Bon Appetit

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• Chez Omar read more ›
  (47 Rue de Bretagne. Tel. 01 4272 3626)
  Don't let the nondescript façade fool you. This Parisian institution serves couscous and other tasty North African specialities to a boisterous and laid-back clientèle of loyal locals. Bookings are not accepted, you'll just have to wait at the bar with a glass of rosé like everyone else.
• Pozzetto read more ›
  (39 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 4th. Tel. 01 4277 0864)
  One of the best-kept secrets in Paris, this authentic Italian gelato shop on a small street in the Marais makes a dozen flavours each morning from fresh ingredients. Cool off with a takeaway cone or take a seat and enjoy a real cappuccino or iced macchiato.
• Bar de l'Entracte read more ›
  (47 Rue du Montpensier, 1st. Tel. 01 4297 5776)
  Located on a tiny street near the Jardins du Palais Royal, this scruffy, minuscule wine bar has a few mismatched tables where friendly locals cosy up for croque monsieur sandwiches and salads.
• L'As du Fallafel read more ›
  (34 Rue des Rosiers. Tel. 01 4887 6360)
  This is the best of several falafel joints in the Marais, whether you choose to eat in or take away. Closed on Saturday.
• Pizza César read more ›
  (50 Avenue des Gobelins, 13th. Tel. 01 4331 6232)
  Real Italian pizzas, pastas, main dishes and desserts are served by friendly staff in a cosy dining room-furnished with red velour banquettes and Venetian masks. A loyal following of all ages is attracted to this Latin Quarter location, open daily. Pizzas are available to take away well
• Sushi Love read more ›
  (34 Rue Croix des Petits Champs, 1st. Tel. 01 4020 4848 )
  It's hot pink, just off the romantic Jardins du Palais Royal, and has Sexy Rolls and Kiss Rolls to eat in, take away or have delivered for free. There's no other sushi place in Paris dedicated to amour, so what other reason do you need?

• Il Suppli read more ›
  (2 Rue Condi. Tel. 01 4046 9974)
  This tiny, yet elegant restaurant, just off the Place de L'Odéon, serves authentic Italian dishes and wines for lunch and dinner. Book one of the few tables downstairs, often occupied by couples holding hands. The specials of the day are usually the best deal, with an affordable lunch menu of three courses.
• Le 13 read more ›
  (13 Rue St-Hippolyte, 13th. Tel. 01 4336 3441)
  A casual neighbourhood bistro in a former keysmiths, with a slightly kitsch industrial-themed décor. Daily specials include gourmet burgers, market-vegetable quiches, grilled fish and home-made desserts. Open weekdays only for lunch and dinner.
• Black Dog read more ›
  (26 Rue des Lombards, 4th. Tel. 01 4271 2227)
  Metal-heads congregate in the bar area at the front of this neo-industrial restaurant, but in the back is one of the city's best kept secrets: an Argentinian steak house. From the humble pepper-steak to the one-kilo faux filet, all come with a selection of sauces.
• Bistro des Dames read more ›
  (18 Rue des Dames. Tel. 01 4522 1342)
  A funky bistro in the bohemian Batignolles quarter. If the weather's nice you can dine in the peaceful garden courtyard.
• Au Petit Fer à Cheval read more ›
  (28 Rue Vieille du Temple, 4th . Tel. 01 4272 0727)
  Despite the old-fashioned décor and tiny dining room (tucked behind the horseshoe-shaped zinc bar), this traditional French bistro is located on one of the Marais district's prime people-watching streets.
• Salon du Cinéma du Panthéon read more ›
  (13 Rue Victor Cousin, 5th. Tel. 01 5624 8880)
  Hidden upstairs from one of the many Latin Quarter cinemas, this bright and spacious contemporary café decorated by Catherine Deneuve herself is a cosy place for lunch of fresh salads, sandwiches, meat and cheese platters, and desserts. Open weekdays from noon-7pm.

• Le Pamphlet read more ›
  (38 Rue Debelleyme. Tel. 01 4272 3924 )
  A good mix of rustic décor, formal service and market-fresh French cuisine make this up-market bistro a perennial favourite with locals and tourists alike. The artfully constructed dishes include marinated prawns with avocado cream, rack of lamb, steak Rossini topped with foie gras, and pistachio mille-feuille with cherries. Gourmands can try the six-course tasting menu.
• Barlotti read more ›
  (35 Place du Marché St Honoré, 1st. Tel. 01 4486 9797)
  Run by the same owners as the legendary Buddha Bar, this trendy Italian restaurant on two levels attracts a beautiful crowd of executives and fashionistas from the nearby couture shops. Contemporary versions of pastas, pizzas, meat and antipasti dishes.
• L'Ecailler du Bistrot read more ›
  (22 Rue Paul Bert, 11th. Tel. 01 4372 7677)
  Wood-panelled seafood bistro with green leather booths, vintage fishing prints and faience tiles decorating the walls. Be sure to reserve for excellent platters of clams, oysters and crabs served with huge slices of hearty bread and the salty butter of Brittany.
• Chez Vong read more ›
  (10 Rue de la Grande-Truanderie, 1st. Tel. 014 026 0936)
  Tucked down a pedestrian sidestreet near Les Halles, this intimate restaurant decorated with Buddha statues is one of the city's top locations for Cantonese and Vietnamese cuisine.
• Le Derrière read more ›
  (69 Rue des Gravilliers, 3rd . Tel. 01 4461 9195 )
  The worst-kept secret in Paris for 2009, this hidden restaurant tucked behind the trendy 404 and Andy Wahloo Bar is decorated to feel just like the inside of someone's apartment, complete with ping-pong table, enclosed fumoir (smoking room) and contemporary French cuisine.
• Ze Kitchen Galerie read more ›
  (4 Rue des Grands Augustins, 6th. Tel. 01 4432 0032)
  A contemporary gourmet restaurant overlooking the Seine, with Franco-Asian fusion cuisine and a view of the chefs at work in the kitchens through glass windows. Lunch time attracts a chic yet casual crowd with specially priced menus. Reservations a must.

• Le Cinq read more ›
  (Four Seasons George V, 31 Avenue George V. Tel. 01 4952 7000)
  Summer dining in the garden courtyard of this exclusive palace hotel is always an experience to remember. The two-starred Michelin cuisine is faultless, with lighter interpretations of French classics, but what really makes this venue stand out is the impeccable service - attentive, yet never snobby. Jacket and tie for dinner, smart casual for lunch.
• Le Pré Catalan read more ›
  (Route de Suresnes, Bois de Boulogne, 16th. Tel. 01 4414 4114)
  As soon as the weather co-operates, the Parisian beau monde head to this romantic Second Empire-style pavilion on the edge of the Pré Catalan gardens in the Bois de Boulogne. It's the perfect place to enjoy alfresco summer dining without inhaling urban exhaust fumes. The Michelin-starred cuisine is faultlessly French, so come with a big appetite. Take a taxi, as it's a long walk from the nearest bus stop.
• Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée read more ›
  (Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 25 Avenue Montaigne, 8th. Tel. 01 5367 6500)
  The eponymous restaurant of multi-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse remains one of the top addresses in Paris. Located in the chic Hôtel Plaza Athénée, the cuisine includes French classics with a modern twist and an extensive international wine list. The restaurant attracts clientèle such as entertainment industry executives and models.
• Le Grand Véfour read more ›
  (17 Rue de Beaujolais. Tel. 01 4296 5627)
  One of the most glamorous restaurants in Paris, with original 18th-century décor, overlooking the Palais Royal Gardens. Illustrious guests have included Victor Hugo, Bonaparte and French novelist Colette.
• L'Arpège read more ›
  (84 Rue de Varenne, 7th . Tel. 01 4551 4733)
  Chef Alain Passard's haute-cuisine features plenty of vegetables but there are fish and poultry dishes for carnivores. The vegetables are stars here, shipped into Paris daily from the chef's own organic farm in the country. The décor is low-key and contemporary, keeping the spotlight on the plate. Closed on the weekend.
• Les Ambassadeurs read more ›
  (Hotel de Crillon, 10 Place de la Concorde, 8th. Tel. 01 4471 1616)
  Often described as playful yet serious French haute-cuisine, chef Jean-François Piège's cooking has really brought this 18th-century ballroom restaurant of Baccarat crystal chandeliers and marble into the 21st century. Booking is recommended and jackets for the boys are de rigueur for dinner.
• Maison Blanche read more ›
  (15 Avenue Montaigne, 8th. Tel. 01 4723 5599)
  Perched atop the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées on the most fashionable shopping street in Paris, the views from the enormous plate-glass window at the Maison Blanche are almost as amazing as the South-eastern French cuisine from the Languedoc region. Décor is minimalist-all in white-and the specialities include lobster salad, rack of lamb, swordfish in a sesame seed crust, and sea scallops in cider and porcini mushrooms. Ask for a booth seat for more intimacy.

After Dark

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• L'Imprévu read more ›
  (7 Rue Quincampoix, 4th. Tel. 01 4278 2350)
  An eclectic bar decorated with funky flea-market finds, on a quiet street around the corner from the Pompidou Centre. L'Imprévu is an ideal place to while away the afternoon with a book and a glass of wine or happy-hour cocktails with friends.
• Perle Bar read more ›
  (78 Rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd. Tel. 01 4272 6993)
  A nondescript north Marais bar with an exceptionally fashionable clientèle, this is the place to see and be seen between shopping and art gallery explorations.
• L'Imprévu read more ›
  (7 Rue Quincampoix, 4th. Tel. 01 4278 2350)
  A funky bar decorated with mismatched flea-market finds, on a quiet street around the corner from the Pompidou Centre. L'Imprévu is an ideal place to spend the afternoon with a book and a glass of wine or happy-hour cocktails with friends.
• Bubar read more ›
  (3 Rue des Tournelles. Tel. 01 4029 9772)
  A colourful, low-lit interior welcomes passers-by into an intimate, friendly neighbourhood establishment with flea-market velour armchairs serving fruity cocktails and bottles of red wine.
• Flute Champagne Lounge read more ›
  (19 Rue de l'Etoile, 17th. Tel. 01 4572 1014)
  Intimate and elegant, with more than 100 Champagnes, many by the glass, this lounge hidden off the Champs-Elysées is a good address to keep handy. Perfect for a quiet drink with that special someone.
• Williams Cocktail Bar read more ›
  (26 Avenue Friedland, 8th. Tel. 06 8541 8286)
  Martini cocktails and Champagne by the glass are the specialities of this small yet elegant new bar just a block away from the Arc de Triomphe. The friendly Italian-Canadian owner, laid back lounge feel and absurdly low happy hour prices attract an international crowd.

• Sunside/Sunset Jazz Club read more ›
  (60 Rue des Lombards, 1st. Tel. 01 4026 4660)
  Considered one of the top jazz venues in town, this club features traditional jazz in the upstairs Sunside bar and electro jazz in the basement Sunset bar. Tickets range from free to €28 (tickets are half-priced after the second set). Visit www.sunset-sunside.com to see the schedule or buy tickets online.
• Le China read more ›
  (50 Rue de Charenton, 12th. Tel. 01 4343 8202)
  Formerly known as the China Club, this stylish Asian restaurant and bar in the Bastille district reopened in 2008 with a new programme of live jazz music in the lower-level club. Frequented by a well-dressed crowd of all ages.
• Le Rhumerie read more ›
  (166 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th. Tel. 01 4354 2894)
  A Saint-Germain institution, this lively bar has been serving up the best rum punches since 1932 to an eclectic crowd of all ages. Free jazz concerts on Sunday nights.
• Le Connétable read more ›
  (55 Rue des Archives. Tel. 01 4277 4140)
  Piaf-style chanson by beret-wearing crooners in an old-fashioned Marais venue with a loyal local following, cheap drinks and live music. No cover, charge, no dress code, no poseurs.
• Kitty O'Shea's read more ›
  (10 Rue des Capucines, 2nd. Tel. 01 4015 0030)
  For an authentic St Patrick's Day in Paris, come to one of the city's oldest Irish pubs, near the Opéra and banking district. Live music, live rugby, Irish cooking and Guinness on tap in a casual, international atmosphere.
• Le Point Ephérmère read more ›
  (200 Quai de Valmy, 10th. Tel. 01 4034 0248)
  Join a more casual crowd of laid-back hipsters for live music in a converted cement factory overlooking the Canal St-Martin. The eclectic program includes French pop, electro, folk, rock and punk. Check out the program online at www.pointephemere.org.

• L'Elysée Montmartre read more ›
  (72 Boulevard Rochechouart, 18th. Tel. 01 4223 4650)
  Going strong since 1807, this Parisian nightlife landmark venue in the heart of the Pigalle district plays host to DJ dance parties, fashion shows, top international musicians and the traditional monthly Bal Elysée.
• Le Batofar read more ›
  (Quai François Mauriac, 13th. Tel. 01 4521 0678)
  Sway to the music at this lighthouse boat converted into a club on the banks of the Seine. Electronic music DJs from around the world entertain a hip yet low-key crowd until the wee hours.
• Nouveau Casino read more ›
  (109 Rue Oberkampf, 11th. Tel. 01 4357 5740 )
  Tucked behind the Café Charbon, this futuristic club hosts live rock concerts, turning into more of a DJ club with electronic music from about midnight. Its low entry fees keep it one of the most popular venues in this laid-back east Paris district. Dress code is casual rather than glitzy.
• Dame de Canton read more ›
  (Quai François Mauriac, 13th. Tel. 01 4406 9645)
  This Chinese junk moored on the Seine formerly known as the Guinguette Pirate is one of the best concert venues in Paris. Stay cool by the water while listening to an eclectic programme of live rock, folk and world music.
• L'Elysée Montmartre read more ›
  (72 Boulevard Rochechouart, 18th. Tel. 01 4223 4650)
  Going strong since 1807, this Parisian nightlife landmark venue in the heart of the Pigalle district plays host to DJ dance parties, fashion shows, top international musicians and the traditional monthly Bal Elysée.
• Le Baron read more ›
  (8 Avenue Marceau, 8th. )
  In a former hostess bar, Le Baron is one of the most exclusive lounge bars in Paris, where the young jetset dance to live DJs on a tiny dance floor.
• WAGG read more ›
  (62 Rue Mazarine, 6th. Tel. 01 55 42 22 00)
  One of the few late-night clubs on the Left Bank, this revived haunt of the legendary Jim Morrison plays disco and house music on the weekends. Admission and drink prices reflect the average wallet size of the St-Germain-des-Prés jetset.
• Le Connétable read more ›
  (55 Rue des Archives, 3rd . Tel. 01 4277 4140)
  Every once in a while it's time to get back to Paris's musical roots with a bit of Piaf-style chanson by beret-wearing crooners. This old-fashioned Marais venue has a loyal local following, cheap drinks and live music that will have you itching for your own accordion.
• BC read more ›
  (40 Rue Pierre Ire de Serbie, 8th. Tel. 01 4720 7777)
  Dress to kill with a rock and roll attitude and you might get past the strict doorman at this exclusive bar near the Champs Elysées (look for the black door, there's no sign).
• Violon Dingue read more ›
  (46 Rue Montagne Sainte Geneviève, 5th. Tel. 01 4325 7993)
  Students fill both levels of this Latin Quarter favourite, with a late happy hour (8-10pm) and dancing on the lower-level until dawn. The street-level bar is more like a typical scruffy pub with sports on the TV and a large selection of beers and cocktails.

This month...

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Tips

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