Paris’ Most Romantic Restaurants for an Intimate Rendezvous

Nestled in a neoclassical building within the Champs-Élysées gardens, Le Pavillon Ledoyen has been a Parisian institution since 1792. The décor is stunning—most notably, the dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the lush gardens. MICHELIN-Starred Chef Yannick Alléno showcases the height of French 'savoir-faire' with dishes prepared with masterful technique and pure elegance—like venison tenderloin à la Rossini with perfectly crispy straw potatoes.

A short stroll from the bustling Champs-Élysées, this 'hôtel particulier' is nestled in a hushed, verdant courtyard that feels worlds away from the city’s unrelenting energy. Inside, architect François-Joseph Graf has crafted a series of intimate dining rooms, blending contemporary design with elegant 18th-century accents. The result is a whimsical yet refined backdrop for Chef Mathieu Pacaud’s innovative take on classic French cuisine—dishes like langoustine in a velvety, anise-scented bisque, paired with a medley of porcini mushrooms and chestnuts.

Inside The Saint James Paris Hotel, Bellefeuille restaurant is a tribute to nature in the heart of the 16th arrondissement. The dining room feels as serene as an indoor garden, with botanical wallpaper, two-tone marble, elegant mouldings, and plenty of potted plants. The setting reflects the ethos of Chef Julien Dumas, whose eco-conscious approach to cuisine celebrates sustainably-sourced ingredients like white asparagus, acacia, and smoked sardine. Alongside him, young Pastry Chef Jeanne Lecourt breathes new life into the ingredients of the past, restoring their legacy with a modern touch.

Alain Ducasse describes Benoit as a place that perpetuates a certain 'art de vivre.’ Situated near the Hôtel de Ville, this MICHELIN-Starred brasserie, which began as a quaint neighborhood restaurant, now enjoys international renown with addresses in both New York and Tokyo. The secret to its success lies in its mastery of classic bistro dishes, such as a slice of Chalosse blood sausage sautéed with two crisp apples, and golden turbot with tender carrots and deeply flavorful jus. Guests dine on red leather banquettes in a refined, old-word dining room that evokes over a century of history.

The Monsieur George Hotel is home to Galanga, a restaurant that has established itself as a destination in its own right. Guests arrive at an elegant, exclusive bar where they can sip a cocktail before stepping into the dining room. With velvet-upholstered banquettes, green marble tables, and a lush terrace that brings the outdoors in, the space feels both luxurious and warm. Chef Thomas Danigo showcases a similar sense of balance, crafting dishes that are both delicate and bold—like the smoky, rich binchotan-grilled porcini, or for dessert, a refreshing red plum infused with shiso cultivated on Parisian rooftops.

Located in a cobblestone courtyard, this chic Marais brasserie retains the charm of the neighborhood's prestigious past. Inside, the dining room’s wooden beams, exposed stone and marble tables create an atmosphere brimming with charm and romance. When night falls, candles splash the room in a warm, flattering glow—your dinner date will look almost as irresistible as the food. In the kitchen, Chef Carmine Cinque, Italian by birth and Parisian in spirit, channels his roots in dishes like a fricassee of mushrooms à la carbonara and Milanese veal cutlet. The intimate, nature-inspired Le Jardin dining room, which can be privatized, would make any dinner feel more celebratory. 

For a romantic evening with Italian flavor, L’Assaggio is the place. The onsite restaurant of the Castille Paris Hotel, this unique setting is an homage to northern Italy. Under the glowing lights of the inner patio, adorned with frescoes and a trickling fountain, tuck into timeless signature dishes like Piedmontese-style vitello tonnato and tender agnolotti di Lidia.

Just off the Champs-Élysées, this unmissable Parisian restaurant inside a Directoire-style townhouse recently rang in its 80th birthday. The dining room feels timeless and luxurious, decorated by pillars, fresh orchids, crystal chandeliers, and Chinese porcelain, all beneath a retractable roof—on clear nights, guests dine under the stars. In the kitchen, Chef Jean-Louis Nomicos creates time-tested French dishes such as sole à la royale.

At this MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in the celeb-favorite Hotel de Crillon, let the lengthy wine menu dictate the course of your meal. With a cellar boasting over 2,300 labels, Sommelier Xavier Thuizat is your trusty guide. Paired with Chef Boris Campanella's dishes, inspired by his Sicilian and Savoyard roots, the result is an unforgettable dining experience in harmony with the restaurant’s elegant, subdued décor.

On the seventh floor of the Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel, with sweeping views from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower, Le Tout-Paris is the ideal setting for a romantic dinner overlooking the mansard rooftops of the City of Light. The contemporary décor designed by Peter Marino nods to Paris' iconic Art Deco bistros. In the kitchen, MICHELIN-decorated Chef Arnaud Donckele showcases some of the region's finest ingredients, including langoustines, oysters and free-range veal.

Inside a Charpentier-designed building dating back to 1839, Lucas Carton has a long and storied past. Despite its heritage, this restaurant leans into the latest trends in contemporary French gastronomy. With sculpted maple wood panelling, the dining room décor echoes the space's rich history. Chef Hugo Bourny, who earned his stripes in La Vague d'Or, Anne-Sophie Pic, and Le Marsan, embraces bold cuisine—for example, his signature Camus artichoke, which is served in a variety of compelling textures and flavors.

This Two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, tucked away among the colonnades of the calm Palais-Royal, has a decidedly intimate feel. Designed by Christophe Tollemer, the interior combines contemporary furniture with unadorned materials and a soft, orange-hued colour scheme, echoing the design-forward ethos of the surrounding art and design galleries. It's the ideal setting for Greek Chef Philip Chronopoulos' sun-drenched dishes—the John Dory with saffron, salsify, and kaffir is superb.