Paris is a culinary paradise for many and it’s not surprising why with so many Michelin starred restaurants located at the city of love and romance. As of 2021, Paris has an incredible ten Michelin starred restaurants each holding three stars, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s coveted destinations for any gourmand. However, even the one- and two- starred Michelin restaurants are as good as their three-starred counterparts! Find out here the best Michelin star restaurants in Paris.
Let’s take a look at the best Michelin restaurants in Paris, some of which their chefs have even made it to the honorary list of best chefs in the world.
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Best 3 Michelin Star Restaurants in Paris
Let’s first take a look at the cream of the crop restaurants in Paris that managed to clinch the highest of honours – 3 stars!
Pavillon Ledoyen
Chef Yannick Alléno took over the reins of Pavillon Ledoyen in mid-2014. What’s remarkable is that it’s only taken the head chef six months to achieve three stars – a status he previously had while at Le Meuirce. Such an accolade surely puts this restaurant on the list of modern greats. Or those in Paris, at least.
Come to Pavillon Ledoyen if you’re looking for the ultimate gastronomic experience. Set on the first floor of the neo-classical mansion, this top-notch restaurant not only boasts 3 stars to its name, but is also ranked 25th at The Worlds’ 50th Best Restaurants, a feat unlike any other. Much attention is paid to every detail of the food here so that each dish not only tastes good but looks good too. For a unique and creative fine dining experience, Pavillon Ledoyen is the place to be.
credit: Mathieu Lebreton
Arpège
Arpèege deserves a shout out not just because it has 3 stars to its name but because its an extremely unique and creative restaurant that has made vegetables the star of their food. This restaurant is suitable for both meat lovers and veggie lovers alike, as Chef Alain Passard is able to make both type of ingredients as exciting as you can imagine!
Chef Alain Passard takes a step further when it comes to sourcing for his ingredients as he has his very own vegetable garden located around France, guaranteeing that his diners will be only be served the best and freshest vegetables you can find in France.
However, all these come at a price. The Vegetable Tasting Menu is priced at €340 while the Earth and Sea Menu which includes meat and fish, is priced at €450. Fret not, if you are looking to try Chef Passard’s food but want something more affordable, you can opt for the Garderner’s Lunch Menu at half the price – €185. Regardless of which option you go for, it’s definitely going to a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Restaurant Guy Savoy
Although your bill is likely to reach the other side of £330 per head after wine, Guy Savoy’s eponymous Parisian joint is worth every penny. It has held at least two Michelin stars since 1985, the restaurant receiving its third in 2002. Many consider it the ‘best meal they’ve ever had,’ while Andy Hayler gave it full marks in almost every category.
Aside from the two stars to its name, Restaurant Guy Savoy has also received several other awards including Best Restaurant in The World by La Liste and Forbes Travel Guide’s “Five-Star Award” in 2013, 2014, 2015, & 2016.
Best 2 Michelin Star Restaurants in Paris
Some two star establishments are just as good, if not better than the three star ones. We introduce to you some of our favourites.
Akrame
This two Michelin star establishment in the 16th arrondissement is rather exclusive, seating a mere 20 diners. Only in rare, special cases does the Michelin guide award stars to restaurants that have been open for less than a year, but the experience at Akrame shows it’s no accident. What’s particularly noteworthy is the atmosphere – hushed diners’ voices and stuffy waiters there are not.
Akrame Benallal, the serial entrepreneur and chef behind this Michelin star establishment is known for his creative and contemporary and creative style of cooking. It was his mother who used to cook daily and with much generosity that inspired the chef to be what he is today. Head down to Akrame if you are in search for a fusion between tradition and innovation.
Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx
“Sur mesure” actually means tailor-made – and so you can expect exquisite craftsmanship when it comes to preparation of your food by Chef Thierry Marx. In factor, such cuisine is unique to Chef Marx and what he’s known for. Every dish is refined and exciting, and you’re in for a creative experience. Consider trying their speciality dishes like Risotto de soja aux huîtres et cèpes, and Bœuf Wagyu façon charbon.
L’Astrance
As it’s open for four days a week and reservations are subject to a strict two-month waiting list, tables at Michelin star restaurant L’Astrance are notoriously coveted. Though it’s French through and through, from time to time the food has a distinct Asian twist to it, as the miso-marinated mackerel will testify.
Be prepared to be blown away by Chef Pascal Barbot’s surprise menu as you begin your culinary journey with an amuse bouche. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the restaurant doesn’t have a signature dish. The most distinguished dish at the restaurant is the Mushroom Millefeuille with Foie Gras marinated in Verjus, dusted with porcini powder, accompanied by droplets of lemon confit. It sure tastes as good as it sounds.
Best 1 Michelin Star Restaurants in Paris
L’Atelier Saint-Germain de Joël Robuchon
Robuchon owns two restaurants in Paris which share two Michelin stars between them – a nice contribution to the other 21 stars the chef has piled up over the years. There may be over 80 different dishes here but each one of them is prepared with great precision. The variety of dishes available may leave you feeling lost and undecided but we have some dishes to recommend. The signature foie gras burger is definitely a dish you’d be mad to miss. Coupled with the fact that the experience is a refreshingly relaxed one without too much in the way of the usual obligations, indeed, haute cuisine rarely gets better than this.
Frenchie
‘Frenchie’ was the name/abuse given to Gregory Marchand while he worked in Jamie Oliver’s kitchen, and it’s been given to his restaurant that set up in 2009. While a star has yet to materialise, head chef Harry Cummins has worked in Michelin star kitchens before (Wild Honey, Zafferano, Arbutus), so experience in, and potential for, the accolade is in no short supply.
Honourable Mentions: Restaurants with Bib Gourmand or Plate Michelin
These restaurants in Paris may not have any Michelin star, but they are Michelin-worthy nonetheless and have been given the stamp of approval by the experts themselves.
Le Chateaubriand
Chateaubriand, named after the thick tenderloin filet, surprisingly has nothing of the sort in terms of a signature dish. Instead, self-taught chef Inaki Alzpitarte has a tendency to create an awfully good squid salad. The chef is something of a maverick, and there’s the chance the menu could change to South American cuisine or Asian fare on any given night. This is because there is no menu available at this restaurant. Instead, the no-choice taster changes daily and depending on the season. Creativity is certainly on a high here and be prepared to be amazed by the daily creations set to be put on your dinner table.
credit: Arnold Gatialo
L’Ambroisie
L’Ambroisie is named after the food of the gods on Mount Olympus, and given the restaurant has retained three stars since 1988, it seems to achieve similar grandeur. The establishment is located in a handsome 17th century period house on Place des Voseges, but even the exterior fails to compare to the ornateness found within.
credit: neinfanhsun
More Michelin Starred Restaurants Beyond Paris
If you’re looking to take the Eurostar just across to London, we have the best Michelin starred restaurants in London too to ensure your trip to London is packed with great fine dining food! Just a two hour ride across gives you access to the most luxurious of food in yet another foodie heaven, and maybe a bigger and more indulging one too.
Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.