The Most Popular Type of Restaurants in Paris

Published January 29, 2025

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Determining what a particular Paris restaurant offers, when and how it provides the food, along with understanding the table manners, dress codes, tipping practices, and any other etiquette linked to it may be quite difficult for tourists and visitors in Paris.

So, what are the most popular types of restaurants in Paris? How can you have an idea of what to anticipate in each of them? What are their clothing guidelines and the rules of etiquette? Keep reading to find out!

The Bistrot

The Bistrot is a small and cozy type of restaurant in Paris, usually less formal when compared to its more elaborate brasserie counterpart, and tends to exude a rustic or familial atmosphere.

Usually providing table service during specific dinner and lunch times, Bistrot restaurants typically function in cozier dining spaces with a restricted amount of tables.

This makes early reservations important, especially for the very popular spots.

In Paris, numerous of these bistrots provide classic French cuisine emphasizing market menus and seasonal produce.

They also provide fusion-inspired or inventive selections that incorporate Middle-Eastern or Asian influences into traditional recipes.

Then, some feature complete bars with wine, spirits, and beer, and others provide extensive wine selections and even possess their own personal cellars.

Also, certain modern bistrot restaurants in Paris showcase a mastery of “la bistronomie”.

This typically indicates a gourmet selection in a casual bistro environment as compared to the regular “gastronomic restaurants”, which have a more formal approach to presentation and style.

Numerous highly sought-after new bistrots have received praise from various culinary guides.

Naturally, there are some regional differences in this kind of eatery—such as the “Bouchon”.

This is a typically small, family-run restaurant focused on traditional Lyonnais dishes; consider quenelles de brochet and praline tart, along with other local specialties.

Quenelle de Brochet

In some regions in Paris, one can discover the winstub. These are wine taverns offering traditional Alsatian dishes like sausages and sauerkraut.

Sausages and Sauerkraut

In fact, any cozy, small restaurant serving any type of cuisine—be it French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, or pan-Asian—could rightfully be called a bistrot.

How Exactly Does The Bistrot Work?

As stated earlier, it’s not precise to generalize the service and format at Paris Bistrots, as there are numerous styles and varieties in operation today.

Nonetheless, you can typically anticipate a relaxed, cozy atmosphere, featuring limited tables that might or might not include tablecloths.

In fact, the current trend is an often chaotic, rustic style, featuring elaborately adorned interiors, along with an open kitchen or bar where diners can observe the chefs in action.

Dim lighting usually fills the space with music being played, the walls adorned by vintage art, and the robust murmur of dialogue blending with the sounds of clanging dishes.

Even, these days, dark timber, visible bricks, rocky walls, and subterranean cellar dining areas are all trendy in bistrots.

Also, menus are frequently written on walls or blackboards, and bistros usually provide great value with fixed dinner, lunch, and tasting menus.

Note that except the bistrot calls itself a bar, it's typically not permitted for customers to solely order drinks – although you may sometimes manage to order dessert and drinks if you've dined elsewhere first.

Then, the dress codes in bistros usually range from semi-formal to casual, based on the restaurant's status.

To stay safe, steer clear of dressing overly casually or too formally—finding a balance is usually the best approach in this setting.

Lastly, similar to upscale restaurants, if the service is satisfactory, you may consider leaving a tip of 5 - 10 percent of your total bill at bistros.

Bar à Vin

More laid-back than a typical restaurant, yet gaining popularity among food enthusiasts in Paris, is the wine bar - bar à vin.

Previously, the wine bars were entirely informal venues where residents would perch on barrels in order to savor basic glasses of wine along with some cheese or charcuterie before their main meal.

Now, many Paris wine bars have transformed into true culinary hotspots, providing a delightful mix of relaxed, rustic, cozy atmospheres and exquisite wines, complemented by exceptional food.

How Exactly Does The Bar à Vin Work?

The bar à vin generally provides table service and seating is frequently relaxed, often consisting of stools and barrels serving as tables.

Some of them also offer seating at the counter.

Then, their menus can be rather straightforward, with food choices primarily limited to charcuterie and cheese boards served with fresh bread.

Modern and highly praised Paris wine bars like Frenchie frequently offer small plates and refined dishes in addition to classic platters.

Regarding dress codes, they are typically non-existent at wine bars; though, in Paris, it’s common to see individuals elegantly dressed for a dinner or drink.

You’re welcome to arrive in ripped jeans and an oversized shirt if that’s what you prefer, as you might even be confused for a fashion folk if that style is in vogue.

Then, the costs at a wine bar can differ significantly.

They usually cost less (for dinner or lunch) than a conventional sit-down or bistrot eatery providing table service, though the trendier, newer spots can significantly cut your budget.

In case you want to save up money, consider opting for larger sharing platters instead of small plates, as the former usually provide better value.

Then, regarding tipping, a similar guideline is relevant for a wine bar as it is for other dining establishments: you may leave 5 - 10 percent for satisfactory and outstanding service.

Café-Brasserie

Often called the café-restaurant or bar-brasserie, this quintessential semi-formal dining establishment can be found in numerous locations throughout Paris, and the smallest towns and cities even typically have a few.

They are favored for their affordable prices, extensive choices for dining and beverages, longer operating hours, and a rather casual atmosphere (although some traditional spots can feel quite upscale).

Although the café-brasserie temporarily lost some popularity over the last few decades in the favor of cozier and more relaxed places such as wine bars, bistros, and contemporary brewhouses, it remains the dining style that most effectively withstands the capricious and trendy influences of the Paris restaurant and food industry.

How Exactly Does The Café-Brasserie Work?

Although there is a broad range of café-brasseries in operation today and it's not advisable to make generalizations, we'll specifically talk about the most common style seen in Paris: a roomy dining area with big windows and plenty of table seating.

The typical brasseries usually offer dinner, breakfast, and lunch along with both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee.

They can also provide what is called service continu, indicating that hot dishes and food are available all day long, rather than just during “regular” meal hours.

This renders them a suitable choice for numerous visitors, who might struggle to arrange dining experiences during the typical time slots (usually for lunch from 12 to 2 pm and for dinner from 7 to 10 pm).

In this regard, one could argue that brasseries are well-suited for tourists and they frequently remain open late in the night and during weekends, enhancing their convenience further.

In the aspect of pricing and menus, brasseries present a diverse range of menus, with certain establishments providing great offers like set-price dinner or lunch selections while others focus solely on a la carte choices– the latter usually being more expensive.

Some also focus on specific culinary areas or specialties (large shellfish dishes, Belgian mussels, Alsatian sauerkraut, organic or locally sourced alternatives), while others feature meals that are somewhat more diverse.

Additionally, there are limited guidelines and numerous contemporary brasseries in Paris are becoming inventive with their culinary and beverage selections these days.

In case you would rather only have wine, beer, or coffee, this is typically feasible, but keep in mind that during busy meal hours, the restaurant can set aside most of the tables for customers dining for dinner or lunch.

Frequently, a couple of tables are reserved for customers who are only having drinks; these typically do not have table settings arranged.

You can frequently enjoy drinks at their bar—and occasionally, the prices for cold and hot beverages are cheaper if you choose not to have table service.

Then, the right dress code for brasseries can range from semi-formal to casual, so it might be a good idea to visit the website of the particular brasserie beforehand to understand the formality level and overall atmosphere.

Casual attire is acceptable in many brasseries, but at upscale ones, business casual or formal wear might be preferable.

Should you choose table service, you may leave approximately 5 - 10 percent of your total bill in the form of a gratuity, though, this isn’t considered mandatory.

Restauration Rapide

Another popular type of restaurant in Paris is the service rapide or restauration rapide—they are both French phrases for fast meals.

How Exactly Does The Restauration Rapide Work?

The format of service, the offerings, and the quality differ significantly in the restauration rapide.

Certain establishments and international franchises like McDonald’s prepare items in bulk.

Some create their specialties for people to order and are best under the classification “street food”.

In certain restauration rapide spots, you can enjoy your crèpe, pizza, burger, or sandwich at a table, whereas others are small stalls with no seats available, or may feature two or one little tables by the sidewalk.

Some are laid-back food “bars” offering specialties like Middle-Eastern falafel or shwarma, Japanese ramen or bento boxes in generous bowls, and Vietnamese Pho.

Some offer beer, wine, or cocktails and possess alcohol licenses, whereas others provide solely non-alcoholic drinks.

In every instance, their prices tend to be fairly low, meals are made and served casually, and tipping is generally not needed or anticipated.

Selecting such a place for a portion of your dining experiences can of course, significantly help in adhering to your set budget.

Also, most restauration rapide restaurants offer continuous service; as previously noted, this signifies that they serve meals outside the typical "normal" meal hours and a few remain open late in the evening.

Restaurant Gastronomique

This term “restaurant gastronomique” is commonly used to describe upscale restaurants and dining establishments in Paris.

Many, although not all of them, are linked to luxury hotels, renowned chefs, or a combination of both.

Restaurants that use the word "gastronomique" in their name provide good value and you can typically anticipate many to price their service, food, and presentation quite high.

These restaurants that hold Michelin stars clearly follow meticulous standards regarding guest reception, service, and attention, and one can anticipate every dish presentation to be carefully considered.

In Paris, their cost can easily exceed 100E per person (often even higher) at a fine restaurant gastronomique, especially when you choose multiple courses together with wine.

Nonetheless, you can frequently lower the cost of the experience by reserving a table when fixed-priced menus tend to be at their cheapest.

How Exactly Does The Restaurant Gastronomique Work?

Although certain restaurants labeling themselves under “gastronomique” may offer a more casual atmosphere, they likely fit better into the classification of an upscale brasserie.

The classic restaurant gastronomique exudes formality and prestige: anticipate pristine white tablecloths and spacious dining areas with perfect cleanliness and lavish decor.

Also, anticipate highly skilled, uniformed servers who seldom partake in casual conversation or humor with customers.

Additionally, in this type of restaurant, there usually exists a profound sense of decorum and tradition at work.

It can appear somewhat daunting or even unwelcoming to individuals who favor a cozier and more relaxed environment.

Guests may also feel nervous about manners; Is it acceptable to gather your own scattered crumbs? Which fork is appropriate for each course?

However, nobody may really pay much attention to how you've laid out your napkin.

Then, many restaurants within this group provide various choices, including a la carte selections, set-price multi-course menus, and tasting menus, often accompanied by wine for every dish.

Though tasting menus may be the priciest option, they frequently provide the most comprehensive experience of a restaurant gastronomique and showcase a chef's skills, making them an ideal choice for special occasions or gifts.

Then, for your dress code, it’s advisable to wear somewhat formal attire at this type of restaurant.

You don’t have to wear evening attire but definitely steer clear of t-shirts and jeans.

Lastly, regarding tipping, it’s typical to provide between 5 - 15 percent of your total bill, giving a tip closer to the upper end of this range when their service is exceptional.