Paris is the capital of France and is known as the “City of Light”. The city sprawls over a variety of wide boulevards and nestles along the River Seine. Paris is renowned for its art, a vast collection of which is exhibited in the famous Louvre Museum. It is also known for its history, which can be seen in the 19th-century architecture of the city and the 12th-century Notre Dame Cathedral. The 324 m (1,062 ft) Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of the city, along with the famous Arc de Triomphe national monument. Tourists looking to fully experience the city can stay in vacation apartments in Paris. There are also several two-bedroom hotels that cater to the needs of every kind of traveler. Designer fashion plays a big role in Paris, along with the city’s remarkable gastronomy and cafe culture. There are unique places where eating happens in unusual surroundings. Scroll down to discover some of the best secret restaurants in Paris, France.
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1. Candelaria
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Candelaria is a hidden gem that combines the charm of a traditional Mexican taqueria with the secrecy of a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Tucked discreetly behind an unassuming taco counter, Candelaria offers an intimate and unique dining experience. The must-try items on the menu include their mouthwatering tacos, especially the carnitas and al pastor varieties, which are prepared with succulent and well-seasoned meats. Pair these delectable tacos with their expertly crafted cocktails, featuring innovative combinations of flavors and premium spirits.
Candelaria’s cozy ambiance and commitment to delivering an unforgettable authentic Mexican dining experience make it a true hidden treasure in Paris, perfect for those in search of culinary adventure off the beaten path.
Name of food establishment
Address: 52 Rue de Saintonge, 3rd arrondissement, Paris, 75003
Website: Candelaria
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 2am
2. Le Petit Prince de Paris
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Le Petit Prince de Paris’ discreet facade and intimate atmosphere lend an air of exclusivity, tucked away in a charming corner of the city. The restaurant’s interior exudes timeless elegance with its warm, dimly lit ambiance, rustic wooden beams, and antique decor, evoking a sense of whimsy and old-world Parisian charm.
When it comes to the menu, Le Petit Prince de Paris excels in crafting traditional French dishes with finesse. The coq au vin, tender and rich with flavor, and the creme brulee, a silky and indulgent dessert, are among the top recommendations.
Le Petit Prince de Paris
Address: 12 Rue de Lanneau, 75005 Paris, France
Website: Le Petit Prince de Paris
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 7:30pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 7:30pm - 12:30am (closed on Mon)
3. L'Osteria Dell'Anima
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A parigi cracco spostati
Posted by Alessandro Carta on Thursday, October 11, 2018
L'Osteria Dell'Anima is a hidden gem in Paris that serves affordable Italian cuisine in a pleasant and intimate setting. Some of the must-try foods here are parfait, tiramisu, and strudels. If you want a quick caffeine fix, this restaurant also boasts delicious coffee. One of the highlights of L'Osteria Dell'Anima is the pasta maker that is placed in the middle of the restaurant. Customers can enjoy watching the process of making fresh and homemade pasta while they wait for their orders.
L'Osteria Dell'Anima is also a family-friendly and pet-friendly restaurant, ideal for families and pawrents.
L'Osteria Dell'Anima
Address: 37 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris, France
Website: L'Osteria Dell'Anima
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm – 2:30pm, 7:30pm – 11:15pm; Sat: 7:30pm – 11:15pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Le Bélisaire
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nestled on a corner street in the middle of a residential neighborhood, Le Bélisaire is a hidden restaurant in Paris with a carefully curated menu. Customers can enjoy plenty of seafood dishes available, including a sea urchin with mixed seafood soup as well as scallops with avocado. Ending the meal with a dessert like a chocolate lava cake with banana ice cream is also highly recommended.
You’ll be splurging at this restaurant, but it will be well worth it to try authentic French cuisine and experience impressive service. With a warm and intimate atmosphere, this restaurant is a go-to spot for all travelers.
Le Bélisaire
Address: 2 Rue Marmontel, 75015 Paris, France
Website: Le Bélisaire
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm – 2pm, 7:30pm – 9pm; Sat: 7pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)
Paris Tour Guide
Patricia Aveline
My name is Patricia Bollinger and my family is French. I have always had a passion for art and history and I chose to study them when I went to university. I have been a licensed tour guide for the last 30 years and I work in French, English and Italian. My passion and also as part of my work I travel a lot. For this reason, I have a good idea of visitors expectations. Naturally I want to share... Read more
Tours by Patricia
5. Le Perchoir
Posted by Le Perchoir on Saturday, 27 February 2016
Hidden from your eyesight, Le Perchoir and its different bars rest on rooftops offering a fabulous view of the city and the river. The first one was formed to give Parisians the chance to enjoy the rooftops of the city. They now have a number of different rooftop bars in Paris, including Le Perchoir Marais, Le Pavillon Puebla in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont and La Passerelle on the banks of the River Seine. All offer the chance of a panoramic view of the city of Paris while enjoying a drink or a tasty meal. Guests can choose from a menu of delicious meals by chef Benoit Dumas, or enjoy New York-style lobster sandwiches and mini-burgers as a tasty snack.
Le Perchoir
Address: 14 rue Crespin du Gast, Paris, France
Website: Le Perchoir
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6pm - 1:30am; Sat: 4pm - 12am; Sun: 4pm - 1:30am
6. Le Refuge des Fondus
Même en quand il fait chaud c est bon une fondue!!! Even when the weather is hot, a Fondue is so good!!!
Posted by Le refuge des fondus on Thursday, 28 July 2016
Hidden in plain sight the decor of this underrated restaurant in Paris reminds of the carnivals and the place is usually packed, but this fondue restaurant is certainly unique. Guests can enjoy a cheese or meat fondue, which is a normal thing, but the more unusual side of the restaurant is the tax on wine glasses. This is to make guests enjoy their wine in a baby bottle, complete with a teat to suck on. Prices are affordable and the experience ensures a lot of fun. The restaurant is cash only.
Le Refuge des Fondus
Address: 17 Rue des Trois Frères, Paris, France
Website: Le Refuge des Fondus
Opening hours: 7pm - 12am (daily)
7. L'Ebouillante
Avec 32 degrés annoncés demain dimanche, pourquoi ne pas venir prendre le brunch sur la plus belle terrasse de Paris ?...
Posted by L'Ebouillanté on Saturday, 1 June 2019
In 1977, the painter Gali transformed his workshop into Ebouillanté, an art-strewn cafe where friends and lovers of art could meet for tea, coffee, and cake in a warm environment. Tucked away in a calm and peaceful street, the secret cafe in Paris also serves delicious and healthy salads and hot chocolate in the cooler months. Ebouillanté is located between the River Seine and Marais in a medieval side street close to Saint Gervais Church. Diners can relax to a background of classical music, surrounded by arty posters.
L'Ebouillante
Address: 6 Rue des Barres, Paris, France
Website: L'Ebouillante
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)
8. Restaurant La Maison des Frigos
If you don’t look for it, you may not find it. La Maison des Frigos is a former artist’s squat converted into a relatively unknown restaurant. Guests here are not allowed to chat on their cellphones or take photos, and no credit cards are accepted here. Mariko, the owner, is a former painter who has lived in Paris for some time and has a love for cooking. Menu items are limited and are Japanese in origin and seasonal, but very affordable and the menu includes an entree with salad and rice, as well as a dessert, glass of wine and coffee. Virtually every wall in the restaurant is covered in art, inside and out.
Restaurant La Maison des Frigos
Address: 19 Rue des Frigos, Paris, France
Website: Restaurant La Maison des Frigos
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12:15pm - 2:45pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
9. Café A
Posted by Café A on Friday, 12 July 2019
Café A is a bar and restaurant serving everything from brunch to cocktails in the heart of Paris. It is set in the 18th-century former Les Recollets convent and offers plenty of space outdoors and inside. This cafe in Paris serves a range of organic and biodynamic wines, along with salads, charcuterie, bruschetta, and cheese plates. There is always the main dish of the day to choose. Evenings often see concerts and other musical events being arranged here.
Café A
Address: Maison de l'Architecture, 148 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, Paris, France
Website: Cafe A
Opening hours: 10am - 2am (daily)
10. La Cantine Russe
La terrasse La Cantine Russe
Posted by La Cantine Russe on Friday, 12 July 2013
La Cantine Russe, or Russian Kitchen, is one of the oldest Russian restaurants in Paris. It was first opened in 1923 by one of the founders of the Rachmaninov Conservatory as a place for their students to eat. There is always live music here, including Russian romance and pop music and sometimes the Roma play or sing here. The menu offers appetizers, fish soup, borscht, patties and pancakes, Stolichny salad, dumplings and cabbage rolls in a typical Russian setting. They also serve a French menu.
La Cantine Russe
Address: 26 Avenue de New York, Paris, France
Website: La Cantine Russe
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 2am (closed on Sun)
11. Chez Ramona
Posted by Leïla Benouissaaden Glaoui on Wednesday, 24 April 2019
Belleville, one of the safe neighborhoods in Paris, was known for its Spanish community in the past. Ramona, who runs Chez Ramona, hails from Spain. When she first moved to Paris, she opened a grocery store selling Spanish products and then expanded to a restaurant upstairs, with a kitsch decor, serving the best in Spanish cuisine. You may not see it until you visit. The tapas and paella come in generous portions and are delicious, while served with a good Rioja wine. Many who dine here while on vacation will take their next vacation in sunny Spain!
Chez Ramona
Address: 17 Rue Ramponeau, Paris, France
Website: Chez Ramona
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 6:30pm - 2am (closed on Mon)
12. Foyer de la Madeleine
Posted by Foyer de la Madeleine on Sunday, 8 April 2018
This unusual secret cafe is hidden under the vaulted ceilings of L’église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine – in the cellars of the church. Opened only for lunch, the building surrounding it has a rich history. Guests should not expect a great gastronomic experience, but this quirky hideaway has plenty of charm and serves delicious meals served by friendly volunteers. The menu is inexpensive and tasty and the surroundings are unique.
Foyer de la Madeleine
Address: Place de la Madeleine, Paris, France
Website: Foyer de la Madeleine
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:45am - 2pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
13. Restaurant Boucherie Les Provinces
Posted by Les Provinces on Saturday, 23 March 2013
This is a place to visit the butchery to buy some meat. However, it is also a place where you can sit and dine on the same delicious meat with a good glass of wine. Popular with the locals, some wait in line to dine on perfectly aged prime rib, veal, pork and lamb chops, steak tartare and homemade meat terrines, all served with sautéed potatoes and a glass of good natural wine. Takeaways are also possible, but it is much more fun to sit in the restaurant itself.
Restaurant Boucherie Les Provinces
Address: 20 Rue d'Aligre, Paris, France
Website: Restaurant Boucherie Les Provinces
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
14. Le Derrière
Comme à la maison ? Non ! Mieux qu'à la maison, qui t'a dit que tu devais te lever ? #posey #jenefaisrien
Posted by Restaurant Derrière on Thursday, 22 February 2018
Le Derrière is hidden away in the Marais district and its name, which translates to behind, refers to its located, behind Andy Wahloo cocktail bar and 404 Restaurant. This clandestine space will make you feel better than at home, with its comfortable and charming living room, a ping-pong table and foosball and even a bedroom with a mosaic mirror ceiling. There is also the screening room den and other rooms to enjoy. There is also a “fumoir” or smoking room, an area behind a wardrobe door where smoking is allowed. The food served in the restaurant is simple, French and wholesome, with modern cuisine including plenty of salads and great wines.
Le Derrière
Address: 69 Rue des Gravilliers, Paris, France
Website: Le Derrière
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 2:30pm, 7:30pm - 1am; Sun 12pm - 4pm, 7pm - 11pm
Dine in the City of Light like a Parisian
Want to enjoy delicacies inside the unusual surroundings of some of the off-the-beaten-path restaurants in Paris after some retail therapy in the shopping malls? You can relish the more traditional and Parisian side of the capital of France while dining in places the locals don’t want to tell you about, enjoying meals at the secret restaurants in Paris. Follow the list and enjoy your secret escapades.
As long as you’re here, be sure to check out some dessert spots in Paris as well!
Frequently asked questions about secret restaurants in Paris
History
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