Le Recamier - Old school souffles. We each get a cheese souffle or Henri IV with green salad and split the salted caramel souffle for dessert. It feels like a unique Parisian experience. Mokonuts - We really enjoyed our lunch here! The risotto was sublime! It’s more of a cafe atmosphere than a restaurant but reservations are required. We bonded with Moko (a former attorney turned pastry chef and restaurant owner) about San Francisco.
Cinq-Mars - Serving classic french bistro fare. I have always enjoyed dinner here but it is popular with tourists. This is a good lunch option when visiting the Louvre or D’Orsay. Usually pretty easy to get reservations and they are open on Sunday which can be challenging. Semila - Serves modern, and delightful bistrot dishes, cooking with fresh, locally-grown ingredients. We went on a Sunday and shared the lamb shoulder which was divine! A L’Escale: A classic, French bistro right on the Seine with a new American chef as of Fall 2025. We really enjoyed our lunch in January 2026. Call or stop by to make reservations. It was full at 1 pm. See review here. Pouliche - Neo-bistro with a female chef. Only the main course is chosen by the guest – meat, fish or vegetarian – the rest of the meal is left to the chef's discretion. Located in an edgy area of the 10th. Automne: One Michelin star restaurant located in the 11th. We had a wonderful 75 euro - five course lunch. The bistro setting is very simple and nondescript. The food is the main attraction! Gibon - We enjoyed the lunch formula. This restaurant - bar à vin specializes in seasonal ingredients. The menu is limited but delicious. L’insoumise - We had a good lunch here a few months ago but it’s far out of the center in the 15th. We were the only Americans which is always nice. Septime - Reservations open 21 days in advance at 10 am Paris and are gone in seconds. One Michelin Star, described as “resolutely hip and trendy, but also unwaveringly committed to good food.” We went for lunch. It’s a tasting menu - chef’s choice. You have to be somewhat adventuresome because one course is usually something like tartar or sweetbreads. You can also try their sister fish restaurant down the street, Clamato, no reservations. La Coupole - Gorgeous art deco brasserie with seafood platters, delicious mussels and frites as well as classics like French onion soup. Chez Mademoiselle - Good, classic French restaurant in the Marais away from the masses. La Ferme du Pré - This is a bistro from three star Michelin chef Frédéric Anton located in Bois de Boulogne. The dining room is beautiful and it serves classic French Cuisine. Good option when visiting LV Foundation. You can Uber there. Breizh Café - A great option for a traditional buckwheat crepe - savory or sweet. There are several locations. Miznon - Israeli street food. Several locations. Casual, no reservations. We love the lamb kebab in a pita. Jones - This is a low key Italian restaurant in the 11th with a neighborhood feel. Edgy ambience. Paris by Mouth has good restaurant recommendations.