We The People

WHERE — Paris, France
PHOTOGRAPHY — Sam Flaherty and Jessie Bush

Consider this your little black book to some of the best cafes, bars and restaurants in Paris.

Much like any other international city, Paris has more incredible cafes, restaurants and bars than you could ever hope to visit. Plus Paris is currently in the midst of what people are calling the ‘third wave restaurant, bar and coffee movement’. What this means is that in Paris, there aren’t any rules any more. Anything goes; which has resulted in an explosion of super cool, interesting and of course delicious new spots all of the city.

My guide below is by no means comprehensive, nor is every spot listed some kind of secret, many have had their doors open for years. Think of this guide more as a quick-fire guide to my favourite spots in Paris who never let me down; the places I will always make an effort to get to whenever I’m in town.

The Best Burger

For mouth-wateringly good burgers with more cheese, sauce and general decadence than you think should be consuming (a sign of an excellent burger in my opinion) you can’t go past PNY. As a vege, their deep-fried portobello mushroom burger takes the title of my all-time favourite burger. This is the spot to overindulge.

PNY have 5 locations over Paris, but their post in the Marias is probably the most pretty (complete with pink interiors).
Paris New York Marais, 1 Rue Perrée, 75003

All The Fried Chicken You Can Handle

Speaking over over-indulging, for a modern, yet authentic take on Korean, Hero is the spot. I know being recommended somewhere that specialised in fried chicken by a vege is a little questionable, but my meat-eating other half can vouch for this instead.

Cool interiors, some of the most delicious cocktails and a communal sink (to wash your hands after all the chicken, of course).
Hero, 289 Rue St Denis, 75002

Arguably the Best Bo Bun in Paris

Le Petit Cambodge was horrifically hit by the terror attacks in 2015, but the fact that they re-opened their doors is a perfect example of French resilience. Not only is it a local business worth supporting, it’s still one of the best spots in Canal Saint Martin for relaxed dinner and drinks. Their bo-bun is a contender for the best in Paris.
Le Petit Cambodge, 20 Rue Alibert, 75010 Paris

The Ultimate Mexican

All-too often Mexican restaurants are watered down for western palettes. Café Chilango does not. Super fresh, super tasty and just a generally fun spot to hang out. Worth sampling all of the taco options they have an offer.
Café Chilango, 82 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris

Soul Soothing Japanese

Sometimes (or in my case all the time – sorry not sorry) you just need a break from French food. Kunitoraya does authentic, soul-soothing udon that would hold its own even in Japan.
Kunitoraya, 5 Rue Villedo, 75001 Paris

For a Fresh French Affair

So as I did admit, French food is not my all-time favourite (that award goes to Vietnamese), but if I was going to go all-in on some classic Frenchie cuisine (and I would), Café Philippe is the place to do it. Cafe Philippe is more about creating thoughtful rather than fancy dishes, which is exactly my cup of tea.
Café Philippe, 14 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris

The Ultimate Brunch Spot

With its diverse menu, healthy options slick interiors Season pretty much everyone’s favourite go-to brunch spot. But it still deserves a mention because they offer continuous service, never disappoint and do the best cheese cake of all time. Plus I’ve been there three times this past week alone.
Season, 1 Rue Charles-François Dupuis, 75003 Paris

For Well Crafted Coffee

O Coffeeshop gets a special mention, because whilst there are endless great coffee spots in the 3rd and 10th, you’ll be hard pressed to find a flat white south of the river, or near the Eiffel Tower. O Coffee Shop ticks all of those boxes.
O Coffeeshop, 23 Rue de Lourmel, 75015 Paris