By request: here it is! My favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and explore in the Paris. It’s overwhelming (read: impossible) to provide a comprehensive list of Paris faves, so I’ll share the places I personally love and return to again and again. Enjoy! And forgive me - I’m not a museum person so you’ll find a noticeable gap here, but those recs are always easy to find.
Clown Bar
The secret is out, so you’ll find this treasure packed with locals and tourists alike (we were surrounded by San Francisco residents on a recent visit). The menu is brief and seasonally inspired, and the food is simply exquisite. If you have a chance to order the chocolate mousse, make haste and order an extra one for me!
Paul Bert
A traditional, classic style bistro. Order the steak frites with black pepper sauce and you won’t be disappointed. Simple, but consistently solid.
Mokonuts
Possibly my favorite eatery in the city, this intimate family-owned business (Moko runs front of house and does pastry and her husband Omar executes all savory dishes) is a total delight. Only open for breakfast and lunch, make a reservation well in advance and don’t skip the cookie platter when ordering dessert.
Bistro Tournelles
This stylish spot serves up classic dishes, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. I am still dreaming about the ravioli with asparagus, crispy chicken, and massive profiteroles with the best chocolate sauce I’ve ever tasted. A perfect Parisian experience.
L’Arlots
I chose this spot for my birthday lunch because the owner is so kind and charming and the vibe is jovial and friendly. My chef brother says the boudin blanc is the best he’s had (mainly served at dinner). PSA: It can be nearly impossible to get through to secure a reservation (we called so many times it became comical) but if you arrive at opening it seems easy to walk in. 136 rue du Faubourg Poissonière, 9th, tel: 01 42 82 92 01 (no website)
Parcelles
A beautiful restaurant nestled in a gorgeous neighborhood; I fell in love with Parcelles even before the first bite. The food is simple, but beautifully prepared and presented, and the service is warm and lovely. 5 stars.
Lao Siam
I was introduced to this neighborhood spot my my Parisian friend, Julien, who lives across the street. It was so tasty, I went back twice in one visit. It’s busy and casual and reservations are not required.
El Nopal
Full disclosure I didn’t get a chance to eat here, but my chef friends swear by it and say it’s the best Mexican in Paris by far. I’m intrigued.
Le Doyenne
A 45-minute train ride from the city, Le Doyenne is a truly magical experience. There is a set menu each day, an impressive wine list, and even accommodations if you choose to stay onsite and linger longer. Arrive early either way so you can stroll through the beautiful grounds and lush garden with a glass of bubbly.
No reservation needed, but these spots do get crowded so come early to avoid a wait.
Septime La Cave
A food industry hangout, this small, bustling spot also serves small bites, and if you time it right, delicious pizza. Pop by around 5pm before dinner for a glass and a snack.
La Buvette
A bit of an institution, owner Camille prepares delicious snacks including charcuterie and cheese with crusty bread and small seasonal vegetable plates.
Aux Deux Amis
Another classic buzzy spot with a great natural wine list, small bites, and an excellent cheese plate. A fun place to gather with friends and talk until the wee hours.
Le Dauphin
The sister restaurant of Le Chateaubriand, this hot spot has spotty service, but may be worth it for the delicate calamari, crispy frites, and the famous sole submerged in browned butter and lemon.
Foderol
Homemade ice cream and wine in one place? Need I say more? Warning: this tiny hot spot gets packed early.
Merci
This curated lifestyle boutique on steroids is my favorite spot for browsing, people watching, and picking up gifts. Grab yourself a cotton Merci tote or pouch and visit the bookshop and café if you want to linger. Maison Plisson next door has beautiful cheese, pastries, and snacks if you need a quick bite.
Bellerose
My favorite stop for chic, yet casual wardrobe staples
L-Uniform
A stylish space that sells a variety of totes and bags that can be monogrammed in bright, fun colors.
Antik Batik
Known for relaxed boho style and feminine prints, I fell in love with this beautiful, cozy boutique.
Officine Universelle Buly
A beautiful, highly curated spot. Pick up their famous monogrammed lip balms for a perfect and compact gift.
Astier de Vilette
Beautifully scented candles in glass vessels. Treat yourself or take home as a chic gift.
Perfumer H
A lovely shop with subtle non-synthetic perfume scents such as fig, pear, smoke, and ink. The small size is carry-on friendly and they also have beautiful loose teas.
Jacques Genin
Astoundingly beautiful candy, chocolate, and caramel. Try a few samples, and bring home your favorites in tiny little jewel boxes.
Boutique Bis
Very reasonably priced vintage and gently used clothes.
Pretty Box
For the true vintage lover, this appointment-only spot is a gem. Lenny Kravitz shops there soooooo…sold!
Bon Marche
This super elevated department store is like a museum of fashion, food, and housewares. A fun stop for browsing, people watching, and catching the latest art install – when I visited artist Julien had his playful characters displayed on a jaw dropping scale.
Barthelemy Cheese Shop
Not traditional shopping, I know, but this little jewel box of a cheese shop actually made me gasp.
Hotel National
I stayed at this chic, design-forward hotel when I was working on my last book and found it comfy, well located, and generally delightful. The ground floor restaurant and bar draws a fun international crowd and the rooftop bar has great city views.
Hotel Grand Amour
My brother and I rented the top floor apartment in this boutique hotel and were which was so spacious and lovely I found myself daydreaming about moving in. The property itself is cozy and charming and has a library, cafe, and restaurant with all day service. Send for my things!
Costes
If you’re looking for an elevated, luxurious experience, Costes is your spot. It’s also also apparently where the cool kids hang out, if you like that sort of thing.
I’d love to know: what are your most favorite special spots in Paris? Let me know in the comments below.
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Interesting how we approach travel. In preparation for my trips to Paris the first thing I do is secure my myriad museum tickets.