General

If there's one word that symbolizes Paris, it is gastronomy. The French, always appreciative of the finer things in life, have a unique tradition of famous restaurants and great chefs. If you really love good food, you'll find true happiness here. The latest, most fashionable restaurants mix innovation with traditional culinary techniques to serve classic French cuisine that's full of unexpected flavours. The café-restaurants, which are the pride of Paris, fit into the gastronomic landscape better than ever, with their beautifully presented and affordable food. Paris, always so cosmopolitan, has also been enriched by exotic cuisines from the four corners of the earth.

Fine Dining

In Paris, fine dining and great feasts (lasting up to three hours) are sacred and the chefs in the most famous restaurants have turned their cuisine into a real art form. Some of the most highly-praised places–and world-acclaimed chefs by International food critics, include Pierre Gagnaire, voted the third best restaurant in the world by British magazine Restaurant, the Grand Véfour, and the Carré des Feuillants where chef Alain Dutournier do wonders. Some fine dining options can further be found in prestigious hotels, like Restaurant Alain Ducasse located in Plaza Athénée hotel or Restaurant Le Meurice in Meurice hotel. Another excellent yet expensive spot is Taillevent, which has wines that cost as much as a dress from Chanel.

Hot Spots

Paris has numerous fashionable spots where you go to see and be seen. Either for a glass of wine after shopping or for a futuristic dining experience, try Spoon - Food and Wine, where you can enjoy fusion food and fashion at the same time. Most of these restaurants have chic and trendy interiors, designed by popular architects like Philippe Stark at Spoon. Also combining touches of originality in both the food and design, the establishments of the Costes brothers are not to be missed. The Café Costes was the first to set the trend a couple of years ago. When Bastille became the hip district for nightlife, the spotlight fell on the hotel-restaurant, Sanz sans, but the hottest spot is without a doubt the Georges at the top of the Beaubourg Museum. The Café de L’Homme offers a more intimate experience behind its red curtains and warm wooden décor. Also highly popular during cocktail hours, notably among the business crowd, the Fumoir is a comfortable lounge with leather coaches and an upscale restaurant, serving elaborate, traditional French food. For fashionistas and celeb-watching addicts, the Avenue, located on the prestigious avenue Montaigne where many famous designers have boutiques, is an ideal spot.