Last updated on July 11th, 2024 at 02:06 pm
Of all the cities where you’re spoiled for food choices, the French capital has to be right up there with the very best. We at Remitly love our food, and we know that French cuisine deserves its fantastic reputation. But when you’re thinking about where to eat in Paris, you literally have the entire world to choose from. So how about we share a few ideas?
Our Europe-based writing team chose these restaurants based on personal recommendations and experiences. The businesses referenced in this publication were not compensated for a mention, and their inclusion in this publication does not imply their endorsement of Remitly.
More than bistros
With Paris boasting some of the best restaurants in the world, let alone the country, it would be easy to stick to delicious French food when visiting the city. People from all over the world come to France to buy homes, invest, and build whole communities. Paris is home to immigrants not just from around Europe, but also Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Those communities have brought their food cultures with them, spicing up the culinary scene in Paris. Here are just a few immigrant-owned Paris restaurants, from street food to haute cuisine.
Korean food in Paris
For a taste of Seoul in the heart of Paris, you can’t go wrong with Ossek Garden. They specialize in barbecues, but you’ll also find the curries and spring rolls that characterize Korean cuisine—all at a great price. Try their classic bibimbap: a rice dish topped with sizzling, thinly sliced beef, vegetables, egg, and chill-infused soy sauce.
- Location: 14 Rue Rampon (in the 11th Arrondissement)
- Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12:00–2:30 p.m. / 6:00–11:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:00–3:00 p.m. / 6:00–11:00 p.m.
- Instagram: @ossekgarden
Sicilian food in Paris
Despite the very Parisian feel of the dining terrace out front, once you step through the door of Sapore you feel you’re in Italy. Their pizzas are as good as any you’d find on the Mediterranean island itself, but for us, the outrageously delicious pistachio cannoli is the star of the show.
- Location: 82 Rue Boileau (in the 16th Arrondissement)
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00–2:45 p.m. / 6:30–10:45 p.m.
- Instagram: @saporeparis
Vietnamese food in Paris
Pho Tai is a Parisian landmark. It’s been serving phô, the Vietnamese soup with a devoted following, for many years. Why is it at two numbers in the same street? It opened a second location across the road to cope with demand, not just for phô, but also for its orange and lemon crispy chicken. Vietnam was once a French colony, so the two cultures have long interacted.
- Location: 13 & 18 Rue Philibert Lucot (in the 13th Arrondissement)
- Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12:00–2:30 p.m. / 7:00–10:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:00–3:00 p.m. / 7:00–10:30 p.m.
- Instagram: @photaiparis
Caribbean restaurant in Paris
New Soul Food is as much known for its atmosphere as its food. But that doesn’t mean its Afro-Caribbean classics aren’t good; they’re famed for their West Indian and sub-Saharan style chicken dishes. The restaurant has taken its great value food to the streets, too, with its food truck.
- Location: 177 Quai de Valmy (in the 10th Arrondissement)
- Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00–2:00 p.m. / 7:00–10:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00–2:00 p.m. / 7:00–11:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 12:00–3:00 p.m.
- Instagram: @newsoulfood
Ivorian cuisine
A taste of home for West African people in Paris, A La Banane Ivoirienne is among the best of the many African food restaurants in the city. African cuisine is varied, of course, with this locale firmly in the Francophone West African camp. It’s a homely, welcoming place with a small dining room. Their chicken mafé, grilled and braised in their special sauce, competes with their own infused black rum for top billing.
- Location: 10 Rue de la Forge Royale (in the 11th Arrondissement)
- Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 7:00 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 7:00 p.m. — midnight.
- Facebook: @ALaBananeIvoirienne
Dim Sum in Paris
You’ll struggle to find tastier dim sum in Paris than at DimDimSum Paris. If you’re not sure what to try, go for one of their various set menus to get a broad taste of Chinese culinary variety. This is also a good option for gluten-free dining in Paris.
- Location: 20 Rue du Grenier-Saint-Lazare, 75003 Paris, France
- Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. / 5:30 p.m – 10:30 p.m
- Friday to Sunday: 11:30 a.m. — 10:30 p.m.
- Monday: Closed
- Instagram: @dimdimsum.paris
Japanese-French fusion
Sushi in Paris goes up a notch. Kei Kobayahsi was the first Japanese chef to earn three Michelin stars in Paris. His latest venture, Kei, isn’t the sort of place you go for a quick and cheap eat—it’s ultra-elevated French cuisine interpreted by a Japanese master of his craft, so prices and availability reflect that!
If you’re feeling extravagant, Kei’s tasting menu is already legendary.
- Location: 5 Rue Coq Héron (in the 1st Arrondissement)
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:30–2:00 p.m. / 7:30–9:00 p.m.
- Instagram: @restaurantkei
Senegalese food in Paris
With its lively atmosphere and authentic flavors, the hip Waly-Fay is making a name for itself among Paris foodies. Here you’ll find West African classics such as mouth-watering fish stews and yassa—a spicy, flavorful meat and rice dish from Senegal and the surrounding area.
- Location: 6 Rue Godefroy Cavaignac (in the 11th Arrondissement)
- Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00–3:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m.–midnight
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 p.m.–midnight
- Instagram: @waly_fay
Any tips for dining in Paris?
We’ve picked out just a few options, but in Paris, you’ll also find fantastic Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Thai, Syrian, North African, and Eastern European restaurants.
Whether you’re grabbing a plate of couscous or sitting down to a seven-course tasting menu, there are some tips that will see you in good stead for dining out in the French capital.
- Try out your French. Servers appreciate being greeted with a “bonjour” or “bonsoir,” and learning a bit of the language will help you understand the menu.
- Arrive on time for your reservation. Many Parisian restaurants have high demand for their tables, so arriving late could result in losing your table. If you’ve reserved ahead of time, it’s even a good idea to call on the day to confirm.
- Many of the restaurants owned by immigrants in Paris are little oases of home, where it’s like stepping out of France and into that country. Be aware of and respect the customs and cultures where you’re eating—some places might not serve alcohol, for example—and you’ll have the best time.
- Be adventurous. Not only will you delight your taste buds, but you’ll also support the local immigrant community. If you find your new favorite restaurant, share the recommendation widely.
FAQs
Should I tip when I eat out in Paris?
While tipping is expected in some countries, it’s not essential in Paris. Street food stalls selling simple hummus wraps, crêpes, or ice cream cones don’t require tips. But if you’ve had a good meal and service at a sit-down restaurant, tipping between five and ten percent is greatly appreciated.
What time do Parisians have dinner?
There are so many restaurants in Paris that you can find something to eat almost any time of day or night. However, to guarantee a table at a more popular restaurant, you’re advised to book for around 8 p.m. at the latest. Many close their kitchens at about 10:30 p.m.
How many restaurants are there in Paris?
There are an incredible 44,000 restaurants in the city, from every corner of the globe. Looking for Mexican? Syrian? Vietnamese? Moroccan? In Paris, you’ll find it.
Is eating out in Paris expensive?
Paris is a world city with many expats, so you’ll find everything from inexpensive street food to three Michelin-star fine dining. Even if you’re on a budget, you’ll find something tasty to eat there.