Welcome to the City of Light, Paris, renowned for its exceptional gastronomy. But did you know that Paris is also full of unusual restaurants? These unusual establishments combine gustatory pleasure with a unique experience. In this article, we present the top 11 unusual restaurants in Paris. Get ready to get off the beaten track and experience unforgettable moments, far from the traditional Parisian brasseries and bistros. Whether you're a regular Parisian or just passing through, these original addresses are sure to pique your curiosity and tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy your discovery! Looking for unusual experiences? Check out the Top 10 unusual accommodations in France!
1- La Cantine Russe
La Cantine Russe, located in the heart of Paris, is an emblematic establishment that has preserved the spirit and ambiance of Russia through its décor and cuisine. Formerly the canteen of the Serge Rachmaninoff music conservatory, it now offers an authentic Russian culinary experience, with a selection of traditional dishes prepared with passion. Its historic setting enriched by photos of famous Russian figures adds to its unique charm, making every visit a plunge into Russian culture.
- Address: 26 Avenue de New York, 75016 Paris, France
- Opening hours : Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 22:00, Closed on Sunday
- Budget : High-end
- Booking : Possible online via the official website
- Access: Easily accessible by public transport in Paris
2- Dragons Elysées
Dragons Elysées boasts an exceptional setting for a unique culinary experience in Paris. This Sino-Thai restaurant is famous for its glass floor under which koi fish swim, creating a magical atmosphere. The varied menu offers a wide range of Asian specialties, from steamed dumplings and shellfish dishes to Thai specialties and vegetarian options, with prices varying according to the dish chosen. Located in the 8th arrondissement, close to the Arc de Triomphe, Dragons Elysées also offers delivery and online booking options for a hassle-free experience.
- Address: 11 Rue de Berri, 75008 Paris, France
- Opening hours : 11:00-14:30 / 19:00-23:00
- Budget: Varied, with dishes ranging from €15 to €135
- Booking : Recommended
- Access: Easily accessible in the 8th arrondissement, close to the Arc de Triomphe
3- Table des Gourmets
La Table des Gourmets offers an experience in a unique historic setting, located in a former 12th-century chapel in Paris. The restaurant boasts an unusual and romantic atmosphere, offering classic French and local cuisine. With varied menus, guests can enjoy dishes such as cod with sorrel, leg steak with Provençal butter, or sautéed prawns with spicy sauce. Reviewers highlight the quality of the service, thecalm atmosphere and the good value for money .
- Address: 14 rue des Lombards, 75004 Paris, France
- Opening hours : Open daily from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:00 to 22:30, closed Sunday lunchtime
- Budget: Varied menus from €15 to €38
- Booking : Recommended to enjoy this unique experience in a place steeped in history
- Access: Easily accessible via the Hotel de Ville metro station, located between Châtelet and the Marais district
4- Lapérouse
Lapérouse, located in the heart of Paris, is famous for its intimate atmosphere and rich history. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an upscale dining experience, with a budget to match its prestige.
- Address: 51 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris
- Opening hours : Monday to Saturday 19:30-02:00
- Budget : High, in line with the quality and exclusivity of the place
- Booking : Necessary
- Access : Métro St-Michel or Mabillon, for easy access from anywhere in the city
- Dress code: Formal dress recommended
5- Kodawari Ramen Tsukiji
Kodawari Ramen Tsukiji in Paris is a special culinary experience inspired by Tokyo's famous Tsukiji fish market. Founded by Jean-Baptiste Meusnier, this establishment immerses visitors in an authentic Japanese environment, recreating the atmosphere of the market with dedicated decor and soundscape. The menu focuses on seafood, offering five traditional ramen dishes, as well as original starters and desserts such as scallop rice pudding and miso ice cream. Kodawari Ramen has been recognized for its commitment to quality and authenticity, winning the 2017 Palme d'Or from Leaders Club Franc.
- Address: 12 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris
- Opening hours : 11:45-23:00
- Budget : Approx. €15-20 per person
- Reservation : Not necessary
- Access : Metro line 4 or 10 (Odéon station)
6- Dans le Noir ?
Discover the sensory and unusual world of Dans le Noir ? a restaurant located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. In a darkened dining room, this restaurant offers a unique and original experience, inviting you to enjoy refined French cuisine in total darkness.
- Address: 51 rue Quincampoix, 75004 Paris
- Opening hours : Monday to Sunday, 12 noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm
- Budget : Approx. €40-50 per person
- Booking : Recommended
- Access: Metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11 or 14 (Châtelet station)
7- Stellar
Stellar in Paris takes visitors on a space adventure with its space-inspired ambience and decor. The restaurant offers an immersive experience, where projections and light effects create a unique atmosphere. Reservations are recommended for this galactic experience. Located in the heart of Paris, it is easily accessible by public transport. The group also has a jungle and underwater-themed restaurant!
- Address: 45 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris
- Opening hours : 12:00-22:30
- Budget : Approx. €35
- Booking : Recommended
- Access : Metro line 8 (Saint-Sébastien-Froissart station)
8- Privé de Dessert
"Privé de Dessert" stands out for its original concept where savory dishes are presented in the form of trompe-l'oeil desserts. This concept invites you to rediscover traditional cuisine in a playful and innovative setting. Located in the 9th arrondissement, it's the ideal place to try an unusual gastronomic experience.
- Address: 4 rue Lallier75009 Paris
- Opening hours : 19:00-22:00 Monday to Thursday, 19:00-22:30 Friday, 12:00-14:30 / 19:00-22:30 Saturday, 12:00-14:30 / 19:00-22:00 Sunday
- Budget: Approx. €30
- Booking : Recommended
- Access: Metro line 13 (Brochant station)
9- Chez Vong
Chez Vong is a Chinese cuisine restaurant, famous for its setting and quality. Under the direction of chef Vai Kuan Vong, the establishment offers dishes prepared with quality products, in a special atmosphere created by traditional Chinese decorations. The speciality, Peking duck, is a must. The attentive service will complete your exceptional culinary experience .
- Address : 10 rue de la Grande Truanderie, 75001 Paris
- Opening hours : Open from 12h to 14h20 and from 19h to 23h20, Monday to Saturday. Closed for three weeks in August.
- Budget: Approx. €80
- Booking : Suggested, by contacting the restaurant directly.
- Access: Metro line 4 (Etienne Marcel or Les Halles station)
10- The Paris Aquarium
Discover the fascinating world of L'Aquarium de Paris, an unusual restaurant located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. In a unique and spectacular setting, this restaurant offers French cuisine, with a breathtaking view of giant aquariums. The Aquarium de Paris plunges you into the underwater world, allowing you to discover over 13,000 fish and invertebrates, including sharks and jellyfish in Europe's largest Médusarium.
- Address : 5 avenue Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris
- Opening hours : Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday night until 9 p.m
- Budget : approx. €40-50 per person
- Reservation: Mandatory
- Access : metro line 9 or 10 (Trocadéro station)
11- Le Café des Chats
Discover the warm world of Le Café des Chats, an unusual restaurant in the 9th arrondissement. In a cosy, welcoming setting, this restaurant offers light, gourmet French cuisine, in the company of a dozen cats who live free in the café. All the cats have been adopted for the benefit of our customers, who enjoy a soothing, happy experience.
- Address: 9 rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 10:30pm, Friday and Saturday until 11pm
- Budget : Varied, with Brunch at €25
- Reservation : No reservation necessary
- Access: Metro Bréguet-Sabin (line 5), near Bastille
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