9 Ways to Dodge the Hype and Eat Well in Paris
The “TikTok effect” has turned many of the best parts of Paris into crowded photo ops. If you want to spend your trip eating world-class food instead of standing on a sidewalk, here is how to navigate the city like an insider.
1. Skip the viral pastry lines
Places like Cédric Grolet Opéra have become social media sensations for their fruit-shaped pastries, but they now require waiting in line for hours. Paris has thousands of incredible boulangeries and patisseries where you can walk in and get a superior croissant or éclair without wasting half your day.
2. Reconsider the “Instagrammable” tea rooms
Carette and Angelina are historic, but they are currently overrun by influencers filming their hot chocolate. Instead, head to Plaq Chocolate or L’Arbre à Café for superior hot chocolate without the camera-touting crowds. If you want that classic island atmosphere without the wait, try Cypsèle on Île Saint-Louis – a favorite for those who want quality over “clout.”
3. Look for the handwritten blackboard
A real Parisian bistro usually has an “ardoise” – a handwritten chalkboard menu. This is a sign that the chef is cooking with seasonal ingredients that change daily. Avoid any place that has a permanent, glossy menu with photos of the food, as these are almost always designed to lure in tourists.
4. Use the “French-only” guides
To find the best meals, ignore English-language hashtags and look at local guides like Le Fooding or Guide Pudlo. These publications are written by and for Parisians. Because they focus on culinary technique rather than “aesthetic” decor, they are often overlooked by the influencer crowd.
5. Head to the Batignolles neighborhood
If you want to escape the crowds near the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, go to the 17th arrondissement. Areas like Batignolles are full of high-end bistros like Coretta or Petit Boutary. These spots rely on local residents rather than tourists, so the quality has to remain high to keep the doors open.
6. Check the lunch crowd
The best seal of approval for a restaurant is seeing it packed with locals during a weekday lunch. If you see people in business attire or locals without phones out enjoying a “plat du jour,” you have found an authentic spot. Parisians are very picky about their lunch breaks and won’t tolerate the long waits or high prices found at viral locations.
7. Embrace the random walk-in
Paris has one of the highest restaurant-to-person ratios in the world. Often, the most memorable meal of a trip comes from simply walking into a quiet side-street bistro that looks cozy and smells good. Stepping away from the “must-visit” lists allows you to discover the spontaneous charm that makes the city famous in the first place.
8. Avoid the “Instagrammable” decor trap
Many viral restaurants invest more in their interior design than their kitchen staff. If you see a place with neon signs, flower walls, or elaborate spiral staircases, it is likely designed specifically to attract influencers. These spots often prioritize “the shot” over the flavor, leading to expensive meals that look great on a screen but taste mediocre.
9. Use virtual queues for popular spots
If you really want to visit a trendy place like Kodawari Ramen, check if they use a digital waiting list. Joining a virtual queue allows you to explore the nearby streets or browse a bookstore rather than wasting an hour standing on the sidewalk.
10. Look for the “Complet” sign
In Paris, a sign in the window that says “Complet” (Full) is often a mark of quality. It usually means the restaurant is small, popular with locals, and requires a reservation.
Rather than being a “viral” spot with a line of tourists, these are the establishments where people plan ahead because the food is consistently excellent. Don’t be afraid to book a table a few days in advance for these hidden gems.