Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off
Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Where to Nibble and Sip with Locals in Le Marais
Le Marais is one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in Paris. Though it has become rather touristy in recent years, it still retains its charm and character if you know where to look. This area was once home to aristocrats and nobles before becoming the Jewish quarter in the 19th century. Today it is the heartbeat of Parisian gay culture. Beyond the high-end shops and busy streets, Le Marais has plenty of hidden spots and local favorites to explore.
Start your evening like the locals do - with an apéritif! Head to Candelaria for killer cocktails made with fresh ingredients. This tiny hipster joint feels almost speakeasy-like, tucked away inconspicuously on a side street. Another local favorite is the experimental cocktail den Danico, which takes mixology to the next level with unique ingredients like clarified milk and homemade bitters. Grab a stool at the bar to watch the bartenders work their magic.
When hunger strikes, you can't go wrong at any of the little crêperies scattered throughout Le Marais. Crêperie Beauharnais is a longtime local favorite, serving up piping hot galettes and sweet crêpes in a cozy atmosphere. For excellent people-watching, grab an outdoor table at Crêperie Josselin and try one of their signature buckwheat creations. Breizh Café is renowned for its gourmet Breton-style crepes with inventive flavors like scallops and white truffle.
As the night rolls on, Le Marais really comes alive. Head to lively Rue des Rosiers, the main drag of the historic Jewish quarter. Falafel joints and Jewish delis rub shoulders with trendy wine bars here. Grab a falafel or shawarma sandwich at L'As du Falafel and eat it picnic-style on a bench outside. Further down the street, locals flock to La Belle Hortense for its extensive wine list, literary vibe, and lively crowd.
Hipster beer bar La Fine Mousse is a local favorite, with an excellent selection of craft beers from around the world. The vintage décor and laidback atmosphere make it a perfect spot to unwind over a few pints. Just around the corner, Little Red Door is an intimate cocktail lounge hidden behind an inconspicuous red door. Regulars in the know flock here for the creative concoctions and lively buzz.
What else is in this post?
- Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Where to Nibble and Sip with Locals in Le Marais
- Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Hidden Cafes and Bistros in Montmartre Off the Tourist Trail
- Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Cozy Wine Bars to Relax Like a Local Along the Seine
- Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Charming Restaurants in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Old-School Brasseries for Classic French Fare in the 10th
- Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Top Craft Cocktail Lounges in Trendy Oberkampf
- Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Offbeat Dinner Spots in Diverse Belleville
- Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Late Night Pâtisseries for a Sweet Fix in the Latin Quarter
Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Hidden Cafes and Bistros in Montmartre Off the Tourist Trail
Montmartre is one of the most visited neighborhoods in Paris, with hordes of tourists flocking to Sacré-Coeur and dodging sketch artists along Place du Tertre. Yet beyond the busy main drags, Montmartre has retained its charm as a village-like enclave on a hill. Winding cobblestone streets lead to tucked-away cafés, bistros, and shops frequented by locals.
Venture up Rue des Saules to Café Momus, a quintessential Parisian café with checkerboard floors and scarlet upholstery. Sip un café alongside artsy locals reading Le Monde or penning poetry. Tuck into a croque monsieur oozing with gruyère and prosciutto as an accordionist provides a soundtrack. Down the street, Le Miroir has been a neighborhood fixture since the 1890s. Locals stop by this unfussy local bistro for hearty dishes like boeuf bourguignon and blanquette de veau. The historic decor of checkerboard tiles, mirrors, and worn wooden furniture transports you back in time.
For a sweet treat, make your way to Maison Landemaine. This beloved pâtisserie crafts artisanal French pastries, from macarons to éclairs. Try their specialty, the brigadeiro – a decadent chocolate truffle invented in Rio but perfected here. Take your goodies outside to people-watch with locals. Or head to Coquelicot, a flower-filled tea salon, for mainstay brews like Mariage Frères served in vintage porcelain.
As evening approaches, join the locals at Bar Joséphine for live piano and postcard views of the Église Saint-Jean and twinkling cityscape. This cozy neighborhood joint serves up French classics like steak frites alongside original creations like their Breton fish stew. Or check out Le Refuge de Fondues for ooey-gooey comfort food. This Alpine-themed restaurant offers more than a dozen fondues alongside raclette, charcuterie, and tarte flambée. The warm, convivial atmosphere draws a crowd of regulars.
Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Cozy Wine Bars to Relax Like a Local Along the Seine
The Seine River is the lifeline of Paris, winding through the heart of the city. Its banks are lined with iconic landmarks, graceful bridges, and hidden local gems. While tourists flock to major sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, locals know where to find the cozy wine bars tucked alongside the riverbank for a quintessentially Parisian experience.
Wander away from the crowds on Île Saint-Louis, the slender island in the Seine, to discover Le Caveau du Palais. Stone walls, low lighting, and wooden tables evoke an old wine cellar. The extensive wine list highlights small French producers alongside affordable bistro fare like charcuterie, cheese, and seafood platters to accompany your wine. "With its rustic cellar atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Le Caveau du Palais takes me back to my student days drinking wine along the Seine without breaking the bank," says Maxime G., a language teacher.
On the Left Bank in the chic Saint-Germain neighborhood, make your way to La Cave à Michel for a taste of history. This local institution opened in 1947 and still retains its vintage charm. Grab a table on the riverside terrace shaded by a leafy canopy. Locals flock here for the excellent Loire Valley wine selection and cheese plates overflowing with French classics like aged Comté and tangy Chèvre drizzled with honey. "I love soaking up the Parisian ambience at La Cave à Michel, glass of Sancerre in hand, as the sun sets over the Seine," explains Aurélie P., a fashion student.
Further west in the 16th arrondissement, Au Solex is a neighborhood favorite. This bicycle-themed café draws a relaxed crowd of locals who spill out onto the sidewalk tables. With its lengthy by-the-glass list spotlighting natural wines, Au Solex is a go-to for an after-work glass of wine. Pair your wine with a charcuterie board or simple dishes like croque monsieur. "I love getting off the beaten path to Au Solex, where I can sit by the river enjoying an amazing glass of Beaujolais, surrounded by locals rather than tourists," says Marc D., a software developer.
Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Charming Restaurants in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
With its classic brasseries, bustling cafés, and quaint side streets, Saint-Germain-des-Prés exudes old-world Parisian charm. While the main drags overflow with tourists, hidden alleyways harbor intimate bistros and atmospheric restaurants beloved by locals. Venturing into these tucked-away spots lets you experience Saint-Germain's quintessential allure.
Rue de Buci is renowned for its lively market street lined with produce stands, flower stalls, and cafés spilling out onto the sidewalk. Duck into Café de Buci, a neighborhood institution lined with Art Nouveau murals. Grab a table on the terrace to watch the bustling market scene while tucking into their famed croque monsieur oozing with emmental. Or head down the street to Creperie Josselin, beloved for its authentic Breton galettes and sweet crepes made from scratch.
Away from the action, Rue de Seine conceals cozy local spots. Le Comptoir du Relais is an Art Deco jewel where Hemingway once sipped apéritifs. Today it draws neighborhood regulars for classics like steak tartare prepared tableside and southern French dishes from the Basque region. Bistro atmosphere, globe lights, and discreet service make it a favorite date night spot. Nearby, you'll find Semilla, a casual neo-bistro workshop focusing on seasonal ingredients. The daily changing menu spotlights vegetable-forward dishes and natural wines, attracting a young Parisian crowd.
To experience Saint-Germain's literary allure, head to doors away to Les Deux Magots on legendary Boulevard Saint-Germain. Intellectuals like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre frequented this iconic café clad in wood paneling and red leather banquettes. Sip your café crème on the heated terrace for excellent people watching. For a luxurious treat, L'Eclair de Génie crafts heavenly éclairs in wild flavors from rose lychee to salted butter caramel.
As evening nears, wander down Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie to 126 for intimate dining in a vaulted 17th century cellar. This romantic spot serves refined French fare paired with an excellent Loire Valley wine list. Nearby, Le Timbre seduces with vintage décor and seasonal bistro cuisine spotlighting high-end organic ingredients. Their frequently changing menu ensures dishes like octopus salad with quinoa, artichokes, and preserved lemon are always fresh and vibrant.
Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Old-School Brasseries for Classic French Fare in the 10th
Tucked away in the 10th arrondissement, just north of the Canal Saint-Martin, lies a cluster of quintessential Parisian brasseries that transport you back in time. These old-school establishments have been serving up French classics for generations in Belle Époque surrounds that evoke the Paris of yesteryear. Venturing to these local institutions offers a chance to experience authentic brasserie fare and soak up the historic ambience.
Brasserie Julien is a Paris institution that has been going strong since 1690. Step inside its expansive Art Nouveau dining room, all glossy woods, brass, marble, and globe lights, and you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the Paris of the 1920s. Their epic menu features all the French brasserie classics you could dream of, from steak frites to choucroute garnie and seafood platters overflowing with oysters, shrimp, and more. As Diane D., an accountant who has been coming to Brasserie Julien for over a decade, explains: “With its sprawling halls, ornate décor, white-jacketed waiters, and endless menu, Brasserie Julien lets me indulge in the quintessential French brasserie experience.”
Nearby, Le Martel is another storied brasserie that has been welcoming diners since 1898. Its belle époque decor of etched glass, polished wood, and brass fittings transports you to turn-of-the-century Paris. Their specialty is Alsatian fare like choucroute garnie, but you’ll also find French classics from escargots to discharge à la parisienne (griddled beef heart). Grab a seat at the expansive oyster bar for the ultimate experience. “I adore Le Martel for its old-world Parisian charm,” says Thomas G., a banker who frequents the brasserie. “The decor makes me feel like I’ve stepped back in time, and classics like choucroute garnie and seafood platters never go out of style.”
No brasserie crawl would be complete without Au Rendez-Vous des Amis. This neighborhood institution dates back to 1907 and retains its vintage personality. From the mosaic flooring to the etched glass panels and Art Nouveau woodwork, the historic interior offers a portal to 20th century Paris. Their specialties range from rabbit rillettes to classic sole meunière, alongside French standards like onion soup, Caesar salad, and escargots swimming in garlic butter. As Elise B., a retired schoolteacher explains, “I’ve been coming to Au Rendez-Vous des Amis for decades. Its timeless charm, convivial vibe, and satisfying traditional cuisine never fail to delight.”
Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Top Craft Cocktail Lounges in Trendy Oberkampf
Tucked away in the trendy Oberkampf neighborhood, east of République, lies a collection of outstanding craft cocktail bars that beckon after dark. Once a working-class area, Oberkampf has transformed into a hipster enclave filled with galleries, shops, and nightlife spots. Its vibrant nighttime scene centers around the cocktail bars drawing mixology aficionados.
At the forefront is the pioneering craft cocktail den Candelaria. You'll find it behind an unmarked door on a graffitied street, setting the speakeasy vibe. Elbow up to the tiny bar to watch the bartenders prepare unique libations with fresh ingredients like clarified milk punch and homemade tonic syrups. Candelaria takes a creative, almost avant-garde approach to mixology that has sparked a trend. According to Marc S., a regular, "Candelaria opened my eyes to the craft cocktail revolution in Paris. The innovative drinks, cozy ambiance, and buzzing energy create an intoxicating experience."
Nearby Le Mary Céleste whisks you away to a modernist oyster bar. Exposed brick walls, geometric tiles, and a marble bar counter make it an Instagrammer's delight. But people flock here for the standout cocktails starring flavors like saffron, Szechuan pepper, and citrus oleo saccharum paired perfectly with oysters and small plates. "I'm obsessed with Le Mary Céleste's creative cocktail menu - it's molecular mixology at its finest," raves Sandrine V., a cocktail connoisseur. "Sipping one of their martini variations along with a few briny oysters makes for an unforgettable night out."
Noctambules is another mixology den driven by unique ingredients and techniques. Nestled on a corner with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Oberkampf, this laidback lounge focuses on flavors of the Middle East and North Africa. Their menu highlights aromatic ingredients like orange blossom, rose, and exotic spices in cocktails like the Safiye with saffron gin, pear and cardamom. Marion D., a regular, says, "Noctambules brings a whole new dimension to the Paris cocktail scene with their infusion of Middle Eastern and North African flavors. Nowhere else can you find such tantalizing libations."
Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Offbeat Dinner Spots in Diverse Belleville
Tucked away northeast of Bastille and the Marais lies the vibrant, multiethnic neighborhood of Belleville. Once a quaint village absorbed into Paris in the 19th century, today it is one of the city’s most diverse and eclectic enclaves. Belleville is home to immigrants from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, who have transformed it into a microcosm of global cuisine. Away from fast food chains, you’ll find tiny mom-and-pop restaurants dishing out delicacies from around the world. Exploring Belleville’s under-the-radar eateries offers a chance to delve into Paris’ diversity through your tastebuds.
At Tunisian restaurant Le Regal, belly up to the counter for warming lamb tagine, fiery merguez sausages, and Tunisian staples like brik (a crispy, fried pastry parcel). As Samir B., a university lecturer explains, “I love Le Regal for its authentic Tunisian fare. The tagines transport me right back to Tunis.” Down the street at Palestinian spot Mouna, order their signature stuffed grape leaves, kebabs, and saffron rice for a Middle Eastern feast. “Mouna’s homestyle Palestinian cooking infuses Belleville with the vibrant flavors of the Levant,” says Leila S., a graduate student.
Laotian restaurant Aspara serves a tantalizing taste of Southeast Asia, dishing up noodle and rice dishes, curries, and classics like larb (spiced minced meat). “The food at Aspara is like taking a culinary trip to Laos, a cuisine you rarely find in Paris. Their khao poon noodle soup with coconut broth is transportive,” shares Martine C., an accountant. For Ethiopian flavors, check out cozy Addis Abeba, which fills the air with scents of warming berbere spice and stews, kitfo (spiced raw beef), and injera (fermented flatbread). “I come to Addis Abeba weekly for my fix of authentic Ethiopian cuisine that can’t be found elsewhere in Paris,” Thomas D., a university student says.
Ooh La La! 13 Top Paris Chefs Spill Their Secret Hangouts for a Night Off - Late Night Pâtisseries for a Sweet Fix in the Latin Quarter
As darkness descends on the Latin Quarter, the area around the Sorbonne comes alive with students and academics winding down after a day of studying and lectures. While touristy cafés catering to visitors close up shop, another type of establishment springs to life – the late night pâtisserie. These beloved neighborhood bakeries keep their ovens firing into the wee hours to satisfy those after-dark cravings for something sweet.
Venturing into an authentic French pâtisserie around midnight offers a chance to experience this enclave as the locals do. Outside of peak hours, you’ll rub elbows with students fueled by caffeine and sugar as they burn the midnight oil. Shelves are stocked with an array of tantalizing treats to satisfy any sweet tooth.
One local favorite is Maison des Fines Tartes, its display case brimming with flaky galettes, picture-perfect Paris-Brest choux pastries, and glistening fruit tarts. As Lionel D., a university professor explains, “I love their classic Parisian pastries executed to perfection, alongside creative flavors like yuzu meringue tartlets and fig-pistachio galettes.” Grab your treat to go and wander the alleyways nibbling as you explore the neighborhood’s haunting beauty after dark.
Gontran Cherrier draws those craving something a bit more indulgent. Their signature creations include the Plaisir Sucré, an almond financier cake layered with vanilla cream, cherry compote, and crushed pistachios. "My ultimate guilty pleasure is Gontran Cherrier's decadent cakes. The Plaisir Sucré is worth every calorie!" shares Claire M., a graduate student. For a lighter yet still satisfying option, try one of their buttery croissants or mini madeleines, then find a perch along the Seine to savor the last crumbs as you gaze at the moonlight reflecting on the river.