In the past, there was a bigger divide between bars and restaurants in Paris. Restaurants had a more subdued ambiance dedicated to enjoying a meal, while festive times and music were reserved for bars. However, habits are changing, and more Parisians are looking for a venue that combines the best of both these worlds. Enjoy a great night out at one place at these new festive restaurants in Paris that offer excellent cuisine, top-quality drinks, and fun vibes.
Bonne Heure
Located on the most buzzing square in South Pigalle, Bonne Heure offers a fantastic modern take on the bistro du quartier, or neighborhood bistro. Come at lunch for classic French dishes with a contemporary twist, or in the evening, the terrace overflows with hip locals sipping on addictive cocktails and nibbling on creative tapas. My go-to cocktail is the Spicy Cactus, which goes exceptionally well with their hummus with zaatar and is served with a deep-fried egg and grilled squid with chimichurri.
Le Stock
If you’re looking for a place to gather friends together in the Opera district, book a table at Le Stock. A clever nod to the nearby former Stock Exchange of Paris, the restaurant was created by four friends, and the venue almost feels like you’re been invited over to a Parisian friend’s apartment – and a fun one. Spread over several rooms, it has cool red neon lighting, stylish art objects, and large tables for groups. When I went on a Wednesday, the ambiance was surprisingly hopping. Inspired by the Mediterranean, the menu has new items every week, but I loved the zucchini fritter with citrus ricotta, padron sauce, and hazelnuts, the tangy kohlrabi ravioli, and the decadent fondant au chocolat cake.
