Quartier Latin is one of the oldest and most iconic neighborhoods in Paris, with a rich history dating back to medieval times. It is also an intellectual hub, since the founding of Sorbonne University in 1257. But this charming neighborhood on the Left Bank is also home to some of the finest French restaurants in the city. From cozy bistros serving traditional dishes to upscale dining experiences offering modern interpretations of classic French cuisine, the Quartier Latin offers a delightful culinary journey. You will find there less touristic and more authentic French restaurants compare to areas like Montmartre, Champs-Elysées, Opéra, Louvre… The Quartier Latin also offers a range of restaurants for every budget. Whether you're seeking a casual meal or an elegant gastronomic experience, the neighborhood caters to different tastes and financial plans without sacrificing quality. We have selected some of our favourite restaurants in Quartier Latin, we hope you will love them as well!
Hugo & Co, nestled in Paris iconic Quartier Latin, is a lively restaurant reimagining French dining with a contemporary twist. Helmed by chef Tommy Gousset (Michelin-starred chef of Tomy&Co), this vibrant spot marries modern French cuisine with global influences, creating a playful menu with bold, fresh flavors and seasonal ingredients.
With its casual, laid-back vibe, Hugo & Co. draws a crowd looking for inventive dishes that surprise and delight. The menu changes regularly, and you can choose between 4 starters, 4 dishes, and 4 desserts. When we visited, we tried as a starter:
-Zucchini gazpacho with mozzarella, pine nuts, pesto, and croutons
-Duck and foie gras pâté en croûte, pickled vegetables, and fig chutney.
We chose for main course:
-Lamb shoulder with fregola, peas, olives, zucchini flower, and lemon
-Roasted monkfish with tomato concasse, pak choi, and samphire.
And for dessert:
-Candied peaches and apricots, apricot ice cream, and white chocolate ganache
-Strawberry soup infused with Timut pepper, basil ice cream, and granola
It’s also a haven for wine lovers, offering an excellent selection of natural wines that complement the creative food on offer.
Price range: 40 to 60€
Address: 48 rue Monge, 75005 Paris
Transportation: Metro line 7 Monge station, Metro line 10 Cardinal Lemoine
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 12:00-14:00, 19:00-22:00
Les Petits Pois is a chic bistro right next to one of the main entrances of Jardin des Plantes, offering a modern yet comforting take on traditional French cuisine in a décor featuring soft lighting, wooden accents, and a cozy ambiance. With its warm and intimate atmosphere, it has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, who come to enjoy the restaurant’s relaxed vibe and refined menu.
At Les Petits Pois, the focus is on high-quality, seasonal ingredients, with dishes that showcase the best of French culinary tradition. The menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest market finds, with dishes prepared with a perfect balance of flavor and presentation. The wine list is carefully curated, featuring a selection of French wines that perfectly complement the menu.
We tried as starters:
-Pea gazpacho with cucumber, mint, and feta
-Poached egg with Greek cheese and turmeric butter
Main courses:
-Roast chicken supreme with sautéed green beans and cashew nuts
-Pollock fillet with pilaf rice and peanut cream
Desserts:
-Floating island with salted caramel and nougatine
-Matcha mousse with fresh strawberries and crushed almonds
Price range: 20 to 40€
Address : 3 rue Linné, 75005 Paris
Transportation: Metro line 7 Jussieu Station or Place Monge Station
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00-14:00, 19:00-22:00
Le Refuge du Passé offers a nostalgic dining experience that transports you straight into the heart of old-world Paris. With its cosy, vintage décor and traditional French atmopshere, this restaurant is a true hidden gem for those looking to savour the timeless flavours of authentic French cuisine.
Le Refuge du Passé is famed for its classic French dishes, lovingly prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu includes favorites like foie gras, hearty French onion soup, rich confit de canard, cassoulet… each dish pays homage to French culinary tradition.
Price range: 30 to 50€
Address : 32 Rue du Fer À Moulin, 75005 Paris
Transportation : Metro line 7 Censier-Daubenton station
Opening hours : 12:00-15:00, 19:00-22:00, closed on Monday and Tuesday
Southwest French cuisine is a celebration of rich flavors and rustic traditions, deeply rooted in the fertile landscapes of the region. Known for its hearty, robust dishes, this cuisine is shaped by the diverse geography, from the rolling hills of the Dordogne to the vineyards of Bordeaux and the Pyrenees mountains. Signature ingredients such as duck, goose, and foie gras take center stage. While many restaurants in Paris claim to serve southwestern cuisine, only a few offer an authentic experience. One standout is Le Bistro du Périgord, nestled in the heart of the Latin Quarter near the renowned Sorbonne University. This restaurant delivers genuine, mouthwatering dishes from Périgord, the most famous region in France for duck-based cuisine.
Some recommandations:
Starters:
1. Foie Gras Trilogy (Trilogie de foie gras « trois expression »)
Duck fat confit foie gras with spiced bread, melting in your mouth! Lightly seared foie gras with tangy strawberries, a surprising and delightful pairing! Foie gras candy with rich old rum sauce—yes, it’s foie gras, but like a candy! Super unique!
2. Wild Mushroom Cappuccino with Truffle Aroma (Cappuccino de champignons des bois à l’arôme de truffe)
A rich and earthy wild mushroom soup with a hint of truffle, served with a crispy garlic toast. It’s like tasting the forest in every sip!
Main Courses:
1. Red Wine Duck Breast (Magret de canard aux cèpes)
Perfectly cooked duck breast with a red wine sauce, paired with roasted sweet potato purée and violet potato chips. Such a satisfying dish!
2. Homemade Duck Confit (Confit de canard maison)
Crispy on the outside, incredibly tender on the inside! Served with garlicky sautéed potatoes and chanterelle mushrooms. So delicious!
Desserts:
1. Caramelized Apple Mille-feuille with Kahlua (Mille-feuilles pommes caramélisées)
Layers of flaky pastry with caramelized apples and a hint of Kahlua coffee liqueur. Sweet but not overwhelming—definitely a must-try!
2. Café Gourmand
A mini dessert selection featuring a half portion of the caramelized apple mille-feuille, violet ice cream, and brownie, plus an espresso to finish. Perfect ending!
Price range : 26€ - 55€
Address : 71 Rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris
Transportation : Metro line 10 Cluny La Sorbonne station
Opening hours : Monday to Saturday 7:00 - 22:30, closed on Sunday
Located in the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, just a 15-minute walk from the Pantheon and Monge Pharmacy, Bistro de Lettres is a French restaurant that seamlessly blends sophistication with comfort. Even President Macron has graced its tables, drawn by the charm and quality of its offerings. This hidden gem offers a wide range of dishes at reasonable prices, from à la carte French classics to full-course meals. The cozy, thoughtfully designed interior provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for savoring every bite.
Start your meal with diverse appetizers like fresh salads or tartare, and then indulge in their flavorful main courses, which include dishes like fish specialties and duck confit. Each plate is crafted to perfection, celebrating authentic French flavors.
One of the restaurant’s most unique features is its letter-writing experience. After your meal, you can pen a letter to someone special using the complimentary stationery and pens provided by the restaurant. Simply drop your letter into their in-house mailbox, and it will be sent to your recipient during the month of your choosing. Bistro de Lettres isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience that nourishes both the palate and the soul. For an unforgettable dining adventure in Paris, this is the place to be.
Price range : 20€ - 40€
Address : 52 Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
Transportation : Metro line Maubert - Mutualité station
Opening hours : Monday to Saturday 11:45 AM–10:30 PM
Photos and article: O'bon Paris Team