10 Best Steak Frites in Paris: A Local’s Guide to Authentic French Dining

Picture this: You’re sitting at a cozy table in a bustling Parisian bistro, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling beef and golden fries filling the air. A glass of rich Bordeaux catches the light as waiters in long white aprons navigate between closely packed tables. This is steak frites in Paris—not just a meal, but a quintessential French experience that should top every food lover’s bucket list.

When I took my first bite of perfectly cooked entrecôte with crispy frites years ago, I understood immediately why this seemingly simple dish has captivated diners for generations. The French have elevated this pairing to an art form, demonstrating their culinary philosophy that extraordinary food often comes from doing simple things exceptionally well.

After sampling dozens of versions across Paris’s 20 arrondissements, grilling local chefs about their techniques, and following passionate locals to their favorite hidden spots, I’ve created this insider’s guide to the most authentic and delicious steak frites experiences in the French capital.

Whether you’re mapping out your first Paris adventure or returning to deepen your connection with French cuisine, this guide will lead you to that perfect plate of tender beef and golden fries that will become one of your most treasured travel memories. Let’s dive into the sizzling world of Parisian steak frites together!

1. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Address: 20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris
Neighborhood: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
Price: €€

How would you like your steak cooked?” This single question—the only one you’ll be asked at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte—marks the beginning of what many consider the definitive Paris steak frites experience. When locals debate the city’s best beef-and-potatoes pairing, this iconic restaurant invariably dominates the conversation.

I love the beautiful simplicity of their concept: one perfect dish, executed flawlessly time after time. The formula hasn’t changed since 1959, and for good reason—why mess with perfection? Your meal begins with a crisp green salad with walnuts and tangy vinaigrette, the perfect prelude to the main event that follows.

Then comes the star—tender slices of entrecôte (ribeye) draped in the restaurant’s legendary secret sauce. This vibrant green elixir, rumored to contain more than 20 herbs, butter, and spices, transforms an excellent steak into something truly extraordinary. One Parisian chef confided to me that uncovering this closely guarded recipe has been the obsession of countless culinary professionals for decades.

The accompanying frites deserve equal praise—thin, golden, and impeccably crisp, they somehow maintain their perfect texture throughout your meal. But here’s where Le Relais truly distinguishes itself: just as you’re savoring your last bite, your server returns with a second helping of both steak and frites, included in the original price!

What to order: There’s literally one option—their signature steak frites with secret sauce—but save room for their cloud-like profiteroles drizzled with warm chocolate sauce for dessert.

Insider tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening or be prepared to wait. I once showed up at 7:15pm on a Tuesday and still waited 45 minutes! No reservations are taken, and the queue often wraps around the block. The Saint-Germain location is the original, but they have two other Paris outposts if you’re staying in a different neighborhood.

2. Bistrot Paul Bert

Address: 18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris
Neighborhood: Bastille (11th arrondissement)
Price: €€-€€€

When food-obsessed friends ask me for the single most authentic Parisian bistro experience with exceptional steak frites, I unfailingly direct them to Bistrot Paul Bert. This beloved institution in the trendy 11th arrondissement has become my gold standard for what makes French dining extraordinary—a place where exceptional ingredients meet respectful preparation in an atmosphere that perfectly balances sophistication with genuine warmth.

Walking into Paul Bert feels like stepping through a portal to the golden age of Parisian dining. Mosaic tile floors, vintage mirrors, classic zinc bar, and handwritten chalkboard menus create an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and vibrantly alive. On my last visit, I noticed that nearly every table was occupied by French diners engaged in animated conversation—always the most reliable indicator of authentic quality in Paris.

Their steak frites demonstrates why simplicity, when executed perfectly, can be the height of culinary art. My personal favorite is their perfectly aged entrecôte, cooked precisely to your preferred temperature and dressed with a peppercorn sauce that achieves that elusive balance of richness, tang, and subtle heat that keeps you coming back for another bite. The accompanying frites are nothing short of miraculous—hand-cut daily and double-fried to achieve that quintessential French texture with a crisp exterior giving way to a fluffy center.

What truly distinguishes Paul Bert is their unwavering commitment to seasonal, high-quality ingredients. The menu evolves throughout the year, reflecting the best of what’s available from small producers with whom the restaurant has cultivated relationships over decades. The wine list deserves special mention—featuring small, independent French vintners making wines of exceptional character at reasonable prices.

What to order: While the entrecôte with peppercorn sauce is my go-to classic choice, don’t overlook their perfectly tender filet mignon if you prefer a leaner cut. Whatever your selection, pair it with a glass of their well-curated Bordeaux options and save room for their legendary Paris-Brest dessert—a ring of choux pastry filled with praline cream that might be worth the trip alone.

Insider tip: Reserve at least three weeks in advance for weekend dinners (call +33 1 43 72 24 01 after 10am Paris time). Be aware they observe traditional August holidays, closing for several weeks like many authentic Parisian establishments. For the best experience, request a table in the main dining room rather than the back room.

3. Au Bœuf Couronné

Address: 188 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris
Neighborhood: La Villette (19th arrondissement)
Price: €€-€€€

Located in northeastern Paris near the former slaughterhouse district, Au Bœuf Couronné (“The Crowned Beef”) has been serving exceptional meat since 1932. Its location may be off the typical tourist path, but this historic establishment offers some of the most authentic steak frites in Paris.

The restaurant honors its heritage with a classic belle époque interior—think mosaic floors, wood paneling, and vintage mirrors—creating an atmosphere that transports you to Paris of the 1930s. The background sounds from the nearby Cité de la Musique add another layer to the dining experience.

Au Bœuf Couronné distinguishes itself through both variety and quality. They offer numerous cuts of meat, sourced primarily from small French farms specializing in heritage breeds like Charolais, Aubrac, and Salers. Each cut is aged perfectly to enhance flavor and tenderness.

While traditional steak frites typically features thin-cut fries, Au Bœuf Couronné serves their exceptional steaks with pommes soufflées—puffed, hollow potato pillows that are crisp on the outside and airy inside. This classic French preparation requires tremendous skill and offers a delightful textural contrast to the tender meat.

The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine cellar with over 200 references, primarily focused on French regions that complement beef perfectly. The knowledgeable staff can guide you to the perfect pairing.

What to order: The côte de bœuf (bone-in ribeye) for two is a showstopper, while the bavette (flank steak) offers tremendous flavor at a more accessible price point.

Insider tip: Consider staying at the attached hotel if you’re planning to indulge in their excellent wine selection. The restaurant also offers a more affordable prix fixe lunch menu on weekdays.

4. Bouillon Chartier

Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris
Neighborhood: Grands Boulevards (9th arrondissement)
Price: €

“But isn’t good steak frites expensive?” I hear this question constantly from Paris-bound travelers. My answer? A triumphant “Non!” as I direct them to Bouillon Chartier—living proof that you can enjoy authentic steak frites without decimating your travel budget.

At around €12 for a full steak frites plate (yes, you read that right!), this historic establishment offers perhaps the best culinary value in Paris. Founded in 1896, Chartier pioneered the “bouillon” concept—restaurants serving simple, quality food at accessible prices for working Parisians. More than a century later, they remain steadfastly committed to this democratic vision of French cuisine.

The moment you step through their Belle Époque doors, you’re transported to a bygone era of Parisian dining. The cavernous dining room literally stopped me in my tracks on my first visit—soaring ceilings, antique mirrors, brass rails, and waiters in traditional long aprons creating an atmosphere that hasn’t changed in over 125 years. It’s no wonder the restaurant is officially listed as a historic monument!

Despite the budget-friendly price point, their steak frites doesn’t compromise on quality. The kitchen serves a juicy, tender cut of beef (typically bavette or faux-filet) cooked to your specification and accompanied by a peppery house sauce that perfectly complements the meat. The golden, crispy French fries are generously portioned and satisfyingly crunchy.

Be prepared for communal seating at long tables and efficient (though not hurried) service—part of the authentic bouillon experience. Your bill will be tallied directly on your paper tablecloth in the traditional manner, adding another charming touch of history.

What to order: The steak frites with pepper sauce is a must, but don’t miss their exemplary French onion soup (€4.50) to start and traditional crème caramel (€3.80) for dessert. Their house wine by the carafe offers tremendous value.

Insider tip: Chartier doesn’t take reservations, but the line moves surprisingly quickly due to efficient service and high turnover. For shorter waits, arrive before noon or after 2pm for lunch, or before 7pm or after 9:30pm for dinner. I’ve had great luck showing up at 9:45pm and being seated within 15 minutes. They’re open seven days a week—a rarity among quality Paris restaurants!

5. Le Severo

Address: 8 Rue des Plantes, 75014 Paris
Neighborhood: Montparnasse (14th arrondissement)
Price: €€€

For serious meat connoisseurs, Le Severo represents steak frites at its most elevated. This intimate restaurant in the 14th arrondissement has earned cult status among Parisian food lovers for its uncompromising dedication to exceptional beef.

Owner and butcher William Bernet personally selects each cut of meat, sourcing primarily from small French farms with the highest standards for animal welfare and quality. The restaurant even handles its own meat aging in-house, allowing for perfect control over the process that develops the beef’s deep, complex flavors.

The restaurant itself is understated—a small, no-frills dining room with simple décor where the meat is unquestionably the star. The menu changes frequently based on what cuts are at their peak, but always features several options for steak frites, each precisely cooked over high heat to develop a beautiful crust while maintaining a perfect interior.

The frites at Le Severo deserve special mention—hand-cut from fresh potatoes daily and double-fried in beef fat for exceptional flavor and texture. They achieve the elusive balance of exterior crispness and interior fluffiness that marks truly great French fries.

The wine list complements the exceptional meat perfectly, focusing on robust reds from small producers. The knowledgeable staff can guide you to the perfect pairing for your specific cut.

What to order: The entrecôte (ribeye) is consistently excellent, but don’t overlook the onglet (hanger steak) for a more intensely flavored cut beloved by French butchers.

Insider tip: Reservations are essential and should be made at least two weeks in advance. Request a table near the front of the restaurant to watch the mesmerizing spectacle of steaks being grilled to perfection.

6. La Bourse et La Vie

Address: 12 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
Neighborhood: Bourse (2nd arrondissement)
Price: €€€

When celebrated American chef Daniel Rose (of Spring and Chez la Vieille fame) decided to open a traditional French bistro, culinary enthusiasts knew something special was in store. La Bourse et La Vie represents the perfect marriage of classic French technique and obsessive attention to quality.

The intimate dining room exudes old-world charm with its brass fittings, vintage mirrors, and plush banquettes. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort—refined enough for a special occasion but welcoming enough for a casual lunch.

Their steak frites elevates the classic dish through exceptional sourcing and technique. The restaurant uses prime cuts of French beef, simply seasoned with salt and pepper before being perfectly cooked. The accompanying sauce borrows from classical French cuisine—a reduction of quality stock, red wine, and aromatics that intensifies the meat’s natural flavors rather than masking them.

The frites deserve special mention. Hand-cut from carefully selected potatoes, they’re cooked in beef fat using a precise three-stage process that yields extraordinary results—golden, crisp exteriors giving way to fluffy interiors with deep potato flavor.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its attentive service and carefully curated wine list featuring small French producers who practice sustainable viticulture.

What to order: The “Steak Show”—their playful name for their steak frites—is the star attraction, but their starters are equally impressive. Try the poireaux vinaigrette (leeks with vinaigrette) to start and their chocolate mousse for dessert.

Insider tip: Reserve 3-4 weeks in advance for dinner. Lunch reservations are slightly easier to secure and offer the same exceptional experience at a more accessible price point.

7. Le Café du Commerce

Address: 51 Rue du Commerce, 75015 Paris
Neighborhood: Vaugirard (15th arrondissement)
Price: €€

For a steak frites experience in a truly unique setting, Le Café du Commerce offers an architectural marvel alongside exceptional cuisine. This three-story restaurant occupies a glass-roofed courtyard of a 1920s building, creating one of the most atmospheric dining spaces in Paris.

The impressive interior features wrought-iron balconies surrounding a central atrium flooded with natural light. Original details like mosaic floors and vintage signage have been carefully preserved, creating a space that feels both grand and intimately connected to Parisian history.

Despite the impressive setting, Le Café du Commerce remains true to its bistro roots, offering straightforward, high-quality French classics at reasonable prices. Their steak frites features perfectly aged beef (typically côte de boeuf or rib steak), cooked over high heat to develop a flavorful crust while maintaining a juicy interior.

The frites are made fresh in-house daily, double-fried to golden perfection and served generously alongside your choice of sauce—the classic béarnaise or a house-made brown sauce with complex depth of flavor. Both complement the quality of the meat without overwhelming its natural flavor.

Beyond the exceptional food, the service strikes that perfect Parisian balance—attentive and knowledgeable without being intrusive. The primarily local clientele confirms this is a genuine neighborhood institution rather than a tourist trap.

What to order: The côte de bœuf is outstanding, but for solo diners, the bavette (flank steak) offers excellent value and flavor. Start with their house terrine and complete your meal with the crème brûlée.

Insider tip: Request a table on the first floor balcony for the best combination of people-watching and atmosphere. If dining on a warm evening, the courtyard’s glass roof may be opened to create a magical semi-outdoor experience.

8. L’Aller Retour

Address: 5 Rue Charles-François Dupuis, 75003 Paris
Neighborhood: Le Marais (3rd arrondissement)
Price: €€

Hidden in the fashionable Marais district, L’Aller Retour (a French expression referring to the ideal cooking of steak—seared on both sides) has built a devoted following among locals seeking exceptional steak frites in an unpretentious setting.

The restaurant’s discrete entrance inside a residential building creates a sense of discovering a local secret. Inside, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between traditional bistro elements and contemporary Parisian style—think exposed stone walls, vintage posters, and soft lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere.

L’Aller Retour distinguishes itself through a laser focus on two elements: exceptional meat and fine wine. The restaurant offers several cuts of beef, all sourced from small French producers committed to ethical, sustainable practices. Each cut is aged to perfection and cooked precisely according to your preference.

Their steak frites features your choice of cut, accompanied by hand-cut potatoes double-fried to golden perfection. What elevates this version is the option to customize your experience with various house-made sauces—from classic béarnaise to a rich Roquefort or a robust pepper sauce.

The wine list deserves special mention, featuring small producers from across France’s wine regions. The knowledgeable staff can guide you to the perfect pairing for your specific cut of meat, making each visit a unique experience.

What to order: The onglet (hanger steak) offers tremendous flavor at a moderate price point, while the entrecôte provides a more luxurious experience. Their tartare de bœuf is also exceptional for raw meat enthusiasts.

Insider tip: Ask about their “côte du jour”—a daily special cut that might not appear on the regular menu but often represents the best value and most interesting option.

9. La Maison de l’Aubrac

Address: 37 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
Neighborhood: Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement)
Price: €€€

After an evening show or late-night gallery opening, when most Paris kitchens have long closed, I often find myself at La Maison de l’Aubrac. This exceptional restaurant near the Champs-Élysées serves premium steak frites until 2am daily—a rarity in a city where finding quality late-night dining can be challenging.

But late hours aren’t what makes this place special. La Maison de l’Aubrac offers what might be the most terroir-driven beef experience in Paris, showcasing the legendary cattle from France’s Aubrac region. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to this mountainous area through thoughtful design—stone walls, wood beams, and leather seating that balance rustic charm with sophisticated elegance.

What truly distinguishes this restaurant is its single-minded devotion to one specific breed of cattle. The Aubrac, with their distinctive tan coats and black-rimmed eyes, graze freely on volcanic highlands in central France, where they develop exceptional flavor from diverse mountain herbs and grasses. Through the restaurant’s glass-walled dry-aging room, you can see premium cuts developing even deeper flavor over weeks—a mesmerizing sight for carnivores!

I was fascinated to learn that the restaurant maintains direct relationships with small Aubrac producers who continue centuries-old sustainable farming practices. This commitment to heritage breeds and traditional agriculture results in beef with extraordinary taste and texture that you simply won’t find elsewhere.

Their steak frites menu presents several premium cuts, each aged between 4-7 weeks. The kitchen takes a reverential approach to cooking, simply seasoning with salt and pepper before grilling over high heat to let the meat’s natural qualities shine. The accompanying twice-fried potatoes achieve that perfect golden crispness, and various house-made sauces complement without overwhelming.

What to order: The filet mignon practically dissolves on your tongue, but for the full experience, share the côte de bœuf for two with its theatrical tableside carving. Start with aligot—the region’s iconic whipped potatoes with Tomme cheese—for a complete Aubrac journey.

Insider tip: Reserve the corner table near the dry-aging room for the best atmosphere. Though pricier than other options on this list (expect €40-60 for main courses), the value becomes apparent with the first bite. Their wine list features excellent options from the nearby Aveyron region that perfectly complement the distinctive beef.

10. Le Voltaire

Address: 27 Quai Voltaire, 75007 Paris
Neighborhood: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (7th arrondissement)
Price: €€€€

For a steak frites experience with literary pedigree and riverside views, Le Voltaire offers an unmatched combination of history, atmosphere, and culinary excellence. Situated on the ground floor of the building where the famous philosopher Voltaire once lived, this restaurant has become a discreet favorite of Paris’s cultural and fashion elite.

The elegant dining room balances historic charm with contemporary sophistication—white tablecloths, soft lighting, and vintage photographs create an atmosphere of refined comfort. Large windows offer glimpses of the Seine and the Louvre across the river, situating your meal firmly in the heart of Paris.

Le Voltaire’s steak frites exemplifies the philosophy that true luxury comes from perfect execution of simple dishes. They source exceptional beef from small French producers, focusing on traditional breeds raised on grass pastures. Each cut is perfectly aged to develop deep flavor while maintaining tenderness.

The preparation is classically French—steaks are cooked to precise temperature over high heat, resulting in a flavorful crust while maintaining the desired doneness within. The accompanying sauce is a traditional béarnaise, hand-whisked to order and perfectly balanced between richness and acidity.

The frites achieve the Platonic ideal of French fries—hand-cut from specific potato varieties, soaked to remove excess starch, then double-fried to achieve a golden exterior that gives way to a fluffy interior. They’re served simply with fleur de sel, allowing their quality to shine.

What to order: The filet mignon is consistently excellent, but the bavette (flank steak) offers tremendous flavor at a more accessible price point. Their starters—particularly the foie gras—are equally outstanding.

Insider tip: Reserve well in advance and request a table by the window for views of the Seine. The restaurant’s relative proximity to the Musée d’Orsay makes it an ideal lunch spot after morning museum visits.

Your Paris Steak Dictionary: Master French Cuts and Cooking Terms

Don’t let menu anxiety prevent you from having an amazing steak frites experience! I’ve created this handy guide to help you navigate French terminology like a pro. Simply knowing these key phrases will not only enhance your meal but also earn appreciative nods from Parisian servers.

Speak Like a Local: Essential Steak Cuts

• Entrecôte: The star of most steak frites plates, similar to ribeye, beautifully marbled for rich flavor
• Faux-filet: French sirloin steak, offering an excellent balance of tenderness and robust beef flavor
• Filet mignon: Butter-tender but less flavorful, the French equivalent of tenderloin
• Bavette: Flank steak with intense flavor beloved by locals (a personal favorite if you like your beef with character!)
• Onglet: Hanger steak, what French butchers often keep for themselves
• Rumsteck: Leaner rump steak that won’t break the bank
• Côte de bœuf: Impressive bone-in ribeye usually meant for sharing (perfect for romantic dinners)

Order Like a Parisian: Cooking Temperatures

• Bleu: “Blue” – extremely rare, barely kissed by heat (seared exterior with cool center)
• Saignant: Rare – cool red center (how many locals prefer premium cuts)
• À point: Medium rare to medium with warm pink center (the standard French preference)
• Bien cuit: Well done – cooked throughout with little to no pink (expect raised eyebrows!)
• Carbonisé: Very well done (“carbonized”) – order this at your own risk!

Decode the Menu: Sauce and Serving Terms

• Avec frites: The magic words meaning “served with French fries”
• Sauce au poivre: Classic peppercorn sauce with cream and cognac
• Sauce béarnaise: Heavenly tarragon-infused butter sauce
• Beurre maître d’hôtel: Herb and lemon-infused butter that melts over hot steak
• Sauce Bordelaise: Rich red wine sauce often featuring bone marrow

Pro tip: When in doubt, order your steak “à point” and you’ll get what most French chefs consider the ideal temperature for enjoying their carefully selected beef.

Beyond the Plate: Why Steak Frites Captures the Soul of French Cuisine

During my years exploring Paris’s food scene, I’ve come to understand that steak frites isn’t just another dish—it’s a delicious window into the French culinary philosophy and way of life.

At its heart, this beloved bistro classic embodies what the French do best: transforming simple ingredients into something magical through technique, tradition, and an almost religious respect for quality. Watch a seasoned French chef prepare steak frites, and you’ll witness generations of culinary wisdom distilled into seemingly simple actions—the precise searing of beef, the careful double-frying of potatoes, the patient whisking of sauce.

What fascinates me most is how this dish serves as a cultural touchstone for Parisians. When locals meet for steak frites, they’re participating in a ritual that transcends mere sustenance. It’s a deliberate pause in the day where time stretches, conversation deepens, and the pleasures of the table take precedence over the relentless pace of modern life. As one Parisian chef told me, “We don’t eat to live; we live to eat—and to eat together.”

In our era of molecular gastronomy and ever more complex culinary creations, steak frites remains a beloved constant—a delicious reminder that true satisfaction often comes from doing simple things exceptionally well. This principle extends beyond the plate, offering a life philosophy worth savoring along with your perfectly cooked beef and golden frites.

7 Essential Tips for Your Perfect Parisian Steak Frites Adventure

Want to experience steak frites like a true Parisian? These insider tips will help you navigate the local dining culture with confidence and maximize your culinary adventure:

1. Sync with Parisian dining rhythms: Forget eating at 6pm! Lunch runs from 12pm-2:30pm and dinner from 7:30pm-10:30pm. I’ve learned the hard way that arriving outside these windows means either a closed kitchen or rushed service. The sweet spot? 1pm for lunch or 8:30pm for dinner.
2. Book ahead (except where noted): Most restaurants on this list require reservations, ideally 2-4 weeks in advance. I recommend using LaFourchette.com (The Fork) for online bookings, or brush up on your French for phone calls. Specific reservation timelines are included in each restaurant’s insider tips.
3. Embrace French steak philosophy: When in Rome…or rather, Paris! French beef is prepared differently than American steaks, with techniques optimized for meat served saignant (rare) or à point (medium-rare). Trust me, ordering bien cuit (well done) will earn you a chef’s side-eye and potentially leather-tough meat.
4. Perfect your wine pairing: Nothing complements a juicy steak like a robust French red! My go-to choices are Bordeaux (structured and bold), Côtes du Rhône (spicy and fruit-forward), or Burgundy (elegant and complex). Simply ask your server, “Que recommandez-vous avec ce plat?” for personalized recommendations.
5. Adopt the leisurely Parisian pace: In Paris, dining is an event, not an errand. Plan for at least 90 minutes for your meal and resist the American urge to rush. I’ve found my most memorable conversations and people-watching moments happen during these unhurried meals.
6. Dress with simple elegance: Parisians aren’t necessarily formal, but they do appreciate style. I aim for smart casual—think dark jeans with a nice top rather than athletic wear or shorts. A little effort in your appearance shows respect for the establishment and enhances your experience.
7. Master these three French phrases: Even minimal French goes a long way. Practice: “Je voudrais le steak, [saignant/à point/bien cuit], s’il vous plaît” (I’d like the steak [rare/medium/well-done], please), “C’était délicieux” (It was delicious), and “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” (The check, please).

Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Bouillon Chartier, the gastronomic excellence of Bistrot Paul Bert, or the understated perfection of Le Severo, your perfect steak frites awaits somewhere in Paris. Each restaurant offers its unique interpretation, but all share an unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and the simple joy of a meal well executed.

Bon appétit and happy exploring!

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