Steak frites (steak and fries) is a classic French bistro dish found all across France and of course, in Paris. There’s plenty of good steak frites in Paris but where can you find the best? After living in Paris for over 8 years I think I’ve got a pretty good idea! This guide has a round-up of my personal favourite spots serving up the crispiest fries, the tastiest steak and of course, the best sauces.
The Best Steak Frites in Paris
Finding the best steak frites in Paris is no mean feat. You’ll find this on the menu in almost every neighbourhood bistro in the city, with some being better than others.
My guide covers restaurants with different cuts of beef with different sauces and in different price brackets. It’s where I’ve personally found the cooking (and the quality of the meat) to be consistently good. Restaurants are in no particular order!
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte has probably the most famous steak frites in Paris and is a must do if you’re a meat lover. Don’t expect wagyu or huge sharing steaks on the menu – they have a simple 1 steak approach and it’s very good.
Entrecôte or ribeye in English (specifically the eye of the cut) is grilled to your liking and served up with awesome French fries and their famous herby sauce. You don’t just get one portion though, once you’ve finished your first plate the servers will come round and give you another serving of steak, fries and sauce.
It’s pure pleasure and actually one of the more reasonable options in the city. The steak, given the quality, is great value for money and their house red wine is genuinely excellent. Come hungry and you might have room for one of their amazing desserts (you have to try their profiteroles!). I’ve been to Entrecôte (as it’s referred to by Parisians) over 50 times since I’ve lived in Paris and I’ve never been disappointed.
What to know before you visit
- You can’t reserve, expect to queue for up to an hour at peak times
- Mid week lunch times are an ideal time to go – weekends will be full of hungry Parisians
Addresses:
Champs-Elysées: 15 rue Marbeuf, 75008
Tel: +33 1 49 52 07 17
St Germain des Près: 20 rue Saint-Benoît, 75006
+33 1 45 49 16 00
Montparnasse: 101, Bld du Montparnasse – 75006
+33 1 46 33 82 82
Website: https://www.relaisentrecote.fr/
La Bourse et La Vie
A new discovery for me is a beautiful, gem of a bistro – La Bourse et La Vie. If you’re looking for a refined, upscale Parisian bistro with great steaks in the city centre, then this is a great option.
Located right next to the Bourse in the 2nd arrondissement, this pretty little restaurant is run by American Chef Daniel Rose (owner of Coucou in New York). The dining space (mainly filled with Brits & Americans!) is small, cozy and very Parisian (dim lights, velvet banquettes).
Their version of steak frites (at lunch time only) is Onglet (Hangar steak) with peppercorn sauce and boy is it good. It’s become one of my favorite steak cuts – it’s got a really beefy flavour and isn’t as tough as bavette (skirt). Order it rare and you’ll be in for a treat. It comes lathered in their peppercorn sauce which is spot on. They’re French fries light, crispy and well seasoned.
If you’re coming at dinner time then the only option is their €62 set menu which includes a selection of appetizers and a choice of mains. Their evening steak is a matured Faux-fillet (Sirloin) which comes with their incredible peppercorn sauce.
What to know before you visit
- They’re closed on weekends
- You can reserve online
- Note that you can only order their Onglet steak at lunch time
- In the evening you can only order their €62 pp set menu
Address: 12 Rue Vivienne, 75002
Tel: 01 42 60 08 83
Website: http://www.labourselavie.com
Le Bistro Paul Bert
The Bistro Paul Bert is a favourite bistro for most foodies here and for good reason. Their version of steak frites is epic – a fillet of beef perfectly cooked (I’ve never been disappointed) and layered with a sauce au poivre (peppercorn sauce) made to order. It’s arguably one of the top 3 best steak frites in Paris – trust me.
The generously served French fries are great to soak up that amazing sauce – they’re crispy, fluffy inside and exceptionally well seasoned (I think they’re also cooked in beef fat).
It’s not just the steak frites that are good here, the rest of the food on the menu is superb – especially the desserts (do try their Soufflé!). I’ve also included their tartare in my round up of the best steak tartare in Paris. Their wine list is also superb and includes many fantastic, small producer natural wines.
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
Brutos
If you’re looking for a steak cooked over a charcoal BBQ then Brutos is a great choice. Located in the 11th arrondissement and just off the very pretty Square Maurice Gardette, it’s hugely popular with foodies.
The starters are awesome and always have some elements cooked over their charcoal grill, giving a great BBQ flavour. Their single portion steak is a big piece of rump cooked rare that comes with a healthy portion of crispy French fries and an awesome beef jus.
If you fancy sharing a larger steak, there’s a Cote de Boeuf for two on the menu which comes with the usual fries and chimichurri sauce. The curated wine list is incredible – expect only great natural wine here.
What to know before you visit
- You can reserve online
Address: 5 Rue du Général Renault, 75011
Tel: 01 48 06 98 97
Website: https://www.brutosparis.com
La Fontaine de Mars
Looking for a classic, well done, fillet of beef with a sauce béarnaise? La Fontaine de Mars is a famous bistro a stones throw away from the Eiffel Tower and does a great steak frites.
The bistro is traditional in the best sense and is exactly what you’d imagine a Parisian bistro to be like. The rest of the food is equally as good and you certainly get what you pay for.
What to know before you visit
- The dining space is on two floors, the 1st floor can feel very intimate.
- You’ll need to reserve in advance, especially during the summer months.
Address: 129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007
Tel: 01 47 05 46 44
Address: https://www.fontaine-de-mars.com
Le Bouillon Pigalle
The cheapest steak frites in Paris comes from Le Bouillon Pigalle. A modern take on the traditional bouillons of Paris, Bouillon Pigalle has a whole host of traditional French dishes at extremely reasonable prices.
Their steaks are usually flank or rump and are cooked well but can be a bit tough for some (although they’re high in flavour). The fries are genuinely really good and you get a lot of them. There’s no sauce here but the steak does have a healthy amount of beurre maitre d’hotel (garlic & parsley compound butter).
What to know before you visit
- You can reserve online but make sure to reserve 1 or 2 weeks in advance
- Prepare to queue if you haven’t got a reservation – only around 4-5pm will there be little to no queue.
- Don’t expect the best steak frites but it is cheap!
Address: 22 Bd de Clichy, 75018
Tel: 01 42 59 69 31
Website: https://bouillonlesite.com/
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