Best traditional French restaurants in Paris

Discovering a country through its cuisine is a great idea to get off the beaten track! From the typical brasserie to the starred restaurant, through the famous bouillons or the old fashioned French cuisine, the capital of gourmets does not lack possibilities. Here are some addresses to try with your eyes closed!

L’Aubergeade, an excellent table in the 12ᵉ

This place seduces from the start by its retro setting and by the warm welcome it offers. The house proposes copious and varied seasonal dishes, appreciated by the regulars. The lunch menu is proposed at 18 euros, those of the evening at 28,30 and 30,30 euros. Among the starters, you have the choice between the Burgundy snails or the marrow bone bistro style, for example. For the rest, the roasted duck breast competes with the lobster or the crab (served whole). Finally, the baba au rhum or the home-made Norwegian omelette are waiting for you… A treat for the taste buds!

Le Procope, one of the best French restaurants in Paris

This 6ᵉ address is a must-see! Among the must-try dishes in Paris, try the hard-boiled egg mayonnaise or the onion soup au gratin, the coq au vin or the sole meunière à la française. If you have some space left, the place offers a superb plate of local cheeses. To finish, the crème brûlée or the crêpes flambéed with Grand Marnier are an unforgettable experience! The plus: good value for money: the lunch menu is less than 30 euros and the dinner menu less than 40 euros.

Le Bouillon Racine, Art Deco atmosphere in the 6ᵉ.

The “bouillons”, famous traditional Parisian restaurants, tend to become tourist factories… not this one! Gratinée du bouillon, veal sweetbreads or homemade duck foie gras: here you are at the heart of Parisian culinary specialties. The atmosphere is a bit noisy, but the service and the quality of the food compensate for this inconvenience. As for the price, the lunch formula is very affordable at 16.95 euros. The evening menus are at 33 and 46 euros. The Bouillon Racine is open every day from 12pm to 11pm. Attention: the wait can be long!

Le Bistrot d’Yves, to eat like a local in Paris

Here is a very good table in the middle of 17ᵉ! In a typical bistro atmosphere of the capital, you will enjoy a refined cuisine that sublimates traditional recipes. Among the dishes not to be missed: the homemade beef tartare or theentrecote maître d’hôtel, a classic of French cuisine. As for the wine list, it will take you to the discovery of real nuggets. Note that it is possible to enjoy vegan dishes. Bistrot d’Yves is a bit pricey – count 38 euros for a full menu. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday.

Le Florimond, cuisine and bistro atmosphere

Since 1922, this excellent address in the 7ᵉ has been delighting the taste buds of Parisians. The typical bistro decor and the inventive cuisine make this place one of the best restaurants in the city. Committed to a sustainable approach, the restaurant gives pride of place to seasonal products. The local menu, at 38 euros, offers lobster ravioli, duck confit or a Bourbon vanilla mille-feuille. The traditional black pudding is made by the chef himself! Le Florimond offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free recipes. Attention: the restaurant is closed on weekends.

Café Lapérouse, a unique atmosphere

On the Place de la Concorde, this mythical meeting place for the Parisian elite is spread over three levels with a hall, private rooms and a bar area. A special mention goes to the cellar, whose 7,000 bottles will delight both amateurs and experienced oenologists. The menu offers a succulent perfect egg with truffles, the unavoidable Chateaubriand steak or a potato charlotte with caviar. The only drawback: calling itself a “house of pleasure”, the Café Lapérouse attracts a rather boisterous clientele. This address is reserved for well-filled wallets: count from 70 to 200 euros per person.

Le Perraudin, a friendly bistro in the 5ᵉ arrondissement

Checked tablecloths, old advertising posters on the wall: here you are in a real traditional Parisian restaurant. The welcome is warm and the service smiling! The Perraudin offers a dish of the day for 15 euros: it’s an opportunity to discover the shepherd’s pie or the old-fashioned veal stew. The menus vary from 28 to 35 euros and are a real festival of French culinary specialties: IGP ravioles from the Dauphiné, veal kidneys, Brie from Meaux, tarte Tatin… France and her team welcome you for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday.

La Grange aux Canards, traditional cuisine in Paris

Here, the family kitchen honors the recipes of the Southwest. To enjoy a real cassoulet in the 5ᵉ, you can trust Sissi, the boss of the place. The “Noir de Bigorre” ham and foie gras (dedicated menu at 58 euros) are honored. The combination of Basque sheep’s cheese and black cherry jam is a must! Armagnac and prunes are a great addition to crème brûlée or charlotte. La Grange aux Canards welcomes you in the evening from Wednesday to Sunday and on Saturday for lunch. The menu is proposed to you at 35 euros.

Le Petit Rétro, Art Nouveau decor and bistronomic menu

Founded in 1904, this establishment is registered as a historical monument. This charming restaurant in the 16ᵉ offers a quality menu, inspired by chef Guy Savoy. Among the must-try dishes in Paris, let’s mention the toasted marrow toast, the sweetbreads or the profiteroles. As for the price, count 15 to 45 euros per head. A true tribute to the Roaring Twenties, the Petit Rétro seduces as much by its atmosphere as by its simple cuisine. It is one of the most popular addresses for Parisians who love authenticity! The place is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday.

Au Petit Riche, a true Parisian brasserie in the 9ᵉ.

This table serves a tasty cuisine at reasonable prices (menu at 37 euros, drink and coffee included). Two excellent reasons to go and taste the calf’s head with gribiche sauce, the pike quenelles with Nantua sauce or the famous croque-monsieur revised and improved by the chef! For dessert, chocolate mousse and clafoutis compete with each other. The historical decor and the meticulous service will make you enjoy your lunch “à la française”. This address also houses private rooms and a wine bar. Le Petit Riche is open for lunch and dinner, except on Sunday and Monday.