A Guide to the Types of Parisian Dining: From Brasseries to Fine Dining
Exploring the Heart of French Cuisine for Retired and Independent Travellers
Paris is a city where every bite tells a story. Its diverse dining scene — from bustling brasseries to timeless fine‑dining institutions — captures the heritage and character of French culture. Whether you’re a retired slow traveller savouring long meals or an independent visitor seeking memorable moments, this guide will help you understand and experience the best of Parisian gastronomy.
Brasserie
History: Brasseries originated in the Alsace region and came to Paris in the 19th century as beer halls serving rustic meals. They evolved into bustling spaces where friends, families, and slow‑travel enthusiasts can relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Traditional Dishes: Steak Frites, Onion Soup, Choucroute Garnie, Duck Confit
Price Range: €20–€40 per person
Three Must‑Try Brasseries & Their Stories:
- Le Procope – 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006. Founded in 1686, Le Procope is the oldest café in Paris and a relic of Enlightenment era gatherings.
Price range: €25–€45. - Brasserie Lipp – 151 Bd Saint‑Germain, 75006. Since 1880, this icon has been a favorite of writers like Hemingway and Sartre.
Price range: €25–€40. - Brasserie Bofinger – 5–7 Rue de la Bastille, 75004. Established in 1864, Bofinger showcases Belle Époque charm and Alsatian specialties.
Price range: €28–€45.
Make the Most of Your Stay: Stay longer and soak up the atmosphere. Book a hotel in this area with Booking.com, find a vacation rental on VRBO, or browse long‑stay accommodation options on Expedia or Hotels.com.
Bouillon
History: In the late 19th century, bouillons emerged as affordable canteens for working‑class Parisians. Created by entrepreneurs like Louis‑François Chartier, they served quality meals quickly and cheaply — a concept still celebrated today.
Traditional Dishes: Boeuf Bourguignon, Escargots, Œufs Mayonnaise
Price Range: €10–€25 per person
Three Must‑Try Bouillons & Their Stories:
- Bouillon Chartier – 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009. Founded in 1896, this Belle Époque gem serves traditional fare at affordable prices.
Price range: €12–€20. - Bouillon Pigalle – 22 Bd de Clichy, 75018. Revived in the 2010s as a bustling spot that captures the charm of old Paris.
Price range: €15–€23. - Bouillon Julien – 16 Rue du Faubourg Saint‑Denis, 75010. An Art Nouveau beauty founded in 1906, perfect for slow lunches and heritage flavors.
Price range: €14–€22.
Bistro
History: Bistros emerged after the Franco–Russian war, gaining their name from Russian soldiers calling “bistro!” (“quickly”) when ordering meals. These small spaces evolved into cozy spots serving long‑simmered comfort food and communal conversation.
Traditional Dishes: Coq au Vin, Blanquette de Veau, Ratatouille
Price Range: €25–€50 per person
Three Must‑Try Bistros & Their Stories:
- Bistrot Paul Bert – 18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011. Since the 1940s, it has celebrated timeless French fare with precision and warmth.
Price range: €30–€45. - Le Baratin – 3 Rue Jouye‑Rouve, 75020. A cherished neighborhood spot opened in the 1930s, famous for rustic flavors.
Price range: €28–€50. - Le Petit Cler – 29 Rue Cler, 75007. A cozy café introduced in the late 20th century, ideal for slow lunch and people‑watching.
Price range: €25–€40.
Family Dining
History: After World War II, family‑friendly restaurants grew in popularity across Paris, focusing on wholesome meals and warm service. Today, they’re ideal for retired couples and families seeking comfort and quality.
Traditional Dishes: Rôtisserie Chicken, Duck à l’Orange, Quiches
Price Range: €15–€35 per person
Three Must‑Try Family Restaurants & Their Stories:
- Chez Janou – 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003. Since 2006, this Provençal gem has celebrated generosity and timeless flavors.
Price range: €20–€35. - Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond – 24 Rue de la Grande Truanderie, 75001. A Belle Époque-style bouillon that showcases heritage charm and traditional cooking.
Price range: €18–€30. - Les Fines Gueules – 43 Rue Croix des Petits Champs, 75001. Founded in 2014 by passionate sommeliers and chefs, offering comfort and quality in equal measure.
Price range: €20–€32.
Travel Tip: Stay longer and soak in the culture. Book long‑term accommodation that suits your pace and style with Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Fine Dining
History: The roots of fine dining in Paris trace back to the grand banquets of the aristocracy and royal courts. After the French Revolution, many chefs opened restaurants for the public, making haute cuisine accessible beyond palace walls. By the 19th century, chef‑innovators like Auguste Escoffier shaped its evolution, focusing on precision, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Traditional Dishes: Duck à l’Orange, Foie Gras, Sole Meunière
Price Range: €100–€400 per person
Three Must‑Try Fine Dining Restaurants & Their Stories:
- Le Jules Verne – Tour Eiffel, Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007. Since 1983, chef Frédéric Anton has combined panoramic views of the city with Michelin‑star precision.
Price range: €180–€350. - Guy Savoy – Monnaie de Paris, 11 Quai de Conti, 75006. A three‑Michelin‑starred icon, chef Guy Savoy has celebrated heritage and innovation in French cuisine since 2002.
Price range: €250–€380. - L’Ambroisie – 9 Place des Vosges, 75004. Founded in 1986 by chef Bernard Pacaud and now led by his son, this three‑star jewel delivers timeless elegance and precision.
Price range: €300–€400.
Why It’s Okay to Splurge — Even as a Frugal, Budget‑Slow Traveller
Retired slow travel doesn’t mean denying yourself moments of beauty and indulgence. By making mindful choices and living simply every day, you create room in your budget for rare and memorable splurges. A fine‑dining experience in Paris is more than a meal — it’s a piece of heritage, a chapter in your journey, and a memory worth keeping. That’s why we slow travel — to save where it counts, so we can splurge when it truly matters.
Final Travel Tip: Stay longer, live like a local, and make space for moments that matter. Book long‑term accommodation for comfort and affordability through Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, or VRBO. Enjoy Paris at your own pace — and make every bite, and every stay, a cherished part of your story.
The post Parisian Dining appeared first on Slow Travel.