Louise’s Guide to Paris

An overhead view of people sitting around a full dining table.

Eldvarm is headquartered in Paris since a few years back. Our founder Louise is often asked for her top recommendations for restaurants, bars and hotels. Read on for her list of favourites.

These are all restaurants, cocktail bars and hotels where I have eaten, sipped or slept (with a couple of exceptions and then I point that out).

All the restaurants have a phone number for reservations, although for most you can do it via Google Maps.

Each category is organised by the arrondissement, in numerical order. You will notice I am particularly heavy on the 6th… my favourite.

A touristic map of Paris, France. It shows the arrondissements of the city along with some of the landmarks.

With the links below you can jump directly to the different categories.

RESTAURANTS / COCKTAILS / HOTELS

Restaurants

Bar des Prés – Saint-Germain

Chef Cyril Lignac. Small and cozy restaurant place, booking is necessary. Amazing sushi/sashimi and great cocktails. One of my absolute favourite places over the years, never disappoints. Don’t miss the avocado and crab galette.

25 Rue du Dragon, 6th
+33 1 43 25 87 67
www.bardespres.com
Map: Bar des Prés – Saint-Germain

Brasserie Lipp

French classic food and atmosphere, great setting.

151 Bd Saint-Germain, 6th
+33 1 45 48 53 91
www.brasserielipp.fr
Map: Brasserie Lipp

La Société

On Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th, this is always an easy choice. The menu has been the same for years, and my favourites are: Nems or shrimp dumplings for starter, Cod Tom Yam or Crying tiger for main, and I always finish it off with their amazing Pavlova. Owned by Hotel Costes, so same high quality, but a more relaxed setting.

4 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 6th
+33 1 53 63 60 60
montaignesaintgermain.com/la-societe/
Map: La Société

Le 21

A gem of a fish restaurant, a little hole in the wall that is easy to miss. The owner Didier is French, but lived in the UK for many years, and is a great host. Different fish dishes every day, depending on what is fresh.

21 Rue Mazarine, 6th
+33 1 46 33 76 90
Map: Le 21

La Fontaine de Mars

My “home restaurant”, I go many times a year. French cuisine, red and white tablecloths and great service. Best snails in Paris and my favourite dish is Confit Canard, and the chicken with morel sauce. The restaurant manager is Fabrice, if he is there, say Louise sent you.

129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 7th
+33 1 47 05 46 44
www.fontaine-de-mars.com
Map: La Fontaine de Mars

da Alfredo

Great Italian restaurant in the 8th, close to our new office. I go here often for lunch.

182 Bd Haussmann, 8th
+33 1 45 62 88 68
www.daalfredo.restaurant/
Map: da Alfredo

Niko Romito at Bulgari Hotel

Delicious Italian fine dining, with fantastic service. Their terrace is great if the weather is nice, only a few tables available though, so make sure to book ahead. Everything is great here, so I have a hard time making a recommendation. The tasting menu is very good, but make sure to be hungry!

30 Av. George V, 8th
+33 1 81 72 10 00
www.bulgarihotels.com/paris/dining/il-ristoranteniko-romito
Map: Bvlgari Hôtel Paris

Restaurant Mieux

Great French modern cuisine, in a “brocante” setting. I have only been once, but it is not just me who loves it, read more here in the Michelin Guide.

21 Rue Saint-Lazare, 9th
+33 1 71 32 46 73
www.mieux-restaurant.com/
Map: Restaurant Mieux

Rives

I had a drink here before dinner at Le Servan (see below). Very nice atmosphere, the cuisine is supposed to be great. On my list of places to try out.

31 Rue Saint-Maur, 11th
+33 1 47 00 97 89
www.rives11eme.com/
Map: Rives

Le Servan

A new discovery for me in an arrondissement I know less well. This new restaurant is run by Philippine sisters Katia and Tatiana Levha, who create modern French cuisine with an Asian twist. Try the blood pudding, and/or sardines on toast for starters. Read review in 50 Best or Michelin Guide.

32 Rue Saint-Maur, 11th
+33 1 55 28 51 82
leservan.fr/
Map: Le Servan

Cocktails

Le Bar

Great little cocktail bar opposite the restaurant Bar des Prés, by the same owners. Good for pre or post dinner drinks.

34 Rue du Dragon, 6th
+33 1 43 25 87 67
lebarcyrillignac.com/
Map: Le Bar

Prescription Cocktail Club

Next door to the restaurant Le 21, see above, a hidden cocktail bar with no signage outside. Great cocktails, pre and post dinner.

23 Rue Mazarine, 6th
www.prescriptioncocktailclub.com/
Map: Prescription Cocktail Club

The Bvlgari Bar at Bulgari Hotel

The bar has aperitivo Milanese style (drink with delicious small “tapas”) every day 6.30-8.30pm. Some nights they have live music, good for pre and post dinner drinks.

30 Av. George V, 8th
+33 181721000
www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/paris/dining/the-bvlgari-bar
Map: Bvlgari Hôtel Paris

Bar Principal

Close to the restaurants Rives and Le Servan in the 11th. Nice cocktails if you want to have a drink after dinner.

5 Rue du Général Renault, 11th
www.instagram.com/barprincipalparis
Map: Bar Principal

Hotels

Hôtel & Spa La Belle Juliette ****

92 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 6th
www.hotel-belle-juliette-paris.com/
Map: Hotel & Spa La Belle Juliette

L’Hôtel ****

13 Rue des Beaux Arts, 6th
www.l-hotel.com/
Map: L’Hôtel

Hôtel La Fantasie ****

I have only eaten in the restaurant, at the hotel. Looks great though, interior by Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki, with a great little roof terrace, and I would love to try it!

24 Rue Cadet, 9th
www.lafantaisie.com/
Map: La Fantaisie

25hours Hôtel Paris Terminus Nord ****

This quirky hotel of the German chain 25 Hours, is just opposite Gare du Nord, so very practical if you take the train (RER) to the Maison&Objet exhibition.

12 Bd de Denain, 10th
www.25hours-hotels.com/hotels/paris/ terminus-nord
Map: 25hours Hotel Paris Terminus Nord

Hôtel Beauséjour Ranelagh ***

I have not stayed here, but it’s close to where I live and we have used it for Eldvarm and family friends many times. Owned by interior design collectors, this family hotel is filled with Courbousier, Perriand and Mouille. A feast for the designer interested eye.

99 Rue du Ranelagh, 16th
www.hbr.paris
Map: Hotel Beauséjour Ranelagh

Top Header Photo: La Fontaine de Mars