When hunger grabs you in the middle of the afternoon, at 6 PM, or at the Spanish hour, these continuous-service Parisian restaurants will save your day! Without compromising on the plate and taste, they delight continuously from noon until evening and will satisfy your offbeat appetites. Addresses to keep safely in your notebook.
Zinqué: the coolest
©Yann Milton - Zinqué
The place: California wave alert! Zinqué lands in Paris and takes over the walls of the former Café Etienne Marcel. The pitch? Born in Venice Beach and created by the Frenchman Emmanuel Dosseti, this successful concept has spread across the United States with locations in San Diego, Malibu, Santa Monica, etc. This spring, Zinqué brings its cool vibe to the heart of the Montorgueil district and integrates its laid-back spirit indoors/outdoors: pretty fabric banquettes, intimate alcoves where you can sit with your computer, and an XXL terrace that you can enjoy all day, 7 days a week!
What to eat? Starting at 8 AM, the breakfast menu offers a host of appetizing and sunny dishes: buckwheat pancakes & bananas (€13), smoked salmon toast (€16), oatmeal & chia muesli with matcha (€11), avocado toast (€13). Throughout the day and into the evening, you can indulge and satisfy both small and big appetites: beef carpaccio with revisited aioli (€17), Provençal daube with beef ribs & dauphinoise gratin (€23), bowls with chicken, Camargue rice, avocado, comté, tomatoes (€16), or vegan with falafel (€14), bucatini with morel mushrooms in cream sauce (€22), or even Aloyau flank steak with fries (€23). For something sweet: a special mention goes to the dark chocolate fondant with Madagascar Bourbon vanilla ice cream (€11).
The extra touch: original hot drinks like the lavender latte (€6.50) or the Baklava latte, blending espresso, oat milk, orange blossom, honey, and cardamom (€7), specialty coffees (starting from €3), and intoxicating cocktails for evening vibes (starting from €11).
Zinqué, 34 rue Etienne Marcel, Paris 2e. Open Sunday to Thursday from 8 AM to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 8 AM to 1 AM.
Bistro Blandine: the most French
©Marie Deprez - Studio Blandine
The place: after Pastis, Biche, and Margaux, Michel Puech returns with the grandmother's kitchen spirit at Bistro Blandine. This new spot, located on Avenue Kléber, brings vintage charm to its two dining rooms, with a cute pink ceiling and some contemporary touches. Outside, on the pavement, tables let time slip away under the Parisian sky.
What to eat? Chef Paul-Alexandre Laumont, from Biche and Margaux, brings his signature indulgence to the Bistro Blandine menu. Start with marrowbone and its toasted string (€14) or a Comté soufflé (€15) for a feast starter. For two? The roasted Mont d'Or will delight those with naughty cravings (€24). For hearty appetites, go for sausage with homemade mash (€19) or flambéed Châteaubriand with pepper (€32). Light bite? The beautiful Niçoise salad is the best option (€22). Still hungry? Strawberries and raspberries with whipped cream (€14) or chocolate mousse by the spoon (€12).
The extra touch? As a temple of French gastronomy, the wine list offers delightful bottles with Bordeaux wines (Pauillac, Margaux), as well as Burgundy, Loire Valley, and Rhône wines.
Bistro Blandine, 45 Avenue Kléber, Paris 16e. 06 49 86 36 30. Open Monday to Saturday from 12 PM to 2 AM.
Chez Marguerite: the most bouillon
©Chez Marguerite
The place: nestled at the foot of Montmartre, Chez Marguerite reinvents the bouillon spirit in an intimate bistro style with tables lit by candlelight in the evening. Two rooms with charming retro décor, a beautiful counter, and a host with an impressive CV: Jérôme Iffenecker, who has worked with Bocuse, Bruno, and Paris Society. We love: the atmosphere is much less frantic than some other Parisian bouillons, allowing both large tables and intimate moments.
What to eat? All the bouillon classics are there, with prices to match. For starters: lentil salad (€3), leek vinaigrette (€6), daily gazpacho (€6), mayo eggs (€4), and why not a small slice of foie gras! (€11). As for the main dishes, the minced steak and fries lead the menu (€9), followed by sausage and mash (€11) and beef bourguignon with coquillettes (€14). Prefer fish? Go for the fish and chips (€14). The bonus? The blackboard with tempting options: half-roasted Camembert (€7), grilled octopus with its already-famous basmati rice (€22). For dessert, a beautiful profiterole (€7) or a generous bowl of homemade whipped cream (€3).
The extra touch? The fabulous cocktails! French mixology champions in 2018, Jérôme Iffenecker knows the craft well. Try the Bloody Marguerite (€10) and the Paris Mule (€11).
Bouillon Chez Marguerite, 82 Boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart, Paris 18e. Open daily from 12 PM to midnight.
Drouant: the most chic
©Arbès Food
The place: home of the Prix Goncourt and Renaudot, Drouant is the place you never regret choosing, no matter the time. A stone's throw from Opéra Garnier but away from the city's hustle, this quintessentially Parisian institution stands out with its extreme refinement and the beauty of its Art Deco décor, which gracefully transcends the eras. A legendary spot, complemented by impeccable service.
What to eat? The cuisine, signed by chef Romain Van Thienen (who has worked alongside Cyril Lignac and Yannick Alléno), perfectly aligns with the place: bourgeois and seasonal. The midday-to-midnight menu offers delicious and chic dishes like crispy langoustines with mild spice sauce (€12 for 2 pieces), oysters with Oscietra caviar (€16 each), pâté en croûte with three meats (€21), 5 Jotas ham with puffed brioche (€35), a tasting plate of cheeses from Chez Virginie (€25), or a beef tartare prepared at the table (€38). Little secret: if a dish from the menu tempts you at 4:30 PM, it’s possible! The morel pasta is sublime (€42). For the final touch, chocolate lovers should go for the fiery warm chocolate mousse (€15). And if you haven’t tried it yet, the XL Madeleine de Proust to share is a must! (€32).
The extra touch: a stunning terrace adorned with plants, elegant marble tables, and comfortable cane chairs. The best time? Early evening when the sun begins to set.
Drouant, 16-18 rue Gaillon, Paris 2e. 01 42 65 15 16. Open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
Ninetta: the most Italian
©La Ninetta
The place: from the street, you can’t miss Ninetta with its green facade! Nestled just a stone’s throw from rue Saint-Dominique and the Eiffel Tower in the chic 7th arrondissement, this quintessentially Italian table radiates Mediterranean spirit through a cheerful décor, with a retro-lit stone leaf bar, velvet banquettes, retro lighting, and handmade dishes from Puglia. Warm welcome and service, no matter the hour!
What to eat? Pasta like in Italy, kneaded and shaped on-site every morning and prepared in a variety of recipes. Big hit with the Mafaldine pasta, a ribbon-shaped pasta with wavy edges, enhanced by a delicate veal ragù, truffle cream, and freshly grated truffle (€25). For something lively, go for the spaghetti with mullet bottarga and squid ink (€19). Also, top-notch pizzas made with exceptional Italian flour and slow fermentation. Alongside the classic Margherita (€13), Reginella (€18), and Tartufata (€20), try the divine Salentina with broccoli cream, mozzarella fior di latte, fennel sausage, and stracciatella (€17). A light bite? Try the antipasti and salads (€12 to €22). For something sweet, the creamy tiramisu (€9) and the cheeky pistachio cheesecake (€10)!
The extra touch: every day from 3 PM to 6:30 PM, it’s Happy Hour at Ninetta with pizzas at €9 and drinks at half price!
Ninetta, 17 rue Malar, Paris 7e. 01 45 33 19 53. Open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM.
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