French cuisine is one the best in the world. And where better to really indulge than in Paris? In the glamorous capital, quality French food doesn’t always have to come at a crazy cost, as you may have thought. We’ve rounded up our Top 6 spots in Paris to get your foodie-fix, as traditional as it gets (think snails, coq au vin and cheese boards)...
1 CHEZ MICHEL
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10 Rue de Belzunce, 75010 Paris, France
For those staying near Gare Du Nord, you must pay a visit to Chez Michel to indulge in the traditionally Bretonne style country-cooking. The menu at this impressive French Bistro is so varied from comforting soup to hearty venison steak to its showstopping desserts. This place is all about the food, so while the decor may be basic and rustic you’ll come out with a happy tummy and a smile on your face. Traditional French food with Bretonne influences- and serving some of the best freshly baked bread!
2 L'OURCINE
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92 Rue Broca, 75013 Paris, France
If you’re looking for a local favourite, away from the tourists then this is the place for you. While it may be a little out the way, L’Ourcine is a truly excellent French bistro worth visiting for a good meal cooked with fresh ingredients. The clams are to die for! The food is fantastic, hearty and packed with flavour. It’s always full of locals for a reason. The best way to describe the menu is perhaps a sophisticated twist on classic comfort food dishes. Tip: You may need help translating the menu as it's all in French!
3 CHEZ PAPA
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206 Rue la Fayette, 75010 Paris, France
A short walk away from both St Christopher’s hostels, Chez Papa is our recommended stop for a budget heart-warming lunch. Serving everything from meats, cheeses, pates, breads and quiches, this joint is great for backpackers on the go. Will the mussel casserole tempt you? Or even the traditional French duck and potatoes (pictured above)? The portions here are generous and great value for money. On your walk back to the hostel from the Sacre Coeur, stop here for lunch! The salads here are also huge (and awesome). How mouth watering does this boeuf coufidou look?
4 A LA BICHE AU BOIS
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45 Avenue Ledru-Rollin, 75012 Paris, France
A true gem. Don’t judge A La Biche Au Bois on its humble discreet exterior. The French food it serves is authenticity at its finest, not to mention it's comforting and reasonably priced. It has visitors flooding back every time they return to Paris. With such a busy, bustling atmosphere every evening this spot is never empty and the customers are always smiling. What more can you want from a restaurant: delicious value-for-money food, good wine and an excellent hearty cheese platter. Order the coq a vin; it will be the best you’ve ever tasted.
5 LE PETIT CHÂTELET
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39 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Just a 6 minute walk from the Notre Dame, you’ll find Le Petit Châtelet. From great steak to yummy seafood (and cheap beer) this cosy little find will be the kind of place that makes your trip to Paris that much better. Being so close to Notre Dame, it’s surprising that this place is the complete opposite of a tourist trap! Tip: if you sit on the second floor you’ll be rewarding with a great view of the Notre Dame. Try the apple tart for dessert - it's divine.
6 BOUILLON RACINE
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3 Rue Racine, 75006 Paris
For truly authentic and delicious French cuisine, this impeccably decorated restaurant - housed inside a characterful historical building - is definitely one to consider. It's the most expensive of the bunch but worth it for more special occasions or a nice dinner (prices still not extortionate). Located in between Quartier Latin, Odeon and Fontaine Saint Michel, this restaurant serves up a mix of traditional French classics (suckling pig for example) to more modern dishes. Inside you’ll find beautiful 1900s Art Deco decor, the walls carved of wood, ceramics, mirrors and glass paintings. A truly romantic French interior with an old fashioned, high-style edge.