Where Do The Locals Eat In Paris, France

So you’re traveling to Paris. You know that there’s an abundance of incredible food here - that has always been true - but when you start searching the internet for “Best places to eat”, all you get is AI assists or Tiktok trending Paris restaurants. Aka, far away from where the locals eat. In a world of so much information, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Hopefully, this article will help steer you in the right direction. We’ll outline some of the tourist traps to avoid, how to save a little money, and give you some of our favorite recommendations along the way.

Where Do The Locals Eat In Paris, France

Locals tend to eat in their neighorbood bistrot, of which there are hundreds in this city. That said, the neighborhood bistrots aren’t a given for high quality (but we have a few we recommend, don’t worry!) Sometimes, people will go out of their way for a nice night out for a special occasion, or a tasty bowl of ramen across town, but in general, you’re going to find Parisians drawn towards restaurants where quality, seasonality and value matter more than aesthetics or Instagram hype. Parisians also have a habit of eating out fairly regularly, especially for lunch. Maybe french businesses provide “tickets resto” or restaurant tickets to help employees cover the cover of lunch during the working week (yes this is a part of their salary, it’s not as simple as free food!) So now the big question… where to eat in Paris?!

What Food Is Paris Famous For

Once upon a time Paris was famous for its pied de cochon (pigs feet), escargot (snails), and ratatouille (yum). Can you still find all of these things? Absolutely, and you should definitely try some of the staples while you're here.

In recent years, however, the general energy of the food scene has shifted. French food now seems to branch into two different categories - the classic French of steak frites, butter, fat, filling, and delicious - and the fresh, local, light fare that has entered the scene. Both very French, but it depends what you’re looking for.

And of course, Paris has now morphed into an international city of many cultures and the food that goes along with it. While this once might not have been true, you can now find fantastic Asian, Indian, American… well, you can find pretty much anything here now, and it’ll be good to boot.

Where Locals Eat French In Paris

All right, to make things easy, let’s just answer the question. That way, if you don’t have time to look or you’re already in Paris, you can pick a place from this list and you won’t be disappointed. There’s more where this comes from but this should get you started.

Martin boire et manger

Fresh, seasonal small plates and an extensive natural wine list. Martin is a phenomenal place for a true local experience. They don’t take reservations, so be sure to get there early if you’re hungry or be prepared to wait a while. The atmosphere is chaotic and festive and just really fun. The food is always amazing. Get directions.

Café de l’Industrie

A classic French bistrot where once upon a time you’d hear not a lick of English. Things have changed, and now that might not be true anymore, but the food is traditional and delicious. We can’t promise it’s always on the menu, but their sausage and purée (mashed potato) is one of the best. Simple, rich, and tasty. Near Bastille, you’re in the perfect location for a night out afterwards. Get directions.

Café du coin

A fantastic, casual, friendly, French lunch spot, Café du coin is off the beaten path and well worth a visit. They have a great wine list and we’ve never been disappointed by their food or their welcome. Get directions.

L’avant comptoir du marché

You won’t find a fancy dining room in this establishment! Instead, stools, a casual atmosphere, and small plates will entice you in. L’avant comptoir has some of the best wine on offer, and their small plates are killer. Plus, wait until you see their mound of butter. Have it with some bread and pickles while you wait to be served in this casual and friendly spot. Get directions.

Le Bastringue

Truly off the beaten path, Le Bastringue is up in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, along the canal. And if you’re a steak frites person, you’re going to want their Côte de Boeuf. Come with a couple of friends, because this meal is HEARTY. Wash it down with a simple glass of house red and do some people watching along the canal. Get directions.

Where Locals Eat (Non-French) In Paris

It will come as no surprise that Parisians enjoy international cuisine, so we wanted to share a few of our favorit local spots with you here as well.

Sobremesa

With a new guest chef each month (past iterations include Indian, Greek, and more!), Sobremesa is a casual, delicious dining experience in the 18th arrondissement. Chances are, you won’t find yourself in this neighborhood naturally, so use Sobremesa as an opportunity to explore the northside of the hill of Montmartre. If you like natural wine, grab their pairing menu - you’re in for a real treat! Get directions.

Siseng

Located right on the Canal Saint-Martin, in the heart of the hippest area of town, you’ll find some of the best bao burgers this city has to offer, and don’t skimp on the sweet potato fries! This is a great option if you're stolling the neighborhood shopping or looking for a delicious and easy meal before a night out. Get directions.

Oobatz

…Because it remains some of the best pizza in Paris. A delicious and thin sourdough crust, with creative pizza toppings ranging from zucchini to asparagus to meat… with a menu that regularly shifts with the season. You’ll also get some great wine and an absolutely stellar Basque alcohol-free (.5%) beer. You’ll have to make a reservation! Get directions.

How To Find Good Local Restaurants In Paris

We’re asked this question a lot - how does one find the best local restaurants on their own? To answer, we have a list of tips, but at the end of the day, it’ll be word of mouth. Find someone you trust, and take their advice. It’s the best way to find something you’ll love.

Get off the beaten path

Go north! Go east! Get out of western or central Paris, where most of the tourists hang out. Sure, there is good food to be found there, but there is GREAT food to be found elsewhere. The 9th, 10th, 11th, and districts around there won’t disappoint you.

Look for handwritten, chalkboard menus in French

This is a general good rule, but not always 100% accurate like it used to be. Exceptional restaurants will often have rotating menus that change with the season, with the day’s catch, with the whim of the chef, etc. Scruffy chalk menus in French usually mean the menu shifts a lot, and is often a sign (pun intended) of a good time.

Follow your nose

Good food speaks the language of odor. If you smell something delectable, check it out. Bonus points if there are a bunch of French people inside.

Ask locals

At a nice coffee shop or wine bar? Enjoying what they offer? Ask the staff where they would go to eat. Chances are, it’ll be just as great a vibe as where you currently are. This is how we’ve found some of our favorite places.

Avoid major landmarks

It will come as no surprise that restaurants near large and famous monuments are often tourist traps. It only takes a few minutes down some of the side streest to find a local gem, however (think: Milagro; near the Eiffel tower, but not on top of it.)

Avoid people ushering you in

A good restaurant doesn’t need to beg you to enter.

Use Paris in My Pocket

Not interested in doing all the research yourself? Not to worry, that’s literally what we’re here for. We have recommendations of you that we’ve been vetting thoroughly for over a decade. We constantly revisit old restaurants to make sure they’re still good (and if they’re not? We remove them!) and we add new locations to the guide every month, meaning it’s as always up to date as possible. For the best food, drink, and coffee Paris has to offer, you’ll want Paris in My Pocket.

How To Eat Like A Local In Paris

Nervous you’ll stick out when dining in Paris? Don’t be! You likely won’t be able to hide the fact that you’re a visitor, and that’s okay. Just remember to be polite, speak at a lower volume, and relax. You’ll have a great time. That said, here are some tips that can help you understand more about French dining culture and etiquette.

Always greet the staff

Bonjour is the golden word. Don’t forsake it. And don’t seat yourself.

Be prepared to take your time

French waiters will seat you, come back to take your drink order, again to take your food order, and again to drop the food. Eventually they’ll check in again, but don’t be surprised if that’s an hour later. In France, it’s rude for the server to bother you; and they won’t bat an eyelash if you take up your tables for 3 hours. Some restaurants have two different seatings, but in that case they’ll typically let you know when you sit (and it’ll still be about 2 hours later!)

Look for a prix fixe / menu

A prix fixe (also known as a menu) as a fixed price menu. It is not a menu the way we use the word - that’s a carte in French. These are often offered in French restaurants, and typically at lunch time only (and outside of weekends). With these menus you’ll usually have an affordable option of ordering an app+main, or main+dessert, or app+main+dessert. Often a drink is included. You’ll typically be provided with 1-2 options for each course. This is a great way to save a little money at lunch.

Get the cheese plate

Get it instead of dessert; get it with a small digestif or a coffee. It’s the perfect way to end a meal and is quintessentially French.

Now perhaps you’re not able to sit down for a full meal every time you’re hungry. We get it - you’re running around town trying to see everything, do everything, try everything Paris has to offer. It’s important to know that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for speed and cost. Paris has some amazing street food on offer that will keep you satiated! There are also numerous foodie streets in Paris, where you’ll find something for even the pickiest family member.

Bon appetit!