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I’m not telling you anything new when I say Paris is internationally renowned for its food scene, but have you heard of the bistronomy trend that has become a central piece of the Parisian culinary culture?
Combining the terms bistrot and gastronomy, the name alone almost says it all: bistronomy is all about bringing together the fresh, quality ingredients, simple but delicious recipes, and warm laid-back atmosphere of traditional bistros with the imperative discipline and technique of haute cuisine gastronomy.
In the early 90s, Yves Camdeborde, then a promising young Chef learning the ropes in the kitchens of a Parisian palace, decided to open his first restaurant La Régalade in the south end of Paris. Serving excellent bistro dishes at a very sweet price, his intention was to make fine dining affordable and accessible, “to democratize haute cuisine” for his gourmet customers. The concept was born, baptized bistronomy by food critic Stephane Demorand, and its success was immediate.
The tasty trend spread quickly, and it’s now quite a challenge to keep count of all the bistronomic restaurants around Paris.
Serving staples like poitrine de porc (pork belly), coquilles Saint-Jacques (scallops), as well as hearty, rustic vegetables, their menus are short and generally change daily or weekly according to what’s in season. Expect to pay 40-50€ per person for a full meal, including a glass of wine. But know that whatever you order, you really can’t go wrong!
Have a Bistronomic Experience
Wondering where to taste test this Parisian culinary concept for yourself? Here are a few of our favorite bistronomic restaurants in Paris, selected for the quality of their products, the inventiveness of their cuisine, the reasonable prices, and the warm atmosphere.
Find more of our picks for high-quality cuisine in our Paris restaurant guide.
L’Ardoise, 28 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris
La Cantine du Troquet – 5 locations throughout Paris
79 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris
101 Rue de l’Ouest, 75014 Paris
53 Boulevard de Grenelle, 75015 Paris
89 Rue Daguerre, 75014 Paris
46 Rue Bayen, 75017 Paris
Le Mermoz, 6 Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 Paris
Le Pantruche, 3 Rue Victor Massé, 75009 Paris
Le Radis Beurre, 51 Boulevard Garibaldi, 75015 Paris
Semilla, 54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
Le Troquet, 21 Rue François Bonvin, 75015 Paris
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