Paris is often referred to as the City of Lights, a name that reflects not only its shimmering beauty but also the fact that the city never truly sleeps. Whether you’re a night owl exploring the vibrant nightlife, a traveler dealing with jet lag, or simply someone who loves a late-night snack, Paris has something to offer around the clock. In this guide, I’ll take you through the best spots for 24-hour food in Paris, sharing my personal favorites and insider tips on where to find delicious eats at any time of day or night.
Why Paris Is a Food Lover’s Paradise, Day and Night
Paris is world-renowned for its culinary scene, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming neighborhood bistros. But what many might not realize is that the city also caters to those in need of food at unconventional hours. Whether it’s a hearty meal after a night out or an early morning pastry before the city awakens, Paris has a surprising number of options that are open 24 hours a day.
Unlike some cities where late-night food options are limited to fast food or convenience stores, Paris offers a wide range of culinary delights even in the wee hours. From traditional French cuisine to international flavors, the city’s 24-hour eateries provide something for every taste and craving.
24-Hour Food Spots in Paris
1.Le Grand Café Capucines
When it comes to 24-hour dining in Paris, Le Grand Café Capucines is an iconic spot that stands out. Located in the bustling Opéra district, this historic brasserie has been serving up classic French cuisine around the clock since 1875.
Why Visit: Le Grand Café Capucines is perfect for those who want to experience the elegance of Parisian dining at any hour. The interior is beautifully decorated with art nouveau touches, and the atmosphere is both lively and sophisticated.
What to Try: The menu features a wide range of traditional French dishes, but the onion soup is a must-try, especially on a chilly night. The seafood platter is another highlight, offering a selection of fresh oysters, shrimp, and crab. For dessert, indulge in their crème brûlée or a selection of pastries from their in-house bakery.
2.Au Pied de Cochon
Another legendary 24-hour spot in Paris is Au Pied de Cochon, located in the heart of Les Halles. This historic brasserie has been serving hungry Parisians and visitors alike since 1947 and is known for its hearty and satisfying fare.
Why Visit: Au Pied de Cochon is a true Parisian institution, famous for its generous portions and lively atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly popular with night owls, as it offers a comforting and delicious meal at any time of day or night.
What to Try: The restaurant’s namesake dish, pied de cochon (pig’s trotter), is a must-try for those looking to experience traditional French cuisine. The onion soup gratinée and the seafood platters are also highly recommended. Don’t forget to try their famous tarte Tatin for dessert, a caramelized apple tart that’s simply divine.
3.Le Select
For a taste of classic Parisian café culture at any hour, head to Le Select in the Montparnasse district. This historic café has been a favorite haunt of artists, writers, and intellectuals since the 1920s, and it remains open 24/7.
Why Visit: Le Select offers a quintessential Parisian experience, with its charming outdoor terrace, vintage décor, and a menu filled with café classics. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee, a light snack, or a full meal, Le Select has you covered.
What to Try: The croque-monsieur is a classic choice, perfect for a late-night snack or a light meal. The café also offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. For a true Parisian experience, order a café crème and a slice of tarte aux pommes (apple tart).
4.La Maison de l’Aubrac
If you’re craving a hearty meal in the middle of the night, La Maison de l’Aubrac is the place to go. Located near the Champs-Élysées, this 24-hour restaurant specializes in dishes from the Aubrac region of France, known for its high-quality beef and rustic cuisine.
Why Visit: La Maison de l’Aubrac is a meat lover’s paradise, offering a menu that showcases the best of French beef. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to enjoy a comforting meal at any time.
What to Try: The côte de bœuf (rib of beef) is the star of the menu, served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crispy fries. The charcuterie platter is another great option, featuring a selection of cured meats and cheeses. For dessert, try the chocolate fondant or the traditional French cheese plate.
See also: 5 Best Foods Marais
5.La Cantine du Troquet
For a more casual and budget-friendly option, La Cantine du Troquet in the 15th arrondissement is a great choice. This lively bistro offers a menu of Basque-inspired dishes and is open 24/7.
Why Visit: La Cantine du Troquet is known for its friendly atmosphere, generous portions, and affordable prices. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
What to Try: The menu changes regularly, but you can always expect hearty, flavorful dishes that highlight the best of Basque cuisine. The steak frites is a popular choice, as is the grilled squid with garlic and parsley. Don’t forget to order a glass of wine from their extensive selection to complement your meal.
6.L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer
For seafood lovers, L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer is a must-visit. This tiny, standing-room-only eatery is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and is open 24/7, offering some of the freshest and most creative seafood dishes in Paris.
Why Visit: L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer offers a unique dining experience, with a focus on high-quality seafood and a menu that changes daily based on the freshest catches. The atmosphere is lively and convivial, making it a great place to enjoy a late-night snack or a light meal.
What to Try: The menu features a variety of small plates, perfect for sharing. The oysters are a must-try, as are the sardines with lemon and olive oil. The tuna tartare and the scallop carpaccio are also highly recommended. Pair your meal with a glass of white wine from their carefully curated selection.
7.Chez Denise (La Tour de Montlhéry)
For a truly authentic Parisian dining experience, head to Chez Denise, also known as La Tour de Montlhéry. This traditional bistro, located in Les Halles, has been serving up hearty French fare since 1908 and is open 24 hours a day.
Why Visit: Chez Denise is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, known for its generous portions, lively atmosphere, and classic French dishes. The restaurant has retained its old-world charm, with checkered tablecloths, wooden beams, and a warm, welcoming ambiance.
What to Try: The boeuf bourguignon (beef stew) is a standout dish, rich and flavorful, served with buttery mashed potatoes. The escargots (snails) are another classic choice, prepared with garlic and parsley butter. For dessert, try the île flottante (floating island), a light and fluffy meringue served with caramel sauce.
8.Au Sauvignon
Located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, Au Sauvignon is a charming wine bar that also offers a selection of small plates and snacks. While not a full restaurant, it’s a great spot for a late-night bite or a glass of wine.
Why Visit: Au Sauvignon has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine and some light snacks. The bar is known for its excellent selection of wines, many of which are available by the glass.
What to Try: The charcuterie and cheese platters are a great choice for sharing, featuring a selection of artisanal meats and cheeses. The croque-monsieur is also a popular option, perfect for a quick and satisfying snack. Pair your food with a glass of red or white wine from their extensive list.
9.Le Duc des Lombards
If you’re in the mood for some late-night jazz along with your meal, Le Duc des Lombards is the place to be. This iconic jazz club in the Châtelet district offers live music every night and is open late, making it a great spot for a post-concert snack or drink.
Why Visit: Le Duc des Lombards offers a unique dining experience, combining great food with live jazz music. The club has a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night out in Paris.
What to Try: The menu at Le Duc des Lombards is focused on light bites and snacks, perfect for enjoying while listening to the music. The cheese plate is a great choice, featuring a selection of French cheeses. The club also offers a variety of cocktails and wines to complement your meal.
The 24-Hour Crêperies of Paris
No visit to Paris would be complete without indulging in a crêpe, and fortunately, there are a number of crêperies in the city that are open 24 hours a day.
Crêperie Brocéliande
Located in the Montmartre district, Crêperie Brocéliande is a charming spot that offers a wide variety of sweet and savory crêpes. The crêperie is open 24/7, making it the perfect place to satisfy your late-night cravings.
Why Visit: Crêperie Brocéliande offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a menu that features a wide range of crêpes to suit every taste. The crêperie is particularly popular with night owls, who appreciate the convenience of being able to enjoy a delicious crêpe at any time.
What to Try: The savory crêpes, known as galettes, are made with buckwheat flour and are a must-try. The ham and cheese galette is a classic choice, but there are also plenty of options for vegetarians and those with a sweet tooth. For dessert, try a traditional crêpe with Nutella and bananas or a more indulgent option like the caramelized apple and salted butter crêpe.
Conclusion
Paris is a city that truly caters to food lovers, offering a wide range of culinary delights at any hour of the day or night. Whether you’re looking for a late-night snack, an early morning breakfast, or a full meal in the middle of the night, Paris has something to satisfy every craving.
From historic brasseries and cozy cafés to modern bistros and trendy eateries, the city’s 24-hour food scene offers a diverse array of options that are sure to delight. So the next time you find yourself in Paris and hunger strikes at an odd hour, rest assured that you’ll be able to find something delicious to eat, no matter the time.
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