tablecloths, old-fashioned waiters, and poireaux vinaigrette, making it all quite charming. Not to mention the unique Parisian terrace perched on a bridge, extending from the dining room over the Seine. Incredible.

To try: the house specialty is rotisserie meats! Yum… Starting with the famous demi-poulet fermier Label rouge, chicken juice, garlic in its skin, and mashed potatoes (€32), rognons de veau with mustard sauce and potato gratin (€29), or the filet de bœuf with pepper sauce and homemade fries (€39).

La Rôtisserie d'Argent 19 quai de la Tournelle, Paris 5th, open every day from noon to 2:15pm and from 7pm to 10:30pm

The place: a tripe institution of Les Halles, Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond is reinventing itself under the direction of Benjamin Moréel and Christopher Préchez (Café de Mars, Lefty, Little Georgette, John Weng, Le POD). Nestled in a timber-framed building that rises over three floors, this establishment showcases the most charming elements of the Belle Époque: large mirrors, red velvet banquettes, wooden staircases, painted mirrors, mosaics, gilding, and glass pastes. Not to mention the cheerful terrace on a lively square in the Ventre de Paris.

To try: you’ll find, of course, the iconic dishes of bouillon cuisine, all homemade with French meat, organic eggs, and charcuterie sourced from Olivier Brosset: œuf mimosa (€2.50), escargots (€7.80), homemade foie gras (€10.50), a pot of coquillettes with cheese, truffle cream, and spring onion (€8.50), whole roasted daurade (€13.50), camembert (€3.90), and tarte tatin (€4.90), to be washed down with a glass of Pays d’Oc IGP red Sauvignon (€4.20). It’s quite hard to spend more than €25 per person while truly enjoying a good meal.

28 rue Pierre Lescot, Paris 1st, open every day from noon to midnight

The place: you’ll spot all the food enthusiasts of Paris here, starting with Julie Gerbet and the Fooding crew. Super tasty and super cute, Café du Coin by the superb owner Florent Ciccoli (Cheval d’Or, Le Bien Venu) blends styles with flair, drawing heavily from Belle Époque and 70s references, while maintaining the essential banquettes and counter.

To try: today it was tataki de bœuf with mango, chili, and mustard seeds as a starter (€6), haddock with roasted celery, spider crab bisque, fennel, and umeboshi condiment (€17), and a delicious chocolate ganache with white cheese ice cream (€3). The starter-main-dessert menu is available for €24 between 12h15 and 14h30, much to the delight of our wallets.

Café du Coin 9 rue Camille Desmoulins, Paris 11th, open every day from noon to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm
© Pierre Lucet Penato

Brasserie Lipp : you’ll want to go for the dishes, the cassoulet or the sauerkraut are simply unforgettable.
151 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th, open every day from 9am to 12:45am
© Instagram / Brasserie Lipp

© Instagram / Brasserie Lipp

Brasserie Bellanger : Charly & Victor, two new faces of the Parisian food scene hit the ground running with their trendy nouvelle garde.
140 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 10th, open every day from 9am to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays until 12:30pm

@Guillaume Belvèze @The travel buds

Bouillon Pigalle : Between the father restaurant with a balcony-terrace and its take-away/delivery Bouillon Service near République, Pierre Moussié has everything going for him, great dishes at great prices.
22 boulevard de Clichy, Paris 18th, open every day from noon to midnight

Also discover Gargouille, a sunny bistro in the heart of Pigalle and the new iodized table of the food power couple David and Stéphanie Le Quellec