Steak frites (steak and fries) is a classic French bistro dish found across France and in the capital. There’s plenty of good steak frites to be found in Paris but where are the best? Our guide has a round-up of our personal favourite spots serving up the crispiest fries, the tastiest steak and of course, the best sauces.
The Best Steak Frites in Paris
Finding the best steak frites in the city of light is no mean feat. You’ll find a classic steak frites in almost every neighbourhood bistro in the city, with some better than others. Our list has the best spots with consistently good steak frites. Across the city you’ll see fillet, strip or flank served up with different sauces – depending on the price range and what the chef’s speciality is. Our guide covers restaurants with different cuts of beef with different sauces and in different price brackets. All in no particular order!
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte has probably the most famous steak frites in the city and is a must do if you like steak. Don’t expect wagyu or huge sharing steaks on the menu – they have a simple 1 steak approach. Entrecôte or ribeye in English (specifically the eye of the cut) is grilled to your liking and served up with awesome French fries and their famous herby sauce. You don’t just get one portion though, once you’ve finished your first plate the servers will come round and give you another serving of steak, fries and sauce. Come hungry and you might have room for one of their amazing desserts.
What to know before you visit
- You can’t reserve, expect to queue for up to an hour at peak times
- Mid week lunch times are an ideal time to go – weekends will be full of hungry Parisians
Addresses:
Champs-Elysées: 15 rue Marbeuf, 75008
Tel: +33 1 49 52 07 17
St Germain des Près: 20 rue Saint-Benoît, 75006
+33 1 45 49 16 00
Montparnasse: 101, Bld du Montparnasse – 75006
+33 1 46 33 82 82
Website: https://www.relaisentrecote.fr/
Brutos
If you’re looking for a steak cooked over a charcoal BBQ then Brutos is a great choice. Located in the 11th arrondissement and just off the very pretty Square Maurice Gardette, it’s hugely popular with foodies. The starters are awesome and always have some elements cooked over their charcoal grill, giving a great BBQ flavour. Their single portion steak is a big piece of rump cooked rare that comes with a healthy portion of crispy French fries and an awesome beef jus. If you fancy sharing a larger steak, there’s a Cote de Boeuf for two on the menu which comes with the usual fries and chimichurri sauce. The curated wine list is incredible – expect only great natural wine here.
What to know before you visit
- You can reserve online
Address: 5 Rue du Général Renault, 75011
Tel: 01 48 06 98 97
Website: https://www.brutosparis.com
Le Bistro Paul Bert
The Bistro Paul Bert is a favourite bistro for most foodies here and for good reason. Their version of steak frites is epic – a fillet of beef perfectly cooked (I’ve never been disappointed) and layered with a sauce au poivre (peppercorn sauce) made to order. The generously served French fries are great to soak up that amazing sauce. The rest of the food on the menu at the Bistro Paul Bert is equally good, especially the desserts. The wine list is superb and includes many natural and conventional wines.
What to know before you visit
- You’ll need to book at least a week/two weeks before depending on seasonality
- Reservations are phone only
- They’re closed Sundays and Mondays
Address: 18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011
Tel: 01 43 72 24 01
Website: https://bistrotpaulbert.fr
La Fontaine de Mars
Looking for a classic, well done, fillet of beef with a sauce béarnaise? La Fontaine de Mars is a famous bistro a stones throw away from the Eiffel Tower and does a great steak frites. The bistro is traditional in the best sense and is exactly what you’d imagine a Parisian bistro to be like. The rest of the food is equally as good and you certainly get what you pay for.
What to know before you visit
- The dining space is on two floors, the 1st floor can feel very intimate.
- You’ll need to reserve in advance, especially during the summer months.
Address: 129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007
Tel: 01 47 05 46 44
Address: https://www.fontaine-de-mars.com
Le Bouillon Pigalle
The cheapest steak frites on this list comes from Le Bouillon Pigalle. A modern take on the traditional bouillons of Paris, Le Bouillon Pigalle has a whole host of traditional French dishes at extremely reasonable prices. Their steaks are usually flank (bavette in French) and are cooked well but can be a bit tough for some (although they’re high in flavour). The fries are great and you get a lot of them. There’s no sauce here but the steak does have a healthy amount of beurre maitre d’hotel (garlic & parsley compound butter).
What to know before you visit
- You can reserve online but make sure to reserve 1 or 2 weeks in advance
- Prepare to queue if you haven’t got a reservation – only around 4-5pm will there be little to no queue.
- Don’t expect the best steak frites but it is cheap!
Address: 22 Bd de Clichy, 75018
Tel: 01 42 59 69 31
Website: https://bouillonlesite.com/
