bittenbybeaumont

So, I’ve been to Paris quite a few times and what a city it is! Some people think Parisians can be difficult or even a bit arrogant, but I don’t agree at all. Paris is, of course, a city that attracts huge numbers of tourists from all over the world, each with their own culture, habits, and expectations but the same goes for Parisians themselves. If you respect their etiquette, you really can’t go wrong.

Take a simple example: just sitting down somewhere at a restaurant without greeting any of the staff is a definite no-go. You politely check in with the host or hostess and ask for a table. From that moment on, it’s actually hard to put a foot wrong. Hospitality is a true profession in France: one they take great pride in. It’s not really comparable to places like the Netherlands, where many students work in hospitality as a side job. No offense, of course ;–)

Anyway, here’s a list, in no particular order of places in Paris that I think you absolutely have to visit!

1. Le Clown Bar
This is by far one of the most beautiful spots in all of Paris, located right next to the circus. They serve both lunch and dinner, offering à la carte dishes as well as a chef’s menu. They also have an excellent and extensive wine list, including a great selection of natural wines. Despite the name, it’s not a wine bar but it’s very much a proper restaurant.

To be honest, it’s been a while since I last visited, but I still remember the steak tartare, monkfish, and sweetbreads like it was yesterday. I also remember our neighbors being served cervelle de veau: a true French delicacy. Dining à la carte can be on the pricey side, but it’s absolutely worth it. That said, the more reasonably priced set menus are also a great option. Book in advance!

2. Café les deux gares
Super conveniently located between two stations (both within walking distance) making it the perfect last stop before hopping back on the Eurostar home. It’s also a hotel and spa, with some of the most charming, stylish, and unique rooms you’ll ever come across.

And if that’s not enough to win you over, the food definitely will. While this place might not have quite the same hype as somewhere like Clown Bar, it’s certainly not any less impressive but quite the opposite. The cooking is creative, with bold and unexpected flavor combinations, all served in a very laid-back setting. They work with natural wines and focus on local, seasonal ingredients.

Honestly, every time I spend a weekend in Paris, I make sure to visit this restaurant. It’s addictive. And the best part? It’s affordable however you can make it as fancy or as relaxed as you like. 100% worth to pay a visit! You can book online via google or by sending them an e-mail.

3. Les Arlots
Another gem within walking distance of Gare du Nord. They’re best known for their phenomenal aligot saucisse. This is a rich, comforting French classic but that’s definitely not the only thing they excel at. The service and the cheerful, lively staff make the whole experience unforgettable. They’re incredibly welcoming.

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no wine list here . Bro what? The waiter is the wine list. You simply tell him what you’re in the mood for and your budget, and he’ll magically appear with the perfect bottle.

Besides the sausage with the cheesy mashed potato, there are plenty of other dishes that absolutely won’t disappoint. We had the octopus carpaccio and a terrine. Both excellent.

One piece of advice: go hungry. The portions are generous, and trust me, you’ll want to finish every last bite. I probably would’ve licked my plate clean if no one was watching…

Reservations are recommended and can only be made by phone.

4. Le Mary Celeste

A new discovery after our fifth trip to Paris. Le Mary Celeste originally refers to an American ship built in Canada that was famously discovered abandoned near the Azores in 1872 by the British, turning it into one of history’s most famous ghost ships.

This establishment is located in the trendy Le Marais district. We decided to stop by spontaneously, although I would definitely recommend making a reservation. There is a small terrace outside and a beautiful bar inside, serving not only excellent wines but also incredibly creative cocktails. The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of dishes across different price ranges. The food is simple yet very good. Absolutely worth a visit!

5. The Cambridge

While we’re still in this corner of Le Marais, just around the corner from the restaurant above you’ll find one of the best cocktail bars in Paris. The Cambridge is the sister venue of the Little Red Door, and it certainly lives up to the reputation.

The atmosphere is warm and relaxed. They describe themselves as more of a pub, and you can definitely feel that vibe. At the same time, the cocktails are razor sharp, perfectly balanced, and adventurous. Besides cocktails, they also serve other drinks and great snacks, including a delicious Paris Rarebit. There’s no terrace, but the beautiful folding doors create an open atmosphere that almost feels like sitting outside. Reservations are possible, though walk-ins are welcome as well.

6. Little Red Door
While we’re at it, we might as well mention Little Red Door. This bar has been ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars for several years in a row, and I completely understand why. The service is absolutely outstanding, as is the atmosphere. It’s a bit more sophisticated than The Cambridge, but the prices are higher as well. The seating is more comfortable, and they use ingredients with a very low to nearly zero environmental footprint in their cocktails. To me, it’s absolutely incredible what they are able to come up with. You can book in advance but they take walkins as well.

7. The Butcher of Paris
Yo, this is a story to tell. We’d been trying to get food at this place a few times, but every time we went, they were either closed (we never checked beforehand, so that’s totally on us) or way too busy.

The little shop is located in Marché des Enfants Rouges – a market that can get seriously crowded. You really have to fight your way through the masses to get anywhere. It definitely has its charm, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Anyway, one day we finally made it to the bar and ordered a glass of wine, a beer, and a grilled cheese with sauerkraut: phenomenal. It’s not just a place to eat either; as the name already suggests, it’s also a butcher where you can get some seriously good-quality meat and chops.

My advice: go early. But definitely go.