The benchmarks at a glance
| Stars | Booking |
|---|---|
| One star | Plan ahead, especially for Saturday night |
| Two stars | Plan further ahead |
| Three stars | The most sought-after tables fill up months ahead |
When to book
The most sought-after tables fill up months ahead, especially on Saturday nights and in high season. Start from your travel dates and book as soon as your trip is confirmed. For a birthday or a proposal, tell the restaurant when you book.
Lunch or dinner?
Starred houses often offer a lunch menu cheaper than the evening one: it is the best value for tasting starred cooking. Lunch also leaves room for an afternoon visit, for example the Louvre or the Palais-Royal area.
Where and how to book
- The restaurant's website: the reference source for the menu, price and cancellation terms.
- Online booking platforms: handy to see free slots; then check the menu offered.
- Phone or email: useful for an allergy, a diet or a special occasion.
- The hotel concierge: a help for full tables, but no guarantee.
Read the terms: some houses ask for a bank card or deposit, and charge for late cancellation.
Dress code and tipping
There is no single rule: smart clothes, no shorts or flip-flops, are a safe baseline; some houses ask for a jacket, so check their website. Service is included in the bill in France; a small tip remains optional, see our guide to tipping in France.
Pitfalls
- Confusing starred with "sightseeing" restaurants. Tourist-menu restaurants near monuments are not starred houses: read our tourist traps guide.
- Forgetting the price of wine. Pairings or the wine list can double the bill.
- Late cancellations. They are often charged.
- Tables with a view in the Eiffel Tower. They are in high demand and hard to get; book very early (see the Eiffel Tower page).
More affordable alternatives
- A dinner cruise: see the dinner cruise comparison.
- Dishes to try: see dishes to try in Paris.
- A meal near the Louvre: see restaurants near the Louvre.
- A cooking class: see the cooking class comparison.
FAQ
Do you need to book a starred restaurant in Paris? Yes, and earlier than for an ordinary restaurant.
Is lunch really cheaper? Often, with a midday menu; check on the house's website.
What should you wear? Smart; some houses ask for a jacket.
Is tipping compulsory? No: service is included.
