10 Great Local Chef Restaurants in Paris

Café de Flore, a famous coffee house and one of the oldest in the city, is known for offering delicious breakfast food and for its high-profile clientele. This cafe rose to prominence due to its popularity among big-name philosophers and writers like Remy de Gourmont and Jean-Paul Sartre.

When you visit, you can enjoy the historic ambience among the Art Deco decor that has remained since the last major change around World War II. It's conveniently located on the west side of Monnaie, just a short walk from the Saint-Germain-des-Pres metro station.

Le Chardenoux is a historic restaurant that embodies the aesthetic of old Paris while offering notable seafood favourites that go beyond typical French fare. It's run by celebrity chef Cyril Lignac, so you can count on the latest culinary trends being employed here.

The dining experience at this restaurant is complemented by a variety of clever cocktails you won't want to miss out on. In fact, some patrons come solely for the bar, so don't hesitate to indulge if that's something you're interested in. You'll find it all in the 11th Arr., just south of the Charonne metro station.

Frenchie is a small and modest-looking restaurant, but you'll find bursts of flavour inside with produce-centred cooking you won't want to miss. The restaurant is run by chef Gregory Marchand, who draws on years of experience to create stunning flavours that take advantage of everything fresh ingredients are capable of.

This restaurant looks quite unassuming at first glance, but it's always packed for a reason. The mouthwatering flavours mean you'll have to make a reservation in advance, as people are always trying to get a table here. You can try this Michelin star-winning restaurant in southeast Sentier near the city centre.

Benoit Paris is a delightful bistro where you'll find delicious French food, a lively atmosphere and a bit of historical value all in 1 place. The food here celebrates French classics, including beef tongue and snails served in their shells. If you're looking for authenticity, this is one of the best restaurants in town.

When you visit Benoit Paris, you'll be able to tell that it dates back more than a century, given the vintage yet stylish decor. Additionally, this restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star, so you know you're in for a treat. It's all located right in the city centre, just west of the Hotel de Ville metro station.

L'Arpège is an iconic restaurant where you can enjoy vegetable-based cuisine made with ingredients grown in the onsite garden. The chef here is a gardener as well as a master of the culinary arts, and he grows and gathers his ingredients himself.

When you visit this restaurant, you'll be able to taste the skill and the inherent value in a freshness that only comes from producing ingredients onsite. This restaurant has been awarded 3 Michelin stars, the highest rating possible, so a visit here ensures you're in for a treat. It's located west of the city centre around the corner from the Varenne metro station.

Clamato is a no-reservations seafood restaurant where you can taste the creations of chef Bertrand Grébaut in a welcoming and unassuming setting. This restaurant is a hidden gem and a must-try. The next night try the more-famous Septime, which is right next door.

When you visit Clamato, you'll find brilliant seafood dishes like Maldon Oysters and smoked eel. Of course, the exact items on offer change based on what's available in the market. You can get to this restaurant in the Bastille area just west of the Charonne metro station.

Bistrot Paul Bert is a traditional restaurant where you can taste classic French cuisine in an alluring bistro setting. On the menu here, you can enjoy classics like white asparagus and Côte de Boeuf. Just keep in mind that what's specifically available will vary based on the season.

When you visit this restaurant, it's important to remember that it's well suited for a variety of tastes and experiences. They get a lot of English-speaking travellers, so the traditional French menu has plenty of options that people used to English food would still enjoy. Try it out for yourself just east of the city centre in the 11th arrondissement.

Pierre Gagnaire is a fine-dining restaurant named after the chef himself where you'll find delicious food embodying the personality of the chef. Gagnaire is known for his humour and playful demeanour, and that's exactly what you'll find among the dishes, though it never takes the place of delicious flavour.

When you visit this restaurant, you'll find a luxurious experience that's reflected in the menu. If you're looking for a more affordable option, be sure to visit during lunch rather than dinner. You can get to this restaurant in Hôtel Balzac in the 8th arrondissement.

L’Avant Comptoir is a tapas bar where you'll find top quality in every last item on the menu, coupled with a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere. The charcuterie selection here is particularly popular, so it's a great choice if you're looking for something delicious and quick.

Chef Yves Camdeborde is in control here, offering stunning pork dishes and more that reflect great culinary talent. The drink selection is also quite impressive, with plenty of wine available. Try it out for yourself in southern Monnaie.

Le Baratin is a popular bistro helmed by Raquel Carena and featuring incredible dishes and plenty of wine on offer. Embodying a retro bistro style, the Argentine chef is a master of bistronomy, letting you enjoy some of the best options in the entire city with food that's simultaneously delicate and hearty.

The menu here is written on a blackboard, and the decor itself is quite casual with nothing too gaudy or garish. The selection of wines is quite varied, so you can always find a delicious pairing to complement your meal. You'll find it all in western Belleville, about a mile out from the city centre.