Paris is a world-class city, so you can pretty much always eat well here. But there are a few restaurants in Paris that make your city trip feel that little bit more special. That’s why we’ve bundled our favorites into one article: one highlight we still think back on often, plus a few other spots we’d recommend again and again for lunch or dinner in Paris. Curious about our tips? You’ll find them below!
Dining with an Eiffel Tower View: Restaurant Girafe
If there’s one restaurant we want to highlight for a special night out in Paris, it’s Girafe. You’ll find it in Trocadéro, inside the impressive Palais de Chaillot. The moment you step inside, you can’t help but look around: marble floors, oversized mirrors, and striking chandeliers. Pure Parisian grandeur.
Our tip: book a table on the terrace
Want to sit outside like we did, with a truly great view of the Eiffel Tower? Then booking ahead is definitely recommended. You can reserve by phone or via Girafe’s website.
What we loved most: arriving while it’s still light out and only leaving once it’s dark. That way you’ll see the Eiffel Tower in daylight, and later on, beautifully lit up. It makes the whole evening feel extra special.
What to expect (and what it costs)
Because of the location, you might assume a dinner here will be outrageously expensive. But honestly? We found it surprisingly affordable. Especially if you see it as a fine-dining night with an “priceless” view.
The four of us ate at Restaurant Girafe in Paris for around €80 per person. That included a cocktail, a main course, a few sides, and dessert. With the whole experience on top, we thought it was absolutely worth it. Oh, and our favorite dish at Girafe: the Tuna Tataki!
More inspiration: our favorite restaurants in Paris for lunch and dinner
Not in the mood to endlessly scroll through social media looking for a great restaurant in Paris? These are the places we genuinely love. They’re all different, but each one is worth saving as a lunch or dinner tip for Paris.
1. Pink Mamma
Pink Mamma is an Italian restaurant in Paris, loved for its gorgeous interior and seriously good Italian food. It’s part of the Big Mamma group, which has several other locations across the city. But back to Pink Mamma: the pink building immediately catches your eye. Once you step inside, each floor has its own vibe, so if you manage to book a table, definitely take a moment to look around. The menu is packed with Italian classics, making it a great pick for a tasty lunch or a long, leisurely dinner.
Tip: if Pink Mamma runs out of room, check out the restaurants Gloria Osteria or Ober Mamma. Both are also part of the Big Mamma group!
2. Terrasse de l'Alcazar
This hotspot is in the 6th arrondissement, in a neighborhood where you’ll naturally end up wandering past plenty of bars and restaurants. If you’re heading here, look it up on Google Maps first, the entrance is easy to miss.
Inside, you’ll find a cozy courtyard and a menu that will make you hungry the second you open it. The concept here is shared dining, which we personally love, because it means you can order a few different dishes and taste a bit of everything. Ideal. Our recommendations: the spicy sea bass ceviche and the Scottish salmon tataki.
3. La Crêpe Rit du Clown
In Paris, you simply have to eat at least one crêpe. We loved La Crêpe Rit du Clown for that, you’ll find this spot in the charming Quartier Latin. You can choose from sweet or savory, so it really depends on what you’re craving. And if you’re not in the mood for a crêpe, they also serve croques, sandwiches, and eggs.
Tips for a city break in Paris
There is so much to see and experience in Paris that you are bound to be overwhelmed when you visit this city. That's why it's nice to have some direction in advance. Want to plan your days smartly, and not feel like you're running from highlight to highlight? In our article ‘What to do in Paris‘ we share our personal favorites: sights, fun neighborhoods, great routes and places to relax in between.
Tips for Montmartre
Montmartre remains one of the neighborhoods in Paris that we keep returning to. Ideally, head out early so you can get ahead of the crowds. Wander the small streets on purpose, grab a terrace and don't plan too tightly. Here you want to stroll around and take it all in, and you do that with our tips for Montmartre.
Exploring in Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter feels lively and quintessentially Parisian: perfect for when you're in the mood for a cozy atmosphere, good food and wandering around a bit. It's nice walking around among the old buildings, through the park and along the Seine. These are the highlights of Quartier Latin in Paris.
Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower
Visiting the Eiffel Tower remains a bucket list item, even if you've been to Paris before. Want to go to the top of the tower? Then consciously choose the right time to do so. During the day the view is clear and you can see the city well, but at night the atmosphere is truly magical. Do you especially want to visit the Eiffel Tower at a quiet time? Then you'll have the best chance early in the morning.
Also read our article on visiting the Eiffel Tower In which we share more tips on skipping the long queue, the best spots for a photo and more!
By train to Paris (and beyond)
One of the reasons we end up in Paris so often is that it takes no time at all to get there. With the Eurostar you travel super easy from Amsterdam, Schiphol or Rotterdam to Paris, and before you know it you get off in the middle of the city. It is comfortable travel, there is a bar on the train and within 3 hours you are in Paris.
Want to book your trip right away? Then check out the current departure times and prices and book your train trip to Paris on time. The sooner the better!
And another great tip: Paris is also ideal as a hub if you are passing through France. From here you can easily catch the TGV towards the mountains. Think of The French Alps for a winter sports vacation, or just in the same direction for fresh mountain air, beautiful hikes and cozy villages of Vallée des Belleville in the summer.






