Hi foodies! My name is Milana and I grew up in Stockholm, one of the main European hubs for digital trendsetting and sustainable thinking. I now live in Paris and consider myself an average Parisian but not your average foodie! Welcome to my guide on the 10 best restaurants in Paris.
As a child, I was a big lover of classical books, indie movies and pop culture overall. I began using Instagram to connect with others to share in these interests. To start with, I photographed my own drawings, the books I read and gradually started sharing my beautiful hometown of Stockholm.
I have always incorporated food into my photography too. My inspiration came from TV shows like Nigella Lawson and movies by Nancy Meyers. The things food symbolised and the way people gathered around it fascinated me more than just the taste. Food became a never-ending muse to me.
Just Another Foodie in Paris
Being under the spell of the cinematic Paris presented by Hollywood, I see the city through these eyes and guess I actively choose to only visit places that confirm this spell. I suppose Paris is what you make it to be.
Frankly, I get both intimidated and overwhelmed by all the food choices available in Paris. I still haven’t tried out all the bakeries in my own quarter! Parisians live and breathe food (and pleasure) which I totally do too.
I love how breakfast is such a rich tradition – people take their time to eat croissants, baguettes with butter and have fresh juice. I must say that croissants are my favourite French food. I get so happy knowing that I will have a buttery croissant with a creamy cappuccino every morning.
10 Best Restaurants in Paris
When visiting a new city it can be difficult to find the best restaurants as you are most likely to eat at places close to your hotel. But below I would like to introduce you to the best restaurants and cafes in Paris – some of which will take your breath away in terms of quality and style.
- Au Top – located on the 7th floor of a building on Rue Vieille du Temple, Au Top is accessible via a private elevator and staircase. It offers great views over the Marais District. Summertime is especially stunning.
- Mon Square Restaurant – described in recent months as “the hottest new restaurant in Paris”, Mon Square has such a cool vibe and the best music. The chic, colourful interiors by Florence Lopez make it a dream!
- Le Basilic – one of the most romantic restaurants in Paris to take your intimate partner. It’s a casual yet intoxicatingly intimate and romantic restaurant with amazing food. Not a bad place to try Escargot as well!
- Patrol – the cutest and most Instagrammable restaurant in Paris. This place delights customers with its high quality service and food. A lovely spot to have brunch and enjoy the fresh interiors and decorations.
- Le Pre aux Clercs – in the middle of Saint Germain you can find real French food and for an affordable price too! The layout of this dine-in makes it easy to be secluded with friends in the private lounges.
- Braun Notes Coffee Shop – the best coffee in town and a peanut butter cake to die for. You could easily kill a whole morning in this cozy shop which offers simple yet delicious food made with typical French finesse.
- Cafe Foufou – one of the best places to have brunch in Paris with the most colourful presentation in their food. This cozy cafe has beautiful decor and an intimate setting where you can drink coffee all day.
- Woo Jung Korean Restaurant – if you are looking for Korean then you can’t go past Woo Jung which is the most authentic option in the city. Located in the 16th arrondissement, the food and service here is great.
- Mayfair Garden – for something a bit different you can try Mayfair Garden. This Indian restaurant is based heavily on the gourmet Indian scene coming out of London. Enjoy contemporary Indian dishes!
- Bistrot Richelieu – come here to enjoy a French onion soup. Located close to the Louvre Museum and the Palais Garnier, Bistrot Richelieu is the perfect spot to relax in winter after sightseeing with a warm soup!
Need to Know Before you Go
I recommend not taking a tour bus or the metro when you visit Paris. Rather, buy a ticket for the regular bus which Parisians use everyday. It’s far more cinematic to explore the city by bus and you know how much I love the cinematic side of Paris! Safe travels and enjoy the glorious food of Paris.