Anthony Bourdain was a culinary icon and world traveler who left a lasting impact on the food and travel industries. Throughout his life, Bourdain had a deep appreciation for French cuisine, and culture, and nowhere was that more evident than in his love for Paris. As a frequent visitor to the City of Light, Bourdain grew well-versed in the local cuisine and even developed a few go-to spots. In this video, we’ll take a closer look at some of Bourdain’s top picks for Parisian dineries. So join ViewCation, as we follow Anthony Bourdain’s guide to Paris restaurants.
Paris Restaurants: Le Royal
While filming “No Reservation” in 2005, Bourdain first visited this Paris restaurant, where he kicked off his Parisian adventure in the best way possible: with a sumptuous breakfast. Le Royal is a classic restaurant with a sidewalk terrace that oozes traditional charm. Taking his place at the table, he indulged in a mouthwatering spread of warm croissants, freshly brewed cafe de creme, and refreshing orange juice.
Le Royal’s charm and character captivated Bourdain, and he marveled at the Paris restaurant’s long-standing reputation for serving traditional French fare. From the classic decor to the impeccable service, every detail added to the ambiance of the place. This Paris restaurant is known to serve some of the best French dishes, including Cheese Soufflé, Escargots, Fruits de Mer, and Steak Frites. Located at 2 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France, it’s an excellent place to soak in the city’s rich history, indulge in its sumptuous cuisine, and connect with its vibrant culture.
Chez Denise
Chez Denise, also known as La Tour de Montlhéry, is a legendary Parisian restaurant that has been serving traditional French cuisine for over a century. The Paris restaurant is located on the Rue des Prouvaires, in the heart of Paris’ bustling Les Halles neighborhood, and is renowned for its lively atmosphere, classic French dishes, and impressive wine list.
One of the main draws of Chez Denise is its hearty, rustic cuisine. The menu features classic French bistro fare, such as escargots, steak frites, and beef bourguignon, all of which are cooked to perfection and served in generous portions. The veal blanquette, which Bourdain enjoyed during his visit, is another popular dish that is both tender and flavorful, with a rich and creamy sauce.
The wine list is equally amazing, with bottles hailing from all around the world and all throughout France. The Paris restaurant’s sommelier is always on hand to offer advice and recommendations, ensuring that diners find the perfect wine to complement their meal.
Chez Robert et Louise
Over the past 60 years, this lovely French eatery has provided patrons authentic French fare. The Paris restaurant is well-known in the Marais neighborhood for its excellent cuisine, welcoming service, and cozy atmosphere.
The menu at Chez Robert et Louise is focused on hearty, rustic dishes cooked on an open fire. The Paris restaurant’s signature dish is its succulent roasted chicken, which is cooked to perfection resulting in a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Other popular dishes include the beef tenderloin served with a side of homemade French fries, and the classic French onion soup, which is rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. In addition to its exceptional food, Chez Robert et Louise is also known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is ideal for a date or a night out with friends thanks to its rustic wooden furnishings, old posters, and traditional French ceramics.
The Paris restaurant is also famous for its delicious desserts. From rich chocolate mousse to classic tarte tatin, the dessert menu at Chez Robert et Louise is a true delight, and the perfect way to end a memorable meal. It’s no wonder that Anthony Bourdain was such a fan of this Paris restaurant, and anyone visiting Paris should make sure to add Chez Robert et Louise to their list of must-visit spots.
Frenchie
This culinary destination in the heart of Paris has captured the hearts of foodies from all over the world, including the late Anthony Bourdain. This Paris restaurant, located in the picturesque Marais district, has a refined simplicity that is both contemporary and timeless, much like the cuisine it serves.
The dishes at Frenchie are inventive, combining traditional French ingredients with international flavors and techniques. The menu changes regularly to showcase the best seasonal produce, and always emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients. One of the standout dishes at Frenchie is the signature burrata, which arrives at the table as a work of art, drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar and served alongside bright, juicy heirloom tomatoes.
The atmosphere is cozy and convivial, with an open kitchen that allows guests to watch as the talented chefs prepare each dish with precision and care. This Parisian hotspot is widely regarded as one of the city’s finest dining establishments, and it’s ideal for a romantic evening or a special occasion.
Le Jeu de Quilles
Le Jeu de Quilles is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris, known for its rustic charm and delicious French cuisine. The Paris restaurant is situated in a quiet street in the 10th arrondissement, and visitors will be enchanted by its cozy ambiance and friendly staff.
One of the reasons why Le Jeu de Quilles is so beloved by locals and tourists alike is its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The chefs use only the finest produce and meats, and the menu changes regularly to reflect the changing seasons. Diners can expect to enjoy classic French dishes such as escargots, foie gras, and coq au vin; all served with a contemporary twist. You should try sweetbread, a dish made from the pancreas or thymus of either a calf or lamb, which was Bourdain’s favorite meal during his visit to the Paris restaurant.
The wine list is also a highlight of Le Jeu de Quilles, featuring an extensive selection of French wines that complement the cuisine perfectly. The knowledgeable staff are happy to make recommendations, and wine lovers will be delighted by the quality and diversity of the selection.
However, the Paris restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. Reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant is often full, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
La Tête Dans Les Olives
In the heart of Paris’s 11th arrondissement, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind restaurant and gourmet food shop. Because of its emphasis on quality ingredients, cozy atmosphere, and top-notch service, this unassuming, modest restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists. What sets La Tête Dans Les Olives apart from other restaurants in Paris is its dedication to olive oil. The restaurant’s owner, Cedric Casanova, is a self-taught olive oil expert with extensive knowledge of olive oil production. His passion is evident in the carefully curated selection of olive oils he offers, which are used in many of the dishes served at the restaurant.
At La Tête Dans Les Olives, guests can indulge in a delicious culinary experience featuring dishes crafted with the finest ingredients. This charming Parisian restaurant offers a variety of delicious options, including handmade pasta with truffles, creamy burrata with juicy roasted tomatoes, and slow-cooked beef ragu that will melt in your mouth.
In addition to the restaurant, La Tête Dans Les Olives also has a gourmet food shop where visitors can purchase a variety of high-quality ingredients and artisanal products, including olive oil, vinegar, honey, and more. The shop is a food lover’s dream, with shelves filled with unique and hard-to-find ingredients from Italy and beyond.
Je Thé…Me
This exquisite Parisian tea salon is unsurprisingly one of the many establishments Anthony Bourdain highly recommended. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a cozy and intimate atmosphere that offers a serene haven away from the city’s commotion.
This restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional French and Asian cuisine, creating a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Their menu features a wide range of delectable dishes, ranging from savory croque-monsieur with miso and sesame to sweet matcha cheesecake and homemade macarons that will melt in your mouth. But it’s not just the food that sets Je Thé…Me apart – it’s the tea.
Their tea selection is second to none, boasting a vast variety of high-quality loose-leaf teas sourced from around the globe. From classic black teas to delicate white teas and exotic blends such as lychee rose and yuzu, Je Thé…Me has a tea to suit every palate. It’s an excellent place to unwind and relax, enjoying a peaceful moment in the midst of a vibrant city.
Les Cocottes
This restaurant embodies the essence of traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the Eiffel Tower. Bourdain was a huge fan of this restaurant, and you’re about to see why.
Its interior is a blend of contemporary and rustic, with warm lighting that creates a cozy atmosphere. But it’s the cast iron cocottes that steal the show – these heavy pots are used for cooking and serving many of the dishes on the menu, giving the nod to classic French cooking techniques.
The menu at Les Cocottes is a true celebration of French cuisine. Expect dishes made with high-quality, seasonal ingredients, such as roasted chicken or beef cheek with mashed potatoes. The menu frequently changes, so you can always expect something new and exciting. And if you need help deciding what to order, the knowledgeable staff can guide you toward the perfect wine pairing to complement your meal.
Le Châteaubriand
This Parisian restaurant is considered by many to be a culinary destination. Anthony Bourdain was among the many food enthusiasts who recognized the establishment’s excellence in offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
The restaurant has an industrial yet homey feel thanks to its exposed brick walls, retro light fixtures, and minimalist wooden bar. The menu is a set menu, which means that guests receive a selection of dishes that the chef has curated. This allows for a more communal and intimate dining experience, as everyone at the table is enjoying the same dishes.
The dishes themselves are a creative and innovative blend of French and international cuisine, featuring locally-sourced ingredients with bold and unexpected flavors. Examples of dishes you might encounter include cod with lemongrass and avocado, foie gras with elderflower, or sweetbreads with anchovy.
The restaurant also places a strong emphasis on natural and biodynamic wines, with a well-curated wine list that features small-scale producers from around the world.
Le Châteaubriand is open for dinner only, and reservations are essential. If you’re lucky enough to secure a table, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable dining experience showcasing the best French cuisine.
Bistrot Paul Bert
This quintessential Parisian bistro is a must-visit for any food enthusiast touring Paris. The bistro has been serving traditional French cuisine since 1890 and has become a beloved institution in the city.
The atmosphere of Bistrot Paul Bert is warm and inviting, with dark wood paneling, vintage mirrors, and antique lighting. The menu is filled with classic French dishes like steamed fresh asparagus, steak au poivre, and coq au vin, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
One of the standout dishes at Bistrot Paul Bert is the côte de boeuf, a large bone-in ribeye steak cooked to perfection and served with a side of golden fries. Bourdain praised the dish, calling it “a thing of beauty” and “a masterpiece of meat.”
The wine list at Bistrot Paul Bert is also noteworthy, with an extensive selection of French wines from various regions.
Overall, Bistrot Paul Bert offers a truly authentic Parisian dining experience, combining classic French cuisine with a cozy and inviting ambiance. It’s no wonder why Bourdain was such a big fan of this beloved bistro.
So there you go. It’s now time to hear from you. Have you dined at any of Bourdain’s recommended restaurants? If so, please share your thoughts with us.