The Trendiest Restaurants in Paris: Our Inspectors' Top Picks

Helmed by Bertrand Grébaut, one of the youngest chefs in France to received a MICHELIN star, this establishment has become a symbol of the new wave of Parisian dining, where cool meets culinary indulgence. Tucked on buzzy Rue de Charonne in Paris 11th, this one-star gem is all about Danish-style minimal design - think big loft-like windows, timber tables, and exposed metal beams. Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and even former French President François Hollande have been spotted among its clientele. But you've to be quick to nab a table here: bookings must be made exactly three weeks in advance to secure one of the few coveted spots at this restaurant.

Formerly of Frenchie in London and an alumnus of the three-star Paris restaurant George V alongside head chef Christian Le Squer, as well as Saturne with Sven Chartier, Franco-Israeli chef Matan Zaken has also spent time as a private chef for major fashion houses—a likely source of his flair for presentation. Hidden beneath a vaulted cellar facing the Palais Royal is his striking 20-seat communal table. On the menu? Creative dishes that draw on a diverse array of influences, from Japan to the Middle East, with techniques ranging from slow-cooking and binchotan grilling to fermentation and brining.

From a managerial standpoint alone, Datil's nothing short of revolutionary. There’s no head chef or sous-chef here—just a winning team of five female chefs working together as equals. Hatched in late September 2023, the latest venture by Manon Fleury and her co-chefs checks all the right boxes for the times: inclusion, plant-based cuisine, and eco-responsibility. Before opening her own space—defined by minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired decor—Fleury, one of France’s rising culinary stars, built an impressive résumé of high-end experiences and residencies. The vibe is laid-back, fueled by a powerhouse team.

Featured in the cult Netflix series Emily in Paris, the ultra-chic Cheval Blanc Paris continues to draw a crowd of beautiful people. And its Japanese dining gem brings together three culinary heavyweights: chef Takuya Watanabe, Arnaud Donckele, and head pastry Maxime Frédéric. Each sushi is crafted right in front of the diner, an impressive display of haute cuisine. The decor and service, perfectly in tune with the meal, elevate the experience with an emphasis on silence and the purity of materials.

When it comes to location in Paris, it doesn’t get much better than this, especially in terms of views. Nestled within the Palais de Tokyo, this stunning spot boasts an Art Deco dining room in shades of gray, green, and gold, and a terrace overlooking the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. The food matches the setting—sophisticated and flavorful. Another must-visit hot spot!

Blending the chef’s passion for volcanoes with the sommelier’s love for wine, Lava is one of the hottest dining spots in Paris right now. The cuisine revolves around fire and embers, with bold ingredients and vibrant spices. This lively and colorful menu in the heart of the Latin Quarter draws a crowd of discerning aesthetes, especially in the evening.

A gem of a Parisian brasserie, led by former Clamato chef Marius de Ponfilly and Kevin Deulio, an alum of Bar Vendôme at the Ritz, who effortlessly glides from diner to diner through the room. This dynamic duo has nailed the formula—irreverent yet impactful. Expect gorgeous cuts of meat and shareable plates perfect for enjoying with friends, all while staying true to their signature: fresh fish and seafood.

Already the owner of a dozen restaurants in Jerusalem, London, and Paris, the media-savvy Assaf Granit also hosts the Israeli version of television show Kitchen Nightmares. In this vibrant neighborhood, between the streets of Saint-Denis and Montorgueil, you’ll find his signature touches: a lively atmosphere, raw decor, dim lighting... and most importantly, a creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that’s both generous and surprising. By evening, a trendy crowd gathers around the bar, adding to the buzz.

After his stint on Top Chef, Thomas Chisholm opened his own digs and has been in his element ever since. In this trendy space, the food celebrates sharing and sustainable gastronomy. Expect ikejime fish, jars of fermented goods, and ingredients from agroforestry. With a creative and sometimes playful style, blending diverse influences, the chef’s unique touch captivates a crowd that’s very much of the moment.

Chef Apiradee Thirakomen, known as "Thiou," first made her mark at Les Bains in Paris, where she helmed the kitchens from 1997 to 1999, building an impressive network in the process. After opening her first restaurant on Rue Surcouf and later at Quai d’Orsay, both in Paris, the former star of Thai cuisine in the 2000s has now settled on the Right Bank. At The Norman, a charming hotel near the Champs-Élysées, a chic and intimate atmosphere sets the stage for a host of stars and politicians enjoying her renowned Thai specialties, often with a French twist that has solidified her reputation.

In the laid-back Jourdain neighborhood perched up on a gentle hill in western Paris, a brand new team led by Crislaine Medina, the former sommelier of popular Parisian restaurant Rigmarole, is reviving this establishment in its unchanged decor. What’s on the menu? An eclectic Asian cuisine reimagined through a French lens—or perhaps the other way around! Delight in dishes like “barbujuan” ravioli with sweet chili sauce, tofu and shiitake tortellini, and orange-stuffed duck, each offering a delectable experience.

No wonder this spot is popular with a young and trendy crowd. Chef Amandine Chaignot’s neo-bistro celebrates market-fresh ingredients, spontaneity, and creativity. This philosophy is reflected in her unique menu: diners select only the main course (meat, fish, or vegetarian), while the rest of the meal is left to the chef’s discretion. On Wednesdays, the menu is exclusively vegetarian, and Sundays embrace a family-style bourgeois spirit centered around chicken.

Inspired by the oyster bars of the East Coast of the United States, this offshoot of Septime gets its name from a popular cocktail in Quebec—a sort of Bloody Mary enhanced with clam juice and a must-try here. The venue exudes bistronomic appeal, featuring a trendy decor and a concise menu that highlights seafood and vegetables with delightful international influences. Note that reservations aren’t an option: it’s first come, first served.

Overlooking the gardens of the Louvre, Loulou is inside the Musée des Arts Décoratifs jusy next door and offers an enchanting setting. In the kitchen, chefs Benoît Dargère and Zouhair Bouhlal reinvent Mediterranean classics with meticulous ingredient selection. Whether on the terrace or in the elegant dining room, the service is as exquisite as the dishes (daily risotto, veal piccata al limone with sage, grilled octopus with aioli...). It’s cozy, refined, and utterly delicious.