The Most Romantic Restaurants in Paris

Nestled in a neoclassical building within the Champs-Élysées gardens, Le Pavillon Ledoyen has been a Parisian culinary institution since 1792. The décor is superb, while the dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the gardens. Yannick Alléno showcases French culinary 'savoir-faire' across his dishes with skilful technique and a rare elegance.

Located just a short walk from the Champs-Élysées, the city’s most famous street, this 'hôtel particulier' is tucked away behind the thriving vegetation of a bucolic garden. Once you’re through the door, a number of small dining rooms follow one after the other, in which François-Joseph Graf’s contemporary décor is a fusion of period mouldings and chandeliers with more modern furniture. Chef Mathieu Pacaud seems to have found the perfect setting for his reinterpretation of dishes from the repertoire of classic French gastronomy.

The Bellefeuille restaurant at The Saint James Paris Hotel is a veritable ode to nature. An atmosphere akin to that of an internal garden is the overriding feature of the restaurant’s dining room where two-tone marble, mouldings and pottery provide the subtle décor. Nature provides the source of inspiration for Chef Julien Dumas too, who demonstrates a strong commitment to eco-friendly cuisine, as evidenced by his white asparagus, acacia and smoked sardine. At his side, young Pastry Chef Jeanne Lecourt restores the reputation of the ingredients of yesteryear.

Alain Ducasse describes Benoit as a place that “brilliantly perpetuates the long history of a certain ‘art de vivre’”. Situated a stone’s throw from the Hôtel de Ville, this Michelin-Starred brasserie, which started life as a neighbourhood restaurant, now enjoys international renown with addresses in both New York and Tokyo. The secret to its success is its perfect mastery of classic bistro dishes, such as a slice of Chalosse blood sausage sautéed with two apples, and golden turbot with tender carrots and its own jus. Enjoy your meal sitting on red leather banquettes in a setting that evokes over a century of history.

Located in a magnificent cobbled courtyard, this chic brasserie in the Marais retains the charm of years gone by. Inside, the dining room’s wooden beams, exposed stone and marble tables endow it with an atmosphere as romantic as you’ll find anywhere in Paris; and as night falls, candles bathe the room with their soft, welcoming glow. In the kitchen, Chef Carmine Cinque, Italian-born yet Parisian to the core, has not forgotten his roots, as witnessed by dishes such as the fricassee of mushrooms à la carbonara and Milanese veal cutlet. The intimate, nature-inspired Le Jardin dining room, which can be privatised for a dining experience away from prying eyes, is worthy of special mention.

If you’re looking to add an Italian flavour to your romantic date, L’Assaggio is the place for you. Situated within the walls of the Castille Paris Hotel, this restaurant with a unique setting pays full tribute to northern Italy. In an inner patio adorned with frescoes and a fountain, enjoy timeless signature dishes such as Piedmontese-style vitello tonnato and agnolotti di Lidia.

Situated just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, this unmissable Parisian restaurant occupying a Directoire-style townhouse has just celebrated its 80th birthday. The dining room has a luxurious feel, enhanced by pillars, arrangements of orchids and other greenery, crystal chandeliers and Chinese porcelain – all beneath a retractable roof that allows guests a view of the stars. In the kitchen, Chef Jean-Louis Nomicos creates superb traditional French dishes such as sole à la royale.

At this Michelin-Starred restaurant in the Hotel de Crillon, the wine selection precedes and determines your choice of dishes. With more than 2,300 labels in the cellar, you really are spoilt for choice. Chef Boris Campanella creates dishes that are strongly influenced by his Sicilian and Savoyard roots, ably supported by Sommelier Xavier Thuizat – who is always striving for the ideal pairing. The result is a superb dining experience which is in total harmony with the restaurant’s delicate and elegant décor.

Nestled on the seventh floor of the Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel, the aptly named Le Tout-Paris boasts breathtaking views of the Seine and the Left Bank. The terrace, with its panoramic vistas that extend from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower, is the ideal setting for a romantic dinner overlooking the rooftops of the capital. The contemporary décor designed by Peter Marino recalls the authentic spirit of the city’s old Art Deco bistros, while in the kitchen, Arnaud Donckele showcases some of the country’s best ingredients, including langoustines, oysters and veal chops.

Occupying a building designed by the architect Charpentier in 1839, Lucas Carton is a restaurant that has a long and illustrious past. Still, with this estimable heritage behind it, it now fully embraces the new trends of contemporary gastronomy. Embellished with sculpted maple wood panelling, the décor in the dining room bears witness to its rich history. In the kitchen, Chef Hugo Bourny – formerly of La Vague d'Or, Anne-Sophie Pic and Le Marsan – embraces creative cuisine as demonstrated by his Camus artichoke in a variety of textures.

This Two Michelin Starred restaurant, discreetly tucked away among the colonnades of the Palais-Royal, has a decidedly intimate feel. Designed by Christophe Tollemer, the décor combines contemporary-style furniture with unadorned materials and a soft, orange-hued colour scheme. This warm, tranquil ambience is the perfect setting for the sun-drenched dishes created by Greek Chef Philip Chronopoulos, who trained at the Paul Bocuse school (his John Dory with saffron, salsify and kaffir is superb).