Paris: Food for thought
- Elle Bee
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The Random List:
Au Petit Riche: Full of old world charm. A well appointed dining room with private lounges. Showing off original brass fittings (including hat racks and overhead light fixtures which were once gas lamps). A good Loire valley wine list to go with well executed traditional French food.
9th Arrondissement
Metro: Opéra (Lines 3,7 and 8)
Bonhomie: A contemporary Mediterranean restaurant and bar. Vibrant atmosphere and listed in the Michelin guide.
10th Arrondissement
Metro: Bonne Nouvelle (Lines 8 and 9).
Brasserie LIPP: An institution founded in 1880. Super traditional menu with service to match. It’s a “tick the box” choice. Frequented by writers and politicians alike, it quickly became a hub of gastronomy and intellectual life.
6th Arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4)
La Coupole: Typical French brasserie in Montparnasse. Opened in 1927, it is a memorial to the French capital’s Art Deco legacy. The menu has a strong emphasis on seafood but there is one quirky dish worth trying: their famous Lamb curry. Great for groups and celebrations.
14th Arrondissement
Metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (Lines 4, 6, 12, and 13)
Les Deux Colombes: A cosy neighbourhood gem offering authentic and delicious French cuisine. The perfect great value lunch spot near Saint Chapelle and Notre-Dame de Paris.
4th Arrondissement
Metro: Cité (Line 4)
Jaja: A lovely space that is a mix of historic architecture, atelier, and modernity. Great lunch spot in the Marais with an interesting wine menu near Musée National Picasso.
4th Arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1) and Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11)
Le Perraudin: Located in the Latin Quarter. A charming, quaint, traditional French bistro. Unpretentious and good value.
5th Arrondissement
RER: Luxembourg (Line B)
Le Procope: Said to be the oldest Restaurant – Café – Glacier in Paris. Slightly touristy but dependable classic French menu.
6th Arrondisement
Metro: Odéon (Lines 4 and 10)
Roof: As it says on the tin…offering a bird’s eye view of Paris. Trendy cocktails, small eats and desserts in a lush rooftop garden setting. A great venue for a fun evening out with friends. Be prepared to queue if walking in. (Located in the Hôtel Madame Rêve).
1st Arrondissement
Metro: Les Halles (Line 4) and Sentier (Line 3)
Le Rosebud: Opened in 1962, and it's name? A tribute to the last word uttered by the dying protagonist in Orson Welles's Citizen Kane (1941). A gem of bar with an authentic speakeasy vibe. Dim Lighting, low key and discreet. No web page. Found here: 11 bis rue Delambre.
14th Arrondisement
Metro: Edgar Quinet (Line 6)
Yakuza by Olivier: Japanese + Mediterranean. A winning combination from Olivier da Costa, one of Portugal's most prestigious chefpreneurs. Definitely one for special occasions. And for spotting the the latest fashions. Think Emily in Paris...
Temporarily closed for works at the time of writing (Nov. 2025).
9th Arrondissement
Metro: Opéra (Lines 3, 7, and 8) and Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette (Lines 7 and 9)
(updated November 2025)
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