The best restaurants in the 1st arrondissement: between the Palais Royal, the Tuileries and the Louvre
The 1st arrondissement offers a unique concentration of great restaurants and inspired addresses. Whether you’re looking for refinement, travel or immediate pleasure, this district will delight you around every corner. Here’s our must-try selection.
Sam Sun: the soul of Seoul in the heart of Paris
Sam Sun offers an authentic plunge into Korean gastronomy, right in the Palais Royal district. Here, there’s no folklore or overdone decor. The atmosphere is sober, almost intimate. We come for the precision of our dishes and the quality of our produce. The bibimbap arrives piping hot, served in a warm bowl. The bulgogi is marinated to perfection, melting and fragrant. The kimchi is balanced, neither too acidic nor too pungent. The soups are comforting, the fried noodles very well mastered. The staff are discreet, smiling and always attentive. A place faithful to Seoul’s traditions, with an extra touch of Parisian elegance. A perfect address to discover a true, tasty and sincere Korea.
Sam Sun 삼순, 41 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris
Jakarta Bali: a Balinese escape
Djakarta Bali doesn’t just serve Indonesian food. It creates a total sensory voyage. From the moment you enter, the scent of spices envelops the space. Carved wood, soft shadows and traditional statues set the scene. Settle in, breathe in, forget Paris. The plates arrive generous, fragrant and colorful. The nasi goreng crisps, the satays melt, the beef rendang embalms. The sambals awaken the palate without assaulting it. Serve with jasmine tea or a tropical cocktail. The staff are smiling, attentive and warm. An ideal address to celebrate a curious mother, open to the world and to soul travel.
Djakarta Bali, 9 Rue Vauvilliers, 75001 Paris
L’Escargot Montorgueil: reinventing tradition
L’Escargot Montorgueil has been part of the Parisian scene since 1832. But make no mistake: the address is still very much alive. The Belle Époque setting is seductive with its moldings, gilding and velvet armchairs. The ambiance is reminiscent of another era, but the cuisine is still very much alive. Snails are prepared in a variety of delicious ways. The vol-au-vent is crisp to perfection. Homemade foie gras melts in your mouth. Vegetarian dishes are also cleverly integrated into the menu. The wine list is rich, with well-chosen classics. The service is smiling and very professional. It’s a place of memories, yes, but also of sincere pleasure. Perfect for a mother attached to true French flavors.
L’Escargot Montorgueil, 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris
Campelli: Italian finesse
Campelli offers elegant Italian cuisine without any heaviness. The pasta is homemade, always al dente. Sauces are traditional, without excess. Italian wines are well chosen, with some real finds. The service is attentive and the setting soothing. An ideal address for a chic lunch between two galleries. Here, Italy rhymes with precision.
Campelli by Vartivar Jarkezian, 36 Rue Croix des Petits Champs, 75001 Paris
Kapara: exuberant Israel
Kapara brings the energy of Tel Aviv to the heart of Paris. The room vibrates, the dishes are shared. We dig into hummus, roasted vegetables and grilled meats. Each plate is bursting with life. The team welcomes you with warmth. Cocktails prolong the atmosphere. It’s a generous, gourmet party that breaks the mould. A place that makes its mark, without ever forcing the issue.
Kapara, 9 Rue d’Alger, 75001 Paris
Benihana: Japanese entertainment in the heart of Paris
Benihana turns every meal into a performance. This Japanese restaurant near the Louvre focuses on the art of teppanyaki. The chef cooks in front of you, on a hot plate. Gestures are precise, fast and impressive. The flames rise, the knives dance. But the spectacle never takes precedence over the taste. Meat is tender, shrimp perfectly seared. The stir-fried rice is fragrant to perfection. Each dish is served hot, right to the second.
Benihana Paris, 163 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Plénitude – Cheval Blanc: excellence incarnate
Plénitude is not a restaurant, it’s a statement. Located within the Cheval Blanc, it offers a total experience. Chef Arnaud Donckele offers French cuisine of the highest order. Each sauce is conceived as a wine, each dish as a composition. The service is nothing short of perfection. The setting, facing the Seine, completes the enchantment. A rare, precious, unforgettable table.
Plénitude, 8 Quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris
Restaurant Palais Royal: discreet elegance
Facing the gardens, this restaurant lives up to its name. The setting is calm, elegant, almost secretive. The cuisine follows this line. Creative but clear. Refined but not showy. You feel you’re in a class of your own. The front-of-house team ensures gentle service and respects the rhythms of each table. The Palais Royal inspires a cuisine that takes its time. A precious break between two appointments or museums.
Palais Royal Restaurant Paris, 110 Gal de Valois, 75001 Paris
For other exceptional addresses in Paris, visit parisselectbook.com.
