My Paris GO-TOs: Restaurant Edition
Italian
For a swanky vibe and view of the Seine:
This buzzing "peniche" (docked boat) is still pretty new to Paris standards. It's located right on the banks near Invalides and has a view of the infamous bridge Pont Alexandre III as well as the Eiffel tower, depending on which side of the terrace you sit. Inside, the interior is decorated to the nines with yellow and navy blue decor that is ever so appealing to the eye. The food here is absolutely to die for (something I wasn't expecting for a place like this) and the drinks as well! Originally when I saw this place opening on IG I thought it would be all hype as many of the stuff you'd find on IG usually is. But rest assured, they know how to keep their reviews coming in positive. The service is also really friendly and refreshing for such an attractive restaurant.
For delicious homemade pasta & burrata bar:
One of my all-time favorite italian places in Paris for its homemade pasta. Immediately upon arriving, you'll be charmed by the hanging dried chilis outside and on the ceilings inside. When you walk in you'll be amazed at the burrata bar to your left, filled with burratas of all sizes. Most of the seating is upstairs with colorful blue menus and a lively staff. The food here comes out fast and is scrumptious. Before you leave, make sure you check out the bathroom decor!
Asian
Asian fusion by the canal:
Back in 2015 when I discovered that bobun (vietnamese noodle salad) had made it to Paris, I began my search for the best and I found it at Siseng. When I was an au pair I used to ride my skateboard all the way across the city to fill up on these huge bowls along the canal Saint-Martin. It didn't take me long to discover their other other items like their bao burgers, fries, and starters. They have a very attractive lunch deal featuring their burgers. I have also taken many visitors here when we want a break from French food. They ask to eat here again every time they come back, and Siseng has always been here to serve. There is even the same waiter working there since I first discovered it in 2015! I hope they never ever close.
Fun sushi night out:
Just off the Champs Elysees, Miss Kô is one of my favorite sushi spots in Paris to go to town on specialty rolls and spicy tuna crispy rice. Their club-like atmosphere makes it a great place to go out with the girls for a night on the town.
Tapas
Little Spain in the heart of Saint Germain des Près
If you want to escape to Spain while in Paris, go for some authentic tapas at Freddy's. The place is a bit small which means I've had to eat standing once (which was of my own request just so I could squeeze in when they were busy). I discovered Freddy's in the summer of 2022 when a friend opening his hotel nearby took me here. I've since popped in whenever I can and bring a foodie friend with me so we can order all the things.
Eclectic speakeasy-like tapas & drinks:
I've been going to La Mangerie for over 5 years and don't plan to stop any time soon. Just near le Marais and Saint Paul cathedral, you can pop in for small plates to share with an eclectic spanish feel after a day of walking around. My favorite part about this place is the free "chupito" or shot when you arrive. It let's me know that I'm in my kind of place.
Mexican
For frozen margs & nachos:
When that mexican food craving hits on your Paris trip (who says it won't??) this is where you must go. Maybe it's the fact that I grew up in California, but I have been on the lookout for good mexican/tex-mex since I first moved to Paris in 2015. The options were super limited. At that time there was the tiny walk up window of El Nopal (also good) and El Guacamole. Aca is owned by the same people of El Guacamole, but it is light years better. For starters, they serve 2 kinds of frozen margaritas that you can order by the pitcher (my way). I frequent this spot way too much but I am happy to share them with you and keep sending them €€.
Brunch
Aussie breakie at the Sacré Coeur:
If you want to explore Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur on the hill, you're gonna need some sustenance for all the stairs. Luckily, one of my favorite brunch places is at the foot of the butte (hill) of Montmartre. Being Australian owned and operated, you'll get more than eggs on toast (the name of their book which I have at home).
California's not so far away:
I did the brunch at Cali Sisters to celebrate 5 years living in Paris. Neither me nor my friends have forgotten it. In fact, we make it a common event now. It's one of my go-tos for brunch but also any California-style cuisine: Think grilled cheeses & tomato soup, tacos, chilaquiles, and more.
French
Modern-brasserie style French food:
I don't know if Augustin became one of my top French food go-to's because it's footsteps from my apartment, or because it's THAT good. Perhaps without it being close by I never would have found it, but regardless, I am so glad I did. Augustin has a modern take on classic French foods that you'd find at any brasserie in Paris. I like this because classic French food can be.... boring. The food here is inventive and in massive portion sizes. Even their salads are gourmet and a real challenge to finish. I've tried almost everything on the menu here, but my go-to's are the "bavette" which is a thin steak sliced and placed over an orzo risotto with mushrooms, spinach, and parmesan flakes. Another is the cobb salad, but ask for blue cheese instead of the compté. That's the classic and how it used to be on the menu. It's way better. The burgers and fries are also good. If you can fit dessert, try their brioche pain perdu which is a brioche french toast topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel. I'm drooling now talking about it.
Try (literally) all the things without breaking the bank:
Saving the best and most obvious for last, Bouillon Pigalle is definitely my top of the list when it comes to my go-to restaurant in Paris. I eat here once a month, sometimes more. All of my friends know that if they are planning to go eat here, they must invite me to join them (unless on a first date or something because that would be weird) and if I ever see on their socials that they were at Bouillon without me, it'll be the end of our friendship. Okay it's mostly a friendly joke, but it nails in my identity with my love for Bouillon Pigalle.
So why do I love it so much? Where do I start.. it's the best "bang for your buck" restaurant in the entire city. The service is FAST and the vibes are good. The food is simple and delicious. They serve their house wines by any size, up to 3 liters, and for mere peanuts. 75ml of house wine here (bottle size) is like 12€. Honestly, what can you not love about this place?! The downside of the line which is a common occurrence is not a downside if you're an opportunist like me for a pre-drink before dinner. They are super chill and don't bat an eye if you drink in line.
It's the perfect place if you want to try all the classic French dishes and you won't feel bad if you're not a big fan of the snails, because they cost 6 euros. I like to order almost all o f the starters, usually 2 or 3 orders of the eggs with mayonnaise (don't knock it until you've had it) and a main. I suggest asking what the dish of the day is. It's usually delicious. Their menu changes from time to time based on availability, but tey have some staples like steak with fries and chicken with potatoes that will always be there. You can sub any kinds of the potatoes for another, my preference always being the puree.
Lastly, if you've already heard of Bouillon Pigalle (not surprising as they have 25k+ reviews on Google), then you've probably heard of their counterparts, Bouillon Chartier, Republique, Julien.. but please be advised that none of them stack up to the OG Bouillon Pigalle. I can attest to that.
My Paris GO-TOs: Restaurant Edition
Italian
For a swanky vibe and view of the Seine:
This buzzing "peniche" (docked boat) is still pretty new to Paris standards. It's located right on the banks near Invalides and has a view of the infamous bridge Pont Alexandre III as well as the Eiffel tower, depending on which side of the terrace you sit. Inside, the interior is decorated to the nines with yellow and navy blue decor that is ever so appealing to the eye. The food here is absolutely to die for (something I wasn't expecting for a place like this) and the drinks as well! Originally when I saw this place opening on IG I thought it would be all hype as many of the stuff you'd find on IG usually is. But rest assured, they know how to keep their reviews coming in positive. The service is also really friendly and refreshing for such an attractive restaurant.
For delicious homemade pasta & burrata bar:
One of my all-time favorite italian places in Paris for its homemade pasta. Immediately upon arriving, you'll be charmed by the hanging dried chilis outside and on the ceilings inside. When you walk in you'll be amazed at the burrata bar to your left, filled with burratas of all sizes. Most of the seating is upstairs with colorful blue menus and a lively staff. The food here comes out fast and is scrumptious. Before you leave, make sure you check out the bathroom decor!
Asian
Asian fusion by the canal:
Back in 2015 when I discovered that bobun (vietnamese noodle salad) had made it to Paris, I began my search for the best and I found it at Siseng. When I was an au pair I used to ride my skateboard all the way across the city to fill up on these huge bowls along the canal Saint-Martin. It didn't take me long to discover their other other items like their bao burgers, fries, and starters. They have a very attractive lunch deal featuring their burgers. I have also taken many visitors here when we want a break from French food. They ask to eat here again every time they come back, and Siseng has always been here to serve. There is even the same waiter working there since I first discovered it in 2015! I hope they never ever close.
Fun sushi night out:
Just off the Champs Elysees, Miss Kô is one of my favorite sushi spots in Paris to go to town on specialty rolls and spicy tuna crispy rice. Their club-like atmosphere makes it a great place to go out with the girls for a night on the town.
Tapas
Little Spain in the heart of Saint Germain des Près
If you want to escape to Spain while in Paris, go for some authentic tapas at Freddy's. The place is a bit small which means I've had to eat standing once (which was of my own request just so I could squeeze in when they were busy). I discovered Freddy's in the summer of 2022 when a friend opening his hotel nearby took me here. I've since popped in whenever I can and bring a foodie friend with me so we can order all the things.
Eclectic speakeasy-like tapas & drinks:
I've been going to La Mangerie for over 5 years and don't plan to stop any time soon. Just near le Marais and Saint Paul cathedral, you can pop in for small plates to share with an eclectic spanish feel after a day of walking around. My favorite part about this place is the free "chupito" or shot when you arrive. It let's me know that I'm in my kind of place.
Mexican
For frozen margs & nachos:
When that mexican food craving hits on your Paris trip (who says it won't??) this is where you must go. Maybe it's the fact that I grew up in California, but I have been on the lookout for good mexican/tex-mex since I first moved to Paris in 2015. The options were super limited. At that time there was the tiny walk up window of El Nopal (also good) and El Guacamole. Aca is owned by the same people of El Guacamole, but it is light years better. For starters, they serve 2 kinds of frozen margaritas that you can order by the pitcher (my way). I frequent this spot way too much but I am happy to share them with you and keep sending them €€.
Brunch
Aussie breakie at the Sacré Coeur:
If you want to explore Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur on the hill, you're gonna need some sustenance for all the stairs. Luckily, one of my favorite brunch places is at the foot of the butte (hill) of Montmartre. Being Australian owned and operated, you'll get more than eggs on toast (the name of their book which I have at home).
California's not so far away:
I did the brunch at Cali Sisters to celebrate 5 years living in Paris. Neither me nor my friends have forgotten it. In fact, we make it a common event now. It's one of my go-tos for brunch but also any California-style cuisine: Think grilled cheeses & tomato soup, tacos, chilaquiles, and more.
French
Modern-brasserie style French food:
I don't know if Augustin became one of my top French food go-to's because it's footsteps from my apartment, or because it's THAT good. Perhaps without it being close by I never would have found it, but regardless, I am so glad I did. Augustin has a modern take on classic French foods that you'd find at any brasserie in Paris. I like this because classic French food can be.... boring. The food here is inventive and in massive portion sizes. Even their salads are gourmet and a real challenge to finish. I've tried almost everything on the menu here, but my go-to's are the "bavette" which is a thin steak sliced and placed over an orzo risotto with mushrooms, spinach, and parmesan flakes. Another is the cobb salad, but ask for blue cheese instead of the compté. That's the classic and how it used to be on the menu. It's way better. The burgers and fries are also good. If you can fit dessert, try their brioche pain perdu which is a brioche french toast topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel. I'm drooling now talking about it.
Try (literally) all the things without breaking the bank:
Saving the best and most obvious for last, Bouillon Pigalle is definitely my top of the list when it comes to my go-to restaurant in Paris. I eat here once a month, sometimes more. All of my friends know that if they are planning to go eat here, they must invite me to join them (unless on a first date or something because that would be weird) and if I ever see on their socials that they were at Bouillon without me, it'll be the end of our friendship. Okay it's mostly a friendly joke, but it nails in my identity with my love for Bouillon Pigalle.
So why do I love it so much? Where do I start.. it's the best "bang for your buck" restaurant in the entire city. The service is FAST and the vibes are good. The food is simple and delicious. They serve their house wines by any size, up to 3 liters, and for mere peanuts. 75ml of house wine here (bottle size) is like 12€. Honestly, what can you not love about this place?! The downside of the line which is a common occurrence is not a downside if you're an opportunist like me for a pre-drink before dinner. They are super chill and don't bat an eye if you drink in line.
It's the perfect place if you want to try all the classic French dishes and you won't feel bad if you're not a big fan of the snails, because they cost 6 euros. I like to order almost all o f the starters, usually 2 or 3 orders of the eggs with mayonnaise (don't knock it until you've had it) and a main. I suggest asking what the dish of the day is. It's usually delicious. Their menu changes from time to time based on availability, but tey have some staples like steak with fries and chicken with potatoes that will always be there. You can sub any kinds of the potatoes for another, my preference always being the puree.
Lastly, if you've already heard of Bouillon Pigalle (not surprising as they have 25k+ reviews on Google), then you've probably heard of their counterparts, Bouillon Chartier, Republique, Julien.. but please be advised that none of them stack up to the OG Bouillon Pigalle. I can attest to that.