There are more than 44,000 restaurants in the French capital – so how le heck are you supposed to know where to start? The search for a decent place to eat may feel a little daunting here, but we think we can help. Whether it’s a gourmet bistro for a memorable night with friends, a grab-and-go lunch spot, a legendary junk food fix or a tasting menu skirting three figures, this hit list of the 50 absolute best restaurants in Paris should keep you going for months on end.
And how exactly did we whittle them down? We may have reviewed thousands of restaurants in our time, but to compile this bible of what’s what on the Paris food scene right now, we paid particularly close attention to criteria like creativity, warmth, buzz and service. Oh, and just what we personally like, too. We don’t review on a complimentary basis and we pay for everything we order, just like any other diner.
From €5 bao buns to elaborate lab-spawn creations you have to dress up for, we reckon this ultimate dining-out guide has pretty much all tastes and budgets down. So whether you’re after a killer cheap eat, you’re hankering after something vegan, or you actually care about your Michelin stars, you’re in for a treat if you follow our advice in the City of Light. Just remember to pack some baggy trousers!
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