If you’re visiting Paris then steak tartare is a must try dish. Light, meaty and full of flavour this iconic dish is always a winner.
In fact it’s probably one of my all time favourite French dishes and it makes for the perfect lunch (especially on a warm day). I first discovered this emblematic French meal in Avignon when I was 12 years old (after mistakenly ordering it thinking it was a steak haché) and I loved it.
Traditionally you’ll find minced or hand chopped beef although the latter is found in slightly higher end restaurants. You’ll find different steak cuts are used from bavette all the way to fillet (depending on the price point!).
My Favourite Beef Tartare in Paris
I’ve eaten so many steak tartares in Paris over the years – some great and some not so great. I would say it’s a dish that’s hard to mess up but the ones that are really good are memorable. I’ve listed my favorite spots to get a steak tartare in Paris and these restaurants are in no particular order.
Le Bon Georges
Le Bon Georges is one of my favourite bistros in Paris – it’s all about the best ingredients with precise, classical cooking in a beautifully authentic Parisian setting.
The tartare from Le Bon Georges is on the unique side as the only seasoning is salt, pepper and a tiny amount of oil. You might be thinking it’ll be a bit bland but oh no, it’s just pure beef flavour. It’s hand cut (like it should be) and very lightly bound – the seasoning is bang on and it’s unlike any tartare that I’ve had before. It comes with a side of green salad and some superb French fries – delicious.
Is it worth the hype? I think so. Their beef is sourced from Maison Polmard – a butcher that supplies to the city’s Michelin starred kitchens. It’s genuinely very good beef and it carries a mature, very beefy flavour. Definitely one for the purists!
What to know before you visit
- They’re only open for lunch and dinner
- You can reserve online
- During the summer they have a terrace for outside dining
Address: 45 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009
Tel: 01 48 78 40 30
Website: https://www.lebongeorges.paris/
Le Dauphin
One of my most recent finds and easily in the top 3 beef tartares that I’ve eaten came from Le Dauphin in the city’s 11th arrondissement.
This modern, marble walled restaurant has a great ambiance and with its central bar, reminds me almost of a tapas joint in Madrid. The food does have some Spanish influences in the evening but they still have plenty of awesome French classics and their steak tartare is killer.
It’s hand chopped with a relatively large dice but the beef is mega tender. It’s perfectly bound and the seasoning is spot on. My favourite part of Le Daupin’s tartare is that it’s on the spicier side and offset with plenty of lovely acidity from the capers and cornichon. Oh and their French fries and green salad are also extremely well done.
What to know before you visit
- You can reserve online
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Address: 131 Ave Parmentier, 75011
Tel: 01 55 28 78 88
Website: https://www.restaurantledauphin.net
Aux Deux Amis
Aux Deux Amis is a great rock and roll natural wine bar and restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. One of my favourite late night drinking spots in the city, it’s so much fun and they also have some great food on offer.
Their tartare has been a long standing favourite of mine and I order it usually every time I eat there. It’s pure umami thanks to the dried seaweed and anchovy seasoning. Yes it’s not particularly classical but it hits hard with flavour.
It’s on the smaller side (as it is a small sharing plate style of restaurant) so order one each along with their other dishes!
What to know before you visit
- Book ahead of time for weekends(you need to call)
- It gets lively during weekend nights
Address: 45 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris
Tel: 01 58 30 38 13
Website: https://www.instagram.com/auxdeuxamis/
Le Progrès
If you’re exploring Montmartre and are after a steak tartare then Le Progrès is a great option. This small bistro has some great classics coming out of the kitchen and unlike many of its neighbouring restaurants, it’s not a tourist trap.
Le Progrès’ tartare is very classical and they use minced meat which doesn’t offer much in terms of texture but the seasoning is spot on. It’s mainly shallot, mustard, egg yolk and I’d imagine a decent amount of Worcestershire sauce. It comes with a side of very good fries and a dressed green salad.
The rest of the menu is super classical and very accessible if you’re with a group that has fussy eaters. Steak, Croque-Monsieur, braised lamb shank and even burgers are solid alternative options.
What to know before you visit
- Food served all day (Midday-10:30pm)
- You can reserve online
Address: 7 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018
Tel: 01 42 64 07 37
Website: https://leprogresmontmartre.com
Bistro Paul Bert
I had to include the Bistro Paul Bert as yes you’ll probably go for their incredible steak au poivre but their tartare is not to be overlooked!
The now incredible bistro is hard to get a table at given its popularity but book a few weeks ahead of time and you’re in for a treat. With a great wine list, superbly executed classics and an authentic feel, it’s one of the must-do restaurants in the city.
Their tartare is very good – hand chopped and perfectly seasoned and lightly bound. Each mouthful is full of flavour! A special mention has to go their epic French fries – they’re insanely crispy yet light and fluffy on the inside.
What to know before you visit
- You’ll need to book at least a week/two weeks before depending on seasonality
- Reservations are phone only
- They’re closed Sundays and Mondays
Address: 18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011
Tel: 01 43 72 24 01
Website: https://bistrotpaulbert.fr
