1. Willi's Wine Bar : (confusingly, a restaurant). Owned by a British expat and easy for English-speakers to navigate. They serve classic European food and have an extensive and reasonably priced wine list. The roasted guinea fowl is excellent, if it's in season. https://www.williswinebar.com/

2. Le Bon Georges : The quintessential French restaurant. All their ingredients come from local producers and the menu changes daily based on whatever is available at the market. Their wine selection is unparalleled. Make a reservation 2+ weeks in advance. https://www.lebongeorges.paris/

3. La Boissonnerie : A great local bistro in Saint Germain with a small and constantly changing menu. The logo is confusing - they are not a seafood restaurant. https://www.fishlaboissonnerie.com/en

4. Les Philosophes : Old-school, classic French food done well and for a reasonable price. Their owner was the first to ensure 100% of their food was made in house and pioneered an official certification for restaurants who do the same. Look for the "Fait Maison" icon on menus! https://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/nation/restaurants/les-philosophes

5. Gigi : Fancy Italian with incredible views of the Eiffel tower. You cannot get in without a reservation, and booking opens online two weeks in advance. Great atmosphere for a treat dinner. https://gigi-restaurant.com/

6. Restaurant le 122 : Local place with lighter, more modern French food. Very reasonably priced with an interesting wine list. https://www.restaurant-le122.fr/en/

1. O'Chateau : Wine bar near the Louvre with heavy small plates. They do wine tastings in English that our friends have really enjoyed.

2. Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels : Vibey wine bar in St Germain. Reservations recommended.

3. Experimental Cocktail Club : Speakeasy-type vibe - the entrance is unmarked but you'll see a doorman in the street. Great craft cocktails.

4. L'avant Comptoir du Marche : Casual wine bar in the corner of a food market. You order at the bar and hang out outside. Great music and small plates, always a happening scene.

5. Le Bar du Marche : An institution on the corner of rue de Seine and rue Buci. The ultimate Parisian sidewalk cafe, perfect for a glass of wine and people watching.

1. Cafe Varenne : Go for the roasted chicken, in Saint Germain

2. Les Antiquaires : Sidewalk cafe, in Saint Germain

3. Lezard Cafe : Sidewalk cafe, near rue Montorgueil

4. Au 35 : Little spot with French classics, in Saint Germain

5. Le d'Argout : Organic bowls/soup for when you need a break from the butter! near rue Montergueil

6. Florence Kahn : Jewish deli, the Marais

7. Capri Saint Honore : Honorable mention for the Ceasar salad and gorgonzola fries, near the Louvre

1. Strada Cafe : 24 Rue Monge, in the 5th

2. Cafe Kitsune : multiple locations near the Louvre

3. Noir : 9 rue des Luynes, in St Germain

4. Matamata : 58 rue d'Argout, near rue Montorgueil

5. Terres de Cafe : One in the Marais, one by the Eiffel Tower

If you want to visit a particular restaurant, make a reservation. Parisian restaurants are small and fill up quickly.

It is normal for kitchens to close in between lunch and dinner, so plan accordingly. Lunch service ends around 2:30pm and dinner service starts around 7pm.

French waiters earn a living wage and do not need tips. Therefore, service is often slower - which gives you time to soak it all in!