Paris is one of the world’s great food capitals — a city where every street corner seems to hide a culinary gem. For Australian travellers, eating out in Paris isn’t just about filling up; it’s about savouring dishes steeped in history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to the City of Light, here are five iconic French restaurants you simply can’t miss — including what to order, what it might cost, and the nearest Metro station for easy access.
1. Le Procope
Address: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
Nearest Metro: Odéon (Line 4 & Line 10)
Indicative Price: Around €50–€70 per person
Iconic Dish: Coq au Vin (chicken slow-cooked in red wine)
Le Procope is widely regarded as Paris’s oldest café, founded in 1686. Over the centuries, it has hosted Voltaire, Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin, and even Napoleon. Stepping inside feels like stepping into French history — chandeliers, antique paintings, and marble-topped tables all add to the charm. Order the Coq au Vin, a rustic French classic cooked to perfection here, paired with a glass of Burgundy wine.
2. La Tour d’Argent
Address: 15 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris
Nearest Metro: Pont Marie (Line 7) or Maubert-Mutualité (Line 10)
Indicative Price: Around €150–€250 per person (fine dining)
Iconic Dish: Duck à la Presse (pressed duck)
With roots dating back to 1582, La Tour d’Argent offers sweeping views of Notre-Dame and the Seine. This Michelin-starred restaurant is famed for its elaborate Duck à la Presse, prepared with theatrical flair at your table. Each duck served is numbered — you’ll even receive a certificate with your duck’s unique number. While the price tag is steep, the dining experience here is once-in-a-lifetime.
3. Bouillon Chartier
Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris
Nearest Metro: Grands Boulevards (Line 8 & Line 9)
Indicative Price: Around €20–€35 per person
Iconic Dish: Steak-Frites (steak with fries)
If you’re looking for authentic French fare without the fine-dining price tag, Bouillon Chartier is the place. Since 1896, it has been serving Parisians and travellers hearty classics in a buzzing Belle Époque dining hall. The Steak-Frites is a crowd favourite — simple, satisfying, and served lightning fast. Don’t skip dessert; the profiteroles au chocolat are legendary.
4. Café de Flore
Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Nearest Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4)
Indicative Price: Around €30–€50 per person (for breakfast or light lunch)
Iconic Dish: Croque-Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich)
Café de Flore is one of Paris’s most famous cafés, once the haunt of literary greats like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Its terrace is perfect for people-watching while sipping a coffee or glass of wine. The Croque-Monsieur here is indulgently rich, with a golden crust and creamy béchamel — perfect with a side salad and a café crème.
5. Le Train Bleu
Address: Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris
Nearest Metro: Gare de Lyon (Line 1 & Line 14)
Indicative Price: Around €60–€90 per person
Iconic Dish: Gigot d’Agneau (roast leg of lamb)
Situated inside the Gare de Lyon train station, Le Train Bleu is a work of art — a grand dining room with gilded ceilings, frescoes, and crystal chandeliers. Originally built for the 1900 Paris Exposition, it offers an unforgettable dining backdrop. The Gigot d’Agneau is their signature, carved at your table and served with a silky potato gratin.
Tips for Dining in Paris
- Book ahead: Many of these iconic spots book out weeks in advance.
- Allow time for service: French dining is meant to be savoured, not rushed.
- Learn a few phrases: Even a simple “Bonjour” and “Merci” goes a long way.
- Watch for set menus: Lunch menus can be excellent value, often including two or three courses for less.
Paris is a city that takes its food seriously, and these restaurants are more than just places to eat — they’re living pieces of French culture. Whether you’re splurging on fine dining or enjoying a casual bistro experience, each will give you a taste of Paris you’ll remember long after you’ve returned to Australia. Consider buying our Europe eSIM/SIM so you can share photos of your experiences on social media.
Recent Comments