Bonjour ! I’m Julien Martel, taking you on a tour of what’s new – and enduring – in Paris food and dining. Whether you’re craving haute cuisine, wood-fire flavours, or street-side bites, there’s more than enough to tempt your palate.
Neo-Bistros & Tables Worth the Trip
Several new restaurants have opened recently that are proving more than just flash-in-the-pan spots. In the 11th arrondissement, Faaï blends contemporary Thai flavours with charcoal-grilling techniques, delivering dishes that tease both spice and smoke in equal measure. Meanwhile, in the 18th, L’Amic is a laid-back bistro born of friendship, reimagining French-Italian classics over natural wines. And for those seeking refined, multi-course experiences, Eme in the Marais offers minimalist elegance with creative seasonal plates that highlight texture as much as taste.
Street Food & Food Trucks: Art on Wheels
The food truck scene continues to flourish in Paris. At La Défense, for example, food trucks like Holy Thaï, New Soul Food, and Krispy Korean Chicken are regulars, bringing global flavours to commuters and workers alike. For a burger with real pedigree, Le Camion Qui Fume is still one of the benchmarks. There’s also Cantine California, known for its fusion tacos and burgers, and Wagy’s Burger Bus, a rolling homage to juicy beef and local flair on the side of a moving truck.
Local Staples & Long-Standing Favorites
Beyond the buzz of new openings, some places remain reliably excellent. L’As du Fallafel in the Marais stands out as a go-to for unbeatable falafel and shawarma. Markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges not only offer fresh produce but also hideaway stands dishing out dishes from Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. For classics, the gastros-brasserie style lives on in the beautifully restored spaces like Bus Palladium, where chef-owner teams merge dining, music, and ambiance to revive Paris’s storied nightlife history while serving modern cuisine.
Trends & Tips for Choosing Your Next Meal
If you want to stay ahead of what’s happening in Paris’s food world, these pointers help:
- Look for chefs stepping out on their own – former sous-chefs or sommeliers often produce some of the freshest ideas.
- Watch for fire-cookery and open-kitchen concepts: flavour tends to speak loudest where technique is visible.
- Give food trucks and mobile stands a chance: many now use high-quality ingredients, often organic or local, making street food a serious contender for dinner.
- If you dine at new places, allow a few weeks post-opening for the kitchen and service to settle into their rhythm.
Paris isn’t slowing down – every few months bring openings that surprise, kitchens that evolve, and favourites that hold strong. Whether you’re after elegance, grit, nostalgia, or innovation, there’s always something new to taste.