The center of Paris is one of the capital's most picturesque areas, with two charming islands facing each other on the Seine: Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis. The former is home to some of the City of Light's most emblematic monuments , including the Sainte-Chapelle, a jewel of Gothic architecture with spectacular stained-glass windows, the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison famous for housing Marie-Antoinette before her execution, and of course... Notre-Dame-de-Paris cathedral.
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture that attracts millions of visitors every year, Notre-Dame-de-Paris is not only a religious symbol but also a testimony to the city's history, having been the scene of major events since its construction in the 12th century.
All around, small cobbled streets are home to souvenir stores, traditional cafés and sometimes very touristy restaurants... That's why it's a good idea to know where to go to avoid the tourist traps. And the same goes for theÎle Saint-Louis, just off theÎle de la Cité, with its out-of-time atmosphere.
Known for its peaceful ambience and breathtaking views over the Seine, it attracts a discreet, affluent population and is home to a number of Parisian institutions. Let's get to work: here are the best places to eat around Notre-Dame-de-Paris, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis!
Brasserie Casel: La Nouvelle Garde opens a chic, old-school restaurant in the 1st arrondissement.
La Nouvelle Garde returns to the capital with Brasserie Casel, just steps from the Théâtre du Châtelet. The new spot puts aged meat in the spotlight, among other things, in a setting inspired by the world of the performing arts. [Read more]
Saigona, the go-to Vietnamese restaurant in the Latin Quarter, serving pho with lobster and wagyu!
We’re taking you to Saigona, the new Vietnamese restaurant that just opened in the Latin Quarter, a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame. There you’ll find traditional fare on the menu, including lobster pho, melt-in-your-mouth Angus beef, house-made nems, and generously loaded bò bún. If you’re looking to dodge the tourist traps in the area, this is an address to note. [Read more]
Mégie, the new botanical canteen, shop and floral workshop along Paris’s riverfront.
A botanical cantine, a floral boutique and a floral-art workshop share space at Mégie, the new address opened in 2026 on the Quai de la Mégisserie, in Paris’s 1st arrondissement. We were there, here’s what it’s like. [Read more]
Le 20 Maison de la Mutualité, the new creative and welcoming bistro just a stone's throw from Notre-Dame
Sponsored - In the heart of the 5th arrondissement, Le 20 is a new creative bistro hidden under the arches of the Maison de la Mutualité, where traditional cuisine flirts with the flavors of travel. A friendly place for a business lunch, dinner with friends, or a pre- or post-show meal in the Latin Quarter. [Read more]
Hakuba, the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant at Cheval Blanc Paris
Discover Hakuba, the Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of the prestigious Cheval Blanc Paris. The restaurant offers a unique immersion in the art of Japanese gastronomy, with Omakase menus carefully orchestrated by sushi master Takuya Watanabe, in collaboration with sauce master Arnaud Donckele and pastry chef Maxime Frédéric. A delicate experience that echoes Japanese tradition and the quest for authenticity. [Read more]
Le Tout-Paris at Cheval Blanc Paris
Le Tout-Paris, the sublime restaurant that rules the capital, wins its first Michelin star. Located on the 7ᵉ floor of the Cheval Blanc Paris, with a terrace boasting breathtaking views of the Seine and the capital's iconic monuments, you'll discover William Bequin's beautiful contemporary French cuisine, generous and well mastered. [Read more]
Langosteria at Cheval Blanc Paris: Italy invites itself with treasures from the sea
A Langosteria restaurant is set to open at Cheval Blanc Paris in September 2021, with the desire to offer the best of Italian fish, seafood and shellfish in one of Paris's finest hotels. [Read more]
Maslow, comforting vegetarian cuisine on the banks of the Seine
On the banks of the Seine, Maslow makes vegetarian cuisine mouth-watering with melted cheese. [Read more]
Cova launches its chic aperitivo in its patisserie next to La Samaritaine
Every Thursday, Pasticceria Cova, located right next to La Samaritaine, offers a chic aperitivo, Il Giovedi da Cova! The idea? You choose your cocktail and enjoy a selection of tasty bites and small dishes. We've tried it and we'll tell you all about it! [Read more]
Le Saint-Régis, the 100% Parisian brasserie on the Ile-Saint-Louis
Looking for the very best in Parisian bistronomy? Let's go to Saint-Régis, a typical bistro in the Ile-Saint-Louis district, offering the very best in bistronomic cuisine right in the heart of Paris. Eggs Benedict, warm goat's cheese salad, croque monsieur, salmon and avocado tartare... A real treat! [Read more]
Plénitude: Our Review of Arnaud Donckele's Gourmet Dining Experience at Cheval Blanc Paris
Le Cheval Blanc Paris finally opens its doors, along with Plénitude, the gourmet restaurant helmed by starred chef Arnaud Donckele. Located on the first floor of the prestigious five-star hotel, here’s a quick look at what promises to be one of the most impressive dining experiences of the 2021 season. [Read more]
Find the location of all these addresses by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
And to stroll around the neighborhood:
What to do in the Notre-Dame neighborhood, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis: outing ideas and addresses
You're strolling near Notre-Dame, the Île de la Cité, and Île Saint-Louis, halfway between the 1st and 4th arrondissements of Paris? Follow the guide to uncover the district's history and snag some prime local tips in the area! [Read more]
More information
Find the location of all these addresses by clicking on the map opposite.
What to do in the Notre-Dame neighborhood, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis: outing ideas and addresses
