Best Paris Bistros 2026: Addresses & Arrondissements
There is something so comforting about a lunch or dinner at a classic Parisian bistro. Paris is filled with unique cuisines worldwide, which I love to balance with a good steak frites dinner, roast chicken, and French onion soup, especially in the winter. I always seek hidden gems and favorite spots for the iconic French bistro. These can be excellent date night romantic spots, solo dinners, or meals with friends. Below are my top five Paris bistros, along with a few honorable mentions, because it was hard to narrow it down.
Best Bistros in Paris: La Fontaine de Mars 7th Arrondissement
La Fontaine de Mars is one of those classic Parisian bistros written in the guidebooks, and it holds up to the hype. The restaurant is located at 129 Rue Saint-Dominique in the 7th arrondissement and offers indoor and outdoor seating. I hesitated to try this spot for a while and finally booked it a few years ago. The service was fantastic, the atmosphere was very French, and it was a mix of tourists and French. You will hear a mix of French and English. You will find a chalkboard menu with traditional French cuisine and some daily specials.
My pro tip is to take the waiter’s suggestions and explore the specials. These are the freshest and most special dishes offered and will run out towards the end of the lunch and dinner service.
If you have an outdoor table, you can see a tiny portion of the top of the Eiffel Tower, which is a romantic spot to enjoy Paris from the terrace. The staff is happy to recommend pairings from the wine list. Stroll to the Champs de Mars to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
You can book reservations in advance.
Best Paris Bistros: Chez Georges 2nd Arrondissement
Chez Georges is a traditional French bistro that I have passed many times and had an apartment close by, but never went into until recently, on the recommendation of our wedding photographer. The restaurant is on 1 Rue du Mail in the second arrondissement in the heart of Paris. I tried to get a reservation while I was in Paris a few years ago, and they were fully booked, so I highly recommend booking in advance directly with them here.
They are open Monday for lunch from 12-2, and for dinner from 7-10:30. They are closed Saturday and Sunday, so if you are looking for a perfect place for date night, book a Friday. I dined here solo, and they were very kind to seat me facing outward with a great view for people-watching. Classic dishes such as escargot and foie gras are on the menu.
Don’t be intimidated by the menu if you are not fluent in French or need help. The staff is happy to translate or offer an English menu.
Best Paris Bistros: Chez Fernand Rue Christine 6th Arrondissement
Chez Fernand is a classic Paris bistro on the Left Bank, at 9 Rue Christine. Order off the chalkboard menu for the freshest ingredients and daily specials. I had the most fantastic fish and mashed potatoes on my last visit. Ask for a wine pairing suggestion for your meal. Other favorites include the beef bourguignon and crème brûlée. Tell Baptiste I sent you! Make reservations online to secure a table.
This is a great Paris bistro option for lunch or dinner in the 6th arrondissement.
Best Must Book Parisian Bistro: Bistro Rougement 9th Arrondissement
I discovered Bistro Rougement from a recommendation from Adèle and Jules because it was just around the corner from our hotel. During one of my trips, we were looking for a great Paris bistro with affordable prices, and this was a perfect fit. I have been here several times and never had a bad meal. There is a chalkboard menu with fresh ingredients and seasonal dishes. If you dine for lunch, they have a Prix fixed menu with a starter and main course for a special price or a main course and dessert.
The wine list is also excellent here, and the staff is great with pairing recommendations. I adore and highly recommend this little gem of a spot. There are a few tables outside and an extended terrace in the warmer months. This is a spot where the menu items will sell out due to limited availability.
Best Paris Bistro: Le Bon Georges
Le Bon Georges is new compared to some of the other spots on the list, which are much older, opening in 2014. The restaurant is in the heart of the 9th arrondissement of Paris on 45 Rue Saint-Georges. Outdoor dining is available on the terrace, or enjoy a meal in the indoor dining room. The menu is filled with reasonably priced traditional dishes, including lunch and dinner options.
I booked my reservation online, which was easy. The place was more crowded with English speakers during my dining experience, which I typically try to avoid, as I prefer a more authentic experience. This could have been due to my earlier dinner time slot, the luck of the draw, or how we were seated. The staff was lovely, and as I dined alone, they patiently guided me through the specials and the menu.
The restaurant is known for its elaborate wine menu and has just won Wine Spectator’s Grand Award in 2025 for all those wine lovers. I was dining next to a couple who came specifically to try the restaurant because of the wine list. It would make a great spot for solo dining or a date night. They do have a dining room that seats a party of 12. If you have a larger group, you can inquire on their website.
Additional Suggestions for Classic Parisian Restaurants
Paris Bistro for a Romantic Evening Rotisserie D’Argent
I discovered Rotisserie D’Argent on a whim on a rainy April evening. Located at 19 Quai de la Tournelle overlooking the Seine from the Left Bank. This was a last-minute booking that was on my list for years, and I never made it. Rotisserie D’Argent is great for solo travelers, date nights, families, and large groups. Email them ahead if you need to plan for a large group. Don’t miss out on the roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and the starter of oeuf mayonnaise. The potatoes take it to the next level. The restaurant has a wonderful wine list, and staff members will happily give you recommendations for wine by the glass or bottle.
The outdoor terrace overlooking Notre Dame and the Seine is dreamy and worth booking in the spring/summer months. It will open at the end of April 2026 for the season.
Bouillon Chartier Affordable Classic Paris Bistro
Bouillon Chartier has always been well written about as an affordable classic bistro in Paris. It has recently gained even more popularity and expanded to more Paris locations. One of the draws of this particular bistro is the traditional French food on the menu at affordable prices. This includes boeuf bourguignon, escargot, steak frites with béarnaise sauce, and chocolate mousse.
Bouillon Chartier is known for its lively dining room atmosphere and for not taking reservations, at least for small parties. You will typically see a long line outside this spot during mealtimes. This is one of the best places in Paris to have French food on a reasonable budget.
The original location is in the 9th arrondissement on 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, founded in 1896. In recent years, they have added a Bouillon in Pigalle, an ideal location if you are looking to explore Montmartre at the same time.
Best Paris Bistros: Allard 6th Arrondissement
Allard is a classic French bistro I have passed many times while exploring the 6th arrondissement. After my Sézane book event, my hotel made the suggestion to have a lunch here. It did not disappoint. I actually got to the restaurant just before the cutoff for lunch service. It was a lovely lunch splurge with a glass of champagne.
Note, the restaurant is now run by Alain Ducasse which some of the older crowd have mentioned it has gone downhill since the original ownership. I had nothing to compare it to and enjoyed my meal.
Explore more of Saint Germain des Prés in this guide here.
Paris Bistros Left Bank: Chez Dumonet 6th Arrondissement
Chez Dumonet is a classic bistro on 117 Rue du Cherche-Midi in the 6th Arrondissement. I had a lovely lunch here last May. Reservations are recommended especially for dinner. Rumor has it Baptiste from Chez Fernand has taken over the restaurant starting in 2025.
The Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert is what they are known for. Order in advance as it takes additional time. I enjoyed a coffee with a few delicious sweet treats at the end of my meal. If you are too full after your meal, my pro tip is to order a coffee for the little dessert nibbles.
Bistro des Tournelles: 4th arrondissement Classic Paris Bistro
Bistro des Tournelles is located at 6 rue des Tournelles in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, in the heart of the Marais. They are open 7-11 pm and just for dinner. This Paris bistro is a great option for couples, friends, and solo diners. There are a few solo spots at the zinc bar at the entry. I have sat here a few times while dining solo. There is no chalkboard menu with rotating specials, so their menu items are consistently delicious every visit. Book reservations online in advance. I have never seen them have room for a walk in on my visits.
Best Paris Bistros 2026: Addresses & Arrondissements
| RESTAURANT | ADDRESS | ARRONDISSEMENT |
| Chez Georges | 1 Rue du Mail | 2nd |
| Bistro des Tournelles | 6 Rue des Tournelles | 4th |
| Rotisserie D’Argent | 19 Quai de la Tournelle | 5th |
| Allard | 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts | 6th |
| Chez Dumonet | 117 Rue du Cherche-Midi | 6th |
| Chez Fernand | 18 Rue Christine | 6th |
| La Fontaine de Mars | 129 Rue Saint-Dominique | 7th |
| Bouillon Chartier | 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre | 9th |
| Le Bon Georges | 45 Rue Saint-Georges | 9th |
Classic Paris Bistros
Other favorites include Chez Savy, which is very close to the Dior museum on 23 Rue Bayard in the 8th arrondissement. They have lunch and dinner service, with friendly staff and classic French dishes on their menu. There are also a few terrace spots to snag if you want outdoor dining.
I also love Chez André, a classic, cozy, old-fashioned bistro with French staples such as duck confit and sole meunière. The spot has existed for almost 100 years and holds that traditional Parisian charm.
I would love to know your favorite spots, too! Please comment below and share yours with the EDP community and me.
P.S. For more places to eat in Paris, you can check out this blog post.
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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We love Le Saint Regis – overlooking the Pont Saint Louis We dine a couple of times every trip at this fabulous Bistro. No reservations. Delicious breakfast, steak and frites, cocktails. We love the staff who are eager to give a quick French lesson if desired. Also sitting on the terrace is the best people watching in Paris, listening to the buskers play music on the bridge with Notre Dame behind them.
Thanks for this list.
Bonjour from Paris & happy birthday to you.
We have used so many of your suggestions. Greatly improved our stay here.
You are my favorite French blogger. Absolutely the best one.
Claire
We love Les Temps des Cerises in the Marais- ate there just the other night and have eaten there for several years running. Try the risotto with asparagus and St. Jacques (scallops) if it’s on the menu!
The Bouillon in pigalle foes not belong to Chartier. The other Chartiers are in montarnasse and opposite the gare de l’est. Love from a paris-ophile who lives in Milan, italy
Love the Bistro list, Rebecca! Thank you. We’ll be in Paris for the month of May… an opportunity to try out all of them! Sooo much fun to see you soar with your love of Paris and photography!💕
So well timed—we will be in Paris in a week! I really appreciate this information and will be bringing the list with me! We try new places every time we go—so many to choose from. Merci beaucoup!
Still searching for the best: French onion soup and creme brulee…Suggestions? Thanks
All wonderful choices to explore! We love returning to Cafe St Regis on Ile St. Louis. Last time, we had Christmas Eve dinner and Bouche Noel for dessert!
Chez Paul in the Marais is always a great spot. I’ve always had good food and good service. I wondered if it would be overrun after it’s feature in The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, but that doesn’t seem to be the case
Good Read. I have been to La Fontaine de Mars. It was actually amazing.
The concierge at our beautiful hotel, Hotel Square Louvois, suggested Bistrot Vivienne. We had a great dinner there and the wine was also excellent.
I highly recommend L’Ébauchoir on Rue de Citeaux in the 12 Arr. They serve both lunch and dinner and the menu is innovative and combines the most delectable flavors. They also have an extensive wine list and are happy to recommend the perfect pairing for their dishes. Every dish we ordered was not only beautifully presented but was also très delicieux! https://www.lebauchoir.com/galerie
I loved my lunch at Bistro Paul Bert – it was simple yet so full of flavor.
I am so happy you love Bistro Paul Bert too!
We love Le Recamier for soufflés!!!
Chez Janou and Les Temps des Cerises in the 4th are two favorites. Both are classic, fun, reasonable and delicious.
Love both of those! A good call to mention them. I need to revisit Les Temps des Cerises it has been a while and I had an amazing meal there.
Staying in the 7th in Sept – any good suggestions there?
Fontaine de Mars! I added a google map to the bottom of the post to help you find spots near your location.
xo
Hi thanks for Paris bistro guide.
We are visiting Paris this Fall , after reading your list it occurred to me it would have been helpful if you listed the restaurant Arrisdismont , Linda
I highly recommend La Boîte aux Lettres in Montmartre! We had a very nice meal there, and they have an extensive wine list.