When I first came to Paris as a tourist a couple of decades ago, visitors often made the remark that it was impossible to eat badly here. After many a mediocre restaurant meal, I soon realized that that dictum was patently untrue. Standards seem to be rising overall, however, and in 2022, we tested a bumper crop of marvelous little Paris restaurants. We are spotlighting a record 14 of them in our annual roundup of favorites. Click on the restaurant’s name for the full review.
Ultimate comfort
Jong-no Samgyetang
A couple of weeks ago, I finally went back to this hole-in-the-wall Korean restaurant after dreaming about a return visit for a full year. It serves the crispiest fried chicken, the most flavorful and satisfying vegetable galette, and the silkiest, richest and most sensual chicken soup you have ever tasted. It may seem strange, but this is currently my favorite Paris restaurant. The friend who accompanied me on the return trip is a new convert. Take note: Koreans in the know book ahead, even for lunch.
Homage to Monique and Valérie
Mova
We were wowed by Mova’s six-course tasting menu – culminating in a stunning tourte de canard (duck pie) – in this restaurant paying tribute to the culinary talents of the mothers of the young couple who own it.
Hipster daring
Lolo
Lolo is trendy and expensive, usually both black marks in my restaurant rating book. Yet I loved it. Why? Crazy yet brilliantly done dishes like Scotch eggs or oysters with smoked sausage and béchamel sauce.
A true original
Jujube
The jujube fruit may come from China and have an exotic name, but it has the humble flavor of an apple. Best of all, it has given its name to this marvelous restaurant whose chef is from Togo but who learned to cook in Italy and has a kind of genius for introducing flavors from many parts of the world to each other.
Open on Monday!
Jeanne-Aimée
This stylish place satisfies more than one of the senses with good design and music and marvelous, memorable dishes like fish-skin chips or snowpeas with smoked trout and strawberries.
High on meat
Bien Élevé
Deep sourcing goes into the choice of products here, with a special emphasis on fantastic, “well-raised” meat. The desserts are notable.
Playhouse for foodies
Mâche
A playful decor sets the stage for a colorful meal full of startling, attractive (and delicious) ingredients.
Valeur sûre
Wadja
This “semi-gourmet” Montparnasse restaurant has been around for many long years but is still guaranteed to show you a good time and a great meal of top-quality French classics.
A Batignolles best
L’Envie du Jour
The Batignolles area keeps adding great new restaurants, making it a bistronomic destination like the 9th and 11th arrondissements. With its creative seasonal dishes, this is another must in the quarter.
Après l’opéra
Bistrot des Tournelles
The regretted restaurant Gaspard de la Nuit has a worthy successor in this cozy, candlelit bistro, located near Bastille, serving excellent versions of French classics like daube, a slow-cooked beef stew.
On track
Café Les Deux Gares
Who would expect a brilliant bistronomic meal in an old café located in a seedy area between two train stations? That’s what you’ll get here. Book your ticket now.
The perfect lunch spot
Notre Café
A café that has it all: great food; a quiet, attractive dining room; a lovely, traffic-free terrace; and a mission to help people with autism.
Out of town
Maezaly
Why head for a Paris suburb for dinner? Because this homey little Mom-and-Pop restaurant in Vincennes delivers a gourmet meal for an unbeatable price.
Michelin-ready
Perception
Complex, highly original French food made from ingredients sourced from the country’s best producers by a Korean chef trained at Ze Kitchen Galerie.
See our Favorite Restaurants by Arrondissement page to find a good restaurant in the neighborhood where you want to eat.
Favorite