Top 10 Restaurants in Paris For Any Budget

Paris is known universally as the City of Light — but of course is also the Cité of Amazing Cuisine. Add these outstanding restaurants to your “to dine for” list  the next time you are in Paris.

The list was compiled by cuisine cognoscenti Belinda Leong of 2 Michelin Star restaurant, Manresa, and comes to us courtesy of luxury hotel resource The Kiwi Collection. We should also note that by no means is this list limited only to break-the-bank restaurants. Some of these favorites include hole-in-the-wall  eateries that are easy on the wallet but certain to impress even the most discerning palates. Bon appetite!

1. Le Comptoir Du Relais
If you can only try one place out of this list, then make it Le Comptoir, where you may just experience the best meal of your life. If you go for dinner, you must make reservations in advance and be prepared to have the set menu. However, you can walk in for lunch (12-3PM) and order a la carte. The chef is Yves Camdeborde and the GM is Daniel Boulud’s nephew.
Must Try: Pig’s feet, sliced pork belly, brandade, cochon de lait, fois gras and haricot vert salad, soups, charcuterie and beef cheek.
Address: 9, Carrefour de l’Odéon

2. L’Avant Comptoir
This is an excellent place for French tapas. It has limited seating and is located next door to Le Comptoir.
Must Try: pig’s feet stuffed with oxtail, brandade, charcuterie, ribs, croquettes.
Address: 9, Carrefour de l’Odéon

3. L’Ami Jean
A must-try for dinner but make sure you call ahead to make a reservation. Get the 3 courses for 34 EU. The chef is Stephan Lego.
Address: 27,rue Malar, 75007 Paris, France

4. Bistrot Paul Bert
This is a quaint, classic French brasserie. The menu changes regularly on the blackboard. Get the 34-euro, three-course menu. Chef also came from the Michelin star restaurant, Le Regalade.
Address: 18, rue Paul Bert, 11e, Paris, 75011

5. L’as Du Falafel
This is the most popular falafel spot. You can order at the window, which is just 5eu, or if you eat inside, it is 7eu. This place is CLOSED Friday and Saturday
Must try: Get a falafel with everything in it (2 types of cabbage, hummus, tzatziki, eggplant, spicy sauce, falafel) Also, try the chicken. (this isn’t called falafel, just order chicken and they will know. It has everything the same as a falafel, but with chicken instead)
Address: 34 rue des Rosiers

6. Pierre Herme
Known as “The King of French Pastry”. Be prepared to wait in line to get your fix of macarons, cakes and croissants.
Must Try: Litchi Raspberry Croissant, Tarte Vanille, Tarte Cafe, 2000 Millefeuille, Isaphan, Croissant and Kouign-Aman

7. Breizh Cafe
Regarded as one of the best creperies. Try the galettes (savoury crêpes made out of buckwheat flour).
Address: 109, rue Vieille du Temple

8. Le Chateaubriand
This is another great French brasserie for dinner, in fact, one of the most popular brasseries amongst “chefs” right now. The brasserie offers a fixed five-course menu every night.
Make sure you call ahead for a reservation. Phone: +33 1 43 57 45 95
Address: 129 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France

9. Laduree
The pioneers of the double decker Macaron since 1862, you will find yourself in macaron heaven upon setting foot in this patisserie. There are shops throughout Paris and you can also get great gifts like caramel black tea and hot chocolate in their iconic pastel green packaging.
Must Try: Caramel macaron is splendid, and they are one of the only shops that use real caramel.

10. Berthillon
MOST popular ice cream shop/tea salon in Paris. Delightfully good. Located near the Notre Dame.
Must Try: There are over 60 flavours to choose from, but two of my favourites included the Caramel au beurre salé (salted butter caramel) and Café Dauphinoix (coffee and chocolate).
Address: 31 Rue St Louis en l’ile