For the French, food is sacred. Skipping or even being late for lunch or dinner when you have been invited is considered extremely rude. In a city where dining is such a cherished pastime, Paris offers hundreds of cafés and restaurants of all kinds – including, of course, Michelin-starred establishments.
An experienced traveller knows it’s best to choose a hotel in Paris before travelling, but what about restaurants? They’re just as important – so be sure to book a table in advance!
In this article, we’ll help you understand the intricacies and introduce you to restaurants in Paris that have been awarded one or even several Michelin stars.
» READ MORE – Famous french desserts: where to try them in Paris
What is Michelin?
In Paris, Michelin is synonymous with culinary artistry and refinement. As you stroll through the streets of the city, be prepared – any establishment may turn out to be a gastronomic temple, where dishes are crafted with the same care and attention as the bouquets sold near the Eiffel Tower.
Michelin, or Le Guide Rouge, is the world’s most prestigious and influential restaurant guide. It was founded in 1900 – more than 125 years ago! Initially, it was a small travel guide listing petrol stations, motels, and roadside cafés. Over time, the guide shifted its focus to haute cuisine and developed a sophisticated rating system.
People don’t visit Michelin-starred restaurants just to satisfy hunger – they come to experience haute French cuisine. And, to be fair, you won’t leave these places stuffed – portions are typically small, and prices high. But it’s worth it! The food and service at Michelin-starred restaurants are forms of art, offering both gastronomic and aesthetic pleasure.
» READ MORE – 10 French dishes worth trying in Paris
What do the stars mean?
- One star indicates high-quality cuisine, a pleasant atmosphere, and friendly staff. If you stumble upon such a place, it’s definitely worth a visit – but not necessarily worth a special trip
- Two stars mean the cuisine, service, and atmosphere are exceptional. These restaurants deserve your attention. For those who love gourmet food and refined service, it’s a small miracle
- Three stars – these restaurants are must-visits, like the Louvre! The cuisine here delivers an almost otherworldly experience. Service, drinks, and ambience match the standard of the food. But keep in mind – the bill will be equally extraordinary. Most of these restaurants require reservations, so plan ahead!
- The Michelin Green Star is a special award given to restaurants that contribute to environmental sustainability and nature conservation. In Paris, these places use local, organic ingredients, minimize waste, and embrace energy-efficient technologies
Aside from stars, the Michelin Guide also features other distinctions for excellent cuisine.
While not equivalent to stars, these marks still signal quality and offer more moderate pricing.
Look for symbols like coins, crossed knives and forks (up to five), or even a simple mention in the guide. Michelin doesn’t hand out compliments easily.
How do you get a Michelin star?
Work, work, and more work. Earning a Michelin star means being the absolute best in your field.
It’s worth noting that a restaurant can gain – and lose – a star. The phrase «hard to find, easy to lose, and impossible to forget» fits perfectly here.
Stars are awarded every 18 months. During that time, anonymous inspectors visit restaurants and evaluate only the cuisine. That’s right — just the food. The entire outcome depends on the chef. If a chef resigns, the star leaves with them and may be awarded to their new restaurant.
Inspectors revisit both aspiring establishments and those already holding stars. No one keeps a star forever – and it’s easy to lose if the food stops being exceptional.
The best starred restaurants in Paris
As of 2025, Paris boasts 134 Michelin-starred restaurants:
- 3 Michelin stars – 10 restaurants
- 2 Michelin stars – 17 restaurants
- 1 Michelin star – 107 restaurants
- Green Michelin star – 9 restaurants
If you’ve been to one of these restaurants, share your experience in the comments at the end of this article. We’d love to hear how you liked it.
And finally – a tip on the best of the best.
Gastronomy, not a canteen
Michelin-starred restaurants aren’t just places to grab a meal – they’re theatres of taste. Each lunch or dinner is a carefully orchestrated performance, requiring fresh ingredients, precise timing, and attention to every guest. A chef, like an actor, doesn’t perform four shows a day.
Two acts: lunch and dinner
Most starred restaurants operate in two shifts:
- Déjeuner – lunch, usually from 12:30 to 14:00
- Dîner – dinner, from 19:30 to 21:30
Between these is a technical break: staff rest, prepare new menus, reset tables, and receive deliveries. It’s part of the culture of exceptional service.
They don‘t work every day – and that’s normal
In Paris, many gourmet restaurants close on Sundays and Mondays. Here’s why:
- Fewer reservations on these days
- Suppliers are also closed
- The chef and team need rest – it’s a demanding profession, prone to burnout
Some restaurants operate only four to five days a week. This isn’t a sign of elitism – it’s a commitment to quality.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Etoile *
A one-star Michelin restaurant. The dim lighting and dark-toned interior create an air of mystery, while the cuisine pleases even the most refined palates – both visually and gastronomically. The wine list is modest but exceptionally curated.
Pay attention to the opening hours – a nice bonus, as not all restaurants are open so consistently and for such long lunch hours.
| Lunch | Dinner |
| Monday – Sunday | |
| 12 a.m, – 3 p.m. | 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. |
Located on the Champs-Élysées, in the heart of the famed avenue, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe and Place Charles de Gaulle. The surroundings are as impressive as the cuisine.
La Scène **
Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, this restaurant is hard to forget – a light-toned interior, excellent service, and superb cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Don’t forget: La Scène has two Michelin stars, though it likely deserves more.
| Lunch | Dinner |
| Monday to Friday | |
| 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. – 8:46 p.m. |
It lies between the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Foch, just minutes from the Arc de Triomphe – a prestigious area filled with elegant mansions, designer boutiques, and views of iconic landmarks.
KEI ***
The chef here brings together vision, talent, and the finest ingredients to create dishes that are truly unforgettable – in the best way. You’ll be offered a wine pairing and, if you wish, a story behind the bottle.
Note: getting into a three-star restaurant is no easy task. Be sure to book a table in advance, either by phone or online.
| Lunch | Dinner |
| Friday – Saturday | |
| 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | 7:45 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Tuesday – Thursday | |
|
7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
|
|
Centrally located in the 1st arrondissement, just a few minutes from the Louvre and the Forum des Halles shopping centre – perfect for those who love both art and great food.
Arpège ***
As Alain Passard says, «The best cookbook belongs to Mother Nature herself.» Unsurprisingly, Arpège has also earned a Michelin Green Star. Since 2001, vegetables have taken centre stage here, sourced from the chef’s own gardens and elevated to fine art.
His famous salt-crusted beetroot and radical vegetarian menu, once unconventional, now set the standard.
| Lunch | Dinner |
| Monday to Friday | |
| 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. |
Tucked away on a quiet street near the Rodin Museum garden and the Invalides, this cosy restaurant transforms nature’s bounty into edible masterpieces.
» READ MORE – Traditional Christmas dishes from 10 European countries
Bellefeuille – Saint James Paris *
Set in a mansion dating back to 1892, this elegant one-star restaurant combines exclusivity with eco-consciousness. Proud holder of a Michelin Green Star, Bellefeuille cultivates over 250 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs in its garden. Sustainability, organic methods, and a seasonal, mostly meat-free menu make this a true gourmet oasis in the heart of the city.
Breakfast and lunch at Bellefeuille are reserved exclusively for hotel guests and Saint James club members.
| Breakfast | |
| 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | |
| Lunch | Dinner |
| Monday – Friday | |
| 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
It’s located on one of the most prestigious streets in Paris, near the Bois de Boulogne park and the Arc de Triomphe. The view is as refined as the cuisine.
We wish you a delicious journey through Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris! And remember – stars aren’t only in the sky, they’re also on your plate.
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