Bistros (both spellings are accepted) are an icon of the Parisian (culinary) scene! Smaller and less fancy than brasseries, they’re a top choice for a quick, simple, yet warm and flavorful lunch or dinner! Feeling a little hungry? We’ve rounded up the best bistros in Paris for a quick bite!
Tucked away at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, between the Seine and the Museum of Modern Art, this “Les Routiers”-certified restaurant serves simple, hearty French cuisine—just the way we like it. On the menu: eggs en meurette, steak au poivre, veal blanquette, and a delicious chocolate mousse with Gavotte for dessert. In short, as you can see, this welcoming spot is sure to become your go-to spot!
Bistrot Micheline
This former train station, inaugurated in 1889 during the Paris World’s Fair, hasstood the test of time without losing any of its charm. Today, it has become a very chic Parisian bistro, helmed by three-Michelin-starred chef Gilles Goujon. The cuisine is delicious and seasonal! Your taste buds will thank you.
Le Bistrot Paul Bert
A must-visit? An institution, even! In the 11th arrondissement, on the equally charming Rue Paul Bert, Bistrot Paul Bert delights food critics and Parisian gourmets with its soups, beef cuts in pepper sauce, and its renowned rum baba! Its so-called “home-style” cuisine translates into dishes that are as generous as they are delicious! As the ultimate proof that this spot is cherished by Parisians, the bistro has opened a gift shop where you can buy sweatshirts, caps, and tote bags—and proudly show your love for the place!
Winner of the latest Pudlo Trophy ( 2024–2025) in the“Best Bistro” category, this establishment—which has been open since 1904—is well worth a visit! La Grille Montorgueil is the perfect spot to rediscover classic bistro fare and savor meats, terrines, and fish dishes! Local ingredients and artisanal products take center stage! Need another good reason to head there? This bistro is located right in the heart of Paris, just a stone’s throw from Les Halles, the former “belly” of Paris!
Les Arlots
Make no mistake: just because it’s a bistro doesn’t mean it’s necessarily an old establishment. In the capital, new bistros are popping up all the time, and they’re every bit as good as their predecessors! Among the newer spots, check out Les Arlots. Opened in 2016, this place quickly gained popularity! People go there, among other reasons, for its succulent and comforting sausage and mashed potatoes, enhanced by a truly delicious gravy!
Au Petit Panisse
Not far from the Aligre Market and its many eateries, Le Petit Panisse has carved out a place in the hearts—and stomachs—of the neighborhood’s residents! In its all-wood setting with retro decor, Le Petit Panisse serves bistro cuisine that’s anything but stuffy! Here, they take a few classics of French cuisine and reinterpret them based on the chef’s inspiration and seasonal ingredients: Italian-style beef tartare, mackerel rillettes served with a bread crumble… Plates full of surprises and always delicious, fromappetizer to dessert!
Chez Georges
Another “landmark” on the bistro scene: Chez Georges! People flock here to enjoy homemade, gourmet cuisine without any fuss! Make yourself at home at the table! Whether you’re a regular or just passing through, you’ll always be welcomed into a wonderfully pleasant atmosphere (don’t be surprised if Jean-Gabriel de Bueil, the owner and the heart and soul of this spot, stops by to chat with you)! An added bonus: this spot has a terrace on the Place des Petits Pères —and in Paris, that’s priceless!
Le Cyrano
With Chef Charleyne Valet at the helm, Cyrano is one of the top bistros to visit in the 17th arrondissement! It’s in the heart of this Art Nouveau establishment that this young, spirited chef puts her own playful spin on traditional dishes! It’s a feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate!
Le Bistrot des Tournelles
Cordon bleu with meltedcheese (which everyone loves), beef tenderloin with pepper, or vanilla crème brûlée… the classics of bistro cuisine take center stage at this spot just a stone’s throw from Place des Vosges and Bastille! Inside, the decor is 100% bistro style, with classic chairs, antique mirrors, and engravings… It’s as if nothing has changed in decades!
L’Orillon
It’sa favorite spot among Belleville locals—a great neighborhood joint with a sturdy zinc bar and even an old phone booth! While the atmosphere evokes the past, the kitchen is a hive of activity! Sausage and mashed potatoes with pickled mustard, leeks in vinaigrette served with smoked tuna… Every dish has its own little personal touch! The restaurant was taken over a few years ago and is one of those spots you want to share because the food is good (really good, in fact), seasonal, and affordable! What more could you ask for!
The art of living and tradition are the guiding principles of Nicolas Decatoire, who has turned his bistro, Le Gavroche, into a hangout for friends to enjoy a hearty feast. Just a stone’s throw from the Palais Brongniart, you can enjoy 100% comfort food classics—such as the must-try egg with mayonnaise, country pâté, and veal blanquette—at reasonable prices. Just a stone’s throw from the Stock Exchange, stockbrokers, and the bustling energy of Paris: a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the fine taste of tradition!