10 Great Places To Eat In Paris

People often ask me for tips on eating out in Paris - and enough times, that it's kicked me into posting this list of my favourites. They're all on the casual side. I like to relax when I'm eating. And to really linger; no rushing. So, in no particular order, here are my 10 Favourite Places To Eat In Paris (most of the pic credits: my 8 year old daughter): 

1. Le Loir Dans La Théière

Always worth the heavy queue. Great atmosphere. Amazing cakes. If you like cheese, order the St Marcellin Chaud, which I eat every single time I go here: it's that good. 

3 Rue des Rosiers, 75004. 

2. Tea Follies 

Fell into this 'bistro-resto' recently and really liked it. The chef is visible from the restaurant, working her magic in the kitchen. Easygoing feel to the place; relaxed service. I can recommend the Salade Chevre Chaud. 

6 Place Gustave Toudouze, 75009

3. Le Pre Aux Clercs

One of those lovely old world charm Paris places, off Rue Jacob, serving always-good omelettes, frites, salade verte, oeuf cocotte with salmon and so on. Last time there, on a shelf near where I was sitting, there was a faded Brigitte Bardot book, that probably got put there in 1970 and nobody every thought to move it. 

30 Rue Bonaparte, 75007

4. Au Grand Turenne 

Unfussy bar/ brasserie close to Merci, where they do the best French onion soup I've ever had in Paris. The sort of place where people sit outside with a coffee and chain-smoke. 

27 Boulevard du Temple, 75003

5. L'As Du Falafel 

Deep in the heart of Jewish Marais, this place serves the best falafel outside of the Middle East. Generous helpings. You can eat in which is fun because of the lively atmosphere. But it's best to queue up and buy from their take-away window and then enjoy getting in a total mess when you actually eat the stuffed pitta. 

34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004

6. Le Comptoir des Belettes

This neighbourhood-y place, a short walk from the foot of the Sacre Coeur, was opened by two women, with a vision to serve excellent tartines. And that they do. It's a cute little place. The tartine with Reblochon and prunes is exceptional. 

37 Rue Lamarck, 75018

7. Rose Bakery 

For fresh delicious salads, soups, cakes and a dash of London in Paris, it's worth visiting Rose Bakery on Rue des Martyrs (I like this location best because it gives you an excuse to enjoy the mouth watering treats on offer up and down the entire street). 

46 Rue des Martyrs, 75009

8. Rosa Bonheur

In Spring/ Summer, this is a great laid-back place to pick up a snack lunch (or picnic) and an excellent cup of coffee. Never been there at night, when apparently the music gets cranked up and it's packed and jumping wild. 

Parc Buttes-Chaumont, 2 Alle de la Cascade, 75019 

9. Merci Café

Part of Marie-France and Bernard Cohen's immaculately styled and executed philanthropic emporium, Merci, the café serves a simple, delicious lunch at street level, in a space which celebrates old movie charm. If you're not hungry, take a tea or coffee in the Used Bookstore café next door. And if you want a more serious lunch, head to the restaurant downstairs in the store. 

111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003

10. Café Charlot 

A white tiled New York meets Paris place, on a really nice street, opposite the Marché des Enfants. More about people watching perhaps, than anything else. But if you are in the mood for a simple lunch, done well, with delicious frites, this is for you. 

38 Rue de Bretagne, 75003