The insider’s guide to eating out in Paris: 3 celebrity chef restaurants not to miss

When it comes to drinking and eating out in Paris we love to be in-the-know! And, when it comes to food and wine, we can never go past a recommendation from our partner, Wendy Lyn: the insider’s insider.

Come with us as we go to three of the best celebrity chef restaurants on the right bank of Paris: where you’ll be sure to find those in the know about food, any night of the week. Leave space on your Paris to-do list for Clown Bar, Restaurant Frenchie, and La pointe du groin.

Bon appetit !

Clown Bar 

“You’d probably walk right past the historic Clown Bar in the 11th arrondissement without giving it a second thought – because of the old school facade and interior – but this new neighborhood spot is the latest food industry hangout partly because colleagues are cheering on the new owners Sven Chartier / Ewen Lemoigne (Saturne Restaurant – so good food & wine are a given) and the fact that it’s open on Sunday when many of their own restaurants are closed.” Read more here. 

The Dish to Get: Fried bulot snails w/spicy mayo, Gnocchi w/crushed hazelnut butter, Duck en Croute, Bonita w/horseradish.
The Scene: Lively lunches & evenings.
The Look: Retro Paris.
Who Goes: Natural wine geeks, Wine growers, Paris food industry.
The Soundtrack: Cool iTunes tracks.
Insider Tip: Reserve a place on the sunny terrace in warm weather.

Restaurant Frenchie

“Gregory Marchand‘s casual little neighborhood place on an alley by Les Halles is a huge international success & buzzing with regulars every Monday to Friday night. Affordable beautiful cooking, top notch wines and friendly professional service make it so popular, it is nearly impossible to get a table. One of my top five restaurants in the world.” Read more here

The Dish to Get: Just go for it – order the 5 course Carte Blanche.
The Scene: Lively, Boisterous, Friendly.
The Look: Industrial chic, Modern & Contemporary.
Who Goes: Wine growers, Sommeliers, Wine shop owners, Food industry, Locals, Visiting chefs & foodies.
Reservation Policy: Call to reserve at least 4 weeks in advance Mon – Fri 3pm – 7pm.
The Soundtrack: Fantastic mix of jazz, soft rock and classics.
Insider Tip: Call during opening days from 3 – 7pm.
If You Cannot Get In, Try: Spring, Septime, Saturne.

La Pointe du Groin

“Chef-Owner Thierry Breton’s new kitsch and charmingly chaotic wine bar is a favorite late night hangout to chefs and winemakers. There is no telephone, no servers, no reservations and euros must be exchanged at the change machine for the bar’s own currency.” Read more here.

The Dish to Get: Thierry’s native Brittany oysters, his gourmet sandwiches made w/his house baked bread.
The Scene: Music, rowdy late night crowd.
The Look: NYC loft meets Brittany docks meets piano bar.
Who Goes: Loyal regulars, Food industry, Wine makers.
Reservation Policy: No reservations, first come first served.
The Soundtrack: Everything from Sinatra to Guns & Roses, and whomever is playing the piano.
Insider Tip: Lunch is a civilized affair, drinks and late-night are rowdy.
If You Cannot Get In, Try: Glass, Mary Celeste.