After writing reviews on a number of Parisian restaurants over the years, it’s only normal for us to have a few favourites, those extra special places that stay in our mind for the food or the décor or (usually) both.

Whether you are looking for something chic or cheap, pizza or seafood, an amazing summer terrace or a perfectly-preserved art nouveau interior, our top ten has something for you!

Searching for somewhere new and good to eat in Paris isn’t necessarily as easy as it sounds. We’re occasionally let down by the food in some restaurants, and we also want to avoid the places that everyone ele has written about already. Luckily, we’ve had some amazing meals over the years, and we thought it was time to remind you of some of our all-time faves!

(Just click the photo of any of the restaurants to read our full review)

The brasseries

Brasserie Lipp in the heart of Saint Germain probably hasn’t changed in 100 years. Typically Parisian, the menu is non-stop classics, and includes an epic millefeuille that you should definitely reserve as soon as you sit down! Brasserie Lipp was one of our first ever reviews (in 2007!) but we go back at least once a year because we love it so much.

La Closerie de Lilas also has a long history and grand reputation. We chose the cheaper brasserie to eat in (they also have a posh restaurant space which is a lot dearer) but either will provide an unforgettable experience.

Vegetarian

Kookily part of the store selling her own handmade clothes, Carmen Ragosta is open for lunch from Wednesday to Saturday, and only serves dinner on Fridays (booking essential). You’ve never had a meal in such an unusual space, and with Carmen as your own personal chef you definitely won’t be disappointed by the food (apart from its very reasonable price).

Seafood

Chez Prunier you’ll find ‘everything that comes from the sea’ in an astoundingly well-preserved art déco setting. It’s like stepping back in time. If you’re thinking of trying out their homemade caviar, make sure you have your gold card with you!

Italian

Caffè dei Cioppi is hidden down a tiny alley, but the secret is out, and tables are hard to come by (especially as they have less than 20 places). So, book well in advance, and don’t forget to try their tiramisu ‘minute’. We loved our meal there and dream of going back…

Pizza

Pizza Chic has a fresh, smarter take on the everyday pizza, served in a stylish room form which you can see the wood-fired oven. If you though pizza couldn’t possibly be chic, think again.

Summer terrace

Le Minipalais may be small when compared to the vast Grand Palais, but it has mega-high ceilings and a vast terrace with views onto the Petit Palais and Alexandre III bridge. Breathtaking, and perfect for summer.

Romantic and chic

Le Cristal Room chez Baccarat, designed by Philippe Starck (photo at the top of the article), was one of our most magical meals ever. By booking through The Fork for lunch on a Saturday, not only was the place lovely and calm, but we also got a hefty reduction on the bill!

Experimental

Agapé Substance is more of an experience than just a meal. It can’t realyl be described, but we loved it. If you want to know why the meal costs 100€ each (or more) and worth every penny, you should definitely check it out.

Inventive

La Gazzetta doesn’t look like anything particularly special from the outside, apart from a classic art déco look, but the Swedish chef works surprising wonders. We’ve been back several times since our original review in 2008, and have never been disappointed (quite the contrary in fact).

Bonus – a great brunch!

Allow us to blow our own trumpet by reminding you that brunch at La Belle Juliette really is rather lovely. Quality produce, great tastes and a colourful setting (our restaurant Le Talma) that will chill you out perfectly. A real brunch!

Of course there are many more places we couldn’t include in our top ten, but still deserve your consideration. You can read all our restaurant reviews here.