Restaurants

You should never leave Paris without enjoying some type of Maghreb cuisine that dots the streets of Paris. This culture is an essential part to understanding France's diverse history and demographics, so if you're interested in trying North African cuisine: start here. L'Homme Bleu is some of the most fantastic Moroccan food I've ever had, and the service is a nice change of pace from the usual aloof nature of Parisian servers. We felt very well taken care of but the food really stood out the most. Pricey but definitely worth it. 

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A classic, famous French wine bar that has been around since 1980, but also very casual. I had heard that making a reservation is essential but it was relatively empty when my mom and I dined here on a Monday night. Also a pricey one, but definitely worth the creative cuisine and great wine. 

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If you're looking for a great French restaurant with no frills but fanstastically crafted food, GO HERE!!! A little on the pricey side (45 euros for the formula) but definitely worth it. The desserts were also a highlight of the meal, super crafty and decadent. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand, as it is a small establishment. 

A beautifully simplistic wine bar in the 10th, right on Rue Faubourg Poisionniere. They're owned and operated by a New Zealand man but his knowledge of French wine is fantastic. Expect modern French bistro style cuisine, while also relatively reasonabaly priced. 

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A quintessential Parisian wine bar with simple food and fantastic cheese. Their small wine cave on site comes with a sommelier prepped and ready to help you pick your bottle that you can bring back to your table. Don't skip on the fantastic cheese board. Priced insanely well. 

Best brunch in Paris yet. Found in Oberkampf, this tiny brunch/lunch place is serving up serious food for a great deal. $24 you get a full breakfast meal, their fresh pressed juice (choosing between orange/apple/lemon/carrot/ginger), coffee and bread. Best of all they make their own peanut butter and is offered as a condiment for the INSANE bread basket. Only thing missing were the bloody mary's...

Very traditional French bistro, but truly incredible. I would recommend the set menu, and while a lil pricey for a college kid ($41), it was a large amount of food for the price that included a wide range of complex meat and fish dishes. Definitely recommend getting dessert (even if you're full, its a must). 

Situated in Montmartre and a few minutes walk from the Sacre-Coeur, this must have been the best Italian food I've had in Paris yet. Al Caratello is a petit Italian pasta joint that you won't want to miss if you're in the area. It was simple, inexpensive and the portions did not disappoint! We went on a Sunday afternoon so getting a table was easy but I would recommend reservations if you are to be dining at night, as it is very small and always very full. 

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February 18, 2016

A fantastic little restaurant that I tried with a friend this past weekend. Its traditional French cuisine, so don't skip out on the cheese board. They bring you a travelling cheese cart with 20+ cheeses on it and walk you through which to eat first and which tastes follow one another best. You take as much or as little as you want and then they bring it to the next table... An American health inspector's nightmare, but a hilarious and enjoyable experience here. 

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(Formule: 45 for an entree, plat, cheese tasting and dessert... a great deal if you ask me!)

I have officially found my favorite coffee shop in Paris and it is Blackburn. Situated in between Republique and Gare de l'Est, this fantastic and eclectic coffee shop has great food and even better drinks. Their tartines and salads change daily and though a little pricy for a coffee shop, I didn't mind. Definitely will be back.

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Great traditional Mexican food in central Paris! Don't skip over the chips and guacamole, and although I'm not the biggest fajitas fan, it seemed to definitely be a crowd favorite. They also had great frozen margaritas and daquiris. 

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Not really a restaurant, just a really quaint coffee shop very close to the Canal St. Martin with small bites (but go early in the day before their sandwiches/soups/salads sell out), creative pastries, as well as fresh pressed juices. I would definitely recommend a cappuccino or latte in order to dazzle in the awes of their foam art. They don't even have a sign on their front so make sure you map out a route before!  

You haven't really had an authentic crepe unless you've eaten here... I recommend the flambé crèpe with Grand Marnier for dessert. I would also recommend reservations, as it is a 15 seat restaurant that fills up quickly (even on weekdays) although you may be able to squeeze in if you get there when they open around 7 pm. 

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A traditional French bistro. Order the formule and you'll get an appetizer and main course with a glass of wine for 22 euros. Or try the snails!

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Great brunch place, very reasonably priced. Small accomodations so be prepared to wait! Try their drip coffee, and cake of the day. 

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This is a fabulous Basque restaurant, situated in the 11eme near Oberkampf. I enjoyed their Tuna and patates (potatoes) and a complete cheese board. We also ordered their wonderfully cheap pitchers of Sangria! 

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