Dining has changed in the era of social media. And in the City of Lights, things are no different. Here are some of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Paris — charming restaurants steeped in Old World charm that will get you "likes" like never before.
Happy Days Diner
While Paris is known for its café culture, there is an antidote to the city’s romantic flair — a chain of Americana diners. Order up a strawberry milkshake and slide into one of the seafoam-green seats. There is a classic black and white checkered floor and the walls are covered with California-inspired artworks with palm trees. For those who want to bring a slice of Americana home, they have pricey boxes of Lucky Charms cereal and jarred peanut butter at the bar (truly a place for expats).
Café de Flore
Known as one of the oldest cafés in Paris, Café de Flore is famous for its celebrity clientele. That includes regular appearances from the Hadid sisters, Kate Moss and Karl Lagerfeld — and not just during Paris Fashion Week. For its interiors, this hotspot boasts a retro yet chic design, with wood-panelled walls and tan leather booths. The real magic is the upstairs, which boasts seats covered in red velvet — this is where most of the upscale clientele choose to hang out.
Bateau Don Juan II Yachts De Paris
Forget the streets of Paris: This dinner cruise is a must-see for those who want an unmatchable view of the City of Lights' skyline while fine dining on the Seine. Star chef Guy Krenzer cooks up traditional French dishes in an Art Deco-inspired restaurant on this dinner boat, which sails smoothly and slowly. After the meal, get a selfie on the back of the barge with a glass of wine.
Café Panache
From striped tables to blue sofas, this is an Instagrammer's paradise in Paris. This hotspot was co-founded by Tatiana and Katia Levha (famed for their restaurant Double Dragon) and chef Oscar Rainaldo, who serves healthful, organic dishes with a Parisian twist. It’s also in the main floor of Hotel Panache, which is known for its elegance, charm, and hipster flair. The grey walls here are lined with lamps, so it's best to get your perfect photo during sunset.
La Coupole
This stately building in the city’s left bank neighborhood of Montparnasse — where artists including Pablo Picasso and Alberto Giacometti once had their studios — is home to La Coupole, an Old World-style restaurant and ballroom. This historic brasserie has been open for almost 100 years, and in that time, not much about it has changed. The prime photo op here is the collection of 1,500 champagne bottles all lined up together. Could it get any more French? The Art Deco columns all lined up here are all painted in a turquoise blue, and the floor is a mosaic. It's truly like a trip back to the 1920s, so those looking to enjoy a crepe while soaking up “old Paris” will be in their element.
Bouillon Racine
For a taste of traditional Parisian charm, step into this cozy art nouveau restaurant, which has been open since 1906. It's primarily a wine bar, where diners can choose from an exhaustive list of about 250 vintage French wines. if you’re not sure what to order, ask for the manager, Burgundy native Benjamin Buttner, who loves telling each bottle's story. To dine, try the simple dishes from the daily menu and sit back on the luscious walls while gazing out to street watch upscale Parisians in the left bank.
Beefbar
Vegetarians can still find plenty to eat at Beefbar. This 18th-century-style restaurant is a historic monument in itself, as it was only discovered in 1985 after being walled up during the Second World War. It’s in immaculate condition. Pull up a velvet chair to see how the Humbert & Poyet design studio has perfected the art nouveau touches to this iconic masterpiece. Of course, it’s for meat-lovers too — try the Kobe beef rillette.
Getting there
Want to pop into some of Paris' most Instagrammable locales? G Adventures can get you there. Check out our small group tours to France here.
