Finding a great meal in Paris can feel overwhelming, especially when you are standing in the shadow of a monument as grand as Notre-Dame. The streets surrounding the cathedral on the Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter are dense with brasseries, yet many cater purely to the tourist rush, often sacrificing quality for convenience.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the area like a local, avoiding the overpriced tourist traps that serve pre-frozen food. We have scoured both the immediate vicinity and the charming backstreets of the Left Bank to find spots that offer genuine French culinary experiences.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite before climbing the towers, a traditional onion soup to warm up, or a refined bistro dinner after the crowds have dispersed, this list covers a variety of budgets and styles. Every restaurant mentioned here has been selected for its consistency, ingredient quality, and proximity to the historic heart of Paris.
Because the area is a major hub for visitors, dining habits here differ from other Parisian neighborhoods. Many kitchens stay open throughout the afternoon to accommodate jet-lagged travelers, which is a rarity in France where lunch service often stops sharply at 2:00 PM.
Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, especially during the spring and summer months when the square in front of the cathedral is bustling. For lunch, arriving just before noon or after 1:30 PM will usually secure you a table without a long wait.
From cozy wine bars tucked away on the Île Saint-Louis to classic bistros facing the Seine, the culinary landscape here is as rich as the history. Here is our curated selection of the best places to eat near Notre-Dame de Paris.
La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame
| Address | 1 Quai Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 43 26 16 37 |
Quick and friendly service. Really cool interior. Great quality food and decent sizes which makes it good value for the price you pay. Only 4 stars because it‘s rather loud inside and because the salad that came with the waffle was not at all to my taste.
I didn’t have much time in Paris to try different crepes for comparison, but I found this one to be really good — and the portion was big!
Chilean Tourist 🙋🏽♀️We went on a Tuesday at 2 PM, and the place was full. There was a short line, but we only waited about ten minutes to get a table.
📍The Venue:
The place has the feel of a traditional French café — cute and on the smaller side. All the seating is indoors, mostly tables for two. You can definitely go with a group, but you might have to wait a bit longer for a larger table.
🥞What we ordered:
Nutella, Strawberry & Banana Crêpe: The batter was thicker than other crêpes I’ve had before, but it was delicious and not overly sweet. We added a scoop of ice cream, which was a nice touch!
They also offer a free jar of water, which is always appreciated.
🧑🍳The Service:
The staff was really friendly, and our order came out quickly.
🅿️Parking:
As far as I know, they don’t have dedicated parking.
💭Final Thoughts:
For my first time trying a crêpe in Paris, it was a great experience! The food was tasty, the service was good, and I’d definitely come back.
Great experience at La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame. I came back because I remembered how nice it was to sit here with a view of Notre-Dame, and it was just as enjoyable this time. The crêpes were delicious — I had the chicken crêpe and the honey crêpe — and the location is hard to beat. Beautiful atmosphere, friendly service, and a perfect place to relax while enjoying Paris. I’ll definitely come back again on another visit.
Highly recommend this incredible creperie! It’s situated on the corner facing the Notre Dame with beautiful views from the open windows. The crepes were incredible and the best gelato! So delicious we had to return the following day! Service was great with mint infused water provided and QR code with ability to pay with your phone after your meal to save time.
Although the place is near a very touristy spot, the prices are reasonable, except for the smoothy which seemed a bit expensive.
The sweet banana Nutella crêpe was nice, but the pastromy galette was just ok. Nice latte.
La Dame de Paris
| Address | 11 Rue d'Arcole, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 19 45 |
Venue: I loved the venue with the vintage decoration. It made the eating experience very parisien. The location can not be better. 5 minutes away (walking distance) from Notre-Dame and two metro stations.
Staff: super friendly lady. She could speak three languages. She was helpful and effective.
The food was better that expected, to be honest. The burger was delicious, the pizza, the fries and all. All homemade.
The only thing I would say that it was not super is the price. I fully understand it's Paris and next to le basilique du Notre-Dame. Still a bit high the price for the type of food, which is offered. For the rest, the place was absolutely 'tres magnifique'.
Simply deliciousness!!! Akhesa and Jerome provided phenomenal care as we dined with our selected dishes (fish and chips, omelette, and croque madam). We were delighted by Akhesa when we asked us it too late for hot chocolate and she proudly proclaimed “it’s never too late for chocolate. “.
Delicious food, cozy environment, and friendly staff. I had the specialty of the day, Pot au feu. On a cold winter evening, it will sort you out; a very comforting delight. Fair price for a Parisian restaurant.
La Dame de Paris is located down the street from Notre Dame Cathedral. This Brasserie offers classic French food and has indoor and outdoor seating. We choose indoor since it was raining on the 20 Sep when we visited. The food was great and the service was good. Our server was a little short with us when ordering drinks. She told us that meals needed to be ordered before drinks as if this was a French restaurant rule. Other than that, she was very efficient. The free range chicken with salad was very good and the Le Croque-monsieur was okay. There are lots of Cafes on the street and we chose this one randomly. Overall a great experience.
we liked the tasty pastries. We sat inside and therefore paid a bit more (for the service I guess) but we had to bring the pastry and coffee to our table by ourselves. This was not an issue at all. But what surprised me was that i basically had to ask for a knife, forks and small spoons for the cappuccino. The service wanted me to use the utensils out of wood. But the wooden knife simply couldn't cut the cake we ordered along with the macarons. Funny that we were two people but were given only one fork 🙂 and the woman also rolled her eyes when she gave the utensils to me. So I still didn't get why do we pay extra for being able to sit inside... just to beg for spoon and knives. What exactly was the service? I bring the food and coffee to the table myself, I take it back once I am done eating and I use the to-Go utensils...
So I would recommend just take the stuff with you and enjoy it in the park close by. But the deserts are very tasty.
Notre dame Restaurant St Germain Paris 5
| Address | 18 Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 42 03 53 56 |
This is a very nice restaurant. I enjoyed my food and the cocktail was so good. The service was great. I will definetly be back next time I visit Paris.
We visited this restaurant with our entire family, and we truly enjoyed our experience! Our waiter was excellent, and the food was delicious. We would definitely return!:)
We were a bit apprehensive going in as there was nobody which is usually not a good sign. But the food was delicious, portions generous and reasonably priced. The place was comfortable. The only thing was the service which was a bit slow as there was only 1 server for the whole place. And more people came in after us.
The burratina was very interesting with the poached pears and honey.
The food was amazing! They were accommodating for a large group of people(14). However some of the pizza came out very late, almost took an hour or two after the other food came out. We also asked for plates, however they took forever and we had to ask multiple times. We were lowkey enjoying the vibes and spending time together, so we didn’t notice the wait much. The place has great ambiance. The servers were also nice and understanding!
Sam was the best server! He made our dinner perfect. The dishes were excellent, I suggest the penne with champignons, SUPER GOOD! We will be back for sure ⭐️ use the fork for 50% 🤩
Au Bougnat
| Address | 26 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 01 43 54 50 74 |
Had a really lovely time at Au Bougnat! The place has that classic Parisian bistro charm—cozy, lively, and full of character. The food was delicious and felt very authentic, with rich flavors and generous portions. Amazing onion soup and Poche Eggs!! It’s the kind of spot where you can relax, enjoy good wine, and just soak in the atmosphere. The staff were friendly and welcoming too, which made the whole experience even nicer. A great little place to enjoy real Parisian vibes!
If you want wonderful food with friendly staff and a cozy Paris ambience, this place needs to be on your list! We were exhausted after a lot of sightseeing and didn’t want to go far, but we didn’t want to eat at a tourist trap either. It was also raining, so soup sounded amazing. After some quick research we chose this place.
It is extremely close to Notre Dame, just on a side street right off of a major street that had a lot of tourist trap stores and restaurants. The main entrance takes you into a small bar area. You just ask the waiter for a table and he will lead you through a small hall into the dining room.
We speak English and do not speak French well, and sometimes accidentally slipped into Spanish, but our waiter was kind, funny, and completely understanding. He encouraged us to try speaking and was also happy to converse in English.
The menu was in French and English. We were a party with 2 adults and 3 teens, and we all loved the food, eating every bite. The French onion soup especially hit the spot. The ambience was absolutely perfect and gave us a much needed break from the crowds. I can’t recommend this place enough!
Best food I had while in Paris. Cute cosy atmosphere and service was fantastic. The french onion soup and pistachio creme brulé were to die for!
Highly recommend going if you are visiting Notre Dame.
A very lovely place with a wonderful atmosphere and beautiful interior design. I highly recommend it! The French onion soup was absolutely delicious, and the snails were excellent as well. Great food, cozy ambiance, and a very enjoyable dining experience. I would definitely come back!
My girlfriend and I had a fantastic time at the restaurant. The waiters were extremely helpful and helping us throughout the night. The food and atmosphere were superb! The escargot, sausage aligot, and the chicken was amazing! Highly recommend!
Le Saint-Regis - Paris
| Address | 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 59 41 |
Had dinner here while visiting, the server Camille (or Cami) was amazing. Very kind and gave great recommendations. We tried the bolognese pasta, foie gras, and charcuterie and everything was delicious. The drinks were also refreshing and the staff were very welcoming. We sat outside, but the inside of the restaurant was gorgeous and overall this is my favorite place I’ve eaten in Paris. They also have a signature recipe for their dessert that the waiter recommended which is an absolute must have.
Came here with three friends to have a late afternoon.Lunch appetizer where fantastic. We had the charcuterie and cheese board and fried calamari.The drinks were fantastic.I had the porn star martini with a champagne chaser..omg..so yummy. Are autumn trays were excellent to totally recommend this place. The views are great and in a great area.
Love this spot for cappuccino, small breakfast, light lunch. It was great for mornings and quick stop. The service was fast and friendly. We love the location for the morning sun and view of the bridge. We see Paris wakes and it's walking distance to the Notre dame.
Delicious French Onion Soup & Burrata/Tomatoes!! Highly recommend as we loved the meal and the service was super friendly. We went during the heatwave and the waiter was so nice and kept replacing our water and was just so friendly.
First time in Paris, first meal in Paris and SR was a hit. Camille was our waiter and made us feel welcome from the start. Great service, atmosphere and food. Another reviewer said the French Onion Soup was the best in Paris and I have to agree. I’m not a huge connoisseur of this soup but in our case, it was the best I’ve ever had.
My wife had the chicken, almost like a piccata without the capers etc. Very thin and tender. It too was wonderful.
Give them a go. You won’t regret it and ask for Camille! We will be going back.
Les Deux Colombes
| Address | 4 Rue de la Colombe, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 42 03 04 32 |
The food here is absolutely moreish. So yum! I had the onion soup, confit veal and a Saint Germain spritz. Mouth wateringly good. Highly recommend.
Had a lovely dinner at Les Deux Colombes, a quirky little bistro hidden on a side street by the Seine. We sat in the front of the restaurant so could see the 2 chefs hard at work. Starters arrived quickly, french onion soup and pate en croute, both of which were delicious. We then had confit lamb and rabbit in mustard sauce, tasty and good portion size. Dessert was a delicious and rich lemon cheesecake. Would highly recommend for a delicious meal, the friendly staff, and the chilled atmosphere. It was raining when we were there but I am sure on a clear night where we were seated by the windows would have been even better.
The staff at this restaurant were very accommodating for my challenging allergies (garlic, onion, shallots). They changed the Buddha bowl for me to make it safe, and it was so delicious. Often with the accommodations needed with this allergy, I end up with a dish with no sauce or dressing. Not here. Thank you so much, Les Deux Colombes!
Our party of 5 made a reservation about 2 weeks before and I’m glad we did. The inside is very cozy and mostly had 2-4 person tables. If you have a larger group I would suggest making a reservation.
The staff were very friendly and spoke both French and English. They asked our questions as first timers in their restaurant.
As for the food, you know it’ll be authentic and good when they only have a French menu! It was our first night in Paris and so we ordered a good amount of food:
-Onion Soup (€13): large bowl of delicious soup
-Escargot (9/€17): served with bread; loved the pesto flavor
-Bone Marrow (€15): large piece served with about 6 pieces of bread
-Duck Confit (€27): served with potatoes; the sauce tasted great
-Entrecote (€29.50): served with fries
We had an amazing experience here and I highly recommend this place for some good French food.
Just round the corner from Notre Dame, this is a gorgeous hidden gem. Far less busy than the other places just round the corner. Great atmosphere and beautiful food. Haven't had chips or mayo like them! Great staff too. Thanks all!
Les Deux Palais
| Address | 3 Bd du Palais, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 20 86 |
Enjoyed a fabulous lunch with my friend here after a day of flea market shopping in Paris. We enjoyed our food and wine. It has a classic bistro vibe with an excellent service staff. We had the Croque Monsieur and quiche Loraine. The croquet came with pommes frittes and side salad and the quiche came with a side salad. Both dishes were well prepared and reasonably priced. I would recommend this lovely bistro to others!
Les Deux Palais Brasserie is a fantastic spot to enjoy classic French cuisine in a lively and elegant setting. Located near the Palais de Justice, it offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and Parisian sophistication.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with attentive service that makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re seated inside or on the terrace, it’s a great place to soak in the vibrant energy of the neighborhood.
The menu features a wide selection of French brasserie favorites, all prepared with quality ingredients and beautifully presented. From fresh seafood to perfectly cooked meats and delicious desserts, every dish is satisfying and full of flavor.
Ideal for a relaxed lunch, a romantic dinner, or a casual drink, Les Deux Palais Brasserie is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to experience authentic Parisian dining in a charming setting.
After getting a bit of work done, we stopped by Les Deux Palais for breakfast. We had a classic spread (fresh baguette, butter, jam, pastries, fresh OJ, and good coffee). Sitting in the glass conservatory with the vintage chandeliers was super pleasant and relaxing. Great spot to unwind!
Stepped out of the metro and this was the closest place to eat! Friendly welcome. But then they moved us to fit a larger group in which wasn’t ideal. Beautiful classic brasserie. But the food felt touristy - it was nice enough but not worth seeking out I’d say.
This place was our favorite during the trip. We found it by chance on our first day and were genuinely surprised. Despite being in a very touristy area, it offers not only exceptionally good food but also outstanding service. It felt like the waiter understood what we needed with just a glance.
They also have great options for kids, which made it even better for us. We were truly impressed. This is not a tourist trap, but a genuinely good place worth visiting. We left with a very positive feeling, and the prices were reasonable as well.
La Sarrasine
| Address | 12 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 25 79 59 |
We had a wonderful meal at La Sarrasine on our special last night in Paris. The menu, in French and English, had something for all of us and the crepes were absolutely delicious! Our waiter Raj was very welcoming, friendly and attentive! and the restaurant is in a beautiful historic area. We definitely recommend and we will return!
The crepes are amazing! Very delicious and big.
I ordered The Galette which was delicious and the Napoleon, also very good
I really recommend it
Nice cosy restaurant with good variety of crepe and one of the best onion soup. Fast service with friendly owner.
Hands down the best food I’ve had in Paris. We loved it so much we came back two days later! The first visit I had the French onion soup and it was absolutely amazing. On our return I ordered the duck confit — the best I’ve ever had, by far — and the crème brûlée, which was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted.
But the food is only half the story. The owner, Raj, made the whole experience unforgettable. He took the time to chat with us, was genuinely warm and kind, and even recommended a great spot to visit while we were in Paris. To top it all off, he surprised my friend and me with two apple whiskey shots on the house at the end of our meal.
Incredible food, even better hospitality. If you’re in Paris, do not miss this place. Thank you, Raj — we’ll be back!
I’ve been coming to Paris for about 20 years, and even compared to the most famous places, this is the best onion soup I’ve ever had.
This tiny place is a real gem. The service is wonderful and the chef is fantastic. A must-visit when you’re in Paris.
Jardin Notre-Dame
| Address | 2 Rue du Petit Pont, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 03 75 |
We had lunch at this restaurant, and everything was very delicious. I recommend trying the Caprese salad and the foie gras. The strawberry tiramisu dessert was excellent. The service was very pleasant, and the view was wonderful. I will definitely come back here again👍
We had a wonderful dinner at this restaurant near Notre-Dame Cathedral. The food was delicious, with every dish full of flavor and well prepared. The service was outstanding—everyone was very friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome throughout the evening. Considering the location, the price-to-quality ratio was excellent. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal in the area.
Great place, super friendly waiters 🤩 They know many languages, including English and a bit of Russian. The food is delicious - we ate onion soup, snails and tagliatelle. Highly recommend for a classical French food experience
Jardin Notre-Dame was a short and scenic walk from the cathedral, and we were drawn in by the big open window and beautiful patio. We were greeted right away, and the food was absolutely delicious. The French onion soup, in particular, was a standout.
Unfortunately, the service did affect our overall experience. While the male server was kind to us, we witnessed some uncomfortable interactions between him and a younger female server. He raised his voice at her several times in French, not realizing we understood. It seemed to upset her and also drew the attention of the chef behind the counter.
Despite this, the food, location, and atmosphere were all wonderful. It was a beautiful spot to enjoy a meal near Notre-Dame, and with a more positive energy among the staff, it could have been truly perfect.
We had an amazing experience at Jardine Nortre- Dame. Very lovely, and nice place. The staff is very friendly and the food is delicious. Portion sizes are very good. Highly recommend.
Le Petit Châtelet
| Address | 39 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:50 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:50 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:50 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:50 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:50 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:50 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:50 PM |
| Phone | 01 46 33 53 40 |
We were walking by this place just as they were opening up for dinner service and what drew us in was the cozy appearance that looked like it came from a movie. We got lucky as we had no reservations and still got a table as it seemed fairly popular. The service was quick and welcoming and they were always on top of things. We dined outside and it retained its cozy atmosphere.
The real appeal though is their food. Absolutely amazing food. The presentation looked appetizing and one taste confirms it. We started with some mushrooms which wetted our appetites and set the expectations. I had rabbit for the first time and this was the best place to be introduced to it. It was cooked perfectly, properly seasoned, and well presented on the plate. For dessert we had the Grand Marnier crepe and it came with a little spectacle as they lit the alcohol and you could see your crepe hey toasted right before your eyes.
If your looking to have a traditional French cuisine experience at a reasonable price, then look no further!!
We stopped here for dinner on our stay in Paris. Food was delicious and we also were very satisfied with the service and the atmosphere. Service was polite, courteous and efficient. We haven't made reservations beforehand but I think it is better to do it as we manage to secure the last free table and afterwards we saw many people being turned away because there was simply not a single table available. I had the salmon and my friend had the duo of sea bass and clams. They were both delicious. As desert I tried the icecream which also turned out to be very good. What a great find in the Latin Quarter, I hope to eat here again on my next trip to Paris.
Delicious French cuisine, the best I've had in Paris so far. The atmosphere is cozy, and it's conveniently located near Notre-Dame. The special menu changes daily based on fresh produce, alongside a consistent regular menu. For Easter, we enjoyed sauté de veau and civet de lapin paired with red wine, followed by a superb after-lunch coffee. The service felt personal and heartfelt , the staff were knowledgeable about the daily menu and took the time to explain the dishes to us.
We had lunch here after my daughter’s wedding in 2019 and loved it so I was excited to return in spring 2026. The food was excellent. I had a pumpkin soup, sea bass with scallops and crème brullee. My friend had the roast chicken and loved it. All were excellent but the fish was particularly good, the best entree I had in Paris that week.
Service was warm and good humored, especially considering how busy they were. It’s tight quarters but that only adds to the charm.
Our waiter was very polite, the wine was great, and the service was amazing. A bottle of Puliaic for €60 can’t be beaten. The steak and fish were excellent, definitely the best spot in Saint Michel
Un grand merci, le service était très bon et le personnel était très gentil
Hestia Notre-Dame
| Address | 8 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 84 74 95 20 |
Wonderful meal in Paris celebrating my daughter’s college graduation. We were seated downstairs near the wine cellar. Very atmospheric. Service was extremely attentive. Our meal was delicious - prepared well and beautifully presented. It’s so hard at this level to stand out. Solid performance from Hestia.
Hestia is a high-end restaurant that I was excited about visiting, but ended up being disappointed about. We got their special aged sirloin for 70€. They said it was much better than the Black Angus chuck. Unfortunately, it was pretty bad. I'd avoid this.
Customer service was good. They do ask for tip at the end in the form of 5€, 10€, 15€, or custom amount if you want to leave something.
* Parmesan Mini Bread 5/5
* Lait Menthe (Mint Milk) 5/5 - Apparently a common drink that you can order at many Parisian restaurants. It tasted like a light mint ice cream and was very good.
* Aged sirloin 2/5 - Flavorful, but not tender. The outside was also rough and tough, like it was overcooked or freezer burnt.
* Mashed Potato 5/5 - Almost like a whipped mash potato, tasted smooth and creamy.
* Scallops 4/5 - Good scallop with a nice char/grilled texture. It may taste better dry than in a soup version. The soup was just okay.
* Desserts - Pineapple Sweet Treat + cream + white chocolate 4/5
* Bread and Butter 2/5 - Bread was really hard, Butter was good.
I almost never write reviews, but the Hestia team deserves one. I had an unforgettable Saturday evening with my wife and 8 of our friends and family. The food was extraordinary delicious, the whole staff was extremely helpful, kind and friendly and the atmosphere down in the cellar was beautiful, inviting and warm! We all had an amazing time and would definitely go back next time we are in Paris!
What an unforgettable night at Hestia. I took my girlfriend here to to celebrate our last night in Paris, and we were stunned at the entire experience. We sat downstairs near the wine cellar because it was cooler, and the waiters down there were phenomenal. Of course we had to do the tasting menu—each one of them left us wanting more. Somehow each plate got better and better. The scallops were particularly delectable, while the 3 sweeter plates like the mint passionfruit sorbet at the end may have been the best part! This was one of, if not the best, culinary experiences of our lives! Ended up staying for 3 and a half hours. Cannot recommend enough
Visited the restaurant on a romantic trip to Paris. We celebrated our 30th anniversary at Hestia. We had a wonderful meal that was unique, interesting and most of all delicious. Thea service was very nice and attentive and they gave us the best table in the house.
Thank you.
Le Soleil d'Or
| Address | 15 Bd du Palais, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 22 22 |
Food was wonderful and so good. Suzanne was our server and a so sweet and kind. My fave drink is served here … A French 75. Perfect ending to our last night in Paris.
abit tooo over rated.
The stars here dont match the food or ambience expected for the same price.
The food LOOKs quite ok but it was bland and needed much seasoning.
Beef was not as tender or soft as I would like. Potatos were ok.
Pizza was good but it was not as hot or chessy.
The escargots, small, bland. Needs salt.
At the price point. I would have expected ALOT better.
Overall a quick expensive bite near tourist area.
The outdoor area has a nice atmosphere, and the service is very good. There are restrooms available. However, the prices for tourists are high, and bottled water is very expensive. You should order wine or other beverages instead.
I visited this place and was extremely disappointed. It was the worst experience I’ve had in a long time. The cocoa was very bad — watery, with an unpleasant taste, clearly low quality.
I also want to mention the cleanliness: it was dirty, especially the floors and the restroom, which were in poor condition. This immediately ruined the impression and raised serious concerns about hygiene standards.
Superb and fast service. The onion soup was delicious-lots of yummy, gooey cheese. My server, Rosa, spoke fluent English, and was very polite and professional. Aperol Spritz was super-sized and REFRESHINGLY DELICIOUS. I loved Le Soleil d’Or. I wasn’t looking for it, but so glad that I found it. If you want a bite after visiting Notre Dame definitely stop by here, have a bite, a drink, and people watch seated at a sidewalk table.
Tips for Dining Near Notre-Dame
Navigating the restaurant scene in a high-traffic tourist zone requires a bit of strategy to ensure you get the best value and the most authentic experience. While the options listed above are all reputable, knowing how to approach the area will significantly enhance your meal. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when dining near the cathedral.
Beware of the "Menu Touristique"
Restaurants located directly on the main square facing the cathedral often advertise multi-course deals at cheap prices. These are rarely a good value; the ingredients are often frozen or low quality. Walk at least two or three blocks away from the main façade to find restaurants that rely on repeat local business and word-of-mouth rather than foot traffic.
Understand French Service Hours
While some cafes near the monument serve food all day, the best kitchens still adhere to traditional French hours. Lunch is typically served from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and dinner starts at 7:30 PM. If you are hungry at 4:00 PM, look for a "café" or "brasserie" that offers "service continu," or stick to a bakery for a pastry.
Check for Prix Fixe Menus
Even in quality bistros, the best financial value is often the "Formule" or "Menu du Jour." This is a fixed-price menu that includes a starter and main course, or a main course and dessert. It is usually written on a chalkboard outside and features seasonal, fresh ingredients that the chef purchased that morning.
Embrace the Surrounding Islands
The Île de la Cité is small, but you are just a short walk from the Île Saint-Louis. Crossing the bridge to this smaller island often yields quieter terraces and more intimate dining rooms. It is also a great place to grab a Berthillon ice cream after your meal.
Tipping Etiquette
In France, service is included in the price of your meal (look for "service compris" on the menu). You are not expected to tip 20% like in the United States. However, if the service was exceptional, it is customary to leave a few euros in cash on the table—usually rounding up the bill or leaving about 5%.
The area around Notre-Dame is more than just a photo opportunity; it is a living, breathing neighborhood with a deep culinary history. By stepping off the main square and exploring the winding medieval streets, you can find dishes that honor the traditions of French gastronomy without having to travel across the city.
Whether you choose a rustic bowl of French onion soup, a plate of fresh oysters, or a slow-cooked cut of beef bourguignon, dining in this historic district should be savored. Take your time, watch the Seine flow by, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that only this part of Paris can offer.
