France’s capital has long been known as the city of love, popular for romantic getaways and honeymoons. Once you’ve finished walking arm in arm through Paris’ beautiful streets, you’ll definitely be after the perfect place to dine with your other half. From haute cuisine options in some of the city’s best establishments to more intimate venues where you can enjoy a candlelit dinner, here’s just a few of Paris’ most romantic restaurants.
Peruse through our guide to the perfect date night restaurants in Paris
Allard
Settle down for the evening in one of the plush velvet booths at Allard, a charming restaurant in the centre of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter. It first opened in 1932 and is a classic example of a Parisian bistro, from its homely traditional French dishes through to its quaint wallpaper and selection of old photographs and posters hung on the walls. Tuck into some warming food and enjoy a glass of Burgundy as you take in Allard’s quaint ambiance.
Address: 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 58 00 23 46
Opening times: Mon-Sun midday-2pm 7pm-10pm
Price: ££££
Le Jules Verne
What could be more romantic than enjoying a meal inside the Eiffel Tower itself? While on the pricier end of the scale, Le Jules Verne is a great option for a special occasion and it’s not uncommon to see a celebrity or two dining here. It has an impressive menu of contemporary French dishes crafted from only local produce as well as a good wine selection to browse, but it’s the setting halfway up the city’s famous tower that makes it truly special. With panoramic views across Paris, it’s unbeatable ambiance make it a popular location so make sure you book well in advance.
Address: Avenue Gustave Eiffel, Tour Eiffel, 2ème étage – Pilier Sud, 75007 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 45 55 61 44
Opening times: Mon-Sun midday-1:30pm 7pm-9:30pm
Price: ££££
Dinner with a view: An unforgettable experience of a lifetime with your love at Le Jules Verne
La Tour d’Argent
Another dining option with an incredibly romantic view is La Tour d’Argent. Housed in a historical hall that dates back to the 16th century and has the decadent interiors to match, it overlooks some of the most well-known attractions in Paris, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the River Seine. Sample it’s French menu, including the specialty duck dishes, and sip on some fine French wine from its huge collection as you take in the breath-taking views through the floor to ceiling windows.
Address: B 17 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 43 54 23 31
Opening times: Tues-Sat midday-2pm 7pm-9pm
Price: ££££
Pirouette
A new addition to the fine dining scene in the French capital is Pirouette, a beautiful place for a meal near the Pompidou Centre. Its food is remarkably modern and unlike French cuisine at other restaurants, prepared with expert attention and served in unique ways that make eating here a memorable experience. Similarly, the décor of Pirouette is a contemporary twist on a typical Parisian bistro with stylish wooden tables, hip lighting, chalkboard menus and a large outdoor area that’s perfect for an intimate wine-filled lunch with your special someone.
Address: 5 Rue Mondétour, 75001 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 40 26 47 81
Opening times: Mon-Sat midday-1:30pm 7:30pm-9:30pm
Price: ££££
La Tour D’Argent opened in 1582 and was a favourite of many nobles and celebrities including King Henry IV
Le Poulpry
Nestled in a historic mansion in the 7th arrondissement and just around the corner from the Musee d’Orsay is Le Poulpry, an elegant restaurant that offers both atmosphere and excellent food. Oozing a nostalgic charm with its elegant, airy interiors that feature cosy table settings, brightly painted walls and large windows, the menu offers a more contemporary taste of French culture. Rich meats such as lamb, veal and foie gras are on offer as starters and mains while the dessert menu is filled with tempting meringues, sorbets and mousses. There’s also a beautiful outdoor terrace to enjoy a midday or evening meal on in the warmer months.
Address: 12 Rue de Poitiers, 75007 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 49 54 74 54
Opening times: Mon-Fri midday-2pm 7:30pm-9:30pm
Price: £££
Lapérouse
If you have a big proposal planned or simply want to have a more intimate dining experience, a private salon at Lapérouse is an excellent option. It’s right on the River Seine in a historical mansion that was a wine store in the 17th century before it became a restaurant and popular hangout of many of France’s literary greats. Stepping inside Lapérouse is like travelling back in time thanks to the perfectly preserved décor that includes ornate frescoes, walls lined with paintings, wooden panelling and magnificent painted ceilings. The menu is similarly traditional, and it has a choice of private rooms available which are each decorated in their own individual style.
Address: 51 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 43 26 68 04
Opening times: Mon 2pm-5pm, Tues-Fri 7pm-midnight, Sat 2pm-5pm
Price: ££££
A splendid intimate candlelit dinner awaits at the romantic Lapérouse
Benoit
Just minutes away from the city’s Hotel de Ville, Benoit is as close as you’ll get to picturing Parisian fine dining in the 18th century. Its incredibly detailed décor looks like it’s been frozen in time, with marble fireplaces, illustrated ceilings and plenty of gold making it a luxuriously charming location for a special meal. Benoit is also the only bistro in the city to hold a Michelin Star, a well-deserved achievement thanks to its traditional, flavoursome cuisine that manages to be decadent without being pretentious.
Address: 20 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 58 00 22 15
Opening times: Mon-Sun miday-2pm 7:30pm-10pm
Price: ££££
Le Baratin
Just down the road from Pyrenees metro station is Le Baratin, a bistro not only popular with tourists but also a handful of famous chefs including Anthony Bourdain. As well as cosy interiors and a huge selection of organic wines, it also has a more unique menu compared to other French eateries. Le Baratin’s chef is originally from Argentina and she’s added her own native twist to some French classics, making a meal here a pleasant experience for all the senses. It gets busy at dinnertime, so a romantic lunch may be a better option here.
Address: 3 Rue Jouye-Rouve, 75020 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 43 49 39 70
Opening times: Tues-Fri midday-2:30pm 7:30pm-2am, Sat 7:30pm-2am
Price: £££