Looking to eat at one of the best restaurants in the 1st arrondissement in Paris? Look no further with our insider guide to the best eating spots in the very central area of Paris.
If you’re visiting Paris then you’ll no doubt be exploring the 1st arrondissement. The first and most central quartier of the city, the area includes he incredible Louvre museum as well as the beautiful Jardin du Palais-Royale. Despite it being a very tourist heavy area, there are some superb dining spots to check out. Read on to discover our favourite spots in the centre of Paris!
Where to Eat in the 1st Arrondissement in Paris
This list contains my personal favourite restaurants in Paris and all have been tried and tested. It’s a mix of spots that offer really good food, great views and places that are well know but are really worth a visit. Restaurants are in no particular order.
Au Pied de Cochon
Au Pied de Cochon is a legendary French brasserie in the centre of the arrondissement, right next to Chatalet Les Halles. Opened in 1947, the restaurant has been serving food practically non-stop ever since. Yep, that’s right Au Pied du Cochon is open 24/7, every day of the week. But don’t think it’s some kind of low-quality bistro like many in the surrounding streets. The menu has plenty of superb dishes and it’s genuinely well done. They have a huge array of seafood including lobster, langoustine and of course plenty of French oysters. Keeping with the name they’ve also got a lot of great pork dishes including a very classical stuffed pigs trotter, pigs ears and tail (yes it’s very French). Don’t worry they’ve also got streak frites, roast chicken with morel sauce and a very good onion soup.
What to know before you visit
- Open practically 24/7, every day of the week (including Christmas and on bank holidays!)
- You can reserve online
Address: 6 Rue Coquillière, 75001
Tel: 01 40 13 77 00
Website: https://www.pieddecochon.com/en/
Maison Maison
Perhaps one of my most visited spots (mainly for drinks, I’ll admit) is Maison Maison. On the quayside, overlooking the Pont Neuf bridge with views over to the Eiffel Tower and the Museé d’Orsay, it’s a gem of a restaurant. It is predominantly a summer restaurant with their huge terrace next to the water being the highlight. Outside of the warmer months their small restaurant space (within the walls of the quayside) is in operation and is very cosy with great views. Their menu is all about small Mediterranean inspired sharing plates – think mussels, home made charcuterie, roasted potatoes with tartare sauce and fresh, grilled sardines. It’s perhaps the perfect spot to be eating during sunset in summer time in Paris.
What to know before you visit
- Their terrace is open on warmer days off-season and 7/7 during the summer months
- Food is served for lunch and dinner
- You can reserve online (you’ll need to during the summer)
- You can access the restaurant by going down a small staircase next to the Pont Neuf bridge on the right bank side
Address: 63 voie Georges Pompidou, Dans l’escalier face au, 16 Quai du Louvre, 75001
Tel: 09 67 82 07 32
Website: https://www.maisonmaison.fr
Hakata Choten
Hakata Choten is probably my favourite ramen spot in Paris. Just outside of Chatalet Les Halles, you’ll find a tiny gem of a ramen restaurant. Known as one of the best ramen spots in the city, they serve mainly tonkatsu ramen (pork ramen) with one veggie option. Their broths are incredibly rich and meaty with an excellent mouthfeel. I’d also go out and say they offer one of the better Japanese dumplings that I’ve eaten here. The filing is well seasoned and incredibly tender (they’re not meatball-like!).
What to know before you visit
- Prepare to queue unless you arrive before they open
- Vegetarian friendly
Address: 16 Rue de la Grande Truanderie, 75001
Tel: 01 40 13 95 32
Website: http://www.hakata-choten.com
Le Baudelaire
If you’re looking for a Michelin starred restaurant in the area then Le Baudelaire is a very good option. Having visited a few years back, I’ve got great memories of this high-end restaurant. Located in the 5* Le Burgundy hotel, the restaurant has a stunning dining space. They offer carte blanche tasting menus with 4 or 6 course options as well as an à la carte. Chef Anthony Denon took over the reins from Guillaume Goupil last year but keeps the same culinary ethos as before. There’s a lot of great food on display here and they have an awesome pastry section with some stunning desserts!
What to know before you visit
- You can book online
- No strict dress code (although avoid sportswear!)
Address: 6-8 Rue Duphot, 75001
Tel: 01 71 19 49 11
Website: https://www.lebaudelaire.com
L’Escargot
On the bottom of rue Montorgueil, you’ll find the famous L’Escargot. It’s hard to miss with its massive snail (escargot in French) above the restaurant! One of the very oldest restaurants in Paris having opened in 1832, L’Escargot is still going strong serving up very well done, classic French cuisine. I’d definitely recommend this spot if you want to try snails for the first time (and get them the classic way, with lots of garlic butter). They’ve got an awesome menu with sweetbread vol-au-vent, beef fillet with foie gras and sole grilled with lots of butter (meunière style) on offer.
What to know before you visit
- You can book online
- Open every day of the week from midday-midnight
Address: 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001
Tel: 01 42 36 83 51
Website: https://www.escargotmontorgueil.com
