7 typical Saint-Germain-des-Prés restaurants for lunch with tourist friends
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is brimming with unmissable addresses. Here are seven typical restaurants where you can enjoy an authentic lunch with visiting friends.
This emblematic Left Bank district attracts lovers of French gastronomy. From historic brasseries to modern addresses, the offer is varied. Here are seven establishments where you can share a convivial, gourmet moment.
Les Éditeurs – Literary elegance on the plate
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Éditeurs combines restaurant and reading room. The cosy ambience appeals to lovers of literature and gastronomy. It’s the ideal place to enjoy lunch with friends, in a warm and elegant setting.
The decor, adorned with bookcases lined with books, pays tribute to the intellectual history of the neighborhood. Writers, students and tourists in search of Parisian authenticity can often be found here.
The menu features seasonal French cuisine, with revisited dishes. Must-tries include truffle egg parfait, knife-edged beef tartare and creamy mushroom risotto. Desserts, such as lemon meringue pie and chocolate moelleux, are sure to please even the most discerning palate.
The service is efficient, and the atmosphere lends itself to relaxed lunches or passionate discussions over a glass of wine.
Les Éditeurs, 4 Carr de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
Les Deux Magots – A historic institution
It’s impossible to talk about Saint-Germain-des-Prés without mentioning Les Deux Magots. Founded in 1885, this café-restaurant is a must for history and culture buffs.
Once frequented by Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway, it continues to attract artists and intellectuals. Today, tourists and Parisians alike enjoy traditional French cuisine in a setting steeped in history.
The menu features timeless classics: omelette aux fines herbes, croque-monsieur, escargots de Bourgogne and tartare de boeuf. The dessert menu features gourmet pastries such as tarte Tatin and vanilla millefeuille.
The terrace, sunny in fine weather, offers a perfect view of the lively neighborhood. Professional, discreet service guarantees a pleasant moment.
Les Deux Magots – 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris
Atelier d’André – A friendly, authentic bistro
Less well known than the neighborhood’s great brasseries, Atelier d’André is a true Parisian bistro. The atmosphere is convivial, and the warm welcome makes all the difference.
The decor is authentic, with wooden furniture and subdued lighting. You immediately feel at ease, as in a neighborhood bistro where regulars rub shoulders with curious visitors.
The cuisine is generous and traditional. Highlights include perfectly cooked duck breast, grilled entrecote and crispy potatoes. For fish lovers, roast sea bass with fresh herbs is a delight.
As for desserts, the crème brûlée and homemade tarte Tatin are sure to please. A great address for a relaxed, gourmet lunch away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade.
ATELIER d’ANDRÉ – Restaurant & Fine Wines, 36 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris
Les Parisiens – The chic bistro in Saint-Germain
Located near Le Bon Marché, Les Parisiens is an elegant bistro serving refined bistronomic cuisine. The address is prized for its hushed setting and impeccable service.
The menu, based on fresh, seasonal produce, changes regularly. Highlights include crispy sea bass fillet, creamy mushroom risotto and revisited boeuf bourguignon.
The ambiance is chic but unpretentious. Ideal for a relaxed lunch with friends.
Les Parisiens Restaurant by Thibault Sombardier, 1 Rue du Pré aux Clercs, 75007 Paris
Le Procope – The historic soul of Paris
Opened in 1686, Le Procope is the oldest café in Paris. Voltaire, Diderot and Rousseau debated here centuries ago. Today, the establishment continues the tradition of French gastronomy.
The menu features old-fashioned recipes: coq au vin simmered in wine, calf’s head in gribiche sauce, sole meunière and Burgundy snails. The flavors are authentic, and the portions generous.
The décor, with its antique chandeliers, engravings and period furniture, immediately plunges you into history. A timeless, immersive culinary experience.
Le Procope, 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
Lipp – The Parisian brasserie par excellence
Since 1880, Lipp has been an emblematic address in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The place is prized for its lively atmosphere and well-preserved Art Deco decor.
The menu focuses on the great classics of French brasseries. Enjoy hearty sauerkraut, creamy veal blanquette and crispy pig’s trotter.
Service is fast and efficient, in the pure tradition of Parisian brasseries. Ideal for lunching with friends in a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Brasserie Lipp, 151 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Café de Flore – Timeless elegance
Along with Les Deux Magots, Le Café de Flore is a symbol of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Since 1887, it has attracted artists, intellectuals and history buffs.
The menu offers simple, effective cuisine. You’ll find egg mayonnaise, croque-monsieur, club sandwiches and mixed salads. The thick hot chocolate is a must-try.
The atmosphere, both chic and lively, is what makes this place so charming. The terrace lets you enjoy the Parisian atmosphere while sipping a coffee or glass of wine.
Café de Flore, 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Must-visit addresses for a gourmet break in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Whether you’re looking for a lively brasserie, a cozy bistro or a historic address, these restaurants offer an immersion in Parisian art de vivre.
Your tourist friends will discover the unique charm of the neighborhood and the authentic flavors of French cuisine.
