Paris: Restaurants, Hotels, Shopping
Paris feels like home. I spent my childhood years there, long before I ever set foot in the US. Paris taught me how to eat, how to wander, how to linger at the dinner table. As an adult, I have rediscovered the city of my youth and each visit is a blend of coming home and discovery. Here are my faves…
Where to Eat: Restaurants & Bakeries & Cheese Shops
Aux Bons Crus - 11eme - 54 rue Godefroy Cavaignac - If a restaurant has the Relais Routiers symbol, it means it is an affordable and traditional restaurant that truckers and travelers could trust. Aux Bons Crus is not on a highway, it’s near the Gare du Nord and it is a hidden gem. The food is very traditional and delicious and served on red gingham. It’s an amazing experience with great food that won't break the bank.
La Petite Chaise - 7eme - 36, rue de Grenelle - This is also a very traditional French restaurant but in a more central location and a little more upscale than Aux Bons Crus. Great service. Delicious food. Adorable decor.
Les Enfants du Marche at the Marche des Enfants Rouges - 3eme (Marais) - 39 rue de Bretagne - No reservations food booth with incredible food and wine. Went back for lunch 3 times the last time I was in Paris.
Lulu Creperie - 3eme (Marais) - 39 rue de Bretagne - Sure you can get crepes anywhere on a street corner, but this stall at the Marche des Enfants Rouges takes crepes to a whole new level of authenticity.
Parcelles - 3eme (Marais) - 13, rue Chapon - A stylish and beautiful spot in the Marais for contemporary French food. Really hard to get a reservation. Nice place to go for lunch while shopping in the Marais. When I last went in Spring 2026, there were a lot more Americans than in the past and it felt more touristy.
Fana - 18eme (Montmartre) - 14 rue Ferdinand Flocon - This tiny Michelin Bib reviewed restaurant near Montmartre serves adventurous and beautiful prix fixe menu with a focus on vegetarian and seasonal produce. Chef Gabriel Gras Fernandez and pastry chef Jorice Sardain prepare a really special experience.
Tonton des Dames - 17eme - 94, rue des Dames - Great steak-focused local restaurant that just rebuilt after a fire.
Le Relais de Venise (L’Entrecote) - 17eme (Porte Maillot) - 271, boulevard Pereire - Although L’entrecote has become really touristy, I can’t take it off this list. The only question they ask is how you want your steak cooked. It comes with a mystery nutty green sauce but they’ll scold you if you don’t finish your salad first. Don’t skimp on dessert.
Angelina for the Chocolat Chaud - Has also become ridiculously overrun by tourists but the hot chocolate is a must have at least once in your life.
Fati - Maison des Gyros - This is a tiny restaurant on the super touristy but fun Rue de La Huchette across the street from Notre Dame. Steve and the kids still talk about the gyros with a dreamy look. No reservations needed. Just walk and let your mouth guide you.
Mamiche Boulangerie de Quartier for Croissants and baguette but expect a long line as this is a hot place on TikTok and Insta.
Fromagerie Jouannault - near the Marche des Enfants Rouges - will vacuum pack butter and cheese for you to bring home.
Where to Sleep: Hotels & Airbnbs
La Chambre du Marais - adorable boutique hotel with great bar, breakfast, bath products and location
Hotel Henri IV - Great location with beautiful rooftop views, right next to Notre Dame.
Hotel de Lutece - On the Ile St Louis. Dreamy location with great prices and nice rooms.
AIRBNB 3BR Listing - 3 bedroom apartment in Le Marais - so charming, can’t wait to go back.
AIRBNB 4BR Listing - 4 bedroom apartment near la Place de la Republique and the Marais.
Where to Shop: Clothes, Purses, Housewares, and more
Gai Jin - vintage and second-hand Japanese blouses - tiny and so gorgeous. Reasonably priced.
La Tresorerie - Kitchen items and tableware. Across the street is their bath store.
Kate Lee Handbags - Beautiful colors and designs. Really reasonable prices.
Mes Demoiselles - colorful designs and gorgeous fabrics.
Flabelus - Beautiful and colorful Spanish brand of Mary Janes. The summer shoe you covet.
Agnes B - can’t get more classic and timeless as a French designer.
Galleries Lafayette Gourmet - If you have a sweet tooth, you have to spend a little time in this food court that brings together the greatest bakeries and chocolatiers of France.
Culture: Museums, Galleries, and Gardens
In Paris I love the small museums and tend to steer clear from the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. There is so much art everywhere in Paris, I prefer these smaller settings that are not overrun with pushy crowds. If you happen to be there when a smaller church is doing a classical concert, I can’t recommend that experience enough.
Musee Rodin - My favorite Paris museum with its gorgeous garden filled with Rodin statues.
Musee de L’Orangerie - spend time surrounded by Monet’s Water Lillies in wrap around rooms
Cathedrale de Notre Dame - just re-opened, didn’t get a ticket, the stand by line took 30 minutes. The pristine beauty of the renovations made me cry.
Musee Picasso - Small museum with multiple floors that really let you take in the different Picasso periods.