5 Traditional Historic Bistros in Paris You Need to Know

Paris still has bistros where the cooking is steady, the atmosphere is unmistakably French, and regulars return decade after decade.

These five represent different corners of the city but share the same appeal: traditional cooking served with consistency. They remain anchors for anyone looking to experience the Paris bistro at its most authentic.

1. Bistrot Paul Bert (11th)

18 rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris

Paul Bert has been a reference point for years. The menu is unapologetically bistro: steak au poivre, côte de boeuf, and seasonal sides served in generous portions. Many consider its steak au poivre the best in Paris.

The wine list leans heavily toward natural and small-producer bottles, with plenty of depth for serious drinkers.

Reservations can only be made by phone, and some visitors find it easier to have their hotel handle the call.

2. Le Bon Georges (9th arrondissement)

45 rue Saint-Georges, 75009 Paris

Le Bon Georges built its reputation on sourcing. The beef comes from Polmard, a respected artisan breeder, and vegetables arrive from small French farms.

Dishes stay within the bistro canon – entrecôte, veal stew, and sole meunière, but with consistent and sharp execution.

The wine list is another draw, focused on carefully chosen French regions. It’s popular with both Parisians and repeat visitors, so booking ahead is essential.

3. Chez Fernand Christine (6th arrondissement)

9 rue Christine, 75006 Paris

Sitting in a quiet street in Saint-Germain, Chez Fernand Christine keeps to hearty classics: beef bourguignon, duck confit, and bone marrow.

The dining room is intimate, with wooden beams and old stone walls giving it a warm feel. The place has been a dependable stop for decades, with attentive service.

Its proximity to the Seine and the Odéon theater makes it a great dinner option after sightseeing or a show.

4. Allard (6th arrondissement)

41 rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris

Allard is one of the last surviving Left Bank bistros of its era. Founded in 1932, it became known for Burgundy dishes like duck with olives and escargots.

Alain Ducasse’s group took over in 2013, preserving the historic décor – mirrors, wood paneling, tiled floor – while updating the kitchen. It serves reliable French dishes in surroundings that feel unchanged for nearly a century.

Despite the ownership shift, it’s still a place Parisians recommend when asked where to eat traditional French food in the Quartier Latin.

5. Chez René (5th arrondissement)

14 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris

Chez René opened in 1957, founded by a couple from Beaujolais, and the décor still feels mid-century with brass rails, wooden trim, and red banquettes.

The menu bridges Paris bistro classics and bouchon lyonnais cooking: saucisson de Lyon with pistachios, coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and gratins. Portions are generous, and the chocolate mousse is a signature.

François Mitterrand was a regular, and locals still point to it when asked where to find an authentic, old-style bistro in the Latin Quarter.