When in Paris: Dining Guide

First day sights in Paris. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

First time in Paris and I basically ate my way through the city … no regrets, only cravings. Thought I might tire of croissants, vin chaud, macarons, mais non! If anything, I wish I had more time to enjoy every Parisian café, and then some. Here’s a little food diary from some of the cafés and restaurants that made this trip unforgettable, and maybe even a nugget or two of what I had there to make your job ordering from the menu tres facile.

Gorge holiday decor at Novotel. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Greem Restaurant at Novotel Hotel
I spent a few days staying at the Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel, just walking distance from the Eiffel and along the Seine, so it only made sense that we try the on-site offerings at least once. This was the easiest (and coziest) way to start my Paris food journey. After a long travel day, I didn’t have to go far - just good food, warm vibes, and a relaxed buffet to ease into the city. They had a good spread for dinner and even better for dessert.

Crepes to begin the day. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Bistro Marbeuf
Tucked near the glamorous Champs-Élysées, this felt like stepping into a Parisian postcard. Ornate interiors, soft lighting, and the dreamiest breakfast - honestly didn’t want to leave, especially since this was on our first full day sightseeing. I’d have loved to come back for dinner too. Had a yummy hot chocolate, a Nutella banana crêpe, a classic jam crêpe, and fresh orange juice too – plenty fuel for the day and the first of many of each of these items on this trip. 

Rainy day views from Cafe du Musee. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Cafe du Musée
Perfect for a mid-sightseeing pause, this spot felt like a warm hug between museum visits. More precisely, right after the visit to the Rodin Museum where unfortunately the café on-site was closed. Cozy, simple, and exactly where you want to slow down and recharge, the service and venue were warm and soulful. We had what was possibly the best French onion soup of our visit, paired with a beef burger and an Irish whiskey to suit the chilly weather. 

Quaint spot for brekkie. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Cafe Louise
Right in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, surrounded by charming streets and boutiques, was this inviting little café. This was light Parisian breakfast done right: flaky croissant, pain au chocolat, fresh fruit salad, hot chocolate, and orange juice. Pure comfort, courteous service, and a short respite from the chill in the air. While this is on the other side of the river, it made for a lovely stroll over to the Louvre just in time for our noon entry.

Going Italian in Paris. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Cafe Crescendo/Sette
Full disclosure that the plan was to eat at a French place next door to here but on a rainy evening, that spot had such a long queue that we did not have the patience to wait, and popped to the spot adjacent so Italian it was! Located in Montparnasse which is a historic district in the south of Paris, this was a gem of a find. The menu had all the favorites - fresh pastas, creamy sauces, and pizzas that smelled as good as they tasted, and cocktails to match. 

Silky flan for the win. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Cafe Jacques
Café Jacques is located in the heart of the garden at the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac. This is also a short distance from the Eiffel Tower and make for a good photo spot. A quick and simple brekkie here of hot chocolate and silky flan was just the amount of sugar high perfection we needed for a sweet little pause before heading to the museum for the better part of the next two hours almost enjoying all the exhibits. 

Sold on this veal stew. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Cafe Jeannette
A little away from the tourist rush, this one felt more local and intimate. One of my favorites, in fact! Cozy vibes with vin chaud, a hearty veal stew with pilaf rice (I was in love!), and a beautiful butternut squash velouté topped with cream and roasted seeds. So comforting and just the warmth needed after a windy morning visit to the Montparnasse Tower across the street. Talk about the perfect location!

Cheesy and worth it. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Au Vieux Châtelet
Just steps from the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral, this was the perfect quick stop while wandering through historic Paris and taking on the long lines at the cathedral followed by a Big Bus tour as well. Tried the iconic croque madame with pineapple juice – simple, crispy, cheesy, and absolutely worth it. Classic food in a picture-perfect location. Just the right amount of brekkie to last us till the evening came around.

Here for the lamb chops and beef bourguignon. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Le Dante Latin Quarter
This spot has no website but it’s a short walk from the Notre Dame Cathedral so you should be able to find it on Google Maps or ask around. It’s tucked into a quieter street around a corner, so felt like a cozy little find away from the crowds. We stepped in just in time for lunch service and it was intimate, warm, and all about slow, classic French dining. Thoroughly enjoyed their lamb chops and beef bourguignon. An unforgettable meal. If you want just a little break though or another option in the area then Café Panis has you covered. We stopped here for some coffee and pastries during an evening break form sightseeing but the spot seems perfect for any meal all day long. 

Soup and rolls for the weary shopper. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Cafe de l’Opéra
Right by the grand Palais Garnier and Galeries Lafayette is this French bistro perfect for people-watching but also to rest your feet and back after an indulgent shopping spree. Decided on a fun spread of French onion soup, lobster rolls, and even chicken tenders, and downed it all with some utterly delicious vin chaud. That gourmet fiesta warranted a return to the hotel room for a siesta spread too!

A fitting farewell. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

Cafe de l’Olympia
This spot caught our attention when walking around the 9th arrondissement. Bonus points that it was walking distance from the hotel we stayed at so when the evening brought some raindrops, this was a quick and easy choice. Hearty comfort foods like grilled chicken and steak with veggies were the choice for our last meal in the city and we drowned both our happiness and sorrows in our last glasses of vin chaud for this visit. 

A+ for convenience. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

​Hotel Dress Code
A special mention for this centrally located venue that was super easy to get around from. Their buffet breakfast is great value, and the store right next door makes for easy menu choices should you want something extra filling. Waking up here and heading out to explore Paris just felt effortless. And their honor bar with select snack and beverage options at the lobby during the day was a nice touch.

Hope you enjoyed this little review list of Parisian restaurants and found it helpful. Let me know your experience if you go. If you enjoyed reading this post, then hit that coffee cup at the bottom of your screen to support my work. I pen these articles from my own experiences and share information that might assist in planning a better visit for you.

If you want to experience the French culture in Los Angeles, then get my book Around the World in Los Angeles as a reference resource!​

Author

Ruksana Hussain is the publisher and editor of Traveler and Tourist digital magazine, author of Around the World in Los Angeles, and award-winning journalist and writer at RH Media Consulting. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook or through the Contact Form.