Restaurants In The Marais Paris: 14 Best Gourmet Experiences

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There are plenty of restaurants in the Marais. Le Marais Paris is a large district stretching across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Le Marais is a lively area to explore in Paris just bursting with boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries and majestic ancient mansions.

I lived in the Marais in Paris for 6 months and although it was during the Coronavirus, I did manage to eat at these awesome restaurants. This list of best restaurants in le Marais Paris is definitely a work in progress.

Let me know which of the restaurants in the Marais I should head to next.

Which of these best restaurants in the Marais will top your list for your next trip to Paris?

1. Big Love (Italian)

30 rue Debelleyne, Paris, 3rd arrondissement

I first went to Big Love in le Marais a few years ago, as they offered a gluten-free crust pizza and I was eating my way through gluten-free Paris finding the gluten-free gastronomic delights. In the summer of 2020, the gluten-free pizza crust was off the menu.

I’ve eaten pizzas (both gf crust and normal) and pasta at Big Love. If you’re looking for a real Italian trattoria with authentic Italian buzz, ingredients from Italy, incredible flavours, and servers that speak Italian (Ciao, Bella!) then this is your place. You just can’t go wrong at Big Love.

Big Love is part of the Big Mamma group with 7 Paris locations. In 2022, I ate at Ober Mama (great pizza) and if you want to dine at Pink Mama, it is necessary to make a reservation about three weeks in advance.

Best Restaurants in le Marais: Big Love

2. Best Restaurants In The Marais: Café Charlot

38 rue de Bretagne, Paris, 3rd arrondissement

Café Charlot and I were neighbours for about five months. Now, I’m not going to say that it was always open (Thank you, Covid-19) but when it was, I found a spot on the terrasse. It’s the perfect neighbourhood brasserie to meet a friend for lunch or an apéro or to have a coffee and do some writing. The servers are always welcoming. And I love their salads – especially the mango and burrata summer salad. If you are a meat lover, I have the inside scoop from two Parisians that Café Charlot has an outstanding steak tartare.

Don’t forget to peek inside the café. It’s a classic French bistro, originally a bakery, and exudes Parisian charm.

Update 2022: I find myself returning to Café Charlot over and over again. It’s the servers, the ambience, and the corner location which make for outstanding people watching.

Best Restaurants in the Marais: Café Charlot

3. Candelaria (Mexican)

52 rue de Saintonge, Paris, 3rd arrondissement

It’s so tiny. It’s perfect. I love Mexican food so finding Candelaria so close to where I lived was a real treat. It’s the regular Mexican fare with burritos and tacos and I particularly love their guacamole and chips.

Don’t miss Taco Tuesday and the Mexican Sunday Brunch!

And, make sure you walk through the tiny restaurant and through the door at the back to find yourself in a bar, specializing in tequila!

Best Restaurants in le Marais: Candelaria Paris

4. Chez Fred/ Stou Fred (Greek)

223 rue Saint-Martin, Paris, 3rd arrondissement

It was in Passage de l’Ancre talking to a Canadian at Pep’s Umbrella Repair Shop (sadly now closed), that I first heard of Stou Fred. I went for lunch a few days later.

The restaurant is tiny. You are cheek and jowl with the kitchen, watching the stove sizzle and the moussaka being pulled from the oven. The chef arrives at your table and engages in conversation sharing his passion for the fusion of flavours and the source of his ingredients.

The ambience? It’s perfect.

The food? To die for.

The flavours are unforgettable.

It’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Let’s hope it reopens after all this Coronavirus mess. I’ve walked by a few times and it is not open, yet. Fingers crossed because I know I’ll be heading back to Stou Fred.

Best Restaurants in the Marais: Stou Fred Paris

5. Best Restaurants In Le Marais: Crêperie Breizh Café

109 rue Vielle du Temple, Paris, 3rd arrondissement

Breizh has seven locations in Paris, serving up delectable galettes and crepes. I’ve eaten at Breizh in the Marais several times and quite frankly. the location in the 6th arrondissement was a lifesaver during one of the confinements (does anyone else have memories of the confinements all running together?). Take out only, the delightful server would pop in a huge handful of authentic Breton caramels along with our galette order. I think he was trying to keep us gals smiling!

Head on over to Breizh if you are craving a Breton galette made with buckwheat flour. This is the perfect meal in Paris for the gluten-free traveller.

Best Restaurants in the Marais: Crêperie Breizh Café

6. Restaurants In The Marais: Eataly

37 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, Paris, 4th arrondissement

I resisted going to Eataly for a long time. In fact, I rode by it at least 100 times before going. Maybe I knew there was one in Toronto, Canada and it didn’t appeal.

However. I did go. And I loved it. At Christmas, the authentic panettone and Italian biscotti were a source of deliciousness and joy. The Italian market is full of authentic Italian goods and produce. And the restaurant, which was takeout only during Covid-19, serves a pizza to die for. I still pop by and get a piece of pizza. If the tables are full, walk a few blocks to the Jardin des Archives Nationales.

Best Restaurants in le Marais: Eataly Paris Marais

7. Best Restaurants In Le Marais: Fulvio (Italian)

4 rue de Poitou, Paris, 3rd arrondissement

Fulvio came highly recommended by a Parisian. I decided to check it out and raced over there on the final day before all the restaurants closed in October 2020. Little did I know that this déjeuner (lunch) would be my last in a restaurant interior for eight months. And what an interior! Small yet intimate, the ancient stone walls create a cosy atmosphere.

Although I did not have a reservation, I was welcomed as a regular by the lovely Italian couple that runs this best restaurant in le Marais. And the meal was delicious. Obvious great care and pride go into the Italian and Sardinian dishes to create flavours that are unforgettable.

Best Restaurants in the Marais: Fulvio

8. L’As Du Fallafel (Middle Eastern)

34 rue des Rosiers, Paris, 4th arrondissement

There is always a lineup except on Fridays and Saturdays when it is closed. And except during the Coronavirus. It was a shocking sight to walk past this normally bustling restaurant and not see people jostling about in front of it.

Think fallafels, hummous, pitas. Maybe grilled eggplant and peppers. Your mouth starts watering, immediately. Grab a pita to go and head to the nearby Joseph Migneret garden. Your taste buds will thank you.

Best Restaurants in le Marais: none

9. Best Restaurants In Le Marais: Le Mary Celeste

1 Rue Commines, Paris, 3rd arrondissement

I read about Le Mary Celeste before moving to Paris. The triangular end of a small block, where this restaurant in le Marais is located, is reminiscent of a ship’s bow. Perfect, since Le Mary Celeste is named after a sailing ship with a mysterious abandonment story.

Come here with a friend or two and share a unique cocktail such as the “Elle a dit OUI.” The cocktail names are great conversation starters. Le Mary Celeste is a bustling neighbourhood bar. The only downside is the convo can get a little interrupted by all the traffic buzzing by. And the food? Very tasty.

Best Restaurants in the Marais: Le Marie Celeste

10. Le Temps Des Cerises

31 rue de la Cerisaie, Paris, 4th arrondissement

Tucked away between le Marais and la Bastille is a delightful little house of a time gone by in Paris. This traditional French bistro, a historical monument, is the perfect place to have a romantic dinner or a lunch with a friend.

It’s easy to get sidetracked by the ancient decor of old photographs and an antique clock. The curious at heart will be fascinated by the song lyrics perched on your table of Les Temps des Cerises (The Time of Cherries) a song written in 1866 by Jean-Baptiste Clément. Strongly associated with the Paris commune, hum the soulful tune to this revolutionary song, while awaiting your meal.

Come here for an authentic Parisian evening!

Best Restaurants in le Marais: Le Temps des Cerises

11. Best Restaurants In Le Marais: Marché des Enfants Rouges

39 rue de Bretagne, Paris, 3rd arrondissement

The oldest covered market in Paris is still going strong! In existence since 1628, Marché des Enfants Rouges is a mixture of stalls to stock up on fruits, vegetables and cheese as well as a mix of restaurant stalls. The Moroccan restaurant is one of my favourites. Unusual for the markets in Paris, Marché des Enfants Rouges has communal tables to eat at.

12. Restaurants In The Marais: Miznon

22 rue des Ecouffes, Paris, 4th arrondissement

Are pitas your thing? Swing by tiny Miznon for a pita meal. Think grilled eggplant, tahini and spicy sauce. Or go for the meat versions – grilled chicken or lamb. It’s a messy meal and oh, so delicious.

Best Restaurants in the Marais: Miznon

13. Wild And The Moon

55 rue Charlot, Paris, 3rd arrondissement (one of many locations)

This vegan restaurant in Paris is one to add to the list! There is a wide selection of delicious vegan dishes available and the healthy smoothies are to die for. Needing a pick me upper? Pop by Wild and the Moon for your veggie fix!

The website of this restaurant in le Marais: Wild and the Moon

14. Best Restaurants In The Marais: Bouillon République

39 Bd du Temple, 3eme Paris

Dining in a traditional Bouillon Paris restaurant is an authentic Parisian experience. Bouillon République is the sister restaurant to Bouillon Pigalle where the lineup snakes out the door all day long.

Step into a world of ancient charm with wooden panelling and globe lights at Bouillon République. Full to the brim, the waiters hustle amidst crowded tables and a din of convivial chitchat.

For a foodie, it’s easy to get excited by the menu at a bouillon restaurant. There’s a choice of twelve entrées (starters) including such items as oeufs mayonnaise, a leek vinaigrette, and a purée of cauliflower and chestnuts. The prices range from €2.20 to €3.80, affordable enough to try two!

For the main, prices range from just less than €9 to just less than €12 with a plethora of choices. Serving traditional French cuisine, choucroute, steak with a pepper sauce, and carbonade de boeuf are three dishes that grace the menu. Vegetarians have a limited choice although, the baked squash with blue cheese and walnuts sounds very appealing.

I ordered the “gratin de cabillaud, purée de pommes de terre et choux-fleurs” – a baked puree of cod, potaotes and cauliflour. Not what I was expecting, it was delicious.

Of course, being a lover of French pâtisseries (find all my top choices right here) I had to finish with a dessert. I chose Profiterole with ice cream and chocolate sauce. It was simply divine.

What makes the Bouillon République one I’d go back to is the lively atmosphere, friendly and efficient service and affordable prices. One can easily have a generous meal here for €20.

Best Restaurants in le Marais: Bouillon République,

I hope you have fun taste-testing your way through these best restaurants in the Marais!

Until next time,

More Travel Info…

Gastronomy In Paris:

If you are looking for more food suggestions, read about where to find the best croissants in Paris and don’t forget the best pâtisseries to enjoy!

Cheeses are a huge part of French culture. Here is what I’ve learned so far and savoured. Which French cheese will you try first? Here are some of the best fromageries in Paris to buy your cheese from.

There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in this post: Tips from a Local. And if you are exploring the area around Canal Saint-Martin, here are the best places to stop for a bite or to find the fixings for a picnic.

District Guides For You:

This ultimate arrondissement guide will help you plan your best Paris holiday.

Montmartre, like Ile Saint-Louis, feels like a small village. This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places on the hill.

La Butte aux Cailles, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement, is another place in Paris that has retained its village-like charm. My article on La Butte aux Cailles will lead you to discover some the area and its visually enticing street art.

Canal Saint-Martin is another place full of small restaurants, boutiques and plenty of character. Stroll the bridges of the canal under the chestnut trees and feel like a true Parisian. All the details on this “bobo” district are in this article on Canal Saint-Martin.

Le Marais is one of the oldest areas of Paris. Once marshland, it is hopping with boutiques, cafés, gorgeous old mansions and museums. Read my full guide to le Marais and also insider Marais tips from a local.

These hidden gems of Paris will lead you to uncover some super secrets in Paris.

Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.

This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.

If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.

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