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Restaurants
The Best Bistros in Paris
Small, authentic, and welcoming, the Parisian bistro is part of the capital’s cultural heritage. At lunchtime, people gather there to enjoy the daily special; in the evening, regulars and visitors alike sit down for a drink in a friendly atmosphere. With traditional cuisine, regional specialties, and a neighborhood vibe, discover our selection of the best bistros in Paris where you can enjoy a truly authentic Parisian experience.
1. Nini | An Italian-inspired bistro in Paris
Although it has only just opened, Nini has already earned its place in our selection of the best bistros in Paris. Tucked away at 162 Avenue Parmentier is one of the most exciting new bistro openings of the moment. At the helm are two lovers of Italy: Victor Kalczuga in the dining room and Roman chef Fabio Massimo Liuzza in the kitchen—no stranger to the scene, having previously worked at Ventrus, Brace, and the Big Mamma Group. Their brainchild? An Italian-French bistro without the clichés, pioneering a new transalpine cuisine: seasonal, unconstrained, and meticulously sourced. The venue, a former Chinese restaurant, has been completely renovated, leaving the raw walls exposed and preserving a few original elements, such as the antique wooden door that adds character.
The menu is short, but certain dishes—such as the smoked celeriac with Parmesan, black garlic, and hazelnuts, or, on the dessert side, the tiramisu-style French toast (a “crazy good” dish, as the kids say)—have already achieved best-seller status. As for the cuttlefish in its own ink, served with potatoes, agretti, and ’nduja—which was on the menu that day—we’re rooting for it to become a best seller, as this indulgent, precise, unusual yet comforting dish left us with a memorable experience. In the wine cellar, Victor Kalczuga—a natural wine enthusiast (find him on Instagram as @victorkalc)—calls the shots. He curates a well-thought-out selection guaranteed to be free of chemical additives, with a clear preference for wines from Savoie, the Jura, and Auvergne. The perfect accompaniment to the dishes.
Prices: Lunch : Starter and main course for 21 euros, or starter, main course, and dessert for 26 euros
Nini
162 Avenue Parmentier, Paris 10th arrondissement
Restaurant’s official website
A Parisian bistro without the usual trappings, pioneering a new style of transalpine cuisine: seasonal, unconstrained, and meticulously sourced
2. Les Pères Siffleurs | A 15th-arrondissement bistro with a provincial feel
And the César Award for the prettiest terrace in the 15th goes to… Take a little tree-lined spot, a pretty church—Saint-Lambert, in this case—a huge poplar tree, and a sunny location: it’s simple—you’d think you’d been transported to the countryside, to the town square of a small village in the South. With its bright red facade, Les Pères Siffleurs—enjoy the pun—is one of those extremely rare spots in Paris where you’re still surprised by the city’s bucolic charm. And where you suddenly realize just how nice it is to live here. Regulars from the neighborhood have figured this out and flock there for both lunch and dinner, as do tourists—Americans in particular.
While the ultimate experience is to sit on the terrace in full sun—with only 40 seats, so spots are hard to come by—be sure to take a look inside. The heritage of the Parisian bistro has been remarkably preserved, and we’re delighted by it. Vintage enthusiasts will be drawn to the sublime pewter and carved-wood counter by Ateliers Nectoux (the last remaining in Paris from this family-run business founded in 1930). Red bench seats, enamel signs, a retro transistor radio… the decor exudes a flea-market charm that suits the place perfectly.
Taken over by Philippe Polla, this charming spot has entrusted its kitchen to Japanese chef Shunsuke Takano—former sous-chef at Sola and ERH, a restaurant in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement—who infuses boldness and energy into a concise menu that changes weekly: four appetizers, five main courses, four desserts—all made with fresh ingredients. Take, for example, the quail pie with roasted green asparagus and pea purée, Parmesan cream, and truffle jus. It’s well-balanced, expertly executed, with that touch of whimsy that’s the hallmark of a true chef.
For dessert, matcha crème brûlée served with strawberry ice cream and condensed milk. A fine selection of natural wines and wines from independent winemakers complements the menu. The Google reviews speak for themselves.
Prices: À la carte: appetizers from 10 to 13 euros, main courses starting at 27 euros, desserts starting at 11 euros.
Les Pères Siffleurs
15 rue Gerbert, Paris 15th arrondissement
Restaurant’s official website
3. Le Rennequin | Paris 17
You have to venture into this quiet corner of the 17th arrondissement, between Ternes and Porte Maillot, but it’s well worth the trip. It took less than a few months for Le Rennequin—a restaurant in the 17th arrondissement that opened in late September 2025 on the street of the same name—to become a neighborhood institution, a favorite among employees of Publicis and the nearby rugby league (reservations are a must for lunch). At the helm are three partners; that evening, Arthur Schmidt was running the dining room solo: with a blond streak in his hair, a warm welcome, and quiet efficiency.
The decor? Classic and simple: exposed brick walls, a wooden bar, and the menu written in white chalk on a slate. A few tables, seating for 24, plus a standing-room-only area and a basement room that can accommodate about twenty more.
On the plate: egg with basil mayo and bread croutons. The eggs come in sets of three, and the restaurant is definitely not stingy with the mayo—which is a nice touch.
But the option of poached ravioli with shrimp in ponzu sauce is also a hit. Then comes the timeless classic that everyone agrees on: duck breast with poultry jus and soy sauce. A must-try, especially when served with the famous pommes dauphine—the house specialty—which are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
For dessert, go for the chocolate cake: exquisitely delicate, with its ultra-light whipped cream made with crème fraîche and salted butter caramel. Just the right amount: a sweet note that satisfies without weighing down the end of the meal.
As for drinks: A lovely selection of natural wines—simple and well-crafted—featuring about ten reds, five or six whites, and some sparkling wines.
Verdict: We’re big fans of this charming bistro, which has a bright future ahead of it.
Prices: Appetizer/main course or main course/dessert: 25 euros; Appetizer, main course, and dessert: 32 euros.
Le Rennequin
67 Rue de Rennequin, Paris 17th arrondissement
33 9 81 59 46 85
Restaurant’s official website
4. L’Amic | Paris 18
Head to the 18th arrondissement, near Jules Joffrin, to check out this new spot everyone’s talking about. At the helm are two high school friends: Ivan Koutchoumov, a Montmartre native who grew up in the neighborhood, and Louis Tarrisse, whom he met at the nearby Jules-Ferry High School. This isn’t the first venture for the two friends: they’re already known as the owners of L’Hydropathe, a cocktail bar on Rue Caulaincourt that grew out of a music collective and a record label of the same name.
To run this restaurant in the 18th arrondissement, they’ve assembled a strong team: Adrien Marie in the dining room, Pierre Berthier (formerly of Vivant) handling wines, and in the kitchen, Franco-Milanese chef Gabriel Urgese, who is responsible for crafting classic yet refined bistro cuisine. The menu changes weekly and is paired with a selection of exclusively natural wines (about sixty options, with a particular fondness for Alsatian wines—thanks to Pierre Berthier, a native of Strasbourg).
On the plate: Special mention goes to the sausage and mashed potatoes, which, despite its unassuming appearance, reveals a true attention to detail: silky mashed potatoes, sausage, of course, but also a poultry jus reduced with nduja (a spicy Calabrian sausage), fried shallots, diced Morteau sausage, finely diced apples that blend perfectly, and fennel seed powder.
Before that, we had the good sense to try the porchetta—pork belly prepared vitello tonnato-style—and to nibble on our neighbor’s plate, which featured fish served with cime di rapa, a deliberate nod to Italy.
Verdict: A place that exudes sincerity and generosity, rooted in the tradition of the French bistro with well-judged Italian touches and that little something that makes you want to come back.
Prices: Main course : starting at 16 euros; Appetizer/Main course or Main course/Dessert: 19 euros; Appetizer, Main course, and Dessert: 22 euros
L’Amic
16, rue Letort, Paris 18th
33 1 88 61 16 85
5. Les Arlots | Paris 10
The spot: Opened in 2016 on a stretch of Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière that was then nearly deserted, Les Arlots already gave the impression of having always been there. Ten years later, that impression is even stronger, naturally. A touch rustic, with a setting straight out of a 1960s film noir, a few taxidermied oddities, and an ageless zinc bar where it’s a pleasure to lean on. You definitely don’t come here for the decor, but for the food and the banter.
On the plate: The full repertoire of the roguish bistro we love, but with an extra dose of soul and genuine expertise. Thomas Brachet knows his stuff. His terrine is a wonderful way to start the meal, his sausage and mashed potatoes draw crowds from all over Paris (and well-informed tourists), and his egg with mayonnaise has been recognized several times by the ASOM (Association for the Preservation of the Egg with Mayonnaise, yes, really), and his calf’s head with gribiche sauce has its own fan club.
When it comes to wine, Thomas’s business partner, Tristan Renoux, is at the helm. The natural wine cellar is well-stocked, eclectic, and incredibly welcoming, with bottles at every price point and a great selection by the glass.
Verdict: One of our favorite Parisian bistros. A sure bet for a leisurely lunch or dinner with friends.
Prices: Appetizers 10–14 euros, main courses 18–32 euros, cheese 14 euros, desserts 9 euros.
Les Arlots
136 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 10th arrondissement
33 1 42 82 92 01
The full menu of the down-to-earth bistro we love, but with an extra touch of soul and true expertise.
6. Brasserie Philippe | Boulogne-Billancourt
The Place: Don’t let the name fool you—it’s definitely a bistro, albeit with a “bistronomic” twist, but a bistro nonetheless.Charles Boixel, who had already won us over in Clichy with his Café César, has doubled down since January 2026 on this main thoroughfare in Boulogne with this new restaurant in Boulogne-Billancourt. At Brasserie Philippe—named in honor of the chef’s father—the space is divided into three areas: a sunny veranda; a main dining room with a bar and even a lovely leather sofa; an open kitchen; and a back room with a library, perfect for large groups. It’s well thought out because, despite the spacious layout, the bistro is chic, stylish, and welcoming, and the tables are spaced far enough apart to maintain a bit of privacy. Special mention goes to the lovely family photos.
On the plate: We love the sharing platters, which blend tradition (pâté croûte) with exotic flavors (rock shrimp, mayo, chili garlic). For appetizers, there are lovely creations like this flammekueche with Bellota ham and black truffle or this warm beef cheek carpaccio with ravigote and mimosa—quite rustic—not to mention the magnificent mushroom tartlet.
As for the main courses, you’ll find the classics—tartare and sole meunière—but also more original dishes, such as beef chuck with red miso, melt-in-your-mouth carrots, and shiitake mushrooms, or confit cod with dashi broth and crisp vegetables. This subtle Asian touch complements the bistro menu perfectly, especially when executed by a talented chef like Charles Boixel.
The wine list is incredibly tempting, featuring both renowned estates and hidden gems, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Also worth noting is a lovely cocktail menu.
Verdict: A new spot that puts Boulogne even further on the culinary map. Perfect for a business lunch or a get-together with friends on game nights (the Parc des Princes is just a stone’s throw away).
Prices: Appetizer/Main Course or Main Course/Dessert: 22.50 euros; Appetizer/Main Course/Dessert: 29 euros; Main Course only: 16 euros
Brasserie Philippe
72ter, route de la Reine, Boulogne-Billancourt
33 1 41 03 20 18
Restaurant’s official website
7. Café Max | Paris 7
The Location: A major hub of the Resistance, Café Max in the 7th arrondissement (formerly known as Café Hélice) served as the Resistance’s clandestine headquarters starting in 1941, thanks to its owner, Eugène Germain, and a few friends who secretly ran a Resistance network. In regular contact from the bistro with General de Gaulle’s headquarters in London, they were able to foil numerous plots. In 1972, the café was renamed Café Max in honor of Jean Moulin, a member of this small group of spies, whose Resistance codename was Max. Taken over in 2022 by chef Frédéric Vardon (owner of the Paris restaurant 8 39V), this iconic spot in the Invalides neighborhood welcomes people of all ages in a remarkably authentic setting. With its early-20th-century zinc bar, wooden tables, and red benches, it retains all its character—and that’s what gives it its charm.
On the plate: The rustic yet gourmet cuisine is simple, but not simplistic. The à la carte and chalkboard specials feature timeless Parisian classics, expertly prepared. That’s all it takes to make us happy. The menu features deviled eggs, the famous crispy pig’s ears, hand-chopped Salers beef tartare, the butcher’s cut of beef, veal kidneys Normandy-style, and wild-caught fish.
It’s indulgent, generous, and comforting. A word of advice: don’t miss the fries—they’re truly among the best in the capital. As for desserts, if they have crêpes Suzette, don’t hesitate for a second! To accompany this thoroughly enjoyable meal, there’s a wine list featuring over 400 selections, curated by Frédéric Vardon, for whom wine is a true passion.
Verdict: Our favorite hideaway for a cozy, comforting, and exceptionally well-prepared lunch.
Prices: Appetizers between 9 and 29 euros, main courses between 20 and 36 euros, desserts at 13 euros.
Café Max
7 Avenue de la Motte-Picquet, Paris 7
33 1 47 05 57 66
Restaurant’s official website
8. Le Cornichon | Paris 11
The Place: At first glance, it looks like any other PMU bar you’d come across in the 11th arrondissement. But then something feels off—or rather, reassuring. The decor is tasteful, even slightly over-the-top, the atmosphere is lively, and the clientele is clearly more curious than interested in betting on horse races. Le Cornichon establishes itself as a contemporary neighborhood café, at home in its time, without losing its bistro spirit. A significant bonus: truly reasonable prices, especially at lunch with the weekly special for 19 or 22 euros.
On the plate: That day, a mushroom salad of impeccable freshness, drizzled with a devilishly addictive cream sauce. Simple, but exactly what you’d expect—and you’ll polish it off without even thinking about it. Next up is a couscous dish that’s understated but certainly not skimpy. The vegetables are perfectly cooked and left to retain their natural flavors, and the house-made harissa is worth the trip. For dessert, a chocolate-caramel cake served with custard: devilishly indulgent and satisfying.
The menu changes with the seasons thanks to Sébastien Dagoneau, who has worked at some truly exceptional restaurants, and you can really tell—even in what might seem like a simple neighborhood spot.
In the evening, it’s time for small plates—we haven’t tried them yet, but it’s easy to imagine how playful they’ll be.
Verdict: In the category of affordable and delicious bistros, Le Cornichon checks all the boxes. A delightful spot from the first bite to the last cup of coffee. Flawless.
Prices: LUNCH : Appetizer / Main Course / Dessert: 35 euros; Appetizer / Main Course: 34 euros; Main Course / Dessert: 31 euros; DINNER: Appetizer / Main Course / Dessert: 42 euros; Appetizer / Main Course: 41 euros; Main Course / Dessert: 39 euros
Le Cornichon
2, rue des Goncourt, Paris 11
33 1 42 54 18 32
Restaurant’s official website
The atmosphere is lively, and the customers are clearly more curious than interested in betting on horse races.
9. Boléa | Paris 17
The Location: In this somewhat staid corner of the 17th arrondissement, stumbling upon a bright, fresh, and new spot is a delight. The space, long occupied by La Fourchette du Printemps, has been given a new lease on life without losing its warmth. Taken over by a young couple as dynamic as they are welcoming, Boléa, the Paris restaurant, immediately stands out as an intimate spot where you feel right at home. Both in the kitchen and in the dining room, professionalism is already evident—a clear nod to Vincent, whom we’re pleased to recognize from his time at Chez la Vieille. An intimate, lively, and instantly welcoming hideaway.
On the plate: At lunchtime, the menu is impressive: a lunch for 25 or 28 euros, even on Saturdays. The butcher’s cut with pepper sauce—which is well worth the extra charge—is a perfect classic in every way, offering just the right amount of comfort. Special mention also goes to the beautifully prepared, impeccable eggs with mayonnaise and the truly delightful desserts. The overall experience is cohesive and generous, with just the right touch of contemporary flair to keep things from feeling heavy.
In the evening, the à la carte menu takes over and sometimes offers some wonderful surprises. If veal sweetbreads are on the slate, don’t hesitate—go for it.
Verdict: A valuable addition to the neighborhood, which was sorely lacking in solid options in this vein—especially on such an intimate scale. A straightforward, well-run restaurant that some have already adopted as their go-to spot, which comes as no surprise.
Prices: LUNCH : Appetizer/Main Course or Main Course/Dessert 25 euros, Appetizer/Main Course/Dessert 28 euros; DINNER: Appetizers starting at 8 euros, Main Courses starting at 20 euros, Desserts at 10 euros
Boléa
30 Rue du Printemps, Paris 17
33 9 60 07 99 08
Restaurant’s official website
10. Les Petits Parisiens | Paris 14
The venue: Back in the 1990s, this spot was already making a name for itself: it was here that Yves Camdeborde presided, and, according to legend, the term “bistronomy” was coined by the late Sébastien Demorand. A place steeped in history, then, taken over a year ago by a team determined to breathe new life into it without compromising its essence. The makeover is a success: a zinc-topped bar, a bright and inviting dining room, and a veranda come together to create a modern, warm, and lively bistro.
On the plate: In the kitchen, Lucas Felzine delivers a personal and sensitive culinary vision. Some may recall discovering him during his time at Uma, and here we find that same distinct passion for ingredients and certain Japanese influences. The result: an appealing, precise, and nuanced cuisine. Among the standout dishes are a delicately marinated yellowtail, a remarkable veal liver—probably one of the best I’ve tasted recently—and several contemporary bistro-style courses that only the chef knows how to prepare.
Verdict: A beautiful restaurant in the 14th arrondissement featuring a five-course menu for 65 euros—one you’d be remiss to miss—available for both lunch and dinner, offering a delightful culinary journey. Wine is an integral part of the experience thanks to an extensive wine list catering to all budgets—you can even enjoy a glass of Château d’Yquem. A rare luxury in a Parisian restaurant.
Prices: LUNCH : Appetizer / Main Course / Dessert 33 euros, Appetizer / Main Course or Main Course / Dessert 29 euros; DINNER: Tasting menu 69 euros
Les Petits Parisiens
49 Avenue Jean Moulin, Paris 14
33 1 45 43 72 97
Restaurant’s official website