Paris truly is a special place. Cute cafes, iconic landmarks everywhere you look and buildings that for the most part don’t exceed the height of the Arc de Triomphe. It all makes for an unspoilt view and an, I feel like I’m in a movie experience. For food lovers the city frankly can not be beat. I recommend getting around largely on foot, to hopefully ease your mind about indulging in all that rich french food.
Eat:
Le Chateaubriand
The 11th best restaurant in the world as ranked by the S. Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, this is a must do if you’re in Paris. My fiancé and I had one of the best meals of our lives here. It’s simple, but extremely imaginative food served in a surprisingly unpretentious atmosphere. The interior is simple, French bistro, but the wait staff is some of the hardest working you will ever find. The fixed price menu changes daily and is very reasonable for a restaurant of this caliber. When we went, the five-course meal was 45 euros a person. Reservations are a must! Make sure to call way in advance. The word is out on this place!
129 Avenue Parmentier
Paris, 11e 75011
01 43 57 45 95
Le Comptoir and L’Avant Comptoir
I did not have the pleasure of eating at Le Comptoir while I was in Paris, but my sister, who lived there for nine months, told me it was one of her favorites. She says they have the best salted caramel ice cream she’s ever tasted.
I did eat at L’Avant Comptoir, though, the small next door take out creperie and wine bar. It offers sweet and savory crepes-some of the best I’ve ever had. My pick-nutella and banana, but the savory crepes were also outstanding.
Le Comptoir, which serves specialties from southwestern France, is impossible to get into for dinner without a reservation, so if you’re not able to plan ahead, go for lunch. For a quick bite while sight-seeing, L’Avant Comptoir is a great option!
9 Carrefour De L’Odeon
Paris, 6e 75006
01 44 27 07 97
www.hotelrsg.com
Les Coquettes
A Christian Constant restaurant, Les Coquettes serves delicious French food in a modern, unpretentious setting. Constant has several restaurants along this stretch of rue Saint Dominique and is known for great Parisian fare without the fussiness or high prices. At Les Coquettes, food is served in cast-iron dishes-think French comfort food. Reservations are not accepted, there’s not even a telephone.
135 r. St Dominique
Paris, 7e 75007
www.lesrestaurantsdeconstant.com
Pink Flamingo
This quirky pizzeria serves inventive pizzas like the Obama, and the Che (Cuban pork, cilantro and plantains). You can eat your pizza at the restaurant or take a pink balloon and a delivery person will find you when it’s ready, if you sit along Canal St. Martin. Below is the address for the Pink Flamingo I went to, but more locations are opening allover Paris including the Marais, Aligre, and Montmartre.
Pink Flamingo Canal
67 rue Bichal
Paris, 10e
01 42 02 31 70
www.pinkflamingopizzeria.com
Rose Bakery
With two locations in Paris, Rose Bakery is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch. The café’s are British run and have delicious pastries as well as salads, soups and risottos. Very popular, you may have to wait in line during peak hours. Closed Monday.
Rose Bakery, Le Marais
30 Rue Debelleyme
Paris, 3e 75003
01 49 96 54 01
Rose Bakery, Montmartre
46 Rue des Martyrs
Paris, 9e 75009
01 42 82 12 80
Stay:
Hotel Amour
I have not stayed here but I’ve heard great things about this quirky hotel is Paris’ 9th Arrondissement. Not far from Montmartre, the Hotel Amour is a bit off the beaten path in Paris but not far from famous sights like the Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge. Each room is decorated differently and I’ve heard from friends who have stayed here hotel staff will even switch out furniture in your room while your away to keep things interesting.
8 Rue Navarin
Paris, 9e 75009
01 48 78 31 80
www.hotelamourparis.fr
Hotel Relais Saint Germain
This 4 star hotel is a bit pricey but beautiful and located on a quaint corner in Saint Germain. It’s also home to Le Comptoir and L’Avant Comptoir so great food awaits just steps from your room.
9 Carrefour de L’Odeon
Paris 6e 75006
01 44 27 07 97
www.hotelrsg.com
eat.do.stay 