21 Hidden Gem Restaurants In Paris: Authentic and Off-The-Beaten-Path
Looking for non-touristy, high quality Paris restaurants?
You are in good hands! I have hand picked these 21 unique and off-the-beaten-path restaurants with top quality cuisine; french bistros frequented by locals, Asian fusion, Michelin-starred innovative cuisine, market-to-table, fresh seafood, Breton galettes and much more. And there is a map at the end of the list for your convenience.
I have been to Paris many times over 30 years and absolutely love finding restaurants and cafes outside the normal tourist path! This is honestly one of my greatest joys travelling anywhere 🙂
The culinary landscape of Paris is unparalleled and one of the things Paris is famous for. Situated among the culinary giants are hidden gem restaurants in Paris that offer exceptional cuisine without the hassle of long lines or extensive waiting lists
If you are like me and enjoy the authentic experiences Paris has to offer plus delicious food minus the usual tourist hustle, I’ve got the perfect list for you.
👉 Short List of Best Parisian Hidden Gem Restaurants for every taste:
- Le Vieux Bistrot – Best for cozy family feeling and traditional french food
- Les Marmites Volantes – Best sustainable/local experience and value
- Breizh cafe – Best for authentic Breton crepes and hard cider
- Les Enfants du Marche – Best for fresh market gourmet cuisine
- Korus – Best for original gourmet, high end experience
- FRENCHIE – Best micro restaurant, rustic-chic, Michelin star
21 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Paris
Below are 20+ off the beaten path restaurants for a local and unique experience during your visit to the City of Lights.
If it is your first time to Paris, the cafe culture and etiquette can be confusing. Check out my guide to Parisian cafe culture for tips.
👉 Pro Tip: Taking a guided food tour is a great way to learn about the cuisine, local secrets and hidden cafes and restaurants beyond this list. Here are two wonerderful small group tours that I recommend:
- 🥇 Paris Walking Foodie Tour with Secret Food Tours – Check Times and Book!
- 😋 Paris Montmartre Local Food Tour – Check Times and Book!
And if you are a wine or cheese lover, taking a wine and cheese tasting in Paris is a must. Check out our list of the best of the best wine and cheese tastings and consider trying one over a lunch hour. People absolutely love these tastings! ➡ Best wine and cheese tastings in Paris.
Now on to our list of hidden gem restaurants…
1. Le Vieux Bistrot (Latin Quarter – Traditional)
Le Vieux Bistro is a gem, not a frilly, chic gem but a proudly family-owned, cozy French bistro gem.
The owners promise you will “eat like home and even better”!
You can try classic french dishes like raclette or fondue, onion soup, boeuf bourguignon and other traditional French dishes. Their crème brûlée may be one of the best in Paris and it’s a great way to end your delicious meal.
- Google Maps Pin📍 Address: 54 rue Mouffetard, 75005 (Latin Quarter)
- Open: Lunch and dinner €€
2. Le Bon Georges (near Montmartre – Bistro)
Le Bon Georges is one of the best hidden gems that both locals and tourists love, it’s a bistro with classic French food done very well.
It has stellar reviews for the three main things we all want: quality of food, outstanding wine and excellent service.
The beef dishes (steak frites, beef tartare) are reviewed as especially good. I would say this is the quintessential neighbourhood bistro but of extraordinary quality.
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 45 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009
- Open: Lunch and dinner €€
3. Hotel du Nord (Canal St. Martin – Historic)
Right on the canal, this restaurant is in the small Hotel du Nord and has a romantic, 1940s Paris ambience and high quality French classics.
It was the setting of the famous 1938 French movie, Hotel du Nord. The atmosphere is dreamy and the food will have your taste buds dancing.
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 02 Quai de Jemmapes
- Metro: line 5 (Jacques Bonsergent, Republique)
- Open: Daily 8 am to 1 am €€
4. Chez Julien (Marais – Truffles)
Chez Julien is a quaint restaurant in the Le Marais neighbourhood.
What sets Chez Julien apart is the classic French cuisine with an emphasis on the chef’s love for truffles.
It’s an amazing restaurant where you can try an excellent truffle risotto or ceviche in a romantic Belle Epoque interior.
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 1 Rue de Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004
- Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner €€€
5. Le Petit Marche (Place des Vosges – Creative)
This friendly bistro is right off the Place des Vosges and is usually packed with locals.
Customers go back for the duck (with caramelized bananas!) but all the fresh bistro fare gets excellent reviews and repeat customers.
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 9 Rue de Béarn, 75003
- Open: Lunch and dinner €€
6. David Toutain (Michelen Star Tasting Menus)
If you are searching for a top-tier dining experience with Michelin stars, make sure to consider David Toutain.
Chef David Toutain is renowned for his tasting menus, which feature seasonal and local ingredients, available for both lunch and dinner.
Expect to spend a couple of hours tasting the exquisite dishes from the tasting menu of your choice.
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 29 Rue Surcouf, 75007
- Open: Lunch and dinner €€€
7. Huitrieres Regis (St. Germain des Pres – Fresh Oysters)
If you love oysters, and only if you love oysters, Huitreries Regis is a perfect place in St. Germain des Pres!
According to some reviews, they have the best oysters in Paris; several varieties are flown in daily. In a nutshell: Fresh oysters, shellfish, good bread and excellent wine in a smaller dining area.
- Google Maps Pin 📍Address: 3 rue de Montfaucon, 75006 (St. Germain des Pres)
- Open: Lunch and dinner €€€
8. Korus (near Bastille – Creative Gourmet)
The gourmet restaurant Korus is named after “chorus”, meaning many varied voices coming together to make a beautiful meal.
These creative chefs are very conscious of the quality and origins of their produce, citing biodynamic and permaculture farms on their website.
You have the choice of tasting menus; several courses decided by the chef, at reasonable prices. Expect to spend a delightful slow meal of creative preparations very high-quality ingredients and a selection of natural wines.
- Google Maps Pin 📍Address: 73 Rue Amelot, 75011 (Bastille/Oberkampf)
- Open: Lunch and dinner €€€
9. La Cantine Russe (Eiffel Tower – Russian Experience)
La Cantine Russe is a one-of-a-kind Russian restaurant experience in Paris; a true hidden gem located across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. Established in 1923, it was originally run by an Imperial cook and the waitresses were Russian countesses.
Now it has a more down-to-earth and kitschy atmosphere, live music, traditional Russian decor, and authentic Russian dishes like borscht, dumplings, cabbage rolls, and more. It’s a great spot if you are looking to try Russian cuisine.
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 26 Av New York 75116
- Open: Daily: 12:00 pm-10:30 pm €€
10. l’Entredegeu (far northwest Paris – Authentic French)
If you are in search of secret spots that are popular amongst locals, look no further. This great restaurant is known for its friendly staff and is an overall excellent pick.
The focus is on authentic French dishes, renowned for their food presentation, and the onion tarte is a must-try dish on their menu.
David Lebovitz, the famous chef and author, reviewed l’Entredegeu as one of his favourite local haunts in Paris, so you know it’s a great place to check out within the French capital.
- Google Maps Pin 📍Address: 83 Rue Laugier, 75017 Paris, France
- Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Closed Sunday and Monday. €€
11. FRENCHIE (Micro Restaurant – Michelin Star)
Frenchie is one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the City of Lights and it stands out for having a unique combination: its a one-starred Michelin micro establishment that also strives to feel at home.
At Frenchie the ingredient is truly king – the menu changes with the season; the dishes revolve around the carefully chosen ingredients.
It’s one of the best restaurants in Paris where you can have authentic, inspired cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. The owner of Frenchie tells exactly what you experience here: “The staff is like a little family, it’s an intimate place where you feel at home.”
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 5 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, France
- Open: Dinner daily Monday-Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday. €€€
12. Chefs à Table (Informal Gourmet)
For those searching for a fine dining experience, delicious wines and an informal vibe, Chefs à Table is a great choice and a popular spot for a unique experience.
The relaxed atmosphere is informal and cozy, yet with a gourmet experience. Another stand out: they offer both traditional and vegetarian fixed menus.
- Google Maps Pin📍 Address: 15 Rue Trousseau, 75011
- Open: Dinner daily, lunch Wednesday-Friday. Closed Sunday. €€€
13. Les Enfants du Marché (Fresh Market)
Located inside of Paris’ oldest covered market, Marché des Enfants Rouge, Les Enfants du Marché is an open kitchen vendor stand inside the market with barstool seating.
Here you find creative fine dining in a market setting…delicious small plates and natural wines, with a focus on seafood. Oysters, ceviche, and octopus are regular menu items; and also fresh soup, skirt steak and dishes flowing with the season.
Try their flavorful mussels and array of natural wines at one of the best and less well-known restaurants situated in the perfect location in Marais.
- Google Maps Pin📍Address: 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003
- Open: Spring & Summer Hours (April to Mid-October): Open Tuesday-Saturday from 12-10 pm. Sunday from 12-5 pm.
- Late Fall & Winter Hours: Tuesday-Sunday for lunch only
- No reservations €€€
14. Breizh Cafe (Marais – Breton Crepes and Cider)
Breizh Cafe is known for offering authentic Breton galettes (buckwheat dinner crepes) and hard cider. I lived in Brittany for a year and ate many homemade galettes; they are a unique, hearty treat and difficult to find outside of Brittany.
You must try the dry hard cider with a galette for an authentic Breton dining experience! The lunch menu is delicious, there are lovely dessert crepes, 60 types of cider, and plenty of vegetarian choices.
This is the flagship restaurant and has the only Breton-style interior of their several locations.
- Google Maps Pin📍Address: 109 Rue Vielle du Temple, 75003
- Open: daily 10 am to 11 pm. €€
15. Les Marmites Volantes (Local, Sustainable, Budget)
Les Marmites Volantes sets itself apart from other restaurants due to its passion for providing good food at a reasonable cost and how it strives to minimize their impact on the planet by using items like reusable containers. This is a true off the beaten track hidden gem in the French capital and is far away from tourist traps and touristy areas.
They cater to schools in and around Paris, and their restaurant serves a concise menu that changes daily based on the freshest produce and seasonal products.
Les Marmites Volantes is not a traditional restaurant, it’s a relaxed cafe in Paris known for its cozy atmosphere. It’s well worth a visit for those looking to support a local business that contributes to the community by serving up delicious cuisine.
- Near the Parc des Buttes Chaumont.
- Google Maps Pin📍Address: 69 Rue Armand Carrel, 75019
- Open: Monday-Friday for Lunch. €
16. Le Comptoir du Relais (Traditional French – Michelin Starred)
One of the best Paris hidden gem restaurants is Le Comptoir du Relais which is located in the Le Relays Saint Germain hotel in the 6th arrondissement. It’s a quaint French bistro that has adorable outdoor seating which is perfect for dining outside.
Besides its beautiful setting the restaurant is known for its delicious foie gras, incredible wine list, and tasty escargot.
It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its traditional French foods and a great place to go for lunch or dinner.
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 9 Carr de l’Odéon, 75006
- Open: Daily from 12 pm to 11 pm. €€€
17. Le Baratin (Michelin-Starred Bistro)
Le Baratin is a French style bistro situated in between the 19th and 20th arrondissement in the Belleville area. It’s famous for its lovely sweetbreads, excellent wine list, and scrumptious lamb.
The best part about this restaurant is not just its tasty dishes but that it’s a hidden gem so tourists aren’t pouring in the doors. It’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant so you can expect the quality and taste to be fantastic which adds to its appeal.
- Google Maps Pin 📍Address: 3 Rue Jouye-Rouve, 75020
- Open: Tuesday 7:30-11:00 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 12:00-2:30 pm and 7:00-11:00 pm, Closed Sunday-Monday. €€
18. Buvette Paris (American Style Brunch With A French Twist)
Buvette Paris is a hidden gem near Saint-Georges. They are known for serving up some excellent brunch classics like waffles and scrambled eggs but they also serve up unique specialties like croquettes monsieur and coq au vin.
It’s a great French style brunch with an American twist, it’s the perfect place for American’s looking for a bite of home but with a French spin.
- Google Maps Pin 📍 Address: 28 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009
- Open: Wednesday-Thursday & Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm, Friday from 9 am to 12 am, Saturday 10 am to 12 am, and Monday-Tuesday from 9 am to 11 pm. €€
19. Avant Comptoir de la Terre (Small Restaurant Serving Tasty Tapas)
This hidden spot is the ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine and some unbelievable tapas. They are known for their seafood dishes with their oysters standing out as the main star.
If you are looking for a small restaurant with a lively atmosphere and top notch food and drinks, look no further.
- Google Maps Pin 📍Address: 3 Carr de l’Odéon, 75006
- Open: Daily from 12 pm to 11 pm. €€
20. Le Châteaubriand (Innovative / Michelin-Starred)
If you are in search of a hidden gem restaurant in Paris with innovative foods and an upscale tasting menu, this is the place to be. Le Châteaubriand is famous for their terrific menu, wine pairing, ceviche, and along with many other characteristics.
They are a Michelin-starred restaurant which can be seen in the way that they prepare and serve your food along with their high-end service. If you are looking for a truly remarkable dining experience, don’t hesitate to come here.
- Google Maps Pin 📍Address: 129 Ave Parmentier, 75011
- Open: Wednesday-Friday from 7 pm to 11 pm, Saturday 12:15-1:30 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm, Closed Sunday-Tuesday. €€€
21. Le Servan (French-Asian Inspired)
Le Servan is an eccentric restaurant in Paris known for its French-Asian cuisine.
This restaurant is famous for its gorgeous food presentation but they also serve up some excellent dishes like their blood sausage wontons, sardine toast, and many other quirky yet delicious dishes.
- Google Maps Pin 📍Address: 32 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011
- Open: Monday-Saturday for lunch from 12 pm to 2 pm and dinner from 7:30 to 10:30 pm, Closed Sunday. €€
MAP – Hidden Gem Restaurants – Paris
FAQs – Hidden Gem Restaurants in Paris
Below are my answers to a handful of frequently asked questions about hidden gem restaurants in Paris.
Where is a must to eat in Paris?
Les Enfants du Marche is a must eat in Paris. They are known for their delicious wines and excellent seafood dishes prepared market to table.
What food should you not miss in Paris?
You should not miss croissants (especially pain-au-chocolate), cheese, crème brûlée, croque monsieur and french onion soup. If you like dark chocolate, authentic Parisian hot chocolate at Angelina’s is highly recommended.
What is a typical breakfast in Paris?
A typical breakfast in Paris is a coffee and croissant.
What is the hardest restaurant to book in Paris?
Septime is the hardest restaurant to book in Paris.
Where do celebs dine in Paris?
L’Avenue is where celebs dine in Paris.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Paris
Paris has a wealth of hidden gem restaurants that offer unique charm and perspective and a more authentic experience than the big touristy spots.
These hidden gems reflect the city’s diverse culinary scene and long standing commitment to the highest quality ingredients that are important to Parisian food culture.
Every place has something special, from the warmth of Le Vieux Bistrot in the Latin Quarter, serving up classic French dishes like raclette and boeuf bourguignon, to the artistic flair of l’Entredegeu.
Chefs à Table offers a fine dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere, while Les Marmites Volantes focuses on sustainable local cuisine in a cozy cafe setting.
Bon Appétit!
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