1. Overview
This article provides a guide to some of the best gourmet restaurants in Paris, France. These renowned establishments have earned up to three Michelin stars for their exceptional cuisine and service. Expect an unforgettable dining experience at any of these top spots.
2. Top Gourmet Restaurants in Paris
Food connoisseurs should always reserve time for a meal at one of Paris’ top gourmet restaurants, world-renowned gastronomic establishments that have earned up to three Michelin stars for exceptional cuisine and service. Star chefs such as Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy guarantee a gastronomic experience your palate will savor for some time, serving up delicacies such as foie gras ravioli or wild Breton lobster. Impeccable service awaits you in lavish surroundings, but it does not come cheap, so arrive armed with plastic. Reservations at these fine dining establishments are recommended well in advance.
1. L’Ambroisie
Located on the elegant Place des Vosges, this restaurant under Bernard Pacaud’s direction first gained its three-star rating in 1986. The 17th-century building provides a romantic and luxurious setting for a top-rate gourmet meal. The menu features delicacies such as crawfish soup and rack of lamb with nougat. Desserts include the legendary chocolate tart and orange and pink grapefruit trifle. Allow between 125 and 200 euros a la carte. Reservations are recommended at least one month in advance.
2. Arpège
Address: 84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 47 05 09 06
Website: Arpège
Although simplicity is the keyword where decor at Arpège is concerned, this in no way indicates simplistic food. Talented chef Alain Passard puts all his energy into the cuisine here, and foodies will not be disappointed. Truffles are a dominant feature in the dishes, and the Thai crab curry is one to try. Couscous with vegetables and shellfish and monkfish with mustard sauce are also among the specialties. Allow between 50 and 180 euros a la carte.
3. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée
Address: 25 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 53 67 65 00
Website: Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée
With an impressive nine Michelin stars to his name, world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse holds the most Michelin stars in all of France. Also responsible for Louis XV in Monaco, Ducasse’s reputation consistently pulls crowds. In collaboration with designer Patrick Jouin, Ducasse ensures an unfailing, elegant and excellent dining experience at Plaza Athénée. A winter menu will set you back a steep 320 euros, while a la carte choices range from foie gras at 80 euros to Iranian caviar at 150 euros.
4. Pavillon LeDoyen
Address: 8 Av. Dutuit, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 53 05 10 10
Website: Pavillon LeDoyen
A stone’s throw from the elegant Champs Elysees, this classic French restaurant was established by Pierre Ledoyen in 1792. The dining room is spacious, with high ceilings and numerous windows, providing customers a view of the Petit Palais. A former chef at the Ritz restaurant, Christian Le Squer competently serves up dishes such as smoked eel and spaghetti with cream of porcini mushroom sauce. Le Doyen is a top choice for a gourmet dining experience that won’t break the bank.
5. Pierre Gagnaire
Address: 6 Rue Balzac, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 58 36 12 50
Website: Pierre Gagnaire
In Paris’ chic eighth district, chef Pierre Gagnaire provides an exclusive gastronomic experience with innovative dishes like raw gambas stuffed with niora chilli. Entrees and main courses are approximately 100 euros each, while a special tasting menu runs about 225 euros. Dessert consists of a medley of nine traditional French pastries accompanied by seasonal fruits and chocolate. The restaurant is closed on weekends.
6. Astrance
Address: 32 Rue de Longchamp, 75116 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 40 50 84 40
Website: Astrance
Opened in 2000, Astrance has risen from one Michelin star to three in a decade. Although previously criticized for focusing more on ceremony than food, the current offerings stimulate the palate. Chefs Pascal Barbot and Christophe Rohat create dishes like gratin-style mussels and red mullet with tamarind butter. The decor is predominantly gray, ensuring a tranquil dining experience. Set menus are priced at 150 euros, increasing to 250 euros with wine.
7. Prè Catelan
Address: Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 44 14 41 14
Website: Prè Catelan
Located in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris’ affluent 16th district, Frédéric Anton heads this restaurant owned by the Accor group. A stylish dining room opens to an outdoor terrace surrounded by greenery and sheltering parasols. Classic French cuisine meets contemporary with dishes like roasted Breton lobster and black risotto with Thai basil. Set menus range from 140 to 180 euros, with main courses averaging at 80 euros.
8. Guy Savoy
Address: Monnaie de Paris, 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 43 80 40 61
Website: Guy Savoy
You can sample the talents of multifarious chef Guy Savoy at this gourmet bistro by ordering the modestly-priced set menu at 100 euros. This includes a half-entree, the main course, and a half-dessert. The menu varies seasonally, with popular additions of game such as pheasant and venison in winter. Recommended gourmet soups include artichoke and truffle or lentil and crayfish. The decor, featuring dark wood and leather, is modern and inviting.
9. Epicure at Le Bristol
Address: 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 53 43 43 00
Website: Epicure
Young, talented chef Eric Frechon heads this three-star Michelin restaurant at the luxurious Le Bristol hotel. The gastronomic restaurant offers seasonal menus featuring both classic, simple French dishes with creative flourishes (foie gras de canard with oysters in green tea bouillon) or beef pot au feu, alongside more contemporary creations. More accessible lunch menus make Bristol a good choice for gastronomically curious diners on a budget. Always reserve well ahead.
10. Le Grand Véfour
Housed in an 18th-century building and overlooking the Palais Royal gardens, this intimate center of high gastronomy has been a place of literary and political debate for 200 years. Today, under Guy Martin’s direction, it is a modern spot for French cuisine at its best. While the restaurant was downgraded from three to two Michelin stars in 2008, it remains one of the city’s traditional centers for fine gastronomy. Set lunch and dinner menus are available at 75 and 225 euros respectively, and a la carte options range from 120 to 200 euros. The restaurant is closed on weekends.
