Looking for the best restaurants in the Montparnasse area of Paris? You’re in luck. I’ve been living in Paris for the last 8 years I know the best, tourist-trap free spots that real locals go to in the area.
The gateway to the North of France and the home of the Tour Montparnasse, the area is a quieter part of the city. It may not have the rock and roll appeal of the 11th arrondissement but it’s got some very good, hidden gem restaurants. Read on to discover my local guide to the best eating spots in the area!
The Best Places to Eat in Montparnasse
If you’re either staying in the area or perhaps visiting attractions nearby then you’ll be wanting to find some solid spots to eat lunch or dinner. Now there are a lot of tourist traps (especially next to the train station) but there are also some superb restaurants in the surrounding area. Restaurants are in no particular order.
Olive Chicken
The Montparnasse area is home to some really good Korean restaurants and Olive Chicken is one of the best spots for KFC (Korean Fried Chicken). Located just next to the Gare Montparnassse, it’s ideal for a quick lunch if you’re in the mood for some great street-food!
Beware however that the restaurant is tiny and there’s only about 5 tables so make sure to get there on the early side of each service. Once you’re in the service is quick and very friendly.
The food is popular and for good reason. I’d probably say it’s one of the best Korean Fried Chicken spots in the city. It’s not the cheapest but the crispiness, sauce and juiciness of the meat is incredible. You can order bone in or boneless meat – I prefer the boneless thigh bites!
What to know before visiting
- Open for lunch and dinner
- There is usually a queue so come early or prepare to wait!
- You can order online
Address: 6 Rue Poinsot, 75014
Tel: 01 43 35 52 89
Website: https://www.instagram.com/olivechicken_paris
Le Duc
Le Duc is one of Paris’ hidden gems. A temple of fish and seafood, it’s become the haunt of fish loving politicians, celebrities and wealthy locals. First opened in 1967 by restauranteur Jean Minchelli, Le Duc started to move against the trend at the time and was one of the first restaurants in Paris to serve raw fish. To this day, it’s still a foodie favourite in the city.
The food at Le Duc revolves round super fresh seafood and fish. Chef Pascal Hélard is at the helm and he keeps the preparations clean and simple. Most of their fish and seafood comes from Brittany although the prized langoustines are imported in from Scotland.
Their raw fish is certainly worth a try – raw langoustine with wasabi and scallops carpaccio are a stunning way to taste the quality of the ingredients. Fish fillets are treated with respect and the cooking is only ever precise. Order the turbot fillet and expect a thick, meaty slab of delicious white fish. One of their most famous dishes is the John Dory fillets served with a thick, creamy butter vodka sauce – it’s incredible.
What to know before visiting
- You will need to call to reserve
- Food is on the pricier side for Paris (but well worth it!)
Address: 243 bd Raspail, 75014
Tel: 01 43 20 96 30
Website: http://restaurantleduc.com
Tripletta
If you’re in the mood for pizza then Tripletta is a great choice for some great Neapolitan style pies. Located on the pretty Rue de Gaité, it’s a great spot to have a drink before in one of the many surrounding bars.
Their pizzas are solid with lots of classics and some fun riffs such as a very good hybrid pepperoni pizza. The ingredients are top notch and the crust is incredible. My favorite has to be their house special ‘Tripletta’ pizza with spicy Nduja sausage – delicious.
Finally they have a decent wine and bottled beer list although no beer on tap unfortunately!
What to know before visiting
- Open for lunch and dinner weekdays, all day on weekends
- No need to reserve
Address: 1 Imp. de la Gaité, 75014
Tel: 01 43 20 96 34
Website: https://triplettapizza.com
Wadja
Wadja is a fantastic high-end French bistro serving up some fantastic seasonal, produce driven food. Between the Cemetery of Montparnasse and the Jardin du Luxembourg, it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner if you’re exploring the Saint Germain des Prés or Montparnasse areas of the city.
The art deco restaurant is a traditional and authentic as it gets. In the kitchen, Mathieu Longchamps is at the helm bringing his experience in some of the capital’s best restaurants to the fore.
It’s refined ‘bistronomic’ (as we say in French) food at Wadja. Expect slick sauces, perfectly cooked meat and fish and some interesting combinations on the plate.
What to know before visiting
- Closed on weekends
- Open for lunch and dinner on weekdays
- You can reserve a table online
Address: 10 Rue de la Grande Chaumière, 75006
Tel: 01 46 33 02 02
Website: https://www.wadja.fr
La Gentiane
La Gentiane is a terrific Lyonnaise bistro with a real ‘local’ atmosphere. The interior decor, tableware and service is almost homely and reminds me of some of the great countryside restaurants in France. Located a few minutes walk from the train station, it’s a great alternative spot for some classical French food.
The menu is simple and homely but the cooking is precise and well done. It’s simple, honest but delivers in flavour. Market fish fillets are cooked perfectly and served with a buttery sauce. Their house speciality – pork – comes in different forms including roast belly and shoulder.
Their wine menu is superb with some great small producer, organic and natural wines. Reasonable, fun and some great food – it’s a great French restaurant to checkout.
What to know before visiting
- Closed on weekends
- Open for lunch and dinner on weekdays
- You’ll need to call to reserve
Address: 4 Rue Stanislas, 75006
Tel: 01 45 48 11 39
