Where I Ate in Paris in the Spring: A 4-Day Paris Restaurant Guide

April 30, 2026

Spring in Paris can be unpredictable—but this trip felt like a gift. The weather was exceptionally (and unseasonably) warm and sunny, which meant long, lingering meals on terraces—something you can’t always count on when visiting Paris in April. It shaped the entire experience, turning each meal into a moment.

If you’re planning a trip and looking for where to eat in Paris, here is my exact 3-day Paris restaurant itinerary. It is impossible to say this or that restaurant in Paris is the best – there are just too many options. But all of these were wonderfully unique, delicious and quintessentially Paris.

Evening 1: A Classic Saint-Germain Brasserie

Brasserie des Prés – 6 Cr du Commerce Saint-André, 75006 Paris, France

After arriving in Paris via the Eurostar, we checked into the beautiful Relais Christine and went straight to dinner at Brasserie des Prés in the 6th arrondissement—one of the most beautiful brasseries in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

The interior is exactly what you imagine when you think of classic Paris dining: warm lighting, mirrored interiors, and that lively Left Bank energy. However, thanks to some epic Spring weather, we ate outside on the terrace and had lots of fun people (and dog) watching!

Day 2 Lunch: A Terrace in the Marais Near the Seine

Chez Julien – 1 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004 Paris, France

Lunch the next day was on the terrace at Chez Julien in the 4th arrondissement, one of the most charming restaurants in Le Marais near the Seine.

Chez Julien, Paris gscinparis — Chez Julien, Paris

They offered a nice Entrée + Plat + Dessert + Café formule and everything was freshly prepared like this cold velouté with lavendar:

With the sun shining and the city slowly unfolding around us, it was a quintessential Paris moment. If you’re searching for a romantic Paris terrace restaurant or a beautiful spot for lunch in Le Marais, this is an ideal choice—especially in spring and summer.

Day 2 Dinner: Eiffel Tower Views

Chez Francis – 7, place de l’Alma – 75008 Paris

Dinner that evening was at Chez Francis, one of my go-tos from the days when I lived there (It’s on Place de l’Alma, after which I named a daughter…) This is one of the most iconic Eiffel Tower view restaurants in Paris.

If you’re planning a special night, this is one of the best places for a true “Paris moment.” Go at sunset and stay as the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle—it’s one of the most memorable dining experiences in Paris.

Day 3 Lunch: A Hidden Gem Wine Bar in the 1st

Juveniles – 47 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France

Lunch on day three was at Juveniles in the 1st arrondissement, a beloved Paris wine bar and restaurant known for its natural wines and intimate atmosphere.

Juveniles Restaurant, Paris gscinparis — Juveniles Restaurant, Paris

This is one of those hidden gem restaurants in Paris that locals love—and reservations are a must. If you’re looking for a more insider, less touristy dining experience, this is an excellent addition to your Paris restaurant itinerary.

The food was outsdanding and I would say this was the best meal I had on the whole trip. The ingredients are so fresh, they taste plucked out of the ground. I ordered a magret de canard, because true magret is very difficult to find in the US and it was accompanied by a whimsical but delicious smoked beet ketchup.

And for dessert, we were treated to the first strawberries of the season.

Day 3 Dinner: A Classic Café in Saint-Germain

Café Buci – 52 Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris

After the Renoir exhibit at the Orsay, we returned to the 6th arrondissement for dinner at Café Buci, a quintessential Paris café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Seated inside with the windows wide open onto Rue de Buci, it was the perfect blend of cozy and vibrant. If you’re looking for a classic Paris café experience – like cracking open your crème brulée while enjoying the incredible people-watching, this is one of the best spots in Saint-Germain.

Day 4 Lunch: Traditional French Cuisine in the Marais

Au Bourguignon du Marais – 52 rue François Miron, 75004 Paris

Lunch on the final day was at Au Bourguignon du Marais, one of the best places for traditional French food in Le Marais.

Au Bourgignon du Marais, Paris gscinparis — Au Bourgignon du Marais, Paris

Known for its rich Burgundian dishes, this is a must-visit if you want to experience authentic French cuisine in Paris. Like Les Juveniles, reservations are recommended, especially during busy travel seasons.

Day 4 Dinner: Say Good-bye to Paris at a Cozy, Classic French Bistro in the 6th

Au Père Louis – 38 rue Monsieur Le Prince, 75006 Paris

We ended the trip with dinner at Au Père Louis in the 6th arrondissement—a small, cozy classic French bistro in Saint-Germain.

Au Père Louis, Paris gscinparis — Au Père Louis, Paris

It’s intimate, traditional, and quietly perfect—the kind of place that feels unchanged in the best way. We re-capped our short but wonderful trip over a platter of oysters and had trouble picking a wine due to the enormous selection. A final dinner here felt like the ideal closing note to a few days of truly memorable Paris dining.

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Paris Food Itinerary

What I love most about eating in Paris is that it’s not just about the food—it’s about the atmosphere, the setting, and the rhythm of the city.

This trip, with its rare stretch of warm April weather and so many terrace meals, felt especially memorable—like Paris at its most generous.

If you’re building your own Paris travel itinerary, this mix of brasseries, cafés, wine bars, and traditional French restaurants, sprinkled about a variety of neighborhoods (arrondisements) offers a beautiful and well-balanced way to experience the city.

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