Paris and its famous brasseries, best bistros and iconic cafés. That is seeing and being seen. Many have managed to retain the charm of Paris in the 1920s and are worth a visit. Did you know that the classic brasserie in Paris is a kind of ‘big sister’ of the bistro? Originally, a brasserie was simply a brewery where you could drink the beer on the spot. Now you can go there for typical French dishes during a delicious dinner or lunch in Paris. The breathtaking art deco interior is the ideal setting for the classics that are served here. From oeuf mayonnaise to boeuf bourguignon.
Paris may be known as the city of love, but in our opinion it should really be called the city of gastronomy. Take a seat as a Parisien or Parisienne and enjoy a traditional dish and a good glass of wine in one of the oldest brasseries or bistros in Paris and imagine yourself back in time. These are the best cafés, French bistros and authentic brasseries in Paris. Also discover our selection of the best restaurants in Paris to enjoy culinary delights. Bon appétit!
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1. La Coupole: famous classic brasserie in Montparnasse (14th)
Another famous and top brasserie in Paris is La Coupole, located on Boulevard Montparnasse. Founded in 1927 with no fewer than 500 seats. La Coupole used to be the meeting place for artists and art lovers. Picasso, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir were regular guests. Truly a concept in Paris and a jewel of art deco. Especially the pillars with paintings are beautiful. So don’t forget to walk in when you’re near Montparnasse. Or enjoy lunch or dinner on the beautiful terrace. At La Coupole it is also about seeing and being seen.
102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris | Lacoupole-paris.com →
2. Café de Flore: one of the best cafés in Paris (6th)
Ah Café de Flore! Don’t just say drink a coffee at Café de Flore. One of the oldest coffee houses where you can relive the authentic Parisian atmosphere of the 20th century. Café de Flore was opened in 1880. A classic brasserie in Paris with an art deco interior that has remained unchanged to this day. Many celebrities and tourists come here to enjoy a drink or lunch. Just walk in and who knows, you might run into Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre or Picasso. Of course it is not cheap, but just enjoy it is the message. You are in one of the best and most famous cafes in Paris.
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris | Cafedeflore.fr →
3. Terminus Nord: art deco gem opposite the Gare du Nord (10th)
Located opposite the majestic Gare du Nord, this iconic brasserie was founded in 1925 and perfectly embodies the Art Deco spirit. Although mainly specialized in seafood and sauerkraut, Brasserie Terminus Nord also offers traditional French cuisine. Iconic dishes such as vol-au-vent, sirloin steak with cognac pepper flambé and veal steak are prepared with the same dedication to quality and authenticity. Brasserie Terminus Nord is part of the Brasseries FLO chain, which also includes Le Bofinger and La Coupole.
23 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris | Terminusnord.com →
4. Bistro Les Arlots: Fooding Award for the best sausage puree (10th)
Les Arlots is a lively and timeless French bistro in Paris with an extremely cozy setting. Chef Thomas Brachet (formerly known from the Beef Club) goes back to the essence with tasty dishes and carefully selected wines. The menu includes velvet mousseline and homemade sausage, white asparagus in gribiche-style vinaigrette or red mullet fillets with thyme. It even earned this bistro in the 10th arrondissement the Fooding award for the best saucisse purée in 2017. And we can only confirm this. A reputation that has now spread throughout Paris. A nice bistro to discover and this in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
136 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75010 Paris | Facebook.com/lesarlots →
5. Bofinger: Paris’ oldest brasserie in Art Nouveau decor (4th)
Bofinger is one of the oldest brasseries in Art Nouveau decor that introduces Parisians to Alsatian cuisine. Founded in 1864 by Frederic Bofinger, it was the first place in France to serve beer on tap. Over the years, Bofinger has welcomed a whole host of famous people, including Gene Kelly and many French presidents. The menu features regional specialties such as Flammekueche (tarte flambée: a kind of Alsatian-style pizza with a thin crust, garnished with bacon, crème fraîche and onions), sauerkraut and schnitzel. But also a selection of other classic French dishes made with fresh ingredients. Furthermore, delicious desserts such as profiteroles garnished with chocolate, Grand Marnier soufflé or even flambéed Suzette pancakes.
5-7 Rue de la Bastille, 75004 Paris | Bofingerparis.com →


6. Bistrot Paul Bert: a classic Parisian bistro (11th)
Run by Bertrand Auboyneau and Gwénaëlle Cadoret, Le Paul Bert is more than a simple bistro. It is a place where conviviality and high-quality cuisine come together. Rich and tasty French dishes with a classic touch, prepared without fuss. Everything is fresh and delicious: from the indispensable steak with béarnaise sauce to the tenderloin with pepper sauce, tasty salads and the baba with (extra) rum. A must in the 11th arrondissement of Paris.
18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris | Bistrotpaulbert.fr →
7. Les Deux Magots: an iconic institution in Paris (6th)
A Parisian institution, Café Les Deux Magots continues to be a well-known meeting place for writers, mingling with tourists from around the world. Located on the Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés with a nice view of the church. There is a traditional and typical Parisian atmosphere with waiters in black and white, red chairs and mahogany tables. A visit to this iconic and famous café in Paris is always an experience. It is better not to pay attention to the prices here either. Nice to know: the name “Les Deux Magots” comes from the brand of a store that used to be on the same location.
6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris | Lesdeuxmagots.fr →
8. Café Procope: the oldest café in Paris (6th)
Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain district, Café Procope is the oldest café in Paris. Opened in 1686 by Sicilian chef Procopio Cutò, it was the center of Paris’ artistic and literary community. A place with a rich history whose decor has remained intact. Some of the many famous visitors to Le Procope were Balzac, Victor Hugo and Napoleon. Just to name a few. Even today, the charm of Le Procope attracts the world’s greatest artists who come to enjoy the house specialties such as coq au vin, veal head in a casserole or the traditional millefeuille. And all this in a beautiful setting. Booking in advance is a must.
13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris | Procope.com →
9. Brasserie Lipp: more than 135 years of history (6th)
Brasserie Lipp is also a household name among Paris lovers. An authentic and iconic brasserie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for over 135 years. Since its foundation in 1880 by Léonard Lipp, the Brasserie has enjoyed a solid literary and political reputation. You can go there for traditional dishes such as the delicious Choucroute with Riesling or the Andouillette. Enjoy the delicious food, but especially the ambiance and pleasant crowds that always prevail. Nice to know: they also have their own beer that doesn’t taste bad at all!
151 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris | Brasserielipp.fr →
10. Chez Janou: Parisian bistro with southern French cuisine (3rd)
Bistro Chez Janou in Paris is located in the heart of the Marais district, tucked away in a quiet side street. A very good bistro that prides itself on its influence of southern French cuisine and original art deco decor. Try a plate of cold ratatouille, Provencal stuffed vegetables, grilled sea bass with pesto, spelt risotto or scallops. And make sure to save some room for their delicious chocolate mousse. Reservations are highly recommended as this hotspot is very popular.
2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris | Chezjanou.com →