Paris, a city celebrated for its timeless charm, remains a top destination year-round, especially for food lovers. From classic French brasseries to lively terraces perfect for people-watching, dining in the capital rarely disappoints. Today’s Parisian chefs are redefining tradition, drawing inspiration from the French terroir and crafting ever-changing menus based on the day’s freshest ingredients, often sourced from their own gardens.
Whitewaller has rounded up some of our favorite spots across the city, featuring everything from elegant takes on French cuisine to refined Japanese omakase and more, each offering a unique taste of Paris’s vibrant culinary scene.
Le Grand Café
8th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Matthieu Salvaing and Le Grand Café.
Set inside the Grand Palais, Le Grand Café blends classic brasserie spirit with playful elegance. Amid stone floors and plaster walls, guests enjoy cocktails and conversation as French tradition meets modern flair. Each brasserie-style dish is created with a modern twist, best enjoyed in the café’s lively, sun-filled ambiance or on the Belle Époque–inspired terrace by Thierry Boutemy, overlooking the Petit Palais and the Champs-Élysées. Take note of the gorgeous interiors imagined by designer Joseph Dirand, and enjoy music by a live jazz band in the evening.
Cuisine: French brasserie.
Chef: Benoît Dargère.
Atmosphere: Brasserie, intimate, warm, inviting.
What we love: Sea bass in puffed pastry.
Book your reservation HERE.
Hakuba
1st Arrondissement
Courtesy of Vincent Leroux and Cheval Blanc Paris.
In an immersive environment that echoes a Japanese forest, Hakuba welcomes diners to three chef’s counters. Here, kaiseki cuisine highlights sushi master Takuya Watanabe’s creations, including sushi, broths, soba, caramelized fish, and more. Save room for dessert—a mochi variation or a sweet treat by pastry talent Maxime Frédéric. Take note of the tableware, sourced from master artisans in Kyoto and Fukuoka. Reservations for dinner are available from Tuesday to Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m.
Cuisine: French, Japanese.
Chef: Takuya Watanabe, Arnaud Donckele, Maxime Frédéric.
Atmosphere: Quiet, nature-inspired, sculptural, harmonious.
What we love: Omakase.
Book your reservation HERE.
Loulou
1st Arrondissement
Courtesy of Matthieu Salvaing and Loulou.
Overlooking the Tuileries Garden at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Loulou serves sun-drenched Mediterranean plates made of seasonal produce in a relaxed, stylish setting. Here, effortless Parisian chic meets coastal flavor, steps from the museum’s artistic treasures.
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired.
Chef: Benoit Dargère.
Atmosphere: Chic, garden terrace, crisp, post-dinner dancing.
What we love: Truffle pizza, pasta, fish, red berry pavlova.
Book your reservation HERE.
Le Clarence
8th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Le Clarence.
Situated in a 19th-century mansion, Le Clarence offers a deeply personal dining experience. With no fixed menu, Chef Andrea Capasso creates seasonally inspired dishes paired with rare vintages. The ambiance is discreet and luxurious, perfect for intimate dinners, special celebrations, or those simply chasing exceptional taste.
Cuisine: Modern, French, seasonal.
Chef: Andrea Capasso.
Atmosphere: Intimate, personal, private 19th-century mansion.
What we love: Vintage, rare wine.
Book your reservation HERE.
Septime
11th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Mickaël A. Bandassak and Septime.
Courtesy of F.Flohic and Septime.
Casual and confident, Septime redefines bistronomy with seasonal plates and elegance. The intimate space buzzes with energy, anchored by a natural wine list that champions small producers. This is auteur cuisine, stripped of pretense and rich in personality, creativity, and intent.
Cuisine: Modern, seasonal, French.
Chef: Bertrand Grébaut.
Atmosphere: Cozy, lively, intimate, understated, neo-bistro.
What we love: Natural, small production wine.
Book your reservation HERE.
Clamato
11th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Maurine Toussaint and Clamato.
Clamato‘s laidback atmosphere welcomes everyone—from tourists to families with children—on a first-come, first-served basis. No need to dress up, it’s perfect for a casual evening. Grilled or line-caught seafood from the French coasts is served in tapas-sized dishes.
Cuisine: Seasonal seafood.
Chef: Bertrand Grébaut.
Atmosphere: Casual, lively, family-inclusive.
What we love: Spicy ceviche and Caribbean accras.
Book your reservation HERE.
Shabour
2nd Arrondissement
Courtesy of Joann Pai and Shabour.
Courtesy of Joann Pai and Shabour.
Shabour redefines intimacy in dining, with just 20 seats encircling a central kitchen. Chef Assaf Granit orchestrates a multi-sensory experience: candlelight, curated music, and storytelling dishes. It’s not just dinner, it’s a theatre of flavor and feeling.
Cuisine: Israeli-French fusion.
Chef: Assaf Granit.
Atmosphere: Energetic, open kitchen, intimate.
What we love: Haminados egg.
Book your reservation HERE.
Le Grand Restaurant
8th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Bernhard Winkelmann and Le Grand Restaurant.
Courtesy of Le Grand Restaurant.
Opened in 2015, Le Grand Restaurant is a culinary atelier where guests enter through the kitchen, into the chef’s world. Beneath a geometric glass canopy, the restaurant presents “Mijotés Modernes”—the signature slow-cooking style of Chef Jean-François Piège—rooted in French terroir. Each plate reveals thoughtful technique, intimate storytelling, and seasonal precision.
Cuisine: Inventive French gastronomy.
Chef: Jean-François Piège.
Atmosphere: Sleek, architectural, theatrical.
What we love: “Tour de France des Territoires” and “Mijotés Modernes” menus.
Book your reservation HERE.
Marsan par Hélène Darroze
6th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Jean Marc Palisse and Marsan par Hélène Darroze.
At Marsan, Chef Hélène Darroze honors her southwestern roots through refined, seasonal cuisine. The space is warm and wood-lined, with an open kitchen and exposed cellar. At its heart, a chef’s table for seven offers front-row access to artistry in motion, personal, elevated, and unforgettable.
Cuisine: Southwest French gourmet.
Chef: Hélène Darroze.
Atmosphere: Feminine, wood-toned, elegant.
What we love: Oysters from Giol with Kristal caviar.
Book your reservation HERE.
Caviar Kaspia
8th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Caviar Kaspia.
Founded in 1927, Caviar Kaspia pioneered the luxurious presentation of caviar in Paris, pairing it with humble staples like potatoes and blinis. Situated at Place de la Madeleine since 1953, it has become a legendary gathering place for the city’s fashion and cultural elite.
Cuisine: Russian-French
Chef: Chef Andrea Tarini
Atmosphere: Old-school, fashion-scene favorite
What we love: Baked potato with caviar
Book your reservation HERE.
Sugaar
6th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Sugaar.
Courtesy of Sugaar.
Tucked just off Boulevard Saint-Germain, Sugaar is a hidden escape into modern Basque cuisine. Ingredients are sourced directly from countryside journeys, while the extensive wine list showcases confidential and rare family run producers. Upstairs, the vibe is intimate, perfect for cocktails, conversation, and culinary discovery.
Cuisine: Basque-inspired.
Chef: Alexis le Tadic.
Atmosphere: Intimate, minimalist, trendy.
What we love: One of the 12 signature cocktails.
Book your reservation HERE.
Le Voltaire
7th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Le Voltaire.
Courtesy of Le Voltaire.
With roots tracing back to the 19th century, Le Voltaire is steeped in Left Bank charm. Housed in the former building of the Enlightenment thinker himself, the brasserie offers classic French fare in an intimate space accented by fresh flowers and velvet-lined booths.
Cuisine: French.
Chef: Tony Ducrocq.
Atmosphere: Old-school, political.
What we love: Sole Meunière.
Book your reservation HERE.
Arpège
7th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Arpège.
At Arpège, Chef Alain Passard crafts a poetic cuisine where vegetables take center stage, harvested from his biodynamic gardens and transformed with precision. Inside, the Art Deco interior and greenhouse touches evoke a quiet reverence for nature, flavor, and the culinary craft.
Cuisine: French, vegetable-forward.
Chef: Alain Passard.
Atmosphere: Minimalist, elegant, Art Deco.
What we love: Beetroot tartare.
Book your reservation HERE.
Café de Flore
6th Arrondissement
Courtesy of Café de Flore.
Café de Flore is more than a café, it’s a Parisian institution. For decades, it’s drawn writers, thinkers, and visitors seeking inspiration and people watching from its iconic corner terrace. The atmosphere effortlessly captures the soul of Saint-Germain.
Cuisine: Classic Parisian Café.
Chef: Kitchen staff, no single chef.
Atmosphere: Historic, literary, sidewalk people-watching.
What we love: Hot chocolate and croissant.
Look at the menu HERE.
La Maison du Caviar
8th Arrondissement
Courtesy of La Maison du Caviar.
Courtesy of La Maison du Caviar.
Founded in 1956, La Maison du Caviar is a Parisian institution dedicated to the art of caviar and fine dining. The menu celebrates the sea, pairing exquisite caviars with refined French cuisine. Inside, the décor blends timeless sophistication with an intimate ambiance, evoking both exclusivity and comfort. A landmark near the Champs- Élysées, it remains the destination for caviar connoisseurs, gourmands, and travelers seeking an iconic Paris experience.
Cuisine: French gourmet, seafood & caviar.
Chef: Tony Bruneau.
Atmosphere: Classic, elegant, refined.
What we love: Oscietra caviar with blinis.
Book your reservation HERE.
Bar Omi
1st Arrondissement
Courtesy of Bar Omi.
Courtesy of Bar Omi.
Bar Omi brings a Japanese boudoir aesthetic with Parisian flair. Designed by Fanny Perrier, the space features black lacquered furniture, Ingo Maurer lighting, faience by Sylvia Pires Da Rochas, and Japanese ink paintings by Derrusie. The kitchen honors sushi in its pure form but adds a twist. Alongside finely crafted nigiri, you’ll find a sharp wine list, sakés and inventive cocktails , all served in a setting that’s as much about atmosphere as taste.
Cuisine: Sushi & Wine Bar.
Chef: Taku Mikuriya.
Atmosphere: Intimate, refined, a Parisian-Japanese boudoir feel.
What we love: Wagyu ramen with a sea bream broth.
Book your reservation HERE.
OJII
7th Arrondissement
Courtesy of OGII.
Courtesy of OGII.
Hidden behind a discreet black door in the 7th, OJII is a cinematic and sensual escape. Red lacquered walls, sculptural lighting, and curated details evoke 1920s glamour, Japanese artistry, and the energy of 1970s New York. In this bold, elegant setting, Chef Taku Mikuriya delivers a refined take on Japanese fine dining with creative, contemporary flair.
Cuisine: Japanese Fine Dining.
Chef: Taku Mikuriya.
Atmosphere: Glamorous, sensual, high-energy.
What we love: Veal sweetbread popcorn tempura with cream.
Book your reservation HERE.
