When you think of French cuisine, you might picture croissants, escargot, and steaming bowls of bouillabaisse, but Paris’s food scene is increasingly varied with standout chicken tandoori, fresh sashimi, and paella, among other delicious dishes. If you’re craving something beyond steak frites on your next visit, read on for the best places to taste the world in Paris.
Greek: Tzeferakos
A family-run Greek restaurant near the Pantheon in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, Tzeferakos is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. It serves hearty dishes like homemade spanakópita (spinach pie), moussaka (eggplant casserole with ground beef), and biftekia (Greek hamburger). The standout offerings, however, are the desserts, including the chocolatopita (chocolate cake) and bougatsa (custard pie).
Spanish: Casa Paco
If you’re planning to visit the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll be near the outstanding Casa Paco, which stands out in an area known for Spanish food, thanks to its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. Pair delicious dishes like ham croquettes, paella Valenciana (with chicken and rabbit), and grilled steak with chorizo with a glass of Rioja or a Spanish coffee.
Moroccan: La Baraka
Set in an atrium that feels like a Moroccan courtyard, La Baraka transports diners to North Africa with colorful artwork, lush greenery, and warm sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling. To eat, there’s everything from Moroccan-style eggplant caviar and grilled merguez sausages to chicken tagine with candied lemons and green olives. Just be sure to save room for desserts like the orange-flavored cream with almonds and chocolate shavings, which pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of mint tea.
Japanese: Aida
A Michelin-starred restaurant in the 7th arrondissement, Aida serves some of the finest Japanese food in Paris. The menu here changes daily depending on what’s fresh at the market, but often includes such indulgences as fresh sashimi, Brittany lobster, and chateaubriand steak. Most everything is cooked in the teppanyaki style (over an iron griddle) in front of customers, with chefs tossing food in the air for dramatic flair.