Home to the city’s vibrant Chinatown district, Paris’s 13th arrondissement has a culinary scene that extends far beyond Asia – with a wide choice of French restaurants catering to every budget.
Eclectic and multicultural, Paris’s 13th arrondissement is a mecca for food lovers. While many visitors naturally gravitate towards the neighbourhood’s outstanding Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants, there’s far more to discover beyond its celebrated Asian dining scene. If you’re looking to broaden your culinary palate, you’ll also find plenty of excellent French restaurants. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well in the 13th, either – as the list below demonstrates.
Chez Gladines
With serveral locations in Paris, Chez Gladines’ original restaurant on Rue des cinq Diamants has long been a favourite for generous, budget-friendly Basque cooking. Its sister restaurant on Rue des Halles is just a 15-minute stroll from Notre-Dame and Île Saint-Louis. Patrons can expect hearty portions of South-West French classics, from Basque-style chicken simmered in tomato sauce to confit duck, steak and elaborately-constructed salads that are veritable meals in themselves. Mains start at around €11 and there are also excellent value wines – all of which can be enjoyed on the welcoming outdoor terrace if the weather behaves.
11 Bis Rue des Halles
Brasserie Le Quai
Positioned between the François Mitterrand Library and Gare d’Austerlitz in the heart of the 13th, Brasserie Le Quai is a smart but entirely unpretentious neighbourhood favourite where classic French cooking won’t put much of a dent in your wallet. Its spacious south-facing terrace is one of the sunniest in the area, helping make it an popular spot for a leisurely lunch or early evening apéritif. The menu celebrates homemade brasserie classics, including steak frites, duck confit, beef tartare, onion soup and seasonal plats du jour, all served in generous portions at eminently sensible prices that come without the common Parisian tourist mark-up.
192 Av. de France
Le Comptoir Marguery
A stone’s throw from the acclaimed Acte III theatre, the oh-so-cosy Le Comptoir Marguery offers the warmth of a classic Parisian bistro, but without an extravagant bill to contend with at the end of your meal. Dark wood, soft lighting and an intimate atmosphere create an inviting setting for savouring local wines and hearty French cooking which centres on seasonal, market-led dishes, traditional recipes, game when available and plates designed for sharing. The wines are intriguing but approachable, while attentive service adds polish without pretension.
9 Bd de Port-Royal
Epicerie Tempero
This delightful hybrid of neighbourhood bistro, delicatessen and wine bar has gained a loyal following since opening its doors way back in 2012. The head chef champions seasonal French cooking with subtle Brazilian influences, using ingredients sourced from local producers. At lunchtime, the excellent-value set menu contributes to its standing as one of the 13th’s most popular dining spots, while daily casseroles, pâté en croûte and homemade charcuterie, showcase the kitchen’s culinary creativity. Pair your meal with a natural wine, grab a table on the sun-filled terrace overlooking the street, and people watch until your heart’s content.
24 Prom. Claude Lévi-Strauss
Le Limousin
The menu at this charming neighbourbood eatery revolves around dependable French favourites such as duck confit, beef tartare, charcuterie and other time-honoured bistro staples, all prepared with the freshest of ingredients. Leather sofas, polished wooden tables and a spacious pavement terrace help to create a cosy, contemporary feel, while organic wines and an extended evening happy hour add to the appeal.
42 Rue Cantagrel