There’s a summery feel in the streets of Paris. Time to catch some rays on a terrace! Near Invalides or the Arc de Triomphe, in a hidden garden or while sampling a rising chef’s cuisine—here are 5 sun-drenched spots where you can indulge in delicious food in charming settings while topping up your vitamin D.
Café de l’Esplanade
The terrace: It doesn’t get more Parisian than this iconic 7th arrondissement institution, whose elegant terrace overlooks the Esplanade and the Dôme des Invalides. Isabelle Saglio (formerly of Divellec) knows exactly how to cater to her stylish local clientele, from political figures to incognito celebrities. Inside, a few decorative touches by Jacques Garcia remain, while the newly revamped terrace offers a chic escape at any time of day—from breakfast through to late-night drinks.
On the menu: The varied menu caters to every craving, with globally inspired dishes like sea bream ceviche (€32), lobster salad with asparagus tips and Thai mayonnaise (€36), steamed shrimp dumplings (€28), or the now cult-favorite “tigre qui pleure” beef (€48). Prefer French classics? Go for the first white asparagus of the season (€32), morel mushroom macaroni (€40), traditional steak tartare (€42), or the essential club sandwich with bacon or salmon (€38). For dessert, the giant caramelized apple tart with whipped cream (€20) is perfect for sharing—unless you’d rather keep it all to yourself. Pure bliss.
Café de l'Esplanade, 52 rue Fabert, Paris 7th. +33 1 47 05 38 80. Open daily, nonstop from 8am to 1am.
© Yann Deret
Vendémiaire
The terrace: Named after the French Revolutionary calendar (and its owner), Vendémiaire boldly claims a “culinary coup d’état” just steps from Invalides. With its stylish counter for quick bites, generous plates, and a large terrace seating 60 on the boulevard, it’s the perfect spot for long sunny lunches (the sun shines until 3pm!) or well-earned afterwork drinks. Bonus: Happy Hour from 6pm to 8pm with buy-one-get-one-free cocktails—ideal for a spontaneous evening meet-up.
On the menu: A recent favorite, thanks to chef Jeffrey Quetin, who trained with top names in haute gastronomy (Four Seasons George V, La Réserve). Must-try: arguably the best croque-monsieur in Paris—no béchamel, just 24-month Comté and Prince de Paris ham. For lunch, the €35 set menu (starter, main, dessert) features elevated bistro classics: eggs mayo or country terrine, catch of the day with peas and dauphine potatoes, or lamb ravioli with wild asparagus and Ossau-Iraty cheese. Desserts include a divine crème brûlée or the dessert of the day. Comforting yet precise—classic dishes with a modern twist. Our new HQ.
Vendémiaire, 54 boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, Paris 7th. +33 1 71 32 33 23. Open Monday to Saturday, lunch and dinner.
© Salomé Rateau / Lapuertaontheroad
Le Grand Café
The terrace: Freshly renovated, the Grand Palais now boasts one of the most stunning terraces in Paris. Run by the Loulou Group, this spectacular restaurant offers columns, breathtaking views of the Petit Palais, impeccable service, original mosaics, and a terracotta-toned interior. It has quickly become the new hotspot for Parisians and visitors seeking beauty and elegance.
On the menu: Classic dishes elevated by a grand setting: scallop carpaccio with artichoke and truffle (€47), warm potato salad with Ortiz tuna and Pantelleria capers (€29), or the unforgettable steak “à cheval” with onions and crispy potatoes (€32). For dessert, go all in with a banana split to share (€17). At night, a jazz band sets the mood, while legendary bartender Colin Field shakes up iconic cocktails like the Bellini, Serendipity, French 76 (€30), or creative signatures like the Absinthe Café (€26).
Le Grand Café - Le Grand Palais, 1 place Clémenceau, Paris 8th. Open daily. Lunch from 12pm to 4:30pm, dinner from 7pm to 2am, bar open from 6:30pm.
© Matthieu Salvaing - Oddur Thorisson
Lordy’s Paris Club
The terrace: Already loved for its chic, English club-inspired decor by Michael Malapert, Lordy’s Paris Club—located in the Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel—also features a charming sunlit terrace. Think striped cushions, parasols, an ice cream bar, and five-star service at surprisingly reasonable prices for the area. Every Thursday evening, live music brings a lively afterwork vibe.
On the menu: Enjoy London pub or New York club classics in a Parisian setting: Fish & Chips (€28), Maddie’s Roast guinea fowl (€32), or Angus beef entrecôte with cranberry jus (€39). Finish with a New Yorker cheesecake with vanilla, mango, and passion fruit (€12). Lunchtime tip: go for the daily set menu (€34), always full of tempting options.
Lordy’s Paris Club au Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel, 88 Bis avenue Kléber, Paris 16th. Terrace open daily from 9am to midnight (from April 10).
© Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel
The Most Bucolic: Casetta
The terrace: A hidden garden alert. Tucked inside the charming boutique hotel Le 5 Particulier in Neuilly-sur-Seine, this intimate terrace feels like a secret oasis scented with jasmine. Sit on romantic garden chairs in the sun or under striped parasols, or opt for the velvet banquette inside, overlooking the garden through large open windows. A magical countryside-style escape from the city buzz.
On the menu: A short Italian menu featuring quality ingredients and classics: artichoke and parmesan salad (€18), prosciutto platter (€16), and a variety of Spritz options (St-Germain, Limoncello, Italicus, even passion fruit, €16). For mains, try the perfectly caramelized parmigiana (€25), veal scaloppina with lemon (€33), or scallop carpaccio with finger lime (€20). Dessert? A generous tiramisu—definitely ask for two spoons (€14).
Casetta at the hotel Le 5 Particulier, 5 rue Paul Déroulède, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine. Open daily from 12pm to 2:30pm and 3:30pm to midnight. +33 1 46 24 22 82. Online booking available.
© Simon Detraz
Also discover: 8 great-value lunch spots under €30 and the best new sweet treats for spring.
