Where to Eat in Paris: From a Local

A core part of our holistic vacation experience is and has been, undoubtedly and perenially, food. The restaurants we choose to dine in, the tastefulness of the dishes, the service, and most importantly, the prices balanced with the quantity and quality of the meal all contribute to our final impressions of a voyage and the particular city.

Most people fall into the trap of chasing after famous chefs. Nevertheless, the key is not identifying the most expensive restaurant or the one with the highest number of Michelin stars. The traveler's goal should be to delve into the foreign culture and explore its local life through dining selections as well. Which better way to go about that, if not by asking someone who lives in the place you're visiting?

So, here are 5 Cute Restaurants in Paris to eat like a Local:

• La Jacobine

La Jacobine is a traditional French restaurant found between Île de la Cité and Le Jardin du Luxembourg, inside a historic passageway.

Offering a plethora of local flavors, La Jacobine is famous for its delicious onion soup. Thus, if you are interested in exploring the dish that characterizes French cuisine even today, you have to go there!

Price: $$

Open: Tuesday-Sunday from 12:00 to 23:00

Site: La Jacobine

Courtesy: Jorrit Monné

• Un Amour de Bistro

This restaurant is an amazing option for those looking to enjoy French tapas.

Placed on the 8th arrondissement, this cute, small bistro is in close proximity to major attractions, including Place de la Concorde, the Petit Palais, Musée de l'Orangerie, and more. Not only is it easily accessible, but further affordable!

Price: $-$$

Open: see their website for details

Site: Un Amour de Bistro

Courtesy: Alberto Busutil

• Chez Janou

Courtesy: Kenan Gedik

One of the Marais area gems, this restaurant is right next to Place des Vosges and provides flavors of Southeast France. Having the Mediterranean element, all dishes are tasteful, but the chocolate mousse as a dessert is a must!

Price: $$

Open: Daily from 8:00 to 2:00 (note: the kitchen is only open from 12:00 to 16:00 and from 19:00 to 23:00)

Site: Chez Janou

• D'Chez Eux

Found in the 7th arrondissement, right next to Hôtel des Invalides, this restaurant originates from an 18th-century coaching inn.

Filled with traditional Parisian recipes, the restaurant offers a long-established local experience. In addition, at the end of each meal, they serve the famous Souillac Old Plum.

Price: $$$

Open: Wednesday-Sunday from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:15-22:15

Site: D'Chez Eux

Courtesy: Thuan Nguyen

• Vivant 2

With a jazzy atmosphere created by its bebop soundtrack, Vivant 2 is a modern open-kitchen wine bar that provides a welcoming and relaxing environment. It is found in the 10th arrondissement of the city.

Known for the chef's delicious plant-focused dishes, this restaurant offers great options for vegetarians. Something undoubtedly hard to find in Paris!

Price: $$

Open: Monday-Friday from 19:00 to 24:00

Site: Vivant 2

Courtesy: Caio Oliveira

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