The best lunches in Paris

The best lunches in Paris

The best lunches in Paris that we’re discussing here are likely to make their way into your list of favorite addresses, as they offer delightful stops for food. Among the myriad of Parisian restaurants ready to welcome you with their quick dining options and more traditional lunch menus, some stand out particularly for their midday offerings or a bit later, as is customary for lunch in Paris. These establishments are very popular due to their offerings and generally reasonable prices. Many do not accept reservations but are often filled to capacity.

For more recommendations on the best lunches in Paris or other great spots in the French capital such as the best Parisian pastries, as well as our favorite picks, and to help you navigate the City of Light during your stay, download our Tastet+ app.

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Septime

Septime, a must-visit restaurant for Parisian author cuisine, was one of the first of its kind to be awarded a Michelin star. Septime stands out as a leader of this new generation of “bistronomic” restaurants in Paris, captivating diners with its creative cuisine, local and traceable ingredients, minimalist setting, and attentive yet friendly service. This beautiful establishment in the 11th arrondissement offers a carte blanche menu at lunchtime, as well as wine pairings.

80 Rue de Charonne
Paris
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Les enfants du marché

In the heart of the oldest covered market in Paris, the Marché des Enfants Rouges in the 3rd arrondissement, lies a vibrant spot offering delicious counter cuisine: Les Enfants du Marché. Don’t be fooled by appearances; the stools might suggest a modest dining experience, but they actually hint at a refined lunch (a notion reflected in the higher prices) where the Japanese chef uses his creativity to elevate the market’s produce.

39 Rue de Bretagne
Paris

Maison

Sota Atsumi is undoubtedly one of the most talented chefs in town. A single meal at his Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the 11th arrondissement, is enough to convince anyone of his skills. Enjoy a four-course lunch menu to savor his delicious creative cuisine, which constantly reinvents the great classics of French cooking using the finest seasonal ingredients. For the complete experience, the menu consists of five or six courses on Sundays, allowing you to indulge in a leisurely Sunday lunch in a beautiful, bright, open space dominated by wood.

3 Rue Saint-Hubert
Paris
Candide

Candide

Every Wednesday at noon, in the 10th arrondissement, the restaurant Candide in Belleville prepares a childhood classic: chicken and fries. And not just any chicken; it’s farm-raised, roasted Calabrian-style, served with black curry fries and creamy deluxe sauce. While nostalgia may wash over us, euphoria is never far behind.

35 Rue de Sambre-et-Meuse
Paris
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Chez Aline

Many establishments vie for the title of the best ham-and-butter sandwich in Paris. For us, it’s found just near Place Voltaire, at Chez Aline, where they prepare it with delicious white ham, salted butter, and Saint-Nectaire cheese. Simple and effective, the ham-and-butter sandwich is a respected institution in the capital, not just in the 10th arrondissement.

85 Rue de la Roquette
Paris
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Restaurant Kunitoraya

While this spot has earned its reputation thanks to its delicious udon, the bistro also serves other equally tasty Japanese dishes: karaage chicken, tonkatsu, rolled omelet, donburi, and more. Enjoy a lunch in the 1st arrondissement that showcases the vibrant flavors of the Land of the Rising Sun.

1 Rue Villédo
Paris
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Urfa Durum

Urfa Dürüm is the Kurdish sandwich shop in the 10th arrondissement that has the Strasbourg Saint-Denis neighborhood buzzing. Here, you can indulge in a sandwich made with a flatbread wrapping around spit-roasted meat, accompanied by various condiments. You’ll find yourself hooked, and soon enough, you might become a fan too!

58 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis
Paris
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Mokonuts

This charming eatery in the 11th arrondissement features a daily-changing menu based on seasonal arrivals. Straddling the line between a coffee shop and a small bistro, it offers a delightful bistronomic lunch where each season is celebrated through the chef’s skilled preparations.

5 Rue Saint-Bernard
Paris
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Clamato

Seafood lovers, this spot in the 11th arrondissement is for you! It’s a great place to visit in the evening or during lunchtime, but the daytime menu allows you to fully appreciate this lovely little restaurant. At Chez Clamato (part of the Septime group), the daily arrivals from St-Jean de Luz, Concarneau, and Île d’Yeu determine the menu of the day. All products come from artisanal and sustainable fishing. Be aware that this address does not take reservations—first come, first served!

80 Rue de Charonne
Paris
As Fallafel

L'As du Fallafel

The best falafel in all of Paris can be found on Rue des Rosiers in the capital’s Jewish quarter. Open since 1979, L’As du Fallafel has become an institution in the 4th arrondissement, where the wait to place your order is nothing compared to the joy of the first bites of this delicious sandwich.

34 Rue des Rosiers
Paris
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