Are you heading to Paris and looking for great restaurants near the major attractions? The eternal question of where to eat without falling into tourist traps is a common concern for many travelers.
Time and again, I read postings on Facebook: “We are going to (major attraction) and want to avoid the tourist traps where should we eat before/after.”
I’ve got you covered with some fantastic restaurant recommendations near all the must-see spots in Paris. Whether you’re craving traditional French cuisine or trendy international flavors, these hidden gems will satisfy your appetite and leave you wanting more.
Say goodbye to mediocre meals and hello to unforgettable dining experiences in the City of Light!
Related read: How to Eat Like a Local in Paris
Here’s an overview:
Best Restaurants Near Major Attractions in Paris
We’ve covered all the top destinations in Paris: Moulin Rouge, Eiffel Tower, Museum D’Orsay, Opera National de Paris and the Louvre. So, if any of these destinations are on your Paris itinerary, then here’s where to grab something to eat nearby before or after.
Top Restaurants Near the Moulin Rouge
Explore the world’s most renowned cabaret! Experience a talented troupe of 60 artists from across the globe who put on two incredible performances each night on the stage of the “Féerie” revue.
This show features four dazzling tableaux filled with feathers, rhinestones, sequins, sparkling decor, acrobats, unique music, and international acts.
If you’ve planned a romantic data night at the Moulin Rouge, these restaurants are perfect for a pre or post dinner.
Related read: Things to Do in Paris for Couples
La Mascotte
La Mascotte is about a 10-minute walk from Moulin Rouge and has hands-down the best mussels and frites in Paris.
Although it primarily serves seafood, it also does other dishes quite well if you have any non-seafood eaters in your party.
Reservations are available online, and you only need to advise them of your curtain time. They will get you served and to your show.
The service is always excellent, as is the food.
Bouillon Pigalle
Bouillon Pigalle is my top choice for families.
It offers delicious French classics, efficient service, and a great house wine.
The prices are low, so by 7:00, there will be a line. Go early, get everyone fed, and visit another part of the area before your show if you have the time.
This is the best value in the area.
Related read: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Paris with Teenagers
Vin Cave des Abbesses
Shhh, this one is a secret. Vin Cave des Abbesses. It is not a proper restaurant, but you can eat here.
They serve an incredible cheese plate and some great Charcut. This, along with some of the finest wines to be found, is a hot tip.
There are NO reservations, but in the summer, they have a few outdoor tables in addition to the hidden backroom.
Insider tip: You can choose any wine in the store or order from their extensive wine list. It is a favorite of mine.
Le Petit Moulin
Le Petit Moulin (NO website, no telephone, no reservations): This little eatery at 17 Rue Tholoze is a stone’s throw from Moulin Rouge. It is best for after the early show or before the late show.
Upstairs, there are 26 seats where you can sit by the window for a great view of Montmartre and downstairs, there is a raucous party atmosphere. You can dine on either level.
Don’t blink, or you will miss it.
Top Restaurants Close to the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the stuff of tourist trap nightmares. With photographers hawking souvenir photos, overpriced crepe stands, and typical tourist traps, it is my least favorite part of Paris.
That said, there is some good dining in the area, but not a lot and not cheap.
Related read: Top Paris Restaurants with a View of the Eiffel Tower
Tomy&Co
The standout is Tomy&Co. It has a Michelin star, so expect to pay about 100 euros a person, if not more.
I can tell you that Michelin Stars were created to sell tires, how they hire, how they rate, and how ultimately meaningless their ratings are, but you won’t listen.
The bottom line is that the food here is exquisite despite the stars.
Carmine Cafe
Carmine Cafe is my spot when visitors simply must go to the tower.
You can book a reservation online, and it serves good, solid Bistro fare. The menu changes frequently.
The last time I was there, I had an outstanding pork dish and excellent frites. Good wine by the glass and pleasant service make it a welcome respite from the cacophony of tourist traps.
Top Restaurant Close to the Museum d’Orsay – Julia Child’s Residence
Musee d’Orsay – The National Assembly
The Musée d’Orsay is actually housed in the old train station Gare d’Orsay, which was built back in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition in Paris. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of over 4,000 artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the Impressionist, Expressionist, and Pointillist movements spanning from 1848 to 1914.
The Former Residence of Julia Child in the Rue de l’Université 81
You don’t need to be a top-notch chef from Le Cordon Bleu to admire Julia Child’s Paris. The lively woman, who shared her passion for French cooking with the world (or at least helped us appreciate it more), cherished every moment of her time in Paris, a city that truly knows how to enjoy the finer things in life.
Brasserie Bourbon
They are all close to my favorite restaurant in Paris, Brasserie Bourbon.
The menu is loaded with French classics, like chicken in an exquisite Tartar sauce or the best steak tartare in Paris.
I love to visit the impressionists and then have dinner here.
The service is always excellent. Enough English is spoken to figure things out, and I even have a favorite waiter: Mike. His name is unusual for a Frenchman, but if you see him, give him a high five and my regards.
Reservations are available online.
Top Restaurant Near the Opera National de Paris
Opera National de Paris This is a lovely area, and there are several quite good cafes on the side streets. You will be quite satisfied with their offerings.
Related read: Wine, Dine and Shopping Tips for Opera in Paris
However, if you can get a reservation at…
Juveniles
Juveniles is the place to be.
I was one of the first customers 37 years ago when it opened. I was a very young, very hungry man, and the owner spoke English and guided me to some of the most memorable food and wine I had tasted in Paris. I am less young, and the chef has changed, but the food is inventive and delicious.
If you are in the mood for great wine, unfussy service, and a deliciously full belly, I cannot recommend this eatery more highly.
Reservations are required; call for them; no online reservations.
Top Restaurants Near the Louvre
The Louvre is a tough place to find a good eatery, and like the Tower, Tourist traps abound in the area. I was finally satisfied at…
Louvre Ripaille
The Louvre Ripaille take online reservations, and while not cheap, the quality is high, and the service is good.
The Ellsworth
Another selection for both the Louvre and the Opera is The Ellsworth.
It has a small menu, high-quality food, and efficient service.
I celebrated a birthday there, and on that day, they had pig cheeks in a green peppercorn sauce. Upon occasion, they will give a French take on an American dish, which delights everyone.
Anywhere in Paris, it can be hard to find an eatery when you are hungry, and you don’t have one of my lists in front of you, but every neighborhood has one Artisan Bakery.
Always look for the word Artisan. It means the baker has done the work to be a master. In France, this has a legal meaning.
Great sandwiches, quiche, and other delectable items will abound. They sometimes have chairs or stools, and otherwise, you can eat on the street. A Jambon baguette is a welcome lunch when touring, and it won’t break the bank.
A great way to judge a restaurant is the menu size; the smaller the menu, the more likely the food is good.
And if you see a sign that says Pizza, Burgers, French Classics run far, run fast, you have encountered one of our shameful tourist traps.
And yes, there are definitely more options out there that I haven’t gotten to yet. You might come across longer lists, but I can vouch for the top-notch food quality with these recommendations.
Plus, why not come along with me on one of my food tours? We can dive even deeper into the amazing Parisian food scene together.
Related read: Tipping in Paris: When and How Much to Tip
Unveil the Soul of Paris – Chef PJ’s Montmartre Food Tour
Experience the enchanting allure of Montmartre with Chef PJ, a talented Parisian chef who brings the vibrant culture and distinct flavors of his city to life. Immerse yourself in the local food scene on this tour guided by a chef with deep roots and extensive experience in Paris’s dynamic district. Start off with a classic “café au lait” and a freshly baked croissant at a charming café, just like a true Parisian.
At Chef PJ’s restaurant, savor a homemade three-course meal paired with carefully selected French wines – Rosé, White, and Red – and finish it off with a chat about the best pastries and chocolates in town while enjoying a glass of “Pet-Nat.”
Embark on a personal journey through Montmartre’s hidden gems, sampling secret recipes and hearing captivating stories along the way. With Chef PJ’s stellar reputation from previous food tours, get ready for a memorable and highly praised experience.
Price: €129 each
Starts at 11:00 at Blanche Subway Station.
Duration: 5 hours.
Live Guide: English.
Unfit for vegans.
Chef PJ’s Picnic: A Montmartre Picnic
Enhance your dining experience with Chef PJ’s Montmartre Picnic Tour! Join us on a delightful journey as we ride up the hill on a charming funicular and explore Montmartre with Chef PJ’s family, discovering its rich history and charm.
Savor a delicious picnic featuring locally sourced treats handpicked by Chef PJ, including delectable pastries, savory quiches, and exquisite wines. Delight in this culinary experience at Chef PJ’s restaurant, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. This tour is perfect for those seeking a unique blend of food and culture, providing a fresh take on traditional tourist activities.
Price: €109 each
Starts at 10:30 or 13:30
Duration: 3.5 hours
