If you’re looking for restaurants in Le Marais during your stay then look no further. The Marais, in the city’s 3rd arrondissement is well worth the visit and there are some great restaurants to eat at when you’re in the area.
The Marais has a lot of historical sights to see, bars to try and of course amazing restaurants to eat in. For foodies there is of course the famous falafel restaurants on rue des Rosiers but there’s also a whole host of other amazing spots to eat at. Known for its vibrant LGBT scene and Sunday Shopping, the Marais is a great mix of old and new. Read on to discover the foodie side of the incredible Medieval quarter of Paris.
Where to Eat in Le Marais
After spending my first year in Paris living in the Marais, it’s safe to say that I know the area pretty well. This guide has a selection of my favourite restaurants in no particular order.
Chez Janou
Chez Janou is a fantastic little restaurant offering a taste of Provençale cuisine in Paris. Incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s a very pretty little bistro on a rather idyllic street corner.
Don’t expect ultra high-end food here – it’s home-style cooking BUT it’s extremely well done. The menu revolves around classics from the South of France paired with some very good and reasonable wine. They also have 300 different types of Pastis to try (an aniseed liquor popular in the South that’s drank as an aperitif or a digestif).
Entrées include fried small fish served with a garlic aioli, baked goats cheese and a rather cute small pot of ratatouille served with a home made anchoïade & tapenade. My favourite has to be their deliciously buttery, garlicky grilled mussels (don’t forget to mop up the butter with a slice of baguette). Their avocado ‘tartare’ with crayfish, grapefruit and lemon is also delicious – it’s pure summer on a plate!
The mains are fantastic. Prawns are flambéed with pastis (what else!) and the flavour is reinforced with anise scented rice. Duck breast is perfectly cooked and comes with duck fat potatoes and a cherry sauce.
What to know before visiting
- Open every day in the week for lunch and dinner
- It can get very busy during weekends in the summer – expect to queue regardless of the time
- You can reserve but turn up on time or your table will be given away (even if you’re 5 minutes late)
Address: 2 rue Roger Verlomme, 75003
Tel: 01 42 72 28 41
Website: https://www.chezjanou.com/
Les Enfants du Marché
Les Enfants du Marché could probably be one of my favourite restaurants in Paris. It’s a real, modern spot that’s a perfect reflection of the city’s current dining scene. Located at the back the Marché des Enfants Rouge on the rue de Bretagne, it’s an outdoor restaurant that consists of mainly countertop space around the central kitchen.
Incredibly popular with locals and in-the-know foodies, it’s become one of the spots to go to (Dua Lipa is apparently a big fan too). It’s lively atmosphere reminds me of the food markets in Spain. There’s music playing from speakers around the bar and it gets louder as the afternoon goes on (and as the wine goes down).
The food is awesome modern French food with Japanese influences (owing to the very talented head Chef, Shunta Susuki). The menu varies depending on what comes in from their hand picked suppliers – it’s all market fresh produce. Expect wild tuna, Brittany lobster and langoustines that were landed that very morning.
The produce is one thing but the cooking is something else. Slick sauces, purées and pickles work in harmony with their awesomely selected fish, vegetables and meat. There’s XXL pork chops served with roasted seasonal vegetables, a thick meat jus and pickled mustard seeds. Another highlight is their awesome braised and then grilled octopus with romesco sauce. There’s also house made terrine, seasonal croquettes and sharing steaks.
Finally their wine list is something special. They’ve got an incredible, ever changing list of small-producer, natural and organic wines. My tip is don’t ask for a grape variety – describe what type of wine you like and they’ll find you an awesome wine.
What to know before you visit
- You can’t reserve
- Their opening times vary with the seasons
- It’s covered but still open-air – if it’s windy & cold be-aware that your food won’t stay hot for long!
- Arrive early for lunch otherwise prepare to queue
- The majority of the eating space is on the counter
- My favourite space is on one of the two tables at the end of the bar
- Not suitable for children
- It isn’t cheap!
Address: Marché des Enfants Rouges, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003
Website: https://lesenfantsdumarche.fr
Candelaria
Candelaria is an awesome taqueria that is a must-do if you’re wanting something different Tham traditional French food. The restaurant is actually the front of a great speakeasy bar under the same name – you just walk to the back of the taqueria and through the backdoor.
This tiny taqueria isn’t big (there’s probably seating for 10 people max) but they pump out some fantastic seasonal tacos. Carnitas (that are actually crispy) are fantastic – especially with their house salsa verde. Their sous vide beef tongue tacos are also a highlight and there’s also a vegetarian option.
You might struggle to get a seat during peak times (I’d advise going late afternoon) but the turnover is quick. It’s also very English speaking friendly!
What to know before you visit
- They don’t take reservations and there’s very limited seating
- The cocktail bar only serve enchiladas & guac and chips – don’t expect to get anything more that if you go to the bar
Address: 52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003
Tel: 09 50 84 19 67
Website: https://www.candelaria-paris.com
Carboni’s
If you’re a fan of Italian food, Carboni’s is an amazing modern Italian restaurant in the heart of the Marais. Their inventive food is classic yet very modern at the same time. Expect an inventive take on caci e pepe with home made pasta lathered in rich, cheesy sauce topped off with a soy cured egg yolk.
Their risottos are equally modern – lobster and meltingly soft beef cheek are paired impeccably and finished with a seafood foam. The other meat and fish dishes aren’t neglected either. Duck breast is cooked to a beautiful medium rare and served with a rich duck sauce. The veal Milanese is generous and comes with a rich, smooth pomme purée. Finally their wine list is epic yet on the pricier side and expect all natural wines here.
What to know before you visit
- You can reserve online
- They have a speak-easy bar below the restaurant for a drink afterwards
Address: 45 Rue de Poitou, 75003
Tel: 01 42 72 49 12
Website: https://www.carbonisparis.com
GrandCœur
Started by Chef Mauro Colagreco, owner of the 3 Michelin Starred Mirazur – one of the best restaurants in Menton. The restaurant, located in the centre of the Marais, is beautiful. Situated in a courtyard in an 18th century building, the restaurant has beautiful exposed stone walls and original wooden beams. It’s a beautiful dining space, warm and modern but retaining the old Marais charm. The menu keeps Chef Mauro’s Mediterranean theme with a distinctive Italian/French theme. Grilled sardines are fresh, cooked well and served simply. Keeping with the Provençal theme, Lamb shoulder is slow roasted and served with a smooth aubergine purée – delicious. During the summer months, their large terrace is a great space to dine outside.
What to know before visiting
- Open every day in the week for lunch and dinner
- You can reserve online
Address: 41 Rue du Temple, 75004
Tel: 01 58 28 18 90
Website: https://www.grandcoeur.paris
Le Carreau
Le Carreau is currently closed for refurbishment until mid July 2024
At the top of the Marais, near rue de Bretagne, lies Le Carreau. Named after the nearby historical covered market, Le Carreau is a great bistro. It’s located on the corner of a very pretty and historic street where you’ll often see film crews recording parts of movies. The food is, on the whole, seasonal classic French food but done very well. Their croque monsieur is excellent and the steak tartare is hand chopped to order – no pre minced meat here! On the international side of the menu there is a very good Chicken Satay with crispy chicken thighs doused in a delicious satay sauce. Their wine and beer selection is also equally as good as the food.
What to know before visiting
- Open every day in the week for lunch and dinner
- You’ll need to call to reserves
Address: 5 Rue de la Corderie, 75003
Tel: 09 52 33 24 26
Website: https://www.bistrolecarreau.fr
Acte Deux
If you’re wanting to eat on a rooftop with views over the rooftops of the Marais then Acte Deux is a perfect choice. Despite the difficulty trying to find the entrance to Acte Deux (it’s part of the experience), the views are very much worth it. There’s been a recent change of chefs at Acte Deux but the DNA of the kitchen remains the same. Expect meat and fish grilled over an open BBQ, served with modern, creative complementary ingredients. From the bar there’s an extensive craft cocktail selection and the wine list is all natural. Do be warned however, that it is a pricey restaurant and the view comes with a cost.
What to know before visiting
- It’s heated during the winter
- You can reserve online
Address: 93 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
Tel: 01 43 56 50 50
Website: https://www.actedeux.paris/
