CLASSIC PARISIAN BISTROS
Discover the charm of typical Parisian bistros, where the authentic atmosphere and the finest French dishes come together. Where do you eat the best French fries, order escargots, and find the best bistro terrace without cars racing by? I’ll tell you in this blog and share my favorite bistros in Paris.
PAUL CHÊNE
Paul Chêne began in the 16th arrondissement, just a stone’s throw from Trocadéro, making it a perfect lunch stop for those visiting the Eiffel Tower. The restaurant also has a location on rue du Cherche-Midi in the 6th arrondissement.
Paul Chêne has a timeless interior with checkered tablecloths adorning the tables. A deliberate choice to forego music allows the natural sounds of the bistro to create a lively atmosphere. Their menu features classic French dishes such as escargots, andouillette, filet de boeuf with pepper sauce, confit de canard, and the beloved coquillettes (French macaroni) with ham and cheese. The homemade crispy French fries are a must-try.
The Dufour brothers, the owners, have already won awards as young bistro proprietors, and rightfully so. They perfectly cater to the modern Parisians who love dining out without spending a fortune but still enjoy exquisite food. In short, Paul Chêne is the undisputed go-to bistro for those seeking the timeless charm of a genuine Parisian bistro. Paul Chêne, 123 Rue Lauriston, 75116 Paris &, 79 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris.
CHEZ GEORGES
A true classic in the 2nd arrondissement is Chez Georges, a quintessential Parisian bistro located at the charming Place des Petits-Pères. The restaurant is divided into front and back sections, with traditional dishes featured on a handwritten menu. The waiter slides a table out from the tightly packed row so I can take a seat on the bench; that’s how close together the tables are. A highly recommended dish on the menu is the sweetbread, the canard, and for dessert, the profiterole is a must-try.
What makes this bistro unique is the summer terrace at Place des Petits-Pères, offering a view of the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires basilica. This basilica has a special story that I would love to share with you during the Covered Passage tour. Chez Georges, 1 Rue du Mail, 75002 Paris.
COMPTOIR CHARDONNAY
Small, cozy, and offering typical French cuisine at very reasonable prices. The menu includes starters such as oeuf mayo, rillettes on toast, terrine de maison, smoked salmon, and poireaux vinaigrette. For the main course, the pulled pork burger, croque-monsieur, vitello tonnato, and canard are highly recommended. The restaurant is open from 12:00 PM all day until midnight. In the evenings, it’s very cozy with pleasant music playing and a great atmosphere to start your weekend. I recommend mentioning when making a reservation that you would like to dine in the front area of the restaurant. There are high tables with stools, a bench with low tables on the right as you enter, and you can also eat at the bar. Additionally, the restaurant has a terrace on a quiet street. Comptoir Chardonnay, 3 Rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris.
AUX CRUS DE BOURGOGNE
Also located on rue Bachaumont, right next to Comptoir Chardonnay, is the restaurant Aux Crus de Bourgogne, run by the same proprietors. With its classic bistro interior featuring mirrors, red benches, white tablecloths, and a charming terrace, Aux Crus de Bourgogne is the ideal spot for steak frites and other classic French dishes. It offers a slightly more upscale atmosphere compared to Comptoir Chardonnay. Aux Crus de Bourgogne, 3 Rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris
LE PARIS 16
Nestled in the 16th arrondissement, not far from the iconic Trocadéro, Paris 16 has once been crowned the best bistro in Paris. This charming eatery offers a quintessential Parisian bistro menu, featuring dishes such as oeufs mayonnaise, pâté en croûte, steak au poivre, and the highly recommended veal sweetbreads with morels. Dessert lovers will delight in their cherry clafoutis and profiteroles. The menu at Paris 16 evolves with the seasons, ensuring that each visit offers a fresh culinary experience. Every dish is complemented by a fine selection of French wines, carefully curated to enhance your dining experience. Adding to the ambiance, there is a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your meal. Le Paris 16, 18 Rue des Belles Feuilles, 75116 Paris.
CHEZ RENÉ
Since 1846, Chez René has been welcoming guests, offering an authentic Parisian experience from the decor to the dishes. Located at the very beginning of boulevard Saint-Germain, this indispensable restaurant in the Quartier Latin is not too large, contributing to its intimate and warm ambiance. Chez René serves timeless classics such as bœuf bourguignon, carré d’agneau, and cuisse de canard confit. For dessert, you can enjoy well-known favorites like île flottante, crème caramel, and mousse au chocolat. The portions are generous, meeting the expectations of anyone looking for a traditional, generous French meal. Chez René, 14 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris.
CHEZ FRED
A bit further from the city center, but absolutely worth a visit, is Chez Fred. Established in 1945, this restaurant is located on Boulevard Pereire in the 17th arrondissement. While the restaurant still exudes the charm of yesteryears, its decor has been refreshed, polished, and brightened up. Chez Fred offers classic dishes such as lamb chops with thyme jus, beef tartare, and filet of beef with pepper sauce, all accompanied by the finest wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux. Chez Fred, 190 bis Boulevard Pereire, 75017 Paris.
LES MARCHES
Les Marches is a Relais Routier. You can find Relais Routiers all over France, characterized by good, reasonably priced meals featuring classic French dishes and their recognizable red and blue logo. These restaurants were originally created for truck drivers to have a good meal on the road. Les Marches is one of the few in Paris, uniquely located in the shadow of the Museum of Modern Art and within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. It is the perfect address for a classic French lunch or dinner at a reasonable price. Les Marches, 5 Rue de la Manutention, 75116 Paris.
