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Dining in Paris

As one of the culinary centers of Europe, Paris boasts of some of the best restaurants in the world. The restaurant trade began in Paris over two centuries ago and continues to flourish.

The top restaurants can be very expensive, so if you want an excellent meal at a good price, your best bet is to eat where the locals eat. Lunch is generally less expensive than dinner. If you can afford it, the trendy restaurants will surely leave delightfully satiated. Just make sure to book your reservation in advance.

Trendy restaurants often require reservations weeks, if not months, in advance. If you haven't planned far enough ahead, try to get a reservation for lunch. It’s generally easier and less expensive. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, you might want to consider a “walking lunch” at one of the food stands. At night, some restaurants have a 20-to-40 Euro dinner promotion where diners can enjoy three or four courses, perhaps even some wine, in a candlelit setting.

Now, if you’re in Paris to enjoy the city and relish the finest food it has to offer, here are some excellent choices.

Brasserie Bofinger
Reputed to be the best place for brasserie dining, located at 5-7 rue de la Bastille, 4e. The cuisine is first-rate and the service is commendable. If you can, grab a seat under the glass cupola. Celebrities have routinely dined here for decades, ranging from the likes of Madonna to Mikhail Gorbachev.

Chez Léna et Mimille
Want to enjoy a view of Paris while you dine on French cuisine? That’s exactly what this elegant French restaurant has to offer, located at 32 rue Tournefort, 5e. Specialties of the house include navarin d'agneau (lamb stew) and ravioli with basil butter.

Georges
If you’re looking for an exquisite international restaurant, try Georges on place Georges Pompidou, 4e. Its impressive architecture is as much an attraction as its food.