7 Must-Visit Bistros in Paris

Paris is home to a wealth of bistros that carry on the French tradition of fine dining. From historic establishments to modern bars and neighborhood eateries, here’s a selection of must-visit spots where you can enjoy both the atmosphere and the food.

Mathilde Bourge Published on 19/08/2025 at 10:34

Paris, the capital of gastronomy and the art of living, is brimming with bistros where you can enjoy much more than just a meal. With their zinc-topped counters, checkered tablecloths, and the aroma of slow-cooked dishes, these places embody the city’s warm and authentic spirit. In this selection, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the capital’s most iconic bistros—whether traditional or reimagined by a new generation of chefs—all of which share a love of sharing and good food. Get ready to (re)discover Paris through its dishes and unique atmospheres.

Le Café des Musées

Le Café des Musées (1 toque), a Marais institution since 1924, is located at the corner of Rue de Turenne and Rue du Parc Royal. It has managed to preserve all the charm of old-fashioned Parisian bistros with its mosaics, wood paneling, and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. Loved by both locals and visitors alike, this authentic bistro offers a fine selection of classic dishes (country-style terrine, mushrooms stuffed with snails, seasonal vegetable casserole) prepared with fresh and often locally sourced ingredients. But its signature dish is undoubtedly the beef bourguignon, simmered for five hours. Open year-round thanks to its summer terrace and vaulted dining room that can be reserved for private events, the restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for meals with family, friends, or business gatherings.

Where? Café des Musées, 49 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
See the Gault&Millau review of Le Café des Musées

Le Comptoir du Relais Saint-Germain

Le Comptoir du Relais Saint-Germain (2 toques), tucked away at 9 Carrefour de l’Odéon, is the crown jewel of Saint-Germain-des-Prés’s bistro scene. Founded by Yves Camdeborde in 2005, it is now led by chef Bruno Doucet, who upholds the “bistronomic” tradition pioneered by his mentor. Open continuously from noon to 11 p.m. (a rarity in Paris), this small retro bistro with stone walls and exposed beams offers simple yet refined market-fresh cuisine: onion soup, terrine, pig’s trotters, roasted cockerel, or macaroni gratin with Comté cheese, depending on the season. The atmosphere is cheerful and informal, with tables set close together to foster a friendly vibe. A true Parisian experience, Le Comptoir embodies that blend of authenticity and elegance, fueled by a menu that skillfully celebrates local ingredients.

Where? Le Comptoir du Relais Saint-Germain, 9 Carrefour de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
See the Gault&Millau review of Le Comptoir du Relais Saint-Germain

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

Le Bistrot Paul Bert, tucked away at 18 rue Paul Bert in the 11th arrondissement, has become a true Parisian institution since its opening in 1997 by Bertrand Auboyneau, a former financier turned enthusiast of traditional bistros. Housed in a former butcher shop, its retro decor (leather benches, vintage posters, a bustling counter) immediately immerses you in the cheerful atmosphere of the cafés of yesteryear. The cuisine, now helmed by Chef Thierry Laurent, offers a generous, no-frills menu: bone marrow, sweetbreads, Sarawak pepper steak with golden fries, sole meunière, and roasted celery—all staples of the gourmet tradition. The signature dessert, île flottante, is even praised for its lightness and classic refinement. The meal is complemented by an excellent wine list, featuring carefully selected regional wines. At once indulgent, authentic, and vibrant, this spot embodies the quintessential bistro: popular, discerning, and imbued with a warm atmosphere—a place to discover while fully immersing yourself in the Parisian spirit.

Where? Le Bistrot Paul Bert, 18 rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris
bistrotpaulbert.fr

Astair

Astair, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Passage des Panoramas, stands out as a brasserie-restaurant that brilliantly reimagines the hallmarks of Parisian tradition. The menu showcases the great classics: escargots, frog legs, bone marrow, Provençal-style octopus, chicken supreme, and ribeye steak, all elevated by meticulous preparation and carefully selected ingredients. The interior, designed by Tristan Auer, combines orange-red banquettes, wicker chairs, a circular brass bar, and Art Deco touches, all while preserving the warm, welcoming spirit of an old-fashioned bistro. Open continuously from noon to 10:30 p.m. (or midnight depending on the occasion), Astair fosters a lively and festive atmosphere where you can spontaneously grab a seat at the bar or enjoy a meal on the covered terrace.

Where? Astair, 19 Passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris
See the Gault&Millau review of Astair

Les Arlots

Les Arlots (1 toque), tucked away at 136 Rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière (10th arrondissement), has become one of the most authentic and cheerful bistros in Paris. Under the leadership of Chef Thomas Brachet, trained at the Beef Club, the daily menu—short but always impactful—passionately celebrates classic dishes: house-made terrine, award-winning eggs with mayonnaise, the now-iconic sausage and mashed potatoes—often paired with delicacies like sweetbreads, beef cheek, or cod—showcasing a generous and vibrant cuisine. The retro decor (zinc bar, vintage tiles, animal trophies, and rows of natural wine bottles) enhances this warm and friendly atmosphere, where the welcome is as family-like as the service—playful yet attentive.

Where? Les Arlots, 136 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75010 Paris
See the Gault&Millau review of Les Arlots

Café des Ministères

Café des Ministères (2 toques) is an elegant bistro run by chef Jean Sévègnes and his wife Roxane. The restaurant confidently blends tradition and modernity, featuring signature dishes such as the “Grande Tradition” vol-au-vent (veal sweetbreads, free-range poultry, truffle-infused jus), house-made black pudding, cassoulet, and calf’s head with ravigote sauce. Its version of stuffed Pontoise cabbage, named “Champion of France 2022,” along with the quality of its wine cellar, further enhance the prestige of this establishment, beloved by fans of classic French cuisine. The simple, bright décor, complete with a pleasant terrace, complements the warm, epicurean atmosphere the couple has created: a place where you can savor local, seasonal, and homemade dishes in a chic yet relaxed setting.

Where? Café des Ministères, 83 Rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris
See the Gault&Millau review of Café des Ministères

Au Pied de Cochon

Au Pied de Cochon, located at 6 Rue Coquillière, is a legendary brasserie in Les Halles that has been open continuously since 1947, welcoming market workers, night owls, and tourists alike. Founded by Clément Blanc, it has established itself as an authentic landmark, blending late 19th-century décor, waitstaff in black and white, and a decidedly down-to-earth atmosphere. The menu celebrates pork in all its forms: grilled or Périgourdine-style stuffed pig’s trotters, ears, tail, and slices of head served on generous platters; not to mention the onion soup au gratin, a true local icon, as well as other classics like oysters, snails, Duval andouillette, and sausage with mashed potatoes. This down-to-earth cuisine charms with its generous portions and friendly atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of a brasserie that’s constantly bustling.