10 Must-eat places in Paris

Paris is seeing a revival of traditional French brasseries celebrating the time-honoured delights of classic French gastronomy. But few spots serve French fare with as much savoir-vivre as Astair, a chic bistro squirreled away in Paris’ stunning covered arcades (at the intersection of Passage des Panoramas and Galerie des Varietes.) Inside Astair, the beloved French interior designer Tristan Auer has created an ambience that exudes Parisian charm; think a striking stucco cocktail bar, terrazzo floors, and classic bentwood chairs. Much of the menu was designed by triple-Michelin-starred chef Gilles Goujon (the talent behind the renowned L’Auberge du Vieux Puits.) Come to indulge in delicacies like escargots and roasted quail with grapes and figs while moody jazz music wafts through the air. It’s all very elegant without ever feeling pretentious, a testament to the restaurant’s suave, modern take on old-school Parisian dining.

If checking off all the top things to do in Paris has you feeling frazzled, Loustic is a design-forward espresso bar bound to deliver that paramount pick-me-up. The natty space is all plush pink cushions, tiled and planked floor, geometric wallpaper, and exposed concrete walls—a brilliant blend of textures that exudes Bohemian elegance. We’re partial to the chai latte and homemade carrot cake, but you can’t go wrong with any of the coffees on offer (a welcome respite from Paris’ all too abundant bitter and burnt espressos.) Loustic is about a 20-minute walk from the best restaurants in Latin Quarter Paris, so save room to revel in desert and after-dinner coffees here.

Tannat gets its name from a red grape hailing from southwest France, a fitting inspiration for this neo-bistro that’s all about seasonal ingredients paired with small-scale French wines. Fresh herbs and vegetables come from the chef’s own garden outside of Paris, and protein options rotate depending on market freshness. The vibe here is low-key but sophisticated with its mirrored ceiling, fresh flowers, and detailed food platings. The lunch menu is one of the best bargains you’ll find in Paris; when the sun goes down, Tannat becomes a dimly-lit spot ideal for quiet conversations and romantic date nights. All of which makes Tannat a must-include on any gay travel guide to Paris.

Dersou is unique to most good food places in Paris in that it’s all about pairing an inventive tasting menu with craft cocktails over five, six, or seven courses. Make a reservation well in advance to sit at the bar and watch master chef Taku Sekine artfully whip together each plate, all the while sipping on a perfectly paired drink like a bourbon-Madeira-walnut syrup cocktail. Stripped wood decor, dangling vintage light bulbs, and exposed pipes give the ambience a decidedly trendy yet laid-back vibe. If you prefer an a la carte dining option, stop by Dersou for their always thrumming Sunday brunch. The Thai basil panna cotta is divine.

It’s hardly any secret that falafel tops the list for the best street food in Paris. While you’ll find falafel stands across the city, Rue des Rosiers in the Jewish quarter of the Marais district takes the prize as the top spot to get your deep-fried chickpea fix. Any shop with a snaking line around lunchtime is a safe bet, but gay travellers who prefer to err on the side of caution should make a beeline for L’As du Falafel; it’s a Parisian favourite that’s well worth the wait. With your prized falafel in hand, discover the top things to do in Le Marais with our in-depth guide to one of Paris’ most fashionable districts.

If you’re wondering what food do they eat in Paris, Le Colimaçon is a fitting spot to continue your French food education. Tucked away in historic Marais, this rustic Parisian bistro features traditional cuisine far removed from the traditional tourist traps in the surrounding streets. Decadent dishes like local morel mushrooms in cream and rabbit stuffed with foie gras and bacon are just a few of the soul-warming, crowd-pleasers. Extra friendly service and generous portion sizes round out this charming bistro experience.

You’ll need to book three weeks in advance to score a seat at this highly coveted Paris restaurant, but don’t let the extra effort at scoring a seat deter you from calling ahead. Winner of the highly acclaimed Sustainable Restaurant Award, Owner-chef Bertrand Grebaut takes fine dining to the next level at Septime—without any arrogance or a high environmental footprint. Septime attracts serious foodies to its Nordic, paired-back space. Expect a cosy ambience that’s all reclaimed wood, exposed concrete and industrial lighting. Dinner is a surprise tasting menu that plays on the textures and flavours of seasonal ingredients. Pair it with any of the superb natural wines on offer.