If there's one thing I'll defend to the death, it's that French food (the real, traditional kind) is still the best thing you can eat in Paris. Not the trendy fusion stuff, not the Instagram spots with neon signs and avocado everything. I'm talking about the kind of food your French grandmother would be proud of. The bœuf bourguignon that's been simmering for hours, the crêpes that actually taste like in Brittany, the bouchée à la reine that reminds you of a Sunday lunch from another era.
And here's the thing: right now, Paris is living a full-on bistrot renaissance. The old-school French bistrots (the ones with checkered tablecloths, handwritten menus, and a patron who knows every regular by name) are coming back in a big way. They're trendy again. And honestly, I'm here for it. But at the same time, a new generation of modern bistrots is emerging too, with younger chefs who are bringing fresh energy to classic French cooking. So let me walk you through both.
Why trust me on this one
If you're new here, coucou it's Estelle! Born and raised in Paris, Lebanese and Danish roots, and a relationship with food that I'd describe as deeply committed. I created @ellevousguide to share the places I genuinely love, the kind I'd take my best friend to without thinking twice. No sponsored picks, no hype for the sake of it. Just honest recommendations from someone who has eaten her way through this city for a lifetime.
Bistrot vs brasserie: let's clear this up
Before we dive in, a quick clarification that even some French people mix up. A brasserie is more of a "chic canteen": usually bigger, more buzzy, open all day, with a broader menu. Think of it as the place you drop into anytime, no reservation, big plates.
A bistrot is generally smaller, more intimate, with a shorter menu but more personality. The food tends to be a bit more thought-through, and the experience feels personal. Both are incredible in their own way, but for this article, we're going heavy on the bistrots, because that's where the magic is happening right now.
1. Auberge Bressane, the ultimate old-school French experience
A true French institution, just a few steps from the Eiffel Tower. Walking into Auberge Bressane feels like stepping into another era. Red tablecloths, dark wood paneling, the kind of décor that screams old Paris in the best possible way. And the food matches perfectly.
This is grande cuisine bourgeoise at its finest: generous, comforting, unapologetically traditional. What you need to order: the bouchée à la reine (their version of the classic vol-au-vent, and it's incredibly indulgent). The soufflé au comté is absolutely insane. And don't skip the crêpes Suzette for dessert. Seriously.
What I love about this place is that despite being walking distance from one of the most touristy spots in Paris, it's still packed with locals. Real regulars, celebrating birthdays, arguing over what you should order. That energy is hard to fake.
📍 16 avenue de la Motte-Picquet, 75007 Paris
2. Café des Musées, the bœuf bourguignon you need to try
If you want to taste a properly executed bœuf bourguignon, this is the address. Full stop. It's THE quintessential French dish to experience, especially in winter. And Café des Musées does it beautifully: a rich, deep wine sauce, ultra-tender meat, and homemade purée on the side. It was even voted best bœuf bourguignon in Paris by Le Figaroscope, and honestly, I can see why.
The restaurant has been around since 1924, and it still has its original mosaic floor and wood paneling. It's a real piece of Marais history. Very popular with locals, which always tells you something.
One thing to know: reservation is strongly recommended. It fills up fast, especially for dinner.
📍 49 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
3. Le Petit Vendôme, the best sandwich and so much more
Another Parisian institution that's been getting a lot of attention recently, and for good reason. Their jambon-fromage baguette sandwich was voted best in Paris by Time Out, and honestly, it's incredible. But Le Petit Vendôme is so much more than that. It's a proper bistrot where you can sit down, eat a simple but excellent meal in a convivial atmosphere, à la bonne franquette.
The sandwiches are only available to go or at the bar, so if you want the full bistrot experience, grab a seat in the dining room and explore their classic menu. But whatever you do, don't leave without trying one of those sandwiches. The baguette is perfectly crusty, the ham is generous, and everything tastes like it was made with real love and good ingredients.
📍 8 rue des Capucines, 75002 Paris
4. La Ferme du Pré, the bistrot of a three-star chef
This one is special. La Ferme du Pré is the bistrot of chef Frédéric Anton, who holds three Michelin stars at Le Pré Catelan. Yes, three stars. And now he's opened this more relaxed, more accessible table right next door in the Bois de Boulogne.
The concept is simple: all the great French classics, executed to absolute perfection but in a much more laid-back setting. Think blanquette de veau, bœuf bourguignon, poulet rôti du dimanche : the kind of food that feels like home, but cooked by someone who happens to be one of the best chefs in France. The décor is gorgeous too: a vintage farmhouse atmosphere with old copper pans from the chef's own collection hanging on the walls, toile de Jouy wallpaper, and mismatched antique tableware.
One thing to plan for: it's in the Bois de Boulogne, so it's a bit of a detour. But if you have time, it's absolutely worth it. The regulars clearly agree : the place is fully booked two weeks ahead. And honestly, having a meal in the middle of a park, away from the noise of the city? That's a very Parisian kind of luxury.
📍 Le Pré Catelan, Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris
5. Tanguy Crêpes, the best crêpes in Paris
A well-known address among those who know. For me, Tanguy serves some of the best crêpes in Paris, hands down. Perfectly golden, slightly crispy on the edges, made with organic buckwheat flour from Brittany. Everything here screams authenticity.
What you need to order: the complète (ham, cheese, egg). It sounds simple, but that's exactly the point. When each ingredient is this good and the execution is this precise, simplicity becomes perfection.
The space is small, charming, and feels like a tiny corner of Brittany in the middle of the 10th arrondissement. The chef, Gwilherm Tanguy, is passionate about his craft and works with products sourced directly from Breton producers. You taste the difference.
📍 15 rue de l'Échiquier, 75010 Paris
The new generation: modern bistrots worth watching
What's exciting about Paris right now is that alongside the revival of these classic institutions, a new wave of modern bistrots is emerging, and they're just as good, in a completely different way.
Recoin (60 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011) is one of those places. Run by Florent Ciccoli (the man behind Café du Coin and Au Passage), it's a small neighbourhood bistrot in the 11th with a menu that changes daily, incredible natural wines, and cooking that's precise and inventive without ever trying too hard. The kind of place where you walk in and immediately feel at home.
Rives (31 rue Saint-Maur, 75011), also in the 11th, is another one to watch. Thomas Cassagnes, from a family of Aveyronnais restaurateurs, has created a bistrot that feels both modern and rooted in tradition. The terroir is front and center (think os à moelle, aligot-saucisse, côte de bœuf) but with a young, fun energy. Their crème brûlée au vin jaune has become something of a cult dessert, and I completely understand why.
Both places represent exactly what's happening in Paris dining right now: a return to simple, honest, well-sourced French food, but with a new generation's touch. And I love it.
A few things to know before eating at a French restaurant in Paris
Always book ahead. The good bistrots fill up fast, especially for dinner and on weekends. One week in advance is the minimum for most of these addresses.
Don't be afraid to ask. The waiters at these places are usually happy to guide you. If you don't know what a bouchée à la reine is or you can't decide between the blanquette and the bourguignon, just ask. That's part of the experience.
Sunday lunch is sacred. If you want to eat like a real Parisian family, book a Sunday lunch at a bistrot. That's when you'll see multi-generational tables sharing terrines, roasted meats, and bottles of Burgundy. It's one of the most beautiful traditions in French culture, and it's still very much alive.
Say bonjour when you walk in. I say this in every guide, but it genuinely matters. A simple "bonjour" when you enter sets the tone for the entire experience.
Explore all my favorites
These are some of my favorite French restaurants, but this is just the beginning. If you want the full picture, I've mapped out all my top French restaurant picks on my French Restaurant Map : from timeless bistrots to exciting new openings, all organized and accessible on Google Maps directly from your phone.
And if you want to see these places in action, come find me on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @ellevousguide. I share new spots and honest reviews every week.
Bon appétit!