As a wedding planner, I don’t recommend specific restaurants because it’s not that simple. Every couple has different tastes, and budgets can vary. What I like might not be what you enjoy. But to help you out, here’s a guide on how to choose the right restaurant for your special day! And special trip. And special everything. Because eating in Paris is so special!
"Bonjour all the beautiful, adventurous, and ambitious ladies, our wonderful brides. And our respect to the intelligent handsome future grooms. Hope you have a good time reading. Let's begin!"
Article by — HELEN
eating in Paris since 2011
our guide
Here’s a general rule to follow:
- Start your day with a hot croissant.
- Restaurants in Paris are only open twice a day: for lunch from 12 to 3 PM, and for dinner from 6:30 to 9 PM. Outside of those hours, they’re closed—except for McDonald’s. Parisians plan their day around meal times, so it’s good to do the same!
- For lunches, check reviews and see what the locals are eating.
- Avoid eating near touristy spots. Why? Because Paris is full of restaurants that cater mainly to tourists, and they’re everywhere. Poor quality and very expensive.
- Avoid any place with English menu.
- For celebrations or special dinners, make sure to reserve at least 2 weeks in advance.
- If you are staying at a hotel, always ask the reception for recommendations, they are locals.
general rules
Start your day with a hot croissant—our number one recommendation! With bakeries on nearly every street, you won’t have to go far. Skip the bland hotel breakfast and ask your reception where to find the best local bakery. You’ll love enjoying fresh croissants and baguettes like a true Parisian!
Our favorite breakfast: a simple baguette with salted butter and a coffee. There’s something special about enjoying it on the go, walking down the streets of Paris, just like a local!
Our favorite breakfast: a simple baguette with salted butter and a coffee. There’s something special about enjoying it on the go, walking down the streets of Paris, just like a local!
Start your day with a hot croissant or a baguette
Restaurants in Paris are only open twice a day—lunch from 12 to 3 PM and dinner from 6:30 to 9 PM. Parisians plan their day around these meal times, so it’s a good idea to do the same. If you are going somewhere, always check the map to see what’s open nearby.
Tips for planning your day:
1. Sightsee in the morning before lunch.
2. Use the afternoon for snacks or shopping when restaurants are closed.
3. Eat early if you have evening plans, as dinner ends by 9 PM.
4. Search for nearby cafés or bakeries for snacks outside meal hours.
Tips for planning your day:
1. Sightsee in the morning before lunch.
2. Use the afternoon for snacks or shopping when restaurants are closed.
3. Eat early if you have evening plans, as dinner ends by 9 PM.
4. Search for nearby cafés or bakeries for snacks outside meal hours.
restaurants are only open twice a day
For a great lunch in Paris (12 to 3 PM), we are not going to the touristy areas. We are opening a Tripadvisor and finding a place on a quiet street.
If there’s no English menu, that’s a good sign! Pick a spot where lots of locals are eating—it usually means the food is good. You should hear a loud french crowd. Before you sit down, take a look at what people are eating to see if it looks tasty to you.
One place we highly recommend is Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, located near the Arc de Triomphe. They specialize exclusively in entrecôtes, and it’s one of our favorite lunch spots. We always arrive early—it’s incredibly popular!
If there’s no English menu, that’s a good sign! Pick a spot where lots of locals are eating—it usually means the food is good. You should hear a loud french crowd. Before you sit down, take a look at what people are eating to see if it looks tasty to you.
One place we highly recommend is Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, located near the Arc de Triomphe. They specialize exclusively in entrecôtes, and it’s one of our favorite lunch spots. We always arrive early—it’s incredibly popular!
enjoying the parisian lunch
Another spot we absolutely love is Angelina Paris, located near the Louvre. They serve the best desserts in Paris and offer amazing salads and onion soup. Their hot chocolate... you won't forget it. It’s a must-try when you’re in the Louvre area. There’s often a line, but it moves quickly. If you haven’t visited Angelina Paris during your Paris trip, you’ve committed a crime against yourself.
Another great option we love is skipping the restaurant and having a picnic instead. In Paris, it's allowed to eat and drink alcohol in public places. One of our favorite spots is the magical garden at Palais Royal. We often pick up some cheese and charcuterie from a nearby supermarket and enjoy it by the fountain. It’s a 10 out of 10 experience—more romantic than any restaurant! The Palais Royal is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, near the Louvre.
Picnick in the Palais Royal or Tuileries
For the iconic Eiffel Tower terrace view, we booked the Girafe, a restaurant located at Trocadéro. The experience was unforgettable. And food is very good, too.
Eiffel Tower terrace view
