Great Local Chef Restaurants in Paris
Paris is known as one of the culinary capitals of the world, and all sorts of chefs work in the city as a rite of passage. The ones who stay to open restaurants are the best of the best, so you can enjoy world-class cuisine made with a passion for flavour and quality when you eat at one of their restaurants.
Local Paris chefs are committed to quality and attention to detail, offering a luxurious dining experience unrivalled by alternatives throughout the city. Try some of the great local chef restaurants in Paris and discover what solidifies Paris's place as a culinary powerhouse.
1.Café de Flore
A legendary coffee house with an art deco flair
Café de Flore, a famous coffee house and one of the oldest in the city, is known for offering delicious breakfast food and for its high-profile clientele. This cafe rose to prominence due to its popularity among big-name philosophers and writers like Remy de Gourmont and Jean-Paul Sartre.
When you visit, you can enjoy the historic ambience among the Art Deco decor that has remained since the last major change around World War II. It's conveniently located on the west side of Monnaie, just a short walk from the Saint-Germain-des-Pres metro station.
Location: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Open: Daily from 7.30 am to 1.30 am
Phone: +33 1 45 48 55 26
2.Le Chardenoux
Dine in a Belle Epoque-era restaurant
Le Chardenoux is a historic restaurant that embodies the aesthetic of old Paris while offering notable seafood favourites that go beyond typical French fare. It's run by celebrity chef Cyril Lignac, so you can count on the latest culinary trends being employed here.
The dining experience at this restaurant is complemented by a variety of clever cocktails you won't want to miss out on. In fact, some patrons come solely for the bar, so don't hesitate to indulge if that's something you're interested in. You'll find it all in the 11th Arr., just south of the Charonne metro station.
Location: 1 Rue Jules Vallès, 75011 Paris, France
Open: Daily from noon to 2.30 pm amd from 7 pm to 11 pm
Phone: +33 1 43 71 49 52
3.Frenchie
Big flavour abounds in this tiny restaurant
Frenchie is a small and modest-looking restaurant, but you'll find bursts of flavour inside with produce-centred cooking you won't want to miss. The restaurant is run by chef Gregory Marchand, who draws on years of experience to create stunning flavours that take advantage of everything fresh ingredients are capable of.
This restaurant looks quite unassuming at first glance, but it's always packed for a reason. The mouthwatering flavours mean you'll have to make a reservation in advance, as people are always trying to get a table here. You can try this Michelin star-winning restaurant in southeast Sentier near the city centre.
Location: 5 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, France
Open: Monday–Friday from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm (closed Saturday–Sunday)
Phone: +33 1 40 39 96 19
4.Benoit Paris
Elevate your dining experience in this high-end bistro
Benoit Paris is a delightful bistro where you'll find delicious French food, a lively atmosphere and a bit of historical value all in 1 place. The food here celebrates French classics, including beef tongue and snails served in their shells. If you're looking for authenticity, this is one of the best restaurants in town.
When you visit Benoit Paris, you'll be able to tell that it dates back more than a century, given the vintage yet stylish decor. Additionally, this restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star, so you know you're in for a treat. It's all located right in the city centre, just west of the Hotel de Ville metro station.
Location: 20 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris, France
Open: Daily from noon to 2 pm, and from 7.30 pm to 9.30
Phone: +33 1 42 72 25 76
5.L'Arpège
A master works magic with vegetables at this local icon
L'Arpège is an iconic restaurant where you can enjoy vegetable-based cuisine made with ingredients grown in the onsite garden. The chef here is a gardener as well as a master of the culinary arts, and he grows and gathers his ingredients himself.
When you visit this restaurant, you'll be able to taste the skill and the inherent value in a freshness that only comes from producing ingredients onsite. This restaurant has been awarded 3 Michelin stars, the highest rating possible, so a visit here ensures you're in for a treat. It's located west of the city centre around the corner from the Varenne metro station.
Location: 84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Open: Monday–Friday from noon to 2.30 pm, and from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm (closed Saturday–Sunday)
Phone: +33 1 47 05 09 06
6.Clamato
Treat yourself to Michelin-starred seafood
Clamato is a no-reservations seafood restaurant where you can taste the creations of chef Bertrand Grébaut in a welcoming and unassuming setting. This restaurant is a hidden gem and a must-try. The next night try the more-famous Septime, which is right next door.
When you visit Clamato, you'll find brilliant seafood dishes like Maldon Oysters and smoked eel. Of course, the exact items on offer change based on what's available in the market. You can get to this restaurant in the Bastille area just west of the Charonne metro station.
Location: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, France
Open: Wednesday–Friday from noon to 2.30 pm, and from 7 pm to 11 pm, Saturday–Sunday from noon to 11 pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)
Phone: +33 1 43 72 74 53
7.Bistrot Paul Bert
Try traditional French dining
Bistrot Paul Bert is a traditional restaurant where you can taste classic French cuisine in an alluring bistro setting. On the menu here, you can enjoy classics like white asparagus and Côte de Boeuf. Just keep in mind that what's specifically available will vary based on the season.
When you visit this restaurant, it's important to remember that it's well suited for a variety of tastes and experiences. They get a lot of English-speaking travellers, so the traditional French menu has plenty of options that people used to English food would still enjoy. Try it out for yourself just east of the city centre in the 11th arrondissement.
Location: 18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris, France
Open: Monday–Friday from noon to 2.30 pm and from 7.30 am to 11 pm (closed Saturday–Sunday)
Phone: +33 1 43 72 24 01
8.Pierre Gagnaire
Immerse yourself in luxury and lighthearted sophistication
Pierre Gagnaire is a fine-dining restaurant named after the chef himself where you'll find delicious food embodying the personality of the chef. Gagnaire is known for his humour and playful demeanour, and that's exactly what you'll find among the dishes, though it never takes the place of delicious flavour.
When you visit this restaurant, you'll find a luxurious experience that's reflected in the menu. If you're looking for a more affordable option, be sure to visit during lunch rather than dinner. You can get to this restaurant in Hôtel Balzac in the 8th arrondissement.
Location: 6 Rue Balzac, 75008 Paris, France
Open: Monday–Friday from noon to 1.30 pm, and from 7.30 am to 9.30 pm (closed Saturday–Sunday)
Phone: +33 1 58 36 12 50
9.L’Avant Comptoir
Don't miss out on this standing-room-only restaurant
L’Avant Comptoir is a tapas bar where you'll find top quality in every last item on the menu, coupled with a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere. The charcuterie selection here is particularly popular, so it's a great choice if you're looking for something delicious and quick.
Chef Yves Camdeborde is in control here, offering stunning pork dishes and more that reflect great culinary talent. The drink selection is also quite impressive, with plenty of wine available. Try it out for yourself in southern Monnaie.
Location: 14 Rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris, France
Open: Daily from noon to 11 pm
Phone: +33 1 44 27 07 97
10.Le Baratin
A retro bistro with a casual atmosphere
Le Baratin is a popular bistro helmed by Raquel Carena and featuring incredible dishes and plenty of wine on offer. Embodying a retro bistro style, the Argentine chef is a master of bistronomy, letting you enjoy some of the best options in the entire city with food that's simultaneously delicate and hearty.
The menu here is written on a blackboard, and the decor itself is quite casual with nothing too gaudy or garish. The selection of wines is quite varied, so you can always find a delicious pairing to complement your meal. You'll find it all in western Belleville, about a mile out from the city centre.
Location: 3 Rue Jouye-Rouve, 75020 Paris, France
Open: Hours may vary
Phone: +33 1 43 49 39 70
