On your trip to Paris, you cannot fail to book a lunch or dinner at a traditional bistrot, whose hearty dishes are an archetype of Parisian cuisine.
An urban legend has it that the bistrot was invented in Paris after the Napoleonic wars. At the time of the Russian occupation of Paris, Russian soldiers, who were not allowed to drink alcohol for fear of being caught by officers, often used to say to waiters 'bouistro,' meaning 'quick'.
Whatever the truth may be, bistros are certainly part of the soul of Paris, were frequented by famous artists and poets, have a slightly retro style and serve the best of traditional French cuisine. We have put together a useful guide to the best bistros in Paris.
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Paris bistros
Le Bon Georges is one of the best examples of a 'traditional Parisian bistro'. Here you will find a simple menu with authentic dishes served in a cosy atmosphere with wooden tables and a blackboard menu.
Address: 45 Rue Saint-Georges
Le Baratin
In the Belleville neighbourhood, don't miss Le Baratin, a small, delightful, rustic restaurant serving traditional dishes and interesting reinterpretations. It offers organic wines and wines from small producers. Don't miss dishes like tripe and chickpea stew or fried lamb sweetbreads.
Address: 3, rue Jouye-Rouve
Visiting L'Ourcine means taking a trip back in time, everything is unchanged inside. The bistro serves traditional cuisine using zero-kilometre products.
Address: 92, rue de Broca
Paul Bert
In the 11th arrondissement, Paul Bert is the archetypal classic Parisian bistro, with authentic decor and a menu that revolves around baked steak and roast lamb, calf's liver and andouillette. Don't miss the restaurant's cheese platter and homemade desserts such as soufflé.
Address: 22 Rue Paul Bert
A typical Parisian bistro, between Bastille and Gare de Lyon. A la biche au bois is entirely family-run.
For a dinner of starter, main course, side dish, cheese and dessert, you spend around 30 euro per person. We recommend the game dishes, the house speciality. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Mondays only for dinner.
Address: Ledru-Rollin 45 Metro: Gare de Lyon
You will find all the most typical dishes of French cuisine in this vaguely retro, small and cosy bistro setting. Chez Paul is famous for its meat tartare and delicious Tatin, the special apple tart typical of French cuisine. You can sample a nice assortment of crudités and the famous escargot de Bourgogne.
Address: Rue de Charonne 13
A traditional setting where everything evokes old atmospheres. In this bistro you'll find Art Deco windows and exposed woodwork, but the menu has a modern twist with much more focus on vegetables than most bistros. In addition to classic terrines and beef bourguignon, you'll find a main course of fresh vegetables.
Address: 49, rue de Turenne
Chez Marianne
We are in the inexpensive and multi-ethnic Marais district. The right place to eat well and spend little. If you prefer typical French cuisine to a plate of felafel or kebabs or an intriguing mix of Arab-French, kosher and Eastern cuisine, there is no hesitation. The right place is Chez Marianne. For around 25 Euro, you will be brought 10 formidable and plentiful samples, accompanied by a tasty black bread. The falafel, taboulé, hoummus and salade turque are excellent.
Address: Rue Hospitalières St Gervais 2, Metro Hotel de Ville, St. Paul
Perfect for an aperitif or Sunday brunch. The bistro is small but very quaint.
To get to Le Baron Rouge you pass through a delightful fruit and vegetable market.
Address: Rue Theophile Roussel 1
The chef is Gregory Marchand originally from Nantes and nicknamed Frenchie during his London experience at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen and Danny Meyer's Gramercy Tavern in New York. You'll eat unbeatable cream of mushroom soup, delicious berry panna cotta and other traditional but elaborate dishes. Open Tuesday to Friday for dinner only.
Address: Rue du Nil 5.
In the 14th Arrondissement or right next to the Louvre, there is a delightful bistro that we recommend you try. The ambience is that of a vintage 1950s bistro and the average price for a set menu is around 35 euros. Try the coconut milk soup with prawns and grilled noodles. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner.
Address: Rue Saint-Honoré 123
L'Ecurie
The location alone is worth a visit: the bistro is housed in a sort of candle-lit basement cave. It serves excellent dishes at prices that are still not too high. Entering the Quartier Latino, just behind the Pantheon, don't give up if from the outside the dim lights give the impression that it is closed. Try going inside and you will be welcome.
Address: Rue Laplace 2
Le Pantruche
At Le Pantruche, in the Pigalle district, you will find traditional signature cuisine. If you like Foie Gras, don't miss La Pantruche's terrine, tartare and to finish the Soufflé au Grand Marnier.
Address: Rue Victor Massé 3
Retro ambience and close tables. Excellent and traditional cuisine, convivial atmosphere. There are cheaper bistros but a trip to Vins des Pyrenées is definitely worth it.
Address: Rue Beautreillis 25
France
Paris
