
Join The MFCH Community
Travel Joural
©Maxim’s de Paris
Paris is a city full of new openings, creative concepts, and fashionable addresses that come and go. But what we love most are the restaurants that have stayed true to themselves, the ones that still look and feel the way they did decades ago. Velvet booths, wood-panelled rooms, chandeliers, white tablecloths, waiters who call you madame, and menus filled with the classic dishes everyone secretly wants.
These restaurants don’t follow trends; they simply continue doing what they’ve always done, with charm and a sense of history. They are the places where generations of Parisians have met, celebrated, and lingered long after their plates were cleared.
Here are six classic French restaurants in Paris that we always enjoy recommending; elegant, timeless, and full of the atmosphere that makes this city so special.
©Le Voltaire
Le Voltaire
Classic, discreet, and very Parisian
Le Voltaire is easy to miss from the outside, a simple black awning on the Quai Voltaire. Inside, the mood changes completely: dark wood, soft lighting, velvet benches and that quiet, intimate Parisian atmosphere we love.
The menu is full of French classics done the right way: escargots, sole meunière, and indulgent profiteroles. It’s a restaurant where time seems to slow down, perfect for a long lunch that turns into early evening without anyone noticing.
We love Le Voltaire because it feels like true Paris; elegant, warm, and slightly hidden.
Address: 27 Quai Voltaire, 75007 Paris
©Café de la paix
Café de la Paix
Historic elegance by the Opéra Garnier
A true Parisian institution since 1862, Café de la Paix combines a beautifully restored Napoleon III décor with a lively, elegant atmosphere. The ceilings, the gilded details, the large windows; everything feels grand without being overwhelming.
The menu celebrates classic French dishes with oysters, onion soup, sole, tartare, and other timeless favourites. For anyone who wants a “classic Paris moment,” this is a wonderful place to start.
We love it for its sense of history and its perfect location facing the Opéra.
Address: 5 Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
©Maxim’s de Paris
Maxim’s de Paris
Pure Belle Époque glamour
Maxim’s is a world of its own, a restaurant that has lived through decades of Parisian nights, stories, and famous guests. The décor is pure Belle Époque fantasy: carved wood, deep red velvet, mirrors, flowers, and a slightly theatrical charm that you don’t find anywhere else.
It’s a place to dress up, take your time, and enjoy the feeling of being part of Paris’s glamorous past. The cuisine is classic, elegant, and generous, and the bar upstairs is an experience on its own.
We love Maxim’s for the atmosphere: it feels like stepping into a movie, just for one night.
Address: 3 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris
©Le Grand Véfour
Le Grand Véfour
Historic fine dining at Palais-Royal
Dating back to the 1780s, Le Grand Véfour is one of the oldest and most refined restaurants in Paris. Located under the Palais-Royal arcades, it has hosted writers, artists, and political figures for centuries.
The dining room is stunning; mirrors, painted panels, and a quiet, luxurious atmosphere. The cuisine is precise and beautifully presented, with a strong sense of French tradition.
We love Le Grand Véfour for special occasions, or simply to enjoy the feeling of dining inside a piece of Parisian history.
Address: 17 Rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris
©Château de Chamerolles
Le Procope
Warm, historic, and full of charm
Le Procope claims the title of the oldest café-restaurant in Paris, and it certainly feels like it. Hidden in the passageway of Cour Saint-André in Saint-Germain, it has a warm, slightly quirky charm.
Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot once sat here, and the rooms are full of little historical details. The menu is traditional, with dishes like coq au vin and braised beef served just as you would expect.
We love Le Procope for its authenticity and coziness.
Address: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
©Le Petit Lutetia by Delphine Constantini
Le Petit Lutetia
A lively Left Bank classic with a stylish edge
Le Petit Lutetia combines old-school Parisian décor with a more modern, lively energy. The golden mouldings and printed fabrics make it feel warm and elegant, while the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
The menu focuses on generous French dishes made with good products, and the service is always spot-on.
We love it because it’s chic without trying too hard, a perfect Left Bank address for lunch or dinner.
Address: 107 Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris
Every Tuesday
Get the latest updates on French travel, culture, and more delivered right to your inbox.
Continue Reading




Join The MFCH Community