Top 12 bistros in Paris, France: where to eat like a true Parisian

The famous Paris bistros have given the world many superb culinary masterpieces of classical cuisine. For centuries they have occupied a central place on the gastronomic scene of France. In recent years, more and more new culinary styles have appeared on it, different national cuisines have become widely available, making visitors more selective and demanding. But the best classic bistros in Paris still hold the attention of citizens and guests of the capital, who rediscover their love of home cooking and special atmosphere. Although they too have undergone some changes like adding natural wines to the menu and emphasizing selected ingredients.

We have selected 12 bistros in Paris, both new and long-established, that stand out from the rest and charm their guests with delicious cuisine and informal atmosphere.

1. Le Bistrot Paul Bert

The famous French bistro in the 11th arrondissement of Paris has occupied a niche on the bistro map so long ago that its steak fries are already legendary. It is a typical institution with a colorful clientele and tasty cuisine at a reasonable price. With menus written on blackboards, mosaic tiles and walls hung with mirrors, the restaurant seats its guests on leather sofas while they wait for dishes of the highest quality and Parisian charm. Order the sea scallops, steak tartare, and for dessert, the Grand Marnier soufflé, which is just the right size for two, you're unlikely to want to share. Dinner will cost 36 euros on average, and at lunchtime you can grab the menu for 18 euros.

Opening hours are 12:00 to 14:00 and 19:30 to 23:00 from Tuesday to Saturday.

2. Les Arlots

A cozy classic French bistro with a small dining room nestled at the top of rue du Faubourg Poissonnière in Paris. A visit will remind you of a Sunday lunch with the family: fun, casual, homely and delicious. The restaurant opened in 2016 and has gained a following thanks in large part to the tempting sauce-puree, a dish that includes herb sausages and buttery mashed potatoes. Vegetarians will probably find little to do here, but meat-eaters will appreciate the small and hearty menu. Start with a soft-boiled egg with bottarga (a type of dried fish) or a 4-meat pate. If you want something other than sausage, opt for the beef tenderloin, served with roasted potatoes and rampson and red wine sauce.

Opening hours are 12:00 to 14:30 and 20:00 to 22:30 Monday through Saturday.

3. Café de la Nouvelle Mairie

This picturesque terraced café is located in the 5th arrondissement near the Panthéon. The facade of the historic 1927 building has been beautifully restored, preserving the typical French décor, old parquet, mosaics and zinc counter. But the café is only old-fashioned in appearance. The menu is dominated by classic dishes with seasonal ingredients, such as white tuna with wilted spinach and vegetable vinaigrette, snails boulot, sausages with green lentils and so on. The owner is a wine aficionado, so you can order something delicious and unusual from the local boutique wineries and be served in decanters, just like in the old days. This is a student neighborhood of Paris, so this place is definitely in the top 10 bistros among students.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to midnight on weekdays.

4. Le Cadoret

The interior of this bistro in the 19th arrondissement in Butte-Chaumont epitomizes vintage Parisian style: mosaic tiles on the floor, an old zinc counter and moleskin banquettes. Above all, it's worthy of a visit because of the excellent wine list, matched to the dishes on the menu. But their cuisine, with its traditional savory rustic touch, deserves just as much attention. The menu changes daily, so no two visits on different days will be the same. It usually consists of five first courses and three main courses. Order a classic petit salé (salted pork) or tête de veau (veal head) with a surprisingly spicy ravigote sauce - these dishes will definitely not leave you indifferent.

Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to midnight Tuesday through Saturday.

5. Pharamond

The famous traditional Frenchbistro in Paris near Le Alle, opened in 1832, has become a city landmark. Its three-story half-timbered building has the most charming features of the Belle Epoque: wooden staircases, painted mirrors, mosaics, gilding and red velvet benches. Set on the lively terrace overlooking Place Ventre de Paris, fill your plates with iconic French home-cooked dishes. For example, order eggs mimosa, boeuf bourguignon or cocotte with cheese, green onions and truffle cream. The portions are huge and the average cost of lunch per person is 25 euros, so be prepared to queue.

Opening hours are from noon to midnight daily.

6. Le Jourdain

This small 1950s-stylebistro, one of the best in the 20th arrondissement of the French capital, offers a multitude of flavors in its set lunch menus (some of the most affordable in Paris - three courses for 19 euros) and creative dishes with plenty of tapas-style seafood in the evenings. Try the clams in a spicy wine broth, the cod ceviche and ask the staff for help in matching your dishes with the right wine - they really know how to do it here. The lunch menu changes every day depending on the seasonal produce. For example, one of the options consisted of beet, orange and leek salad, tomato ragout with cuttlefish with vinegar and pepper and stewed rhubarb with mascarpone.

The hours are 12 noon to 2 p.m. and 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

7. Le Mermoz

Bistro in the 8th arrondissement of Paris a few steps from the Champs-Elysees offers creative balanced dishes with an oriental flavor. It's a place with a simple and pleasant ambience and fine dining rather than hearty cooking. The interior matches the classicism of the place: mosaic tiles, Art Deco lighting fixtures and a j-shaped bar. The menu changes daily. Pay attention to fried clams with candied lemon sauce served with fresh coriander and porridge, Landes chicken with blanc cheese and tahini, and for dessert take a salad with oranges, almonds and dates with cream. Also Le Mermoz, like many of the best classic French bistros in Paris, boasts a great wine bar. You can enjoy a delicious wine and a meal on the outdoor terrace.

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:30 to 23:30 except weekends.

8. Aux Crus de Bourgogne

One of the most famous best bistros in Paris in Burgundian style in the 2nd arrondissement welcomes its guests with an original wood-paneled dining room as if from another era, large mirrors, neat tables with wooden chairs and white tablecloths and an unrivaled elegant atmosphere. The historic bistro offers its guests the best dishes of Burgundy, such as steak au poivre (beef fillet with pepper and corn sauce), oeufs en meurette (a dish of poached eggs, red wine and mushrooms). A choice of side dishes is available here, such as wilted spinach, French fries or mashed potatoes. The menu is seasonal, which is typical of good bistros in Paris. Its highlight is the flounder meunière in butter and lemon.

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:30 to 22:30 daily.

9. Le Baratin

One of the first bistros in Paris, which has long ago gained cult status in France, has among its loyal fans chefs and pastry chefs of international renown, such as Anthony Bourdain and Pierre Hermé. The establishment is popular with locals and foreigners alike, and they are all attracted to Raquel Karena's delicate and hearty cuisine with rare exotic touches. Take a closer look at delicate fris de vo with capers and tomatoes, beef confit with rich red wine sauce and galettes with fresh sardines and shallots, and for dessert try strawberry shortbread cookies with berry sauce. This bistro in Paris has one of the best organic wine cellars in the city, so there will be no problem with choosing the right drink. Book a table, because it is literally besieged by gourmets.

Opening hours are 12:15 to 14:00 and 19:30 to 23:00 from Tuesday to Friday and only on Saturday evenings.

10. Les Philosophes

One of the most belovedgreat bistros in Paris near the famous Les Mots a la Bouche bookstore is created by renowned restaurateur Xavier Denamour, known for his classic cuisine with a focus on local organic produce. The Marais neighborhood's best bistro even specifies farm-to-table produce on the menu. It has a large terrace, but reservations are recommended to easily get a table. Start exploring the local menu with the meat rillettes, confit duck leg, and be sure to try the diners' favorites - French onion soup and steak tartare. For dessert, you can grab the vanilla flan tart. Dishes are complemented by an assortment of house wine, beers and white wines.

Opening hours are 9:00 to 2:00, except Sundays and Mondays.

11. Chez L'Ami Jean

Chef Stéphane Jego was one of those who elevatedgoodtraditional bistro food in Paris with special techniques and an emphasis on quality ingredients to the level of fine dining. This establishment is known for its hearty dishes, which together with the rustic decor and lively atmosphere offer a culinary journey through the culture of the Basque country. If you visit with a meat-loving friend, you should definitely try the signature dish for two, Côte de Boeuf. There are also quite a few other notable options on the menu, such as languishing beef cheeks, rice de vo, and an appetizer of fried calamari on a bed of ratatouille. Even the bread at the best bistros in Paris can be the perfect snack, such as here, paired with a tangy, spicy cheese sauce.

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00 from Tuesday to Saturday.

12. Chez La Vieille

Despite the fact that the Le Alle neighborhood and its surroundings have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, the French bistro Chez La Vieille remains a bastion of tradition in Paris. What can we say if it still bears the name of the female chef who ran it in the 80s? Now the reins belong to American chef Daniel Rose, who has chosen authenticity as his approach to both the menu and the atmosphere of the traditional bistro, which seems even too cheerful and lively for the 1st arrondissement of Paris. You can have a drink at the bar downstairs or sit down at one of a couple of dozens of tables in the cozy hall upstairs. Rabbit kidneys on toast, veal blanquette with carrots and mushrooms or duck terrine with horseradish and beet are definitely worth ordering here. For dessert, try the pear buttery clafouti.

Opening hours are 12:00 to 14:30 and 18:00 to 22:30 Tuesday through Saturday. The bar is open until 1:00.