Renowned as the go-to sandwich for a calorie-packed, slightly greasy craving, the kebab has reinvented itself today as the perfect snack for food lovers seeking a balanced and gourmet experience. Below is the shortlist of the 5 best kebabs in the capital for a well-deserved indulgent break.
Gone are the days when broke students monopolized the cheap, overly greasy kebab! Now embraced by discerning foodies, street food shines with high-quality ingredients, just like the most desirable kébabiers in Paris. Here's our shortlist.
Gemüse
Address: Trusted by all the cool kids in the 18th arrondissement, Gemüse (pronounced "gué-mu-zeuh," meaning "vegetables" in the original German) promises an irresistibly addictive snack experience. And for good reason: the marinated chicken spit is lovingly prepared, turned, and grilled every midday and evening, perfectly paired with kilos of fresh vegetables, all chopped daily.
The Kebab: At Gemüse, you can enjoy their delicious offerings in three ways: in pide bread, a dürüm wrap, or a bowl for the gluten-free crowd. Regulars rave about the Classic with marinated chicken (generously filled with salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, red onions with sumac, pickled red cabbage, a special mix of grilled vegetables—carrots, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers—sauce, and fresh cheese, all for €8). The grilled halloumi (€8) or veggie versions packed with even more vegetables are also hits. Kebab menu + fries or dessert + drink for €11.50.
The Extra Touch: A selection of ten house-made sauces (white, Algerian, harissa...), including a killer garlic sauce that you'd want to steal the recipe for.
Gemüse, 61 rue Ramey, Paris 18th. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:20 AM to 5 PM, then from 6 PM to 10:30 PM.
The Most Exotic: Filakia
Location: A Mediterranean lifestyle with the finest Hellenic products in Paris, served in an authentic souvlaki bursting with sun-drenched flavors.
The Kebab: A return to traditional spit-roasting techniques guarantees excellent quality meats, with farm-raised pork from Auvergne and beef from the Basque Country, provided by Terroir d’Avenir. Nestled in pita bread with tzatziki, salad, tomatoes, and onions (€11 for the sandwich, €14 with lightly spiced fries, lemon confit potatoes, or a daily starter).
The Extra Touch: For gluten-free fans, the roasted meat is served on a plate with fresh vegetables, tzatziki, and lemon confit potatoes, just like in Athens' taverns!
Filakia, 9 rue Mandar, Paris 2nd. Open Monday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
The Most Underground: Impact Berliner Kebap
Location: The most Berlin-like of them all! From Turkey to Germany, this döner kebab stands out by saying goodbye to grease and low-quality ingredients.
The Kebab: Marinated chicken with four spices and a mix of vegetables to keep your conscience clean (zucchini, eggplant, carrots, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and cabbage), served on a bed of herbs and feta, topped with a homemade garlic, lemon, or chimichurri sauce (€8 for the classic kebab, veggie options from €7.50).
The Extra Touch: Seitan replaces the meat for veggie kebab lovers.
Impact Berliner Kebap, 119 rue du Chemin Vert, Paris 11th. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to midnight. A second location at 185 rue Saint Denis, Paris 2nd.
The Most Surprising: Sürpriz
Location: A Rhenish vibe, a cultural institution, loved by Angela Merkel and Kreuzberg’s partygoers, set in a laid-back techno bar-like atmosphere.
The Kebab: Turkish bread and flatbread handmade by Ahmed, the local baker, and 100% chicken from Mehmet, the best Berlin butcher, caramelized by the spitfire and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Topped with vegetables from local markets in the 11th and yogurt, garlic, or spicy sauce (€7.60 for a döner kebab, €6 for veggie, and €8.50 for halloumi dürüm).
The Extra Touch: A true taste of Germany, down to the drinks with Fritz Kola (€3), Mate (€4), and Augustiner beer (€4.90 for 0.5 liters), Munich’s oldest brewery!
Sürpriz Kebab, 110 rue Oberkampf, Paris 11th. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday until midnight, Friday and Saturday until 1:00 am. Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
The Most Levantine: Qasti
Location: A Lebanese street food spot, a hub for sharing, indulgence, and travel, envisioned by Michelin-starred chef Alan Geaam.
The Kebab: This isn’t just a kebab, it’s a shawarma! Signature Levantine flatbreads topped with free-range chicken from Périgord, beef, and veal marinated for 48 hours, served on a bed of hummus with the essential tarator sauce (tahini, yogurt, and lemon) or toum (a light garlic cream). €7.50 for chicken, veal, or beef shawarma, and €6 for the vegetarian sandwich with fries, garlic cream, coleslaw, pickles, and ketchup.
The Extra Touch: Alan Geaam’s hummus is reputed to be the best in Paris. Just saying...
Qasti, 205 rue Saint-Martin, Paris 3rd. Open daily from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday until 11:00 pm.
The Most Hellenic: L’Île de Crète
Location: A spot that transports you to the Greek islands, right in the heart of the Mouffetard district, with mezze starters and eggplant moussaka accompanied by Greek music.
The Kebab: Don’t call it kebab here, it’s gyros! A pita packed with meat and vegetables like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and olives, all drizzled with tzatziki, of course. €8 for the gyros and fries combo, €7 for the veggie gyros loaded with salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, red cabbage, carrots, and peppers. A healthy indulgence at a great price!
The Extra Touch: The portions are huge! Even without the fries (€1 extra), you’ll leave with a full belly.
L'Île de Crète, 10 rue Mouffetard, Paris 5th. Open daily from 11:30 am to 1:30 am.
Also discover 7 power-packed snack breaks in Paris and where to eat in Paris as in New-York ?