Where Do Locals Eat in Paris? A Complete Guide

Paris is not just the City of Love; it’s also one of the world’s food capitals. I thought it was overrated, but it’s not. Croissants, baguettes, and macarons really taste better here!

However, because of its popularity, the city is also filled with tourist-trap restaurants. If you’re heading to Paris and wondering, “Where do locals eat in Paris?”— I wrote this guide for you.

From bistros, cafes, boulangeries, and cafes to fine dining and affordable Michelin-star restaurants, you’ll find a place you’ll love. Happy exploring and eating in Paris!

French Bistros

If you’re looking for where the locals head for hearty, budget-friendly meals, start with the bistros. These cozy, informal French restaurants are usually open only during lunch and dinner, serving up classic comfort foods like steak frites, onion soup, and crème brûlée—just the way they’ve been enjoyed for generations.

I’ve also written an extensive list of the best French bistros in Paris here.

Le Bon Georges

Le Bon Georges in the 9th arrondissement is in Saint-Georges, a neighborhood thriving with parties and theater. 

This humble corner shop transforms from an everyday bistro into an upscale dining area for wine enthusiasts. They nail the classics, from the everyday chocolate mousse to the chef’s tartare. 

Le Bon Georges also takes pride in a wide selection of exquisite wines in their cellar for which they won a Wine List of the Year 2024 award. 

Les Arlots in SoPi

Les Arlots in SoPi (South Pigalle) in the 10th arrondissement is where locals eat in Paris when they crave comfort food without all the frills. They serve generous helpings of meaty dishes with wine for less than €30. 

What makes every visit to SoPi interesting is that their menu changes daily. Each visit is a new experience, but there are some things you can expect to stay the same: the seasonal ingredients and their full, buzzing dining area. 

Bouillon Pigalle

Where do locals eat in Paris? They rush to Bouillon Pigalle, a brasserie in the 18th arrondissement, just near Montmartre. 

Bouillon Pigalle offers tasty, hearty, and affordable bistro-style food–perfect for the Parisian or tourist tired from a day in the bustling city. 

With 300 seats filled every day, it lives up to the ‘bouillon’ label. French bouillons serve food at a price for the masses without compromising taste and quality. Try their award-winning egg mayo for less than €3. 

Casual Restaurants

Not every casual restaurant in Paris sticks strictly to French cuisine, even though all bistros fall into that casual category.

If you’re in the mood for something different—maybe a unique theme, an international twist, or even a fusion with a French flair—yet still want an affordable, laid-back vibe, check out these top casual dining spots in Paris.

Mokonuts

Not far from Opera Bastille lies a quaint neighborhood restaurant brought to life by a Japanese-Lebanese couple.

Mokonuts only has a small menu of daily specials, but this and their friendly service keep diners coming back. 

The pair has mastered creating savory dishes and pastries with Middle Eastern flair, as seen in the response to their labne and cookies. Expect that their 12 tables are almost always full for breakfast and lunch service. 

Afendi

Another Lebanese restaurant is livening up the food scene in the 10th arrondissement. Afendi is the life project of a father-son duo who share a passion for sharing street food from Lebanon with the world.

Afendi offers falafels, shawarma, and sweet baklavas, and more. It also turns into a €34 all-you-can-eat brunch spot on Sundays, a hit for those who can’t get enough of their freshly-made mezzes. 

Chào bà restaurant

Chao bà is a Vietnamese food spot in the 13th arrondissement, just next to Place d’Italie. Their facade may be easy to miss but they’ve still become one of the best local restaurants in Paris France.

Among many Asian restaurants in the district, it stands out for its wide vegetarian selections, Vietnamese buns, spring rolls, and ice cream. Rave reviews by diners even say this is the ‘best Vietnamese culinary experience in Paris’.

Boulangeries (Bakeries)

You simply can’t leave Paris without stopping by its charming boulangeries. I’m not usually one to indulge in bread, but in Paris, I’d happily eat it every single day. Here are some of the best local bakeries to find baguettes, croissants, macarons, and so much more!

Mamiche

Mamiche is a famous boulangerie found in the 9th and 10th arrondissements. They fill their displays with 100% homemade and freshly baked pain (bread), picture-perfect beignets, galettes (traditional French crusted cake), and more.

Cream-filled pastries go for as low as €1.50 and other breads can be bought by weight so you can sample as many breads as you like without buying whole loaves. Try their chocolate-filled brioche (babka) for a well-deserved sweet treat.

Boulangerie du Sentier

This boulangerie probably has one of the most eye-catching exteriors in the 2nd arrondissement. The vibrant red-orange entrance of Boulangerie du Sentier is a sneak peek into the divine taste of their kosher-friendly offerings. 

Their kouign-amann and chocolate chip cookies are well-loved classics, but they’re not afraid to break tradition with newer items like cookie dough croissants–moist, indulgent, and irresistible. 

Boulangerie du Sentier has an active Instagram page for their mouth-watering creations. 

La Maison d’Isabelle

When people come to Paris in search of the perfect croissant, they go to La Maison d’Isabelle. 

This award-winning boulangerie in the 5th arrondissement snagged the first price in 2018 for the best butter croissant in Paris. That’s a big deal in a country with thousands of bakeries offering the flaky treat.

La Maison d’Isabelle also offers sweeter items like eclairs and cakes topped with fresh seasonal fruit.

Braserries

For a lively atmosphere and a wider selection of food and drinks, especially if you’re with a big group, head to a brasserie—a French-style eatery known for its hearty dishes, fresh seafood, and extensive drink list.

The best part? Their menu and drinks are often available until midnight!

Brasserie Rosie

In the 11th arrondissement, Brasserie Rosie offers over 200 seats for diners looking for classic French food reminiscent of old Paris.

Everything here is homemade and sourced from more than 130 suppliers, guaranteeing freshness and taste.

Two young owners started Brasserie Rosie seeking to revive true brasserie culture without the steep prices.

Diners of all ages can enjoy dining surrounded by their pastel interiors, a dynamic cocktail bar, and artistic desserts. 

Brasserie Bellanger

Brasserie Bellanger, situated near the Paris Nord, commits to staying true to the French tradition from farm to table. It’s also one of the best non touristy restaurants in Paris. 

The brasserie uses short-circuit sourcing for each ingredient so no imported goods are used. Try the French classics: onion soup, Auvergne snails, or steak and frites, and taste how much justice they give to local cuisine. 

Brasserie Des Prés

Brasserie des Près in the 6th arrondissement is part of Brasserie Bellanger’s family of shops. It thus follows the same vision while offering a more ‘bourgeois’ style of dining. 

This brasserie exudes joy all day, from the sunny noon lunch on its terraces to the evenings of dancing and music.

Their dessert menu says: “You only live once”. Try the dark chocolate cake, a perfect end to a night in the City of Love.

Cafés

A visit to a Parisian café is more than just the coffee (though the coffee is definitely worth it). These cafés have long been meeting grounds for artists, writers, and philosophers.

Plus, many of them are set in iconic locations, offering perfect views of Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

Holybelly

Holybelly is the perfect energizer before a busy day. They probably flip hundreds of pancakes in their cafe in the 10th arrondissement daily for all-day breakfast.  

Staying true to the breakfast theme, they have their very own ‘Mystic Mornings’ coffee blend with hints of dark chocolate and hazelnuts. Diners can order a cup or buy a bag of grounds to take home. 

Their motto ‘It’s good because we care’ is reflected in their clean food and friendly service. 

Le Café Mirabelle

Le Cafe Mirabelle is the labor of love of Marion Goettlé, a talented chef who creates beautiful pastries inspired by her upbringing in Alsace, France. This cafe is in the 11th arrondissement near Le Marais, a historic Parisian neighborhood.

Trust that the pastries here, towering with cream and fruit, will always be the star of the show. After dessert, diners can choose from a list of teas and freshly pressed juices to wind down the meal.

Fringe

Coffee enthusiasts would say that each steaming cup is art. At Fringe, they live by the artistry and lifestyle behind making the perfect shot of espresso, even dedicating a photography studio to it. 

Interesting mixes of granola accompany their barista’s blends. There’s matcha granola, an espresso mascarpone granola, and even a granola cookie bowl.

Guests can leaf through Fringe’s books and scan their exhibits to elevate the coffee appreciation experience.

Fine Dining

For a special occasion or just to treat yourself, Paris offers some of the finest dining experiences imaginable.

The city boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and world-renowned chefs who combine traditional French techniques with inventive flavors. It’s one of the best money you’ll ever spend.

Chefs à Table

Chefs à Table in the 11th arrondissement has quickly become a destination restaurant in Paris, thanks to their signature strengths: vegetarian choices, great wine, and impeccable service. Their rich non-vegetarian menu must not be underestimated either. 

The restaurant’s offerings can be navigated by guests easily with fixed menus. The lunch set is €30 with three courses (a starter, entrée, and dessert), while a six-course menu is €60, a reasonable price for the imaginative dishes they create. 

ASPIC

In ASPIC, a one-Michelin-star restaurant in the 9th arrondissement, there’s no pressure to choose from a lengthy menu. Diners can just trust their experienced cooks to surprise them with the best of modern French cuisine night after night. 

This gourmet restaurant only serves one seven-course menu at €119 for weekday dinners. All dishes are made from fresh and ethically sourced ingredients.

For an even more memorable dining experience, they encourage wine pairings and offer custom cocktails or craft beer. 

Pertinence

Food is a work of art in Pertinence. This restaurant–just down the street from the Eiffel Tower–is run by two high-caliber Japanese chefs who have elegantly sprinkled an Asian touch into French cuisine.

Only 14 guests per service are allowed in their gold-adorned dining area. A lunch menu with 3 courses is €80, while a six-course tasting menu is €155. Their special Japanese sakes (rice wine) are worth a shot. 

Michelin Star

Paris boasts the second largest collection of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. With 122 incredible spots to choose from, it’s one of the top places to dive into a Michelin dining experience.

And don’t let the prestigious reputation scare you off—there are actually quite a few affordable options. I found several Michelin-starred meals for under 50 euros!

Eels

Eels in the 10th arrondissement attract a hip crowd due to their ‘bistronomique’ quality, a term for places that combine the casual atmosphere of a bistro with the food of fine dining restaurants. 

One can quickly guess what their star ingredient is. Eels. Their specialty, an eel dish with apples, is the brainchild of their young chef-owner. It’s a hit among hundreds of diners along with their tasting menu and eccentric wine collection. 

Kei

Kei, just near the Louvre Museum, is the product of Chef Kei Kobayashi’s intensive culinary training in both Japan and France. This restaurant has earned 3 Michelin stars while maintaining an unwavering love for nature and tradition. 

Most notable about their menu is the Prestige set where a diner can choose from an array of meat choices including wagyu.

Their €450 Truffle menu is also a must-try for those who are going full luxury. 

Granite

Granite is near the Seine River, Pont Neuf, and the Palais Royal, making it a great stop after a romantic walk along the 1st arrondissement. 

The team at Granite is committed to sustainability. It supports local small business owners and advocates zero waste in its kitchen operations.

They’re best known for serving fresh seafood like clams and shrimp and having a cellar of wine from new or lesser-known winegrowers. 

Chocolate Shops

Chocolate shops hardly need an introduction—at least not for me. There’s just something inherently romantic about enjoying a piece of chocolate, especially during a picnic in Paris.

You, your favorite person, a piece of chocolate, and the Eiffel Tower? That’s pure romance.

Chocolate Alain Ducasse

There’s just something that feels so right about eating chocolate in a romantic city. In Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse, chocolate is not only a guilty pleasure. It is a canvas for creativity. 

Think of any form of chocolate you know and it can be found in Alain Ducasse’s roster of chocolate masterpieces. They have bars, hazelnut spreads, pralines, candied oranges, hot chocolate mix, and more. 

Their shop is in the 11th arrondissement, near Rue Cremieux.

Patrick Roger

Each piece of chocolate from Patrick Rogers is handpainted by their talented chocolatiers. The shop in the 6th arrondissement is a marvel in itself: an all-black interior with spotlights focused on their chocolate displays and sculptures. 

One of their rare creations is the half-spheres covered in a dark chocolate shell, caramel, and honey. They resemble little luminescent planets that are too pretty to eat. Classic pralines, almonds, and assorted boxes are also available. 

La Maison du Chocolat

La Maison du Chocolat (The House of Chocolate) creates gift sets for every occasion: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, you name it. They have a box for it. 

They also create statement pieces like giant easter egg arrangements made entirely from chocolate. This inventiveness is what brought them from their first branch in the 8th arrondissement to 10 boutiques in 2024. 

Markets and Speciality Shops

Last on the list, but definitely my favorite, are the lively market streets where locals do their shopping.

While you’ll see them picking out fresh ingredients for their meals, there’s so much to enjoy right then and there—like freshly baked bread, pastries, chocolates, fruits, and even local wines, all at local prices!

I loved just watching people go about their daily routines, getting a real sense of their everyday life.

Rue Cler

Rue Cler is where the locals eat in Paris at least once in their life. It is the city’s most famous market street for good reason: there’s something for everyone. 

Even if you plan on just walking along its cobbled streets, the fresh pastries, fruits, cheeses, and meats on the street displays will call out to you. Rue Cler is just 10 minutes away from Champ de Mars where you can take your haul and eat with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Fromagerie Trotté

If there’s any food pairing France does best, it’s cheese (fromage) and wine (vin). Fromagerie Trotté is the best place to start if you’re seeking to experience that kind of flavor explosion. 

Shelves of cheese–from the popular kind like comté to obscure kinds like Tomme de Lapereau–line their entire shop.

Their staff helps every customer choose what fits their taste so they don’t get overwhelmed by the abundance of choices. 

Épicerie Primeur Terroirs d’Avenir

Épicerie Primeur Terroirs d’Avenir is more than just a typical grocery store in the 17th arrondissement. They are one of the many shops all over Paris from the Terroirs D’Avenir brand, a famous supporter of peasant agriculture and sustainable fishing. 

This épicerie only sells seasonal produce, encouraging their patrons to adapt these bounties in their cooking instead of buying imported goods. It is perfect for everyday needs like eggs, fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, and bread. 

Paris is undeniably beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming, especially with all the pricey tourist trap restaurants. I hope this list has given you a couple of spots to check out, so you can enjoy a true Parisian dining experience the way the locals do.

If you give any of these places a try, I’d love to hear about it—let me know how it went!