Our Favorite Restaurants in the 9th

Widely celebrated for its numerous spots in Paris’s nightlife scene, its grocery stores with a distinctly bobo flair, and its cheeky eateries, from Opéra Garnier to Rue des Martyrs, passing by Théâtre Mogador and Pigalle, the 9th arrondissement is overflowing with great places to visit! It’s simple: every time we pass through the neighborhood, we imagine ourselves moving there. In the meantime, we’ve sat down in restaurants recommended by locals to give you an incomplete list of our favorites. Let us know what you think?

 

Mantra

Inside this intimate fine dining gem designed by Gabrielle Noor, every detail promises an exclusive culinary experience. Black-painted walls and ceilings create a raw yet elegant atmosphere, while the round tables are dressed with embroidered napkins featuring the restaurant’s signature bird-of-paradise emblem. At the helm is Malaysian chef Manogeran Shasitaran, whose love for cooking was inherited from his mother and refined through experience in some of the world’s top restaurants.

On the plate: a bold and flavor-packed fusion cuisine blending the chef’s Malaysian roots with refined French techniques. Start with the scallops prepared three ways — a nod to Malaysia’s three main communities. Our favorite? The poached version served with rich pork belly and beet caramel, though the raw scallop with rose blossom vinaigrette is equally memorable. Another standout: the Medjool date fritter with creamy onion and Colonnata lard. Dessert closes the experience beautifully with a chocolate mousse topped with tiny gray shrimp (surprisingly subtle!) alongside cocoa crumble, black sesame, candied ginger, and a refreshing calamansi sorbet with seaweed and mandarin confit. Huge favorite: the ultra-crispy dried kale served with coconut cream, fermented plum, and a vibrant green sauce.

Mantra, 17 Rue Claude Rodier, Paris 9th. Open Monday to Friday from 7pm to 10pm, and Thursday to Friday from 12:15pm to 2:15pm. Pantai menu: €39 (Friday lunch only). Borneo menu: €89. Nyonya menu: €145.

 

La Boule Rouge

You may already know La Boule Rouge, the legendary Grands Boulevards institution famous for its cult couscous nights. Recently taken over by the teams behind Tempête and Kamo, the restaurant now unveils a fresh culinary identity led by chef Nicolas Ricouard. Red candles, moody lighting, and wooden interiors make it the perfect setting for romantic dinners or lively group celebrations.

On the plate: don’t miss the yellow pollock crudo with rhubarb (€24), soy-glazed tsukune cooked over binchotan charcoal (€15), or flame-seared Oso prawns (€24). Sharing plates lovers should order the roasted yellow coquelet with creamy sauce (€38) or the aged beef cut with bone marrow jus (€48). For dessert, it’s a close call between the coconut-mango pain perdu (€14) and the daring chocolate fondant with fenugreek custard (€15).

Bonus: the beautifully crafted cocktails shaken at the elegant entrance bar, including excellent alcohol-free options. Our pick? The Peanut Espresso Martini with coffee liqueur and peanut (€14).

La Boule Rouge, 1 Rue de la Boule Rouge, Paris 9th. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm to 2am.

 

Test

Using Japanese cutting and cooking techniques to elevate Mediterranean cuisine — that’s the brilliant concept behind Test, already one of our favorite new openings of the year. Chef Jérémy Elie Marratche draws inspiration from his Sephardic Jewish roots, creating a vibrant, sun-soaked cuisine that feels both deeply personal and incredibly modern.

On the plate: the concise menu encourages sharing almost everything. Must-orders include the crispy brick pastry with tuna belly, trout roe, egg, and addictive harissa (€25), the delicate raw sea bream with daikon, yuzu miso, and nori seaweed (€19), and bonito served with orange blossom labneh, preserved lemon, capers, and olive oil (€22). Other highlights include the creamy rice with smoked scamorza, leeks, aonori, and pecorino (€16), plus the Mini Fricassé Tunis-style sandwich with tuna, capers, chili, and lemon (€14). For dessert, go for the Baba Boukha infused with orange blossom and topped with airy cream (€13), or fully embrace indulgence with the chocolate marquise, hazelnut praline, miso caramel, and roasted hazelnuts (€11).

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Test, 70 Rue de Dunkerque, Paris 9th. Open Tuesday to Saturday, dinner only.

 

Scarpetta

When three Corsican friends team up, it’s bound to make some noise. But why choose Italian cuisine when you hail from the "Island of Beauty"? “Because it’s good!” Case closed. Welcome to Scarpetta, the new hidden gem below Pigalle that is already the talk of the town. One of our favorites of the year! Here, you travel to Italy with a subtle Corsican touch floating in the background. First, the atmosphere is genuinely warm with its wooden tables, parquet floors, large glass windows, and brick walls. The best spot: facing the windows to feast side-by-side, counter-style, shielded by an army of wine bottles lined up along the glass.

On the menu. At first glance, the starters might only seem Italian by name, but you’ll find the modern trattoria bistro spirit here because—spoiler alert—Italians eat more than just pizza! Consequently, the 24-month aged Parma ham (€16) is shared as antipasti before moving on to langoustine ravioli twisted with monk's beard, a small plant whose bitterness offers a welcome kick (€17). It’s impossible to resist the call of the bread to scrape your plate: scarpetta actually means "to mop up the sauce" in Dante’s language. Another favorite is the elegant morel, Jerusalem artichoke, and radicchio tartlet, a true local star (€16). Next up: a course of mandatory al dente pasta, homemade of course. Special mention goes to the calamarata enhanced with olive breadcrumbs that we still dream about (€28), and the wild garlic and asparagus ricotta agnolotti (€28), which are just as convincing. We wrap things up with a red fruit panna cotta (€10), for which we almost fought over the last spoonful!

Scarpetta, 72 rue Marguerite de Rochechouart, Paris 9e. Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 pm to 10:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3 pm and 7 pm to 10:30 pm. © Joann Pai

 

Trigo

No time to fly to the Rio Carnival this year? Head to Trigo, the French-Brazilian street food spot bringing sunshine to your lunch breaks. Nestled in a small street in the 9th district, this designer counter with a colorful vibe attracts crowds as much for its naughty sandwiches as for its conviviality. At the helm are Ághata Le Lay and Dani Bogoricin, two friends sharing the same energy and a sincere desire to delight. Here, everything happens right before your eyes: they cook in front of you to the rhythm of the service. Even if you come solo, it’s hard not to chat with your neighbors… at the risk of losing track of time.

For starters, we begin with the spring salad that we still remember: sun-dried tomatoes, dill, orzo, olives, and a perfectly balanced vinaigrette (€5). But the true favorite remains the Bauru, a toasted Brazilian sandwich beloved over there and clearly validated here for lunch (€11.50). On the menu: homemade roast beef, tomato confit, pickles that provide a real twist, and oozing mozzarella. Another recipe featuring roasted chicken plays the sweet-and-savory card with mayo, caramelized onions, sweet-and-sour carrots, and baby spinach (€11.50). The detail we love: every day, a special dish completes the menu so you never get bored. To finish on a sweet note: a cake of the day to take away for a snack or a mascarpone crumble cream (€6).

Trigo, 9 rue Papillon, Paris 9e. Open from 12 pm to 2:30 pm.

 

Le Tire-Bouchon Rodier

What a joy to see chef Marc Favier again! He had already impressed us at Marcore, his bistro-gastro hybrid for which he earned a Michelin star. Now, he makes his return near Pigalle with this charming little bar designed for epicureans. Le Tire-Bouchon Rodier is the cool spot we want to hang out at with friends, chatting about life while enjoying great wine and hearty dishes. With its bar-and-counter style and high stools (the best seats, right in front of the giant farm butter!), and a cozy room with a few tables, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or even better for an evening meal by candlelight. The menu offers comforting plates, while Marc Favier has selected 300 wines to explore from his carefully curated wine list.

On the plate: a relaxed bistronomy featuring top-quality products and a travel-inspired twist. On that day, it starts with crispy bread and the famous farm butter we can’t resist generously spreading. To share: pissaladière à la koka (€8), signature cod brandade croquettes with tartar sauce (€3 each), tuna tartare with ginger, coriander, lemongrass, and wasabi ice cream (€14), scallops with maître d'hôtel butter (€5 each), grilled lamb from Pays d’Oc with white sauce (€18), and hand-cut potato fries (€6). For dessert, we indulge with the famous warm chocolate mousse from Marcore with vanilla ice cream: sheer joy (€8)! Final discovery? Lost brioche with salted caramel and light vanilla cream (€8). Verdict: small dishes with a strong personality that leave a lasting impression. We’ll definitely be back!

Le Tire-Bouchon Rodier, 47 Rue Rodier, Paris 9e. 01 86 04 27 17. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM.

 

Onyx

Onyx, the latest addition from the Marki & Co group (Sphère, T0, Shiro), recently opened between Opéra and the Galeries Lafayette. First impression: wow. The décor, designed by ANEGIL, showcases stunning Eiffel Tower-like structures with a graphic skylight and light well on the ground floor, transitioning to more refined Haussmannian codes upstairs. There’s also a walnut bar where the chefs work their magic. In this chic, contemporary atmosphere, Benjamin Marotine (formerly with Ducasse at Spoon, Ombres, Louis XV) and Tetsuya Yoshida offer a stunning version of French gastronomy with Japanese influences, highlighting acidity, bitterness, and spices. A stylish setting and elegant dishes make Onyx the ideal spot for a business lunch or a romantic dinner.

On the plate: Start with a leek tart served with cream, stracciatella, and crushed pistachios (€25), followed by a delicious duck breast with wild asparagus, crispy oyster mushrooms, and balsamic vinegar (€18). Then, move on to the pollock, served with poivrade artichoke, green olive condiment, basil broad beans, seed crumble, and a vegetable jus (€38). Sophisticated carnivores aren't left out, with a Black Angus beef fillet accompanied by smoked mashed potatoes, candied shallots, and button mushrooms (€48). End on a sweet note with a strawberry-focused dessert: choux pastry biscuit, strawberry jam, crispy crumble, vanilla cream, strawberry sorbet, and a hint of chili oil (€18).

Onyx, 71 Rue de Provence, Paris 9e. Tasting menu (2 starters, fish, meat, and dessert) €89. Open daily from 12 PM to 2:30 PM, then from 7 PM to 10:30 PM. Online reservations.

 

Neuvième Cru

Calling all lovers of al dente pasta, sunny vibes, and all things Italy: head to the 9th for a direct trip to La Botte at Neuvième Cru, where the Zahir and Yanis Hamour brothers, self-taught and passionate about Italian cuisine, offer their love-filled dishes. Everything here is made with care, from timeless classics to fresh, top-quality Italian ingredients. The atmosphere is so warm, you'll feel like you’re dining at a real mamma's table. Buon appetito!

On the plate: For lunch, go for the €22 set menu featuring antipasti, a main course, dolci, and coffee—perfect for a quick and efficient lunch break. At dinner, the lights dim, candles are lit, and the mood becomes decidedly romantic. Start with must-try antipasti: a delicious smoked burrata with Genovese pesto (€14), pistachio stracciatella with focaccia (€13), or the melt-in-your-mouth, generous Nonna’s polpette (€14). Continue with delicious piatti: the classic rigatoni alla carbonara that never goes out of style (€19) or the Milanese veal cutlet with pasta al pomodoro (€25). It’s impossible to leave without tasting the desserts: the iconic traditional tiramisu (€9) or a Sicilian cannolo with ricotta and pistachio (€9).

Neuvième Cru, 20 Rue Richer, Paris 9e. 07 45 20 14 01. Open Monday to Saturday, from 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to midnight. Lunch menu Monday to Friday: Starter + main or main + dessert: €19. Starter + main + dessert + coffee: €22. Dinner à la carte: around €45. Online reservations.© Le_couteau

 

Le Beaucé

For several years, chef Marius Bénard has made his Beaucé a friendly gathering spot in the 9th, where people come for a cool lunch menu (starter, main, and dessert for €25). Of course, the décor exudes a very Parisian bistro vibe with checkered napkins, wooden chairs, thick red curtains, and retro banquettes, creating an atmosphere filled with locals and friends enjoying comforting dishes.

On the plate: For lunch, we enjoyed the €22 starter/main menu, featuring a Basque blood sausage terrine or a butternut squash soup with Bleu de Laqueuille cheese. For the main course, choose between the smoked Toulouse sausage with pepper sauce and Camargue black rice, or the incredibly tender beef chuck with parsley jus and Chinese cabbage. A great touch: the goat cheese from Le Perche and, for dessert, an apple-hazelnut crumble topped with raw cream.

Le Beaucé, 43 Rue Richer, Paris 9e. 01 72 60 97 72. Open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and Saturday dinner.

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