16th and 17th Arrondissements

16th Arrondissement

This is the BCBG district (well-to-do families similar to American yuppies).
(T) Art Home
Palais de Tokyo, 13, ave du Président Wilson. 01 47 23 54 01. This collaboration between Electrolux and the Palais de Tokyo is one of the most unique dining experiences to be had in Paris at the moment. Ultramodern food in an ultramodern space, with a fantastic view to boot. Reservations online only.

(*) L’Astrance
4, rue Beethoven. 01 40 50 84 40. Tues–Fri, lunch and dinner.
Pascal Barbot is surely one of the most imaginative chefs in Paris. He blends genres, turns notions of sweet and savory on their heads, and incorporates a global pantry, all while managing to maintain a clarity that many cooks never achieve. Exquisite, and expensive.

(S) La Butte Chaillot
110, ave Kléber. 01 47 27 88 88. One of many in the Guy Savoy empire. Prix fixe is affordable if you consider the talent here. Food is world-inspired French.

(*, T) Cristal Room Baccarat
11, place des Etats-Unis. 01 40 22 11 10. Mon–Sat, lunch and dinner.
Fashionable types are drawn like magpies to this shiny paean to luxury. The space was designed by Philippe Starck, and Guy Martin of Le Grand Véfour is now in charge of the kitchen.

(*) Jamin
32, rue de Longchamp. 01 45 53 00 07. Haute cuisine with a proper yet relaxed atmosphere and excellent service.

(T) Zebra Square
3, place Clément Ader. 01 44 14 91 91. Daily, lunch and dinner.
This see-and-be-seen spot serves contemporary Mediterranean food that’s as good looking as the clientele, thanks to strong direction from chef Thierry Burlot. The 25 euro lunch menu is a pleasant surprise in such luxe surroundings.

17th Arrondissement

(*, T) L’Agapé
51, rue Jouffroy d’Abbans. 01 42 27 20 18.A change of chef last spring brought a breath of fresh air (and a round of applause from the French press) to L’Agapé, where you’ll find inventive cooking using prestige ingredients. Expensive.

(G) Ballon et Coquillages
71, blvd Gouvion Saint-Cyr. 01 45 74 17 98.If you are looking for fresh oysters or are game for a large fruits de mer (seafood) platter to share, this is your stop in the 17th.

(*, T) Bigarrade
106, rue Nollet. 01 42 26 01 02.The price of dinner at Bigarrade has gone up a few euros since it was anointed with a Michelin star, but that doesn’t deter serious eaters from venturing almost to the périphérique for Christophe Pelé’s cooking. The no-choice menu features a series of small plates that many find sublime and others find stupefying (raw fava beans in a dessert?), but that will surely give you something to think about.

(G, S) Le Bouchon et l’Assiette
127, rue Cardinet. 01 42 27 83 93. Tues–Sat, lunch and dinner.
After paying their dues in Michelin-starred kitchens, a young couple opened this affordable bistro, offering thoughtful market cooking and interesting wines.

(S) Caïus
6, rue d’Armaillé. 01 42 27 19 20.Traditional, smart and well-executed classic French cuisine.

(G, S) L’Entredgeu
83, rue Laugier. 01 40 54 97 24. Tues–Sat, lunch and dinner.
Keep it real at this bustling Basque bistro, where you’ll be packed in with locals, happily overeating some of the most honest, reasonably priced food in this part of town.

(*, T) Frédéric Simonin
25, rue Bayen. 01 45 74 74 74. Tues–Sat, lunch and dinner.
The influence of Frédéric Simonin’s mentor Joël Robuchon is evident in the colorful and careful dishes at his new eponymous restaurant, opened last spring. The room feels like a luxury sedan, and a meal here is about as expensive unless you order the lunch menu. Read a full review here.

(*) Guy Savoy
18, rue Troyon. 01 43 80 40 61This acclaimed chef will soon be relocating to the 6th, but there’s no need to wait to experience the grand setting, gracious service and gorgeous cooking that have made Savoy famous. Three Michelin stars.  

(D, G, S) Oh Bigre!
4, rue Bridaine. 01 44 90 05 04.Mon–Fri, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Mon–Sat, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.
The Batignolles neighborhood shows off its bobo side at this cool wine bar, perfect for an apéro or a light meal.

(G, S) Zinc Caïus
11, rue d’Armaillé. 01 44 09 05 10. Tues–Sat, lunch and dinner.
The classics get a twist at this casual spot with just a few high tables and chairs. Many people find Zinc more appealing than Caïus, its more sophisticated sibling across the street. Don’t miss the warm lentil salad. Read a full review here.