Bistros are back! Why do Parisians love this style of restaurant?

In Paris, bistros have never really disappeared, but in recent years they’ve made a comeback. More than just a place to eat, they embody a certain Parisian art de vivre: simplicity, authenticity and conviviality. They offer a taste of traditional French cuisine, but also a warm atmosphere and old-fashioned charm, far removed from the hustle and bustle of trendy, overpriced restaurants.

Today’s bistros are attracting a new generation of gourmets, keen to get back to basics: fresh produce, attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere. They have become refuges where people take the time, with friends or family, to savor sincere cuisine. Some chefs are even adding a contemporary touch, breathing new life into addresses that are sometimes centuries old. Here’s our selection of Parisian bistros to (re)discover…

Bistrot Minim’s: the rebirth of a myth

Under the impetus of Laurent de Gourcuff and his Paris Society group, the legendary Minim’s on rue Royale is reborn as Bistrot Minim’s. Under the elegant eye of Cordélia de Castellane, the place has regained its aura and today offers generous Parisian cuisine, adapted to the desires of a new generation. The charm of yesterday’s address blends with a contemporary interpretation of the bistro.

📍 9, rue Royale, 75008 Paris

Le Phalsbourg: conviviality and know-how

Nestled just a stone’s throw from Parc Monceau, Le Phalsbourg is a must for lovers of traditional French cuisine and exceptional wines. This bistro already seduces with its warm atmosphere, entirely home-cooked dishes and cellar featuring over 140 carefully selected wine references. At Le Phalsbourg, the menu constantly evolves with the seasons and the chef’s inspirations. The dishes, prepared entirely on site, feature fresh, high-quality ingredients, reviving the great classics of the Parisian bistro, without pretension, just what’s needed: savoir-faire. You won’t want to miss the Comté soufflé, the house’s signature starter, or even the sweetbreads with garlic purée.The ambience is just as authentic: with its custom-designed bar, red banquettes and shelves lined with old cookery books and gourmet objects, the place exudes authenticity.

📍3 rue de Phalsbourg, 75017.

Aux Lyonnais: the Lyonnais bouchon in Paris

The Dumant Group, in collaboration with Alain Ducasse, brings the Aux Lyonnais institution back to life. In a setting steeped in history, the transmission of savoir-faire takes on its full meaning. Chef Victoria Boller sublimates the Lyonnais repertoire: coq au vin, quenelle with Nantua sauce, pot-au-feu or Henri IV kidneys. The spirit of the bouchons lyonnais comes to the capital, with generosity as the watchword.

📍 32, rue Saint-Marc, 75002 Paris

Bistrot Micheline: a station transformed into a festive bistro

This former train station, inaugurated in 1889, is now a bistro. With three-starred chef Gilles Goujon at the helm, Bistrot Micheline becomes an address for sharing. The spirit of the Bistrots Pas Parisiens can be found here, with preserved heritage and accessible, generous, modern cuisine.

📍 4, place de la Gare, 92300 Levallois-Perret

Les Marches: authenticity at the foot of the Eiffel Tower

Nestled between the Seine and the Musée d’Art Moderne, Les Marches is one of the few bistros still bearing the Routiers label. Here, tradition takes center stage: eggs en meurette, stuffed cabbage, blanquette with morel mushrooms, quenelles, floating island or chocolate mousse. An address that consistently cultivates authenticity and attracts both regulars and the curious in search of the bistro spirit.

📍 5, rue de la Manutention, 75016 Paris

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Le Bistrot Paul Bert (11ᵉ)

A cult address in eastern Paris, Bistrot Paul Bert is an institution for meat lovers. Its menu features dishes such as entrecôte with pepper sauce or chocolate tart. People come here for the food as much as for the typically Parisian atmosphere, with its moleskin banquettes and chalk slates.

📍 18, rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris
🕒 Open Monday to Saturday (lunch and dinner)

Le Baratin (20ᵉ)

Le Baratin attracts local regulars and Parisian chefs alike. At the helm, Raquel Carena offers French cuisine revisited with Argentine influences. The dishes are generous, straightforward and unadorned. The place remains a model of the neighborhood bistro, where natural wine also plays an important role.

📍 3, rue Jouye-Rouve, 75020 Paris
🕒 Open Tuesday to Saturday (dinner)

Bistrot des Tournelles (4ᵉ)

In the Marais district, Bistrot des Tournelles is one of the new addresses reinventing the genre. The decor is retro, with weathered mirrors and bistro chairs, but the menu is more modern. Veal tartare and coquillettes with truffled ham are just as popular with locals as they are with visitors.

📍 20, rue des Tournelles, 75004 Paris
🕒 Open daily (lunch and dinner)

Chez Georges (2ᵉ)

A Parisian institution since 1961, Chez Georges is the perfect example of an old-fashioned bistro. Emblematic recipes such as pâté en croûte, blanquette and baba au rhum are served here. With its red-checkered tablecloths and friendly atmosphere, the place retains a timeless charm.

📍 1, rue du Mail, 75002 Paris
🕒 Open Monday to Friday (lunch and dinner)

Bistrot Vivienne (2ᵉ)

Located in the superb Galerie Vivienne, Bistrot Vivienne combines heritage and conviviality. Amidst velvet, mosaics and wood panelling, you’ll enjoy simple yet effective French cuisine: escargots, homemade foie gras and beef steaks. It’s an address that attracts Parisians and strollers alike, who come to admire the covered gallery.

📍 4, rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris
🕒 Open daily (lunch and dinner)