Where to eat well in the 2nd arrondissement? Our favorite addresses.
The 2nd arrondissement is full of pleasant surprises. From the Sentier to the Bourse, plates vibrate, styles change, pleasure remains. Here are eight restaurants you should know about for a gourmet, generous or refined break.
Sam Chic: Korean mastery
Sam Chic is the discreet elegance of Korean barbecue. Nestled between Sentier and Bourse, the restaurant appeals to lovers of masterful cuisine. The décor is uncluttered, almost minimalist. There’s no showboating or folklore here. You sit around a table equipped with a central grill. The staff take care to cook everything to the minute, in front of you, in a slow, concentrated gesture.
Marinated meats melt in the mouth. The beef is tender, the chicken subtly caramelized. The accompaniments – kimchi, seasoned sprouts, pan-fried tofu – are all homemade. Each bite balances acidity, umami and sweetness. The japchae, sautéed in a minute, remains one of the best in the neighborhood. The atmosphere is calm and hushed. Each dish is savored with attention. An ideal address for a first serious discovery of Korea, upscale version.
Sam Chic, 11 Rue Rameau, 75002 Paris
Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie: cult bistro
For over a century, Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie has been delighting lovers of generous French cuisine. Located on rue Montmartre, this old-fashioned bistro cultivates authenticity without ever falling into caricature. Bevelled mirrors, dark wood panelling, white tablecloths… the charm is instantaneous.
The star here is foie gras. Pan-fried, semi-cooked or in ravioli, it’s the perfect accompaniment to classic, tasty cuisine. The duck breast is perfectly pink. The salmon gravlax is surprisingly fresh. Serve with a glass of wine from a fine selection. The service is familiar, smiling and unpretentious. Good food, real food. A reassuring address that keeps its promises, always full to bursting, especially at weekends.
Le P’tit Breton: the comfort cake
Le P’tit Breton attracts a loyal clientele who love well-made crêpes. Located on a busy street in the Bourse district, this crêperie has a simple, friendly atmosphere. The walls are light, the tables are close together, and the smell of beurre noisette wafts through the air.
The galettes are fine, crisp and always well garnished. The revisited “complète”, with farmer’s ham, mirror egg and Emmental cheese, is a unanimous favorite. Other more modern combinations include avocado, salmon and crunchy vegetables. The artisanal cider comes directly from small Breton producers. On the sweet side, the salted butter caramel crêpe remains a must. Service is fast, friendly and efficient. Perfect for a no-fuss but tasty break. The address reassures, comforts and is always a pleasure.
Le P’tit Breton | Opéra, 12 Rue de Port-Mahon, 75002 Paris
Senegalette: unexpected fusion, total success
Senegalette breaks codes with intelligence. In this small Sentier establishment, Brittany meets Senegal. And the magic happens. The concept intrigues, the taste convinces. The decor is simple, colorful and the atmosphere always welcoming. In the kitchen, Senegalese recipes are wrapped in thin, golden buckwheat pancakes.
Taste a tangy chicken yassa in a crispy pancake. A rich, creamy beef mafé, served in a Breton corolla. Thiéboudiène, an emblematic dish, is served with fragrant rice and tender fish, wrapped in mild spices. Homemade drinks – bissap, fresh ginger – add a lively touch. The whole is coherent, never forced. The welcome is sincere, the atmosphere warm. A bold, hybrid address that gently and generously recounts a dual culture.
Sénégalette, 38 Rue Poissonnière, 75002 Paris
Shana: plant-based and full-flavored
Shana gives pride of place to plants, without ever being boring. The dishes are colorful, full of vitamins and always well seasoned. The menu changes frequently, depending on the season. The homemade hummus is excellent, the roasted vegetables perfectly cooked. The plates are generous and full of energy. The atmosphere is calm and bright. A healthy, comforting interlude in the hustle and bustle of the Grands Boulevards. Ideal for a conscious but gourmet break.
Shana, 14 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris
PUR: refinement and sobriety
PUR epitomizes discreet haute gastronomy. The cuisine is contemporary, precise and elegant. Each dish tells the story of an idea, a season. The sauces are fine, the products perfectly showcased. Service is attentive, fluid, without excess. The décor is uncluttered, but not cold. You come here for an experience, not just a meal. A rare address, to be reserved for special occasions.
Pur’, 5 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris
Red Katz: smart street food
Red Katz revisits American street food with humor and precision. The sandwiches are hearty, the pickles homemade. We fall for the smoked pastrami, the juicy fried chicken and the golden-brown fries. The place is small but lively. You can eat in or take away. It’s gourmet, well done, without a false note. Perfect for a quick break between appointments.
Red Katz, 14 Rue de Cléry, 75002 Paris
La Baignoire: hidden bistro, guaranteed atmosphere
Nestled in a discreet street, La Baignoire remains one of the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets. The decor is a blend of vintage and humor. At the table, the cuisine changes according to the market. Plates are straightforward, generous and full of personality. The wine is well chosen, often natural. Service knows its products and advises with passion. You’ll come back for the atmosphere, the flavors and the slightly bohemian charm.
La Baignoire, 7 Rue Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle, 75002 Paris
For other confidential or festive addresses, explore our selection on parisselectbook.com.