The bistros at a glance
| Bistro | Where | Style | Budget (indicative) | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frenchie Pigalle | 29 rue Victor-Massé, 9th | Excellent cooking, very good value | € to €€ | Essential |
| Le Pantruche | 3 rue Victor Massé, 9th | Modern bistro with an old-school feel | €€ | Advised, early |
| Chez Denise | 5 rue des Prouvaires, 1st | Hearty meat dishes, late hours | €€ | Advised |
| Chez Georges | 1 rue du Mail, 2nd | Mirrors and wood panelling | €€ | Advised |
| Bistrot Paul Bert | 18 rue Paul Bert, 11th | Pepper entrecôte, blackboard menu | €€ | By phone; closed Sunday and Monday |
| Le Comptoir du Relais | 9 carrefour de l'Odéon, 6th | South-West country cooking | €€ to €€€ | Depends on the service, to be checked |
| Le Bon Georges | 45 rue Saint-Georges, 9th | Traditional bistro, one of the best in Paris | €€€ | Essential |
Price levels are guides, not tariffs: € below average, €€ average, €€€ high.
The best of the tradition
Le Bon Georges remains our reference: a traditional bistro, a short menu, a good-sized cellar. It is a bit pricey and you must book. In Pigalle, Frenchie Pigalle offers very good value. See also where to eat in Pigalle and SoPi.
For the setting and atmosphere
Chez Georges and Chez Denise are liked for their old-time rooms; Bistrot Paul Bert is known for its pepper entrecôte, but it is very busy. For bigger, more historic rooms, see the historic brasseries, and for lower prices the bouillons.
Booking tips
- Book several days ahead for the evening, one to two weeks for the weekend.
- Lunch is often easier to get than dinner.
- Some tables take bookings by phone only.
- Mention allergies when booking: the menu changes often.
- Avoid places with photos of dishes outside: see our tourist traps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bistro in Paris? It depends on budget; Le Bon Georges for tradition, Frenchie Pigalle for price.
Do you need to book? Yes, in almost every case.
Is it expensive? From reasonable to high depending on the address; look at the posted menu.
Our other addresses in the district are in our PDF guide.
