5x classic French dining in Paris

Paris is packed with French bistros, but finding a truly good one is difficult. No worries: the journalists and other Parisian foodies behind food guide Eat Like a Local Paris will tell you exactly where the Parisian gems are.

Restaurant 1: Les Arlots

“An absolutely heavenly restaurant – noisy, relaxed, with a great wine list and very good food: purées, sausages, millefeuille… I have never been disappointed here. And everything is reasonably priced” – Raphaële Marchal

136 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière 75010
Closed Sunday and Monday • €€€€

Restaurant 2: Bistrot Paul Bert

“An excellent choice, especially for dinner, when it is usually completely full. They have sole meunière, a good steak au poivre and an extraordinary selection of classic desserts. The bistro has a typically French atmosphere and friendly staff, who will translate the chalkboard menu for you if you wish” – Julie Neis

“A classic bistro where the food is always good” – Joann Pai

18 rue Paul Bert 75011
Closed Sunday and Monday • €€€€

Restaurant 3: Au Pied de Cochon

“This restaurant has been here for centuries and is one of the few restaurants that is open 24 hours a day. In the past, all the market traders used to come here to eat before setting up their market stalls in Les Halles in the middle of the night. Their French onion soup is one of the best I have ever eaten and if you are really daring (or if you really like pork fat), order the pied de cochon, the restaurant’s namesake: the deep-fried pig’s trotter” – Julie Neis

6 rue Coquillière 75001
pieddecochon.com
Open seven days a week • €€€€

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt5j16Inwm4/

Restaurant 4: Chez La Vieille

“Chef Daniel Rose creates modern versions of French classics here, using the best ingredients. If the rognons de lapin (rabbit kidneys on toast, with sauce poured over them) are on the menu, you should definitely order them – a perfect French dish!” – Maeve Schauerman Decouvelaere
1 rue Bailleul 75001
chezlavieille.fr
Closed Sunday and Monday • €€€€

Restaurant 5: Josephine Chez Dumonet

“For a classic French restaurant with white tablecloths and all the trimmings, you should reserve a table at Josephine Chez Dumonet. As you would expect at a slightly more upscale bistro, prices are a little higher, but their boeuf bourguignon is heavenly. The confit de canard is crispy on the outside but so tender inside that the meat falls off the bone, and it comes with potatoes fried in duck fat. Choose a dessert too. (If you want the Grand Marnier soufflé, you have to order it at the beginning of your meal)” – Julie Neis

117 rue du Cherche-Midi 75006
Closed Saturday and Sunday • €€€€

Title: Eat Like a Local Paris
Publisher: Kosmos
Price: €12.50
Available from 26 February 2019