How to choose a restaurant in Paris? The possibilities are endless! But when you only have limited time, how can you make sure you are enjoying the best of what Paris has to offer? Here is a roundup of 7 excellent restaurant possibilities for your next trip to Paris, in no particular order. Some on the list are newer and offer a less traditional and more modern cuisine. Some of these restaurants are veritable Parisian institutions. And of course, in true gscinparis fashion, all of the restaurants listed below feature interiors that range from stunning (the ceiling at Le Train Bleu) to cozy (Racines) to original Art Nouveau (Le Petit Retro). Read below for a gourmet tour!

Le Train Bleu

Address: Gare de Lyon, Paris 75012

When it first opened in 1901 within the Gare de Lyon, this restaurant hosted many different celebrities, from artists to actresses to clothing designers. Today, the restaurant has received more attention, due to the Instagram worthy ceilings and decor. The large glass windows give you a view of the bustling train station with passengers below. The food and service are wonderful but the interiors will wow you.

CoCo Paris

Address: Palais Garnier, 1 place Jacques Rouché, 75009, Paris

Not only is the food delicious, but CoCo is a place to see and be seen. Located at the foot of the brilliant Opera Garnier, it features both an exquisite interior and a chic exterior patio for dining. In the summer evenings, musicians grace the patio with cozy guitar and vocals. Reservations are a bit difficult as you must reserve through their website, which only allows reservations 2 weeks in advance. Lunch and dinner are served throughout the week while a chic Brunch is offered on the weekends.

Racines

Address: 8 passage des Panoramas, Paris, 75002

Take a break from traditional French fare to enjoy some of the most delicious Italian food you will find in Paris. Finding the restaurant is also an adventure as it is tucked away in the historic Passage de Panoramas in the 2nd arrondisement. The young chef here at Racines is from Sardinia, Italy so this charming bistro is a traditional osteria. The food is based in Italian roots although the dishes are quite creative especially with the daily specials. Reservations are highly recommended as the space is intimate but in high demand.

Restaurant Nosso

Address: 22 Promenade Claude Levi Strauss, Paris, 75013

Take a trip off the beaten path in Paris and head to Nosso (meaning “ours” in Portuguese). Located in the 13th arrondisement, near the impressive towers of the Bibliothèque Nationale (National Library), you will find a quiet, less tourist filled neighborhood. The decor is library-themed and lovely and the food is terrific. Here you will find a modern take on French ingredients while also adding a touch of flavors from around the world. According to their website, you will find a bit of Brazil, a bit of Serbia, a bit of Lebanon and even a bit of Costa Rica. All ingredients are local, fresh and they aim for zero waste. Reservations recommended.

Le Petit Retro

Address: 5 rue Mesnil, Paris, 75116

While staying at the Hotel Raphael (located in the 16th arrondisement), we asked our concierge for a quintessential Parisian bistro and he recommended Le Petit Retro. In today’s Paris, more young chefs are bringing in global flavors and a more modernized cuisine. This isn’t a ‘bad’ thing, per se, but it does mean that the typical bistro is becoming a bit more difficult to find in Paris. Le Petit Retro does not disappoint. The decor is worth the trip alone to experience the true Art Nouveau tiled decor and large mirrors on the wall, in place since its inception in 1904. The large bar in wood and zinc is original as well. The fare is traditional, typical French bistro cuisine and you will feel truly Parisian here.

Brasserie Lipp

Adress: 151 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, 75006

If you are looking for the big, noisy, touristy but true Parisian Institution, look no further than Brasserie Lipp. Founded in 1880 by Monsieur Lipp, the restaurant originally featured German inspired food like choucroute (sauerkraut and sausage) and great beer. It is fabulously situated in the chic and lively 6th arrondisement, right on the Boulevard Saint-Germain. The restaurant has quite a history, including changing names during World War II due to anti-German sentiment. It also hosts a literary prize. Today, the menu features a variety of classic French dishes, including my favorite, beef tartare. The waiters are gruff but that is part of the charm, so do not be offended. It is often packed with tourists from around the world, but the decor, the wait staff, the history and the menu make it 100% French.

13 au Jardin

Address: 5 Rue de Médicis, Paris, 75006

We stumbled upon this lovely little restaurant after strolling the Jardin de Luxembourg on a gorgeous sunny early summer day. We sat on the patio and immediately noticed the “Bonjour, y’all” sign. I later discovered the restaurant is owned by American expat Laurel Sanderson and offers a bit of American Southern comfort food in addition to more traditional French fare. Located across the street from the Jardin de Luxembourg and around the corner from the famous Odeon theater, the service was as friendly as could be and the patio is non-smoking. The decor is charming and the baked goods and desserts are definitely the star attraction.

Recap of 7 restaurants in Paris to try (in no particular order):

Here is the recap of 7 restaurants in Paris that are definitely worth trying. Reservations are recommended for most places.

1. Le Train Bleu, Gare de Lyon, Paris, 75012
2. CoCo, Palais Garnier, 1 place Jacques Rouché, 75009, Paris
3. Racines, 8 passage des Panoramas, Paris, 75002
4. Nosso, 22 Promenade Claude Levi Strauss, Paris, 75013
5. Le Petit Retro, 5 rue Mesnil, Paris, 75116
6. Brasserie Lipp, 151 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, 75006
7. 13 au Jardin, 5 Rue de Médicis, Paris, 75006

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Did you try any of these Paris Restaurants? If so, please leave a comment below!