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 : A chic-as-can-be railway station restaurant created by Eric Frechon, the MOF and former three-star chef of Le Bristol, who once dreamed of restoring glory to this very French genre. Twelve years after opening, Lazare unveils a sophisticated new décor and a brand-new executive chef, while keeping the winning formula that made it iconic : all-day service from breakfast onward, and comforting bistro-style cuisine elevated with the touch of a grand chef. A magnet for business diners rushing between trains and families eager to feast in the vibrant atmosphere of a restaurant that feels like it’s speeding along at 300 km/h.

What to try : In the kitchen, Guillaume Chevalier – trained notably by  Glenn Viel – honors Eric Frechon’s menu and delivers the best of modern bistro cooking. Among the must-orders: céleri rémoulade with green apple and fresh coriander (€10), homemade duck foie gras with toasted brioche (€25), the classic “potage de santé” (€11), salmon petit salé with Puy lentils and Morteau sausage with a Xérès vinaigrette (€32), and of course the legendary “best sausage-and-mash in Paris” (€26). Don’t miss the indulgent “coquillettes for spoiled children,” a decadent mix of ham, Comté cheese and black truffle (€36).

Finish with crêpes Suzette with clementine zest (€14) or Golden apple fritters with blackcurrant compote (€13) : perfect before slipping straight into nap mode on your train ride. Our ultimate obsession: the €30 “traveler’s menu,” served in 30 minutes flat so you never miss your departure… and the €23 weekly dish, featuring pike quenelles with Nantua sauce on Mondays!

Le Lazare, Parvis de la Gare Saint-Lazare, rue Intérieure, Paris 8e. 01 44 90 80 80. Open Monday to Friday 7:30 am–11 pm, weekends 11:45 am–11 pm.

The place: Paris Society strikes again. Just a stone’s throw from Maxim’s, still on rue Royale, its little brother Minim’s has just opened. This quintessentially Parisian bistro, with a superb décor signed by Cordélia de Castellane, instantly transports you into a Belle Époque universe. Wooden paneling, Art Nouveau details, colorful carpet, olive-green velvet banquettes: proof of Dior Maison’s artistic director’s talent, the room looks as though it hasn’t moved an inch in over a century, and yet, everything is brand new! You’ll find fashion insiders on their lunch break (Place Vendôme is nearby), the chic locals of the neighborhood, and savvy tourists who’ve sniffed out the latest cool spot.

Must try: pâté en croûte (€24), œufs mayo (€8), sautéed mushrooms (€17), beef tartare (€27)… all the beloved classics of a good bistro, perfectly executed with impeccable service. Favorites include the frisée salad with bacon and poached eggs (€17), the Grenoble-style scallops (€39), and an ultra-tender hanger steak with shallots (€31), to pair with fries, green beans, or mashed potatoes. Top desserts: tarte Tatin with Isigny cream (€14) or a molten chocolate cake (€14).

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

The place: a real country house in the heart of the 16th. Already beloved by Instagram’s trendiest fashion girls and the stylish West Paris crowd, Charles Laborde’s (Charly to friends) new spot has everything to charm: a crackling central fireplace, big tables for friends, church-sourced benches, château chandeliers… A true escape from the city, offering comfort and elegance with beautiful details like silverware and Gien porcelain. Bonus: a stunning wine cellar downstairs with 700 French references and a 1940s Banque de France iron door.

Must try: If you don’t eat meat, forget it. This is a temple to carnivores. Dive into the ham in parsley jelly (€13), veal sweetbread and foie gras pâté en croûte (€14), divine 24-month Comté cordon bleu (€22), the foie gras sausage-and-mash signature dish (€28), or the daily special — like a melting-soft chicken with morels. Dessert highlight: comforting rice pudding with caramel (€12). The wine list is huge, with bottles starting at €32.

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

The place: sitting on the Seine with a full Eiffel Tower view, the brand-new Margaux is the latest from restaurateur Michel Puech, who brought in chef Paul-Alexandre Laumont (Biche) for refined French classics. A nostalgic return to tradition with a décor reminiscent of grandma’s dining room: buffet cabinet, white-tablecloth bistro tables, wooden walls, terracotta tiles, vintage photographs. Best table for two? At the entrance, by the windows overlooking the Iron Lady.

Must try: start with the huge, slightly intimidating bone marrow (€14), classic œufs mayo with truffle (€13), or herb mushrooms with poached egg (€18). For sharing: the 1.2-kg Normandy rib of beef (€140). Individual dishes: Royans ravioli gratin (truffle optional, €22), chicken with morels and Vin Jaune (€29), and a farmhouse-chicken cordon bleu (€26!). Desserts include chocolate mousse (€12), Bourbon vanilla crème brûlée (€12), and a gooey cookie with salted butter caramel and vanilla ice cream (€14).

Margaux, 10 avenue de New York, Paris 16e. 01 86 04 40 54. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 12–3 pm and from 7 pm.

© Marie Desprez

The place: tucked in rue Saint-Marc by the Bourse, this bistro bought by Alain Ducasse in 2002 is now run by the Dumant family (Aux Crus de Bourgogne, Les Marches). Everything inside remains unchanged: floral tiles, red banquettes, moldings, woodwork. Beautiful upstairs dining room and a private lounge for 8–10 guests. The kitchen is helmed by Lyon-born chef Victoria Boller, chosen by Ducasse himself.

Must try: the outrageous pike quenelle with crayfish in creamy Nantua sauce (€22) — straight to the podium! Perfect country terrine (€16). For mains: veal-tripe andouillette with baby potatoes (€32). Lighter option: seared scallops with glazed baby leeks and beurre blanc (€30). Save room for the floating island with pink pralines (€14) or Rolande’s crème caramel (€14).

Aux Lyonnais, 32 rue Saint-Marc, Paris 2e.  01 42 96 65 04. Open Tuesday–Saturday, lunch and dinner.

© Aux Lyonnais x The Travel Buds

The place: formerly Café Lignac, now entrusted to David Bottreau of Comptoir des Fables. While it begins a new chapter, it has kept its former charm and stunning counter. Chef Guillaume Dehecq (ex-George V, Fitzgerald, Ami Jean) offers indulgent, traditional bistronomy. Best seats: the table under the stairs, or the counter if you’re solo.

Must try: start the feast with sharing plates: œufs mimosa (€11), citrus salmon gravlax (€17). Highlights: half duck breast with honey-rosemary sauce and carrot mousse (€28), seafood choucroute (€27), croque-monsieur with fries (€16). For dessert: unforgettable brioche perdue with salted caramel ice cream (€11).

Le Bistrot des Fables, 139 rue Saint-Dominique, Paris 7e. +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! Right next door to their Crus de Bourgogne, Le Chardonnay rolls out a cheeky, old-school bistro menu in a lively Parisian troquet atmosphere. You can sit on the banquettes, high tables, or right at the bar, where glasses clink, cutlery drops, and people laugh heartily.

What to try: Yum ! start with leek vinaigrette (€12) or classic œufs mayo (€6), unless you prefer sharing the honey-roasted Saint-Marcellin, perfect for slathering on toasted bread (€10). The star dish is the Royal Cheese Bourgogne (€21), while croque lovers will swoon over the truffle croque (€21). Ultimate joy: duck breast with black cherries (€24), paired with homemade ratatouille (€5) or gratin dauphinois (€6).

Le Chardonnay  3 rue Bachaumont, Paris 2e, O.pen 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 cool spot around Place de Clichy for a proper feast after a show in one of the nearby theaters. Set inside a tiny Art Nouveau former brothel, all wood and mosaics, this pocket-sized bistro surprises with its miniature dining room lined with tables facing a majestic bar. Here, chef Charleyne Valet crafts creative, colorful plates with a playful Parisian spirit.

What to try: Pumpkin seed tarama with homemade seed crackers (€9.50), smoked herring tortellini with chard and dashi broth (€23.50). For dessert: a Breton sablé with chipotle, poached peaches, mascarpone cream & parsley pesto (€10.50), or a chocolate fondant with confit fennel (€9).

Le Cyrano ,3 rue Biot, Paris 17e, Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2 am, Saturday–Sunday 10 am to 2 am.

The place: With a new chef, Irwin Durand (formerly at Michelin-starred Le Chiberta), under the benevolent guidance of culinary king Guy Savoy, Le Petit Rétro gets a fresh spin. This 1904 institution in the 16th charms with its protected tilework, turquoise banquettes, and massive bar. A perfect spot for lovers of well-simmered bourgeois classics.

What to try: Traditional onion soup gratinée with AOP Comté (€18), langoustine ravioli (€22), or an excellent traditional veal blanquette with pilaf rice (€27). For dessert: an airy dark chocolate soufflé (€14) or the ultra-satisfying profiterole with warm chocolate and vanilla ice cream (€14).

Le Petit Rétro 5 rue Mesnil, Paris 16e, Open daily from 12–2:30 pm and 7:30–10:30 pm.

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