Paris's most authentic and delicious bistros
From the timeless appeal of steak frites at Bistrot Paul Bert to the comforting warmth of French onion soup at La Poule au Pot, these seven beloved classics remain enduringly popular.
The Parisian bistro, alongside landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge, stands as a quintessential symbol of the city. Originating from the necessity to feed urban workers in the 19th Century, bistros have become integral to neighborhood life and the essence of traditional French cuisine. With efforts underway to secure Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Parisian bistros and cafe terraces, these establishments, numbering around 18,000 in Paris alone and representing 10% of all restaurants in France, remain vital gathering spots for locals seeking affordable meals or social gatherings.
While modern bistros, known as neo-bistros, often explore culinary innovation, traditional bistros continue to serve up classic dishes like smoked herrings, boeuf bourguignon, and decadent chocolate mousse within nostalgically charming interiors. These enduring favorites not only provide a taste of France's rich culinary legacy but also promise endless gastronomic delight through the expert craftsmanship of their chefs.
1. Best for classic steak frites: Bistrot Paul Bert
Le Bistrot Paul Bert, perhaps Paris's most iconic bistro, embodies authenticity without any hint of gentrification or artifice. Founded in 1997 by Bertrand Auboyneau, a Parisian with a background in finance, the bistro aims to recreate the comforting flavors and aromas of his childhood in the city.
Stepping through its red floor-to-ceiling drapes reveals a vintage interior with a zinc bar, sepia-toned walls, and polished dark-wood tables. The eclectic collection of prints, posters, and tin plaques adorning the walls speaks to the passage of time rather than deliberate decoration.
While dishes like calf tripe with Espelette pepper or carpaccio of tête de veau may not appeal to everyone, they showcase a level of finesse unmatched elsewhere. The bistro's signature beef steak with Sarawak black pepper and cream sauce, served with skinny fries, is simply sublime. Whether ordering offal or steak, diners are encouraged to mop their plates clean with chunks of crusty bread—a nod to traditional Parisian dining etiquette.
For those interested, the bistro's contact information is as follows:
Address: 18 rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris
Phone: +33 1 43 72 24 01
Instagram: @bistrotpaulbert
2. Best for seasonal specialties: À l’Épi d’Or
À l’Épi d'Or, nestled in Paris's historic market district, offers a dynamic dining experience with its seasonal and daily menu changes. Adorned with paintings of golden wheat sheaves on oak-paneled walls, the restaurant's ambiance pays homage to its agricultural roots, once bustling with farmers selling produce at the nearby Les Halles market.
Since 1880, hungry market workers have frequented À l’Épi d'Or for hearty fare like terrine de campagne, bloody steaks, and riz au lait. Despite now being owned by double-starred Michelin chef Jean-François Piège, the restaurant maintains its relaxed atmosphere and exceptional value.
Traditional bistro favorites like oeufs-mayo, croque monsieur, and steak à cheval (a beef burger topped with a fried egg) remain steadfast fixtures on the menu. Additionally, daily specials from Monday to Friday feature dishes like confit de canard and blanquette de veau, while starters and cheeses rotate based on seasonal availability.
For those interested, here is the restaurant's contact information:
Address: 9 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris
Phone: +33 1 42 36 32 96
Website: https://xn--jeanfranoispiege-jpb.com/a-lepi-dor
3. Best for fire-grilled meat: Robert et Louise
At Robert et Louise in Paris, the distinction between bistro and restaurant blurs seamlessly. Founded in 1958 by Parisians Robert Georget and his wife Louise, this iconic establishment, specializing in wood-fire cooking, offers an authentic dining experience in the heart of Le Marais. Today, their daughter Pascale oversees operations.
Embracing the bistro's ethos of simplicity and tradition, the restaurant exudes an unpretentious charm. Guests gather around weathered wooden tables amidst a rustic setting adorned with exposed stone, painted flower-ceramic tiles from the 1950s, and 17th-Century ceiling beams. Securing a spot at the coveted shared table d’hôte, overlooking the chef grilling T-bone steaks and andouillette over an open fire, requires reservations weeks in advance.
The culinary journey begins with indulgent appetizers like buttery garlic snails, boudin noir, or smoked herring. Main courses, served on wooden platters, feature succulent beef ribs, T-bone steaks, and lamb chops, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. For those with room for more, traditional digestifs like Cognac, Armagnac, or Vieille Prune de Souillac offer a satisfying conclusion to the meal.
For those interested, here are the restaurant's details:
Address: 64 rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003 Paris
Phone: +33 1 42 78 55 89
Website: https://www.robertetlouise.com/
4. Best for fish and seafood: Le Chardonoux
In the heart of the 11th arrondissement lies a bistro that harkens back to the grace and elegance of Belle Époque Paris. Dating back to 1908 and listed as a historic monument, this establishment has undergone a remarkable transformation from its humble beginnings as a local watering hole and eatery frequented by craftsmen and farmers.
Celebrity pastry chef Cyril Lignac, renowned for his television appearances and patisserie skills, took over the bistro in 2008. With the expertise of Swedish interior architect Martin Brudnizki, the space was reimagined into a sophisticated destination favored by the affluent. Despite its lavish interior featuring flouncy lampshades and a ceiling adorned with verdant leaves, the atmosphere retains an air of timeless beauty reminiscent of Paris in its golden age.
Specializing in fish and seafood, the bistro offers signature dishes like langoustine ravioli and salt-crusted sea bass, impeccably presented and modest in portion size. Dessert is a must, especially with Lignac's stellar reputation for pastries and chocolates. Indulge in the vanilla mille-feuille, filled with velvety vanilla cream and caramelized pecan nuts, for a sweet finale to your meal.
For those interested, here are the restaurant's details:
Address: 1 rue Jules Vallès, 75011 Paris
Phone: +33 1 43 71 49 52
Website: https://restaurantlechardenoux.com/
5. Best for truffles and old-school soufflé: Joséphine Chez Dumonet
Nestled at the southern end of bustling rue du Cherche-Midi in the 6th arrondissement, Joséphine Chez Dumonet epitomizes the essence of a classic Left Bank bistro. Originally known simply as Joséphine when it opened its doors in 1898, the establishment has been proudly owned and operated by the Dumonet family for over three decades, hence the distinctive double-barreled name displayed on its chocolate-brown awning above a charming wood-and-glass facade.
The menu boasts traditional bistro fare with a touch of gourmet flair. Each meal begins with a complimentary amuse-bouche, followed by bread accompanied by a generous slab of creamy Normandy butter. Chef Jean-Christian Dumonet's boeuf bourguignon, a rich and earthy beef stew slow-cooked in red wine and served with homemade tagliatelle, is acclaimed by connoisseurs as one of Paris's finest. During winter, seasonal black truffles are featured in various dishes, enticing gourmands with their luxurious flavors.
A highlight of any visit is the Grand Marnier soufflé, a delightfully airy dessert that must be ordered at the beginning of the meal. Dating back to the mid-19th century, this egg-based delicacy is prepared with precision and skill, offering a decadent experience complemented by a shot of Grand Marnier to enhance its flavors.
For those interested, here are the restaurant's details:
Address: 117 rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris
Phone: +33 1 45 48 52 40
Website: https://chezdumonet.com/
6. Best for boutique wine pairings: Bistrot des Tournelles
This recently opened bistro, launched by the savvy restaurateur Édouard Vermynck in late 2022, exemplifies the resurgence of bistro nostalgia in contemporary Paris. Situated near the Bastille's modern opera house and the renowned Belle Époque Bofinger brasserie in the vibrant 12th arrondissement, the bistro draws crowds with its clever blend of cherished French childhood favorites made from top-quality local ingredients.
Chef Geoffrey Langella, hailing from a butcher's background, serves up standout dishes like meaty andouillette and aromatic daube de boeuf à la Provençal, showcasing his expertise in meat preparation. The menu also features classic delights such as croque monsieur made with Prince de Paris ham and chicken cordon bleu filled with tangy Comté cheese, accompanied by skinny fries dipped in rich homemade mayonnaise.
Inside, the bistro's intimate space boasts a dozen tables with vintage bentwood chairs, softly illuminated by candlelight in the evening. The clever use of wall mirrors creates an illusion of spaciousness despite the cozy layout. Solo diners can perch at the marble-topped bar and enjoy Vermynck's selection of exceptional small-production Burgundy and Côtes du Rhône reds, along with vintage liqueurs like Chartreuse and Menthe-Pastille.
For those interested, here are the bistro's details:
Address: 6 rue des Tournelles, 75004 Paris
Phone: +33 1 57 40 99 96
Website: https://www.bistrotdestournelles.com/
Instagram: @bistrotdestournelles
7. Best for frog legs and French onion soup: La Poule au Pot
Located in the historic market neighborhood of Les Halles, this upscale establishment is a quintessential example of French bourgeois cuisine. Originally a butcher's shop, it has transformed into a glamorous bistro since 1935 and has become a favorite among celebrities. Renowned Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Piège and his wife Elodie have expertly managed the restaurant since 2018.
The ambiance is characterized by gaudy baby-pink tablecloths, glittering Art Deco mosaics, and tassel lampshades, creating a luxurious setting. Brass plaques adorn the Bordeaux-red banquette seating, commemorating the numerous artists, actors, and rock stars who have dined here over the years.
La Poule's signature dish, gratinée à l’oignon (French onion soup), is so beloved that it is served year-round, even during the summer. Classic starters include os à moelle (bone marrow), frog legs, and garlic-parsley butter-drenched snails. Poule au pot, a whole chicken simmered in broth with vegetables, has been a staple since 1935, inspired by King Henri IV's vision of prosperity for all his subjects. Steaks flambéed in pepper sauce and timeless side dishes like mashed potatoes and buttery spinach are served in rustic Le Creuset pots or silver platters for sharing. Desserts offer a sweet finale, with options like île flottante and crêpes suzette.
For those interested, here are the restaurant's details:
Address: 9 rue des Vauvilliers, 75001 Paris
Phone: +33 1 42 36 32 96
Website: https://xn--jeanfranoispiege-jpb.com/la-poule-au-pot
Instagram: @lapouleaupotparis/
