8 non-touristy restaurants to visit in paris
I studied and lived in Paris for four months while in college, and it was the best experience of my life. Since then, I’ve returned a few times and explored new neighborhoods and restaurants. There are so many amazing French bistros to dine in in the City of Light. If you want to avoid tourist traps in Paris and dine like a local, here are the best non-touristy restaurants to visit while in Paris!
11th arrondissement / french bistro / €€
This French bistro in the 11th arrondissement of Paris is my favorite restaurant in the city, and was originally recommended to me by my French host mother, so you know it’s also authentic and well-vetted. They have a homey, cozy, and unpretentious air inside, and all their food tastes homemade and delicious. Their menu is also very reasonably priced.
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17th arrondissement / french bistro / €€
This cozy bistro has great food in a homey and unpretentious atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with anything here.
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17th arrondissement / french bistro / €€
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at this unassuming French restaurant. I had my first tartiflette here, a dish that originally hails from Savoy in the French Alps, and is a warm baked tart filled with cheesy, potatoey goodness. It paired perfectly with a delightful glass of red wine.
various locations / béarnais-style tapas / €€
This tiny, standing-room only tapas place cheekily has their à la carte menu items hanging from the ceiling - with each dish relegated to its own placard. All of the food is amazing, and the creative dining experience is worth it in-and-of-itself. They have a few different locations.
canal st. martin / bakery / €
This is a really good bakery in Paris, although any boulangerie you pass by that doesn’t look like a tourist trap will be good.
le marais (3rd arrondissement) / french bistro / €€
I was so happy to discover this cozy restaurant in the neighborhood. The food and wine are amazing, and the waitstaff is so friendly.
11th arrondissement / cafe / €€
This florist/cafe has a beautiful space, and is in a really cute area of the neighborhood. Their food is simple and fresh, and perfect for breakfast, a light lunch, or a pick-me-up in the middle of the day. Be sure to walk around the neighborhood after, and check out the nearby stores!
7th arrondissement / soufflé restaurant / €€€
My Parisian friend recommended this soufflé restaurant to me, and true to her word, the soufflés here were absolutely amazing. They have both sweet and savory ones. I also ordered a side of bread and butter, and their butter alone is truly already worth visiting for. I got the escargot soufflé and can still recall the buttery, soft, and warm explosion of flavors this dining experience caused.