There’s more than a hint of truth in the idea that locals rarely venture across the city for a meal or drink, sticking instead to their own turf on either the Right or Left Bank of Paris. As someone who’s mostly lived on the Right, I used to limit my recommendations to places I knew best. But leading food tours in the heart of saint-germain-des-prés  has broadened my scope—and left me pleasantly surprised.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés holds a special place in Parisian history as the heart of the city’s intellectual and artistic golden age. Once the gathering ground for existentialists, artists, and writers who shaped the cultural landscape of post-war Paris, today Saint-Germain retains its historic charm with picturesque streets, iconic cafés, and a quieter vibe than the bustling districts across the Seine. 

Alongside this history, the 6th arrondissement is often labeled as a bit stuffy and overpriced, but Saint-Germain has quietly welcomed a wave of fresh spots—minus the tourist throngs or high prices found in certain establishments along the Boulevard Saint-Germain. Even Le Monde reported in 2022 that Parisian chefs are crossing the Seine, betting on a Left Bank revival. For travellers heading to Saint-Germain, don’t let the usual suspects like Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots and Brasserie Lipp (sorry!) define your experience. Here’s a guide to discovering the cooler, more local side of this iconic neighborhood.

Where to Eat in St. Germain: BREAKFAST and COFFEE 

Café Biboune

Located on the vibrant Rue du Cherche-Midi, Café Biboune has a laid-back, neighborhood feel. Its bright, welcoming space with large windows makes it perfect for people-watching. The relaxed staff serve a solid brunch menu, with highlights such as Saint-Nectaire grilled cheese. The coffee stands out in a district filled with tourist-heavy spots.

Poilâne

A Saint-Germain institution since 1932, Poilâne is a favorite place of both locals and tourists. Originally founded by Pierre Poilâne, who accepted paintings from cash-strapped artists in exchange for bread (some of which are still displayed at the back), the bakery is now run by his granddaughter, Apollonia. Their wood-fired tartes aux pommes are a must-try, showcasing how the French elevate simple ingredients—cane sugar, apples, and pastry—into something remarkable. 

Café du Clown

Tucked beside the Saint-Germain market, Café du Clown is a relaxed offshoot of the famous Clown Bar restaurant in the 11ème. Amid minimalist décor, they serve strong flat whites, cold brews, and a select range of pastries, including Madeleines and clown-face cookies. Its sheltered terrace makes it a cosy place for coffee, especially if the weather takes a turn.

the interior of Cafe du Clown restaurant in Paris's St Germain de Pres.
Café du Clown

Café d’Auteur

For coffee purists looking to avoid the ubiquitous bitter bistro cups, this small shop is run by a passionate patron who serves some of the best coffee in the area. Pair your drink with a cake from their seasonally rotating selection.

Bonjour Jacob

A modern and sleek alternative to the traditional Saint-Germain café, Bonjour Jacob offers a cool, informal atmosphere enjoyed by a dynamic mix of locals and visitors. Known for its well-made matcha and pour-overs, the café also provides a thoughtfully curated selection of magazines.

Best Lunch in St Germain, Paris

Huîtrerie Régis

For a superb oyster-and-wine lunch, Huîtrerie Régis is a top pick not only for Saint-Germain but for Paris. Known for sourcing seafood from the best farmers in France, they serve up fresh oysters with expertise and charm. The petite dining room feels both sophisticated and welcoming, with staff happy to discuss their carefully chosen wines and shellfish. In addition to oysters, smoked scallops and king prawns round out the offerings. At lunch, enjoy a formule of a dozen oysters and a glass of wine for around €40 (at the time of writing).

The cream coloured exterior of Regis restaurant in St Germain Paris.
Huîtererie Régis

Kodawari Ramen

Once you’ve braved the queue (or have arrived early enough to avoid it), Kodawari offers comforting bowls of ramen in a cozy, bustling setting. The broths are rich and well-seasoned, and the ingredients are top-notch, with plenty of options for vegetarians. The quirky décor and lively atmosphere add to the experience. While the space is small, the quality of the ramen is worth a bit of a squeeze. 

Breizh Café

You’ve probably seen Breizh Café on every Paris food guide going—and with good reason. Their galettes remain some of the best: crispy, with a menu that balances classic and inventive toppings. Paired with a dry cider, it’s a winning combination.  This Left Bank branch is especially charming and, if you can snag an outdoor table, it’s ideal for watching the world go by. 

Jixiao’s Buns

Close to the Seine, Jixiao’s Buns is my go-to for a quick, satisfying lunch or snack. Their Shanghai-style bao buns, some of which come filled with broth (and even a little straw to make eating them easier!). Grab a handful and head for a riverside bench if the weather’s nice—perhaps with a cold Tsingtao beer. Prices are affordable, service is brisk, and seating inside is limited, so be prepared to squeeze if you choose to dine in.

Cosí

I stumbled upon Cosí on the Left Bank (they have a Right Bank location too) by following the smell of their freshly baked flatbreads. Friendly staff serve up thin, crisp flatbread sandwiches that are perfect for fillings like speck, ricotta, and walnuts with a squeeze of lemon—a personal favorite. The daily salads are always fresh and substantial, making this spot ideal for a quick, healthy lunch.

the exterior of a restaurant in St Germain Paris.
Cosi

Best restaurants in St Germain, Paris for Dinner 

Allard

Yes, Alain Ducasse has expanded his empire widely (perhaps too widely), but Allard has held onto its charm. This is classic, comforting French cooking, rooted in Burgundy flavours: the kind of place to get your fix of escargots, frog legs, and old-school île flottante. The dining room of this popular restaurant has a nostalgic charm with white-tablecloths and smartly dressed waiters, similar to the classic brasseries in the area, but the cooking here is several notches above.

Oktobre

I love that Oktobre brings Saint-Germain sophistication without the pretension. The kitchen turns out creative dishes with flair—think Basque plaice, Brittany piglet, and rice pudding with anise crème diplomat. If you’re after beautifully sourced ingredients in an understated, candlelit setting, this is a special spot. The six-course tasting menu (€83 at the time of writing) is a steal, and so too is the weekday lunch deal at €39. 

Brasserie des Prés 

With typical dishes like onion soup, saucisse purée, and beef bourguignon on the menu, Brasserie des Prés is a great place for traditional French cuisine that’s both satisfying and affordable. Ideal for group or family dinners, this brasserie is one from the Nouvelle Garde Group, but it retains a distinctly non-chain feel. There is a friendly atmosphere, with warm and efficient service.

The exterior of Brasserie des Prés restaurant in Paris St Germain.
Brasserie des Prés

L’Avant Comptoir du Marché 

Yves Camdeborde’s lively spot near the Saint-Germain market has been a regular fixture on Paris city guides for good reason—it’s been doing something a bit different for years. The tapas-style restaurant’s lively atmosphere matches its creative small plate menu, featuring dishes like garlic-and-chilli-spiced pork belly and boudin noir macarons. With a solid, fairly-priced wine list and brisk but friendly service, it’s a place where locals and food-savvy travelers happily mingle.

the interior of Parisian Bar L'Avant Comptoir de Marché
L’Avant Comptoir de Marché

Semilla 

Semilla’s menu leans towards the Mediterranean, with a focus on vegetables and lively flavors: dashi, apple, persimmon, and juniper cream show up in unexpected ways. The wine list offers plenty by the glass, and it’s open on Sundays—a rare find in Paris!

Sétopa

This chic Korean spot specialises in well-crafted chicken dishes such as spicy dak-galbi and comforting chicken hot pot. The portions are dainty, and the concise menu is thoughtfully curated. Drinks are inventive, with options like yuzu soda and plum liqueur cocktails, and desserts, such as chestnut mochi, offer a fun way to finish your meal. The sleek, minimalist interior makes it a sophisticated choice for dinner.

DRINKS

Augustin Marchand D’Vins

A cosy, atmospheric wine cave where the walls are lined with bottles and low lighting sets a relaxing tone. The owner is approachable and knowledgeable, offering fantastic cheese and charcuterie pairings to complement a wide selection of wines. It’s the perfect place to linger and try something new, with insights from a true raconteur.

Cravan

For something more contemporary, visit Cravan, a cocktail bar developed by Moët Hennessy. The impressive multi-floor layout has distinct decor and ambiance on each level. The drinks are expertly crafted— innovative without being gimmicky. Food is a bit of an afterthought, but it’s a fun spot to start or end your night.

Freddy’s

A local favorite for natural wines and tapas plates, Freddy’s shines with tasty morsels like hot beignets, garlic razor clams, and sea bass ceviche. The wines are great, and the lively atmosphere and stylish clientele make it the perfect pick for a cool Sunday or Monday night when many places are closed.

woman sitting at a bar in saint germain des pres restaurant.
Freddy’s

Pépites Caviste et Bar à Vin

Tucked into a former wine cellar from the Middle Ages, Pépites is an intimate and cool wine bar. Choose a bottle from their selection to enjoy on-site with a modest corkage fee, or sample whatever’s open that day. With great cheese platters, it’s a solid spot for wine enthusiasts looking for something a bit different.

Food Shops in Saint Germain Des Prés

Jaques Genin 

One of my (and practically everyone’s) absolute favorite chocolatiers in Paris. You haven’t truly experienced chocolate or caramel until you’ve tried Jacques Genin’s. The mango passionfruit caramel is rich and buttery, while his mint chocolate has a fresh, natural mint flavor. The shop itself feels like a jewellery store, with the caramels gleaming beautifully, and they package everything in insulated sleeves if you want to take your treats back home. 

Des Gâteaux et des Pain

Run by Claire Damon, a formidable, award-winning pâtissière, Des Gâteaux et des Pain is my regular choice for pastries in Paris. Having grown up in Auvergne and Aveyron, Damon produces seasonal pastries that are mostly fruit-based, light as air, and beautifully presented—exceptionally made with the very best organic ingredients.

La Dernière Goutte 

For wine to take home, La Dernière Goutte is my pick in Saint-Germain. With nearly 30 years of expertise, this beloved shop specializes in terroir-driven, estate-bottled wines from small producers, focusing on organic and biodynamic options. Juan Sanchez, who also runs Freddy’s, has been at the helm for almost 20 years, offering knowledgeable and kind service, whether you’re a novice or an enthusiast. They even offer international shipping and air travel packaging, plus tastings and classes in English.

Le Grand Épicerie 

A must-visit when I have friends or family in town, Le Grand Épicerie is the sprawling food emporium of Le Bon Marché  that dates back to the 1920s. It’s dangerously easy to spend money on gifts (for others and yourself) here, with an overwhelming selection of gourmet goods. Who knew there were so many types of mustard? And yes, you really do need sugar cubes shaped like tiny cups of coffee! If the shopping gets too intense, take a break with a pastry from their lovely patisserie counter.

Favorite Restaurants in St. Germain – Addresses

Café Biboune — 105 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris

Poilâne — 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris

Café du Clown — 6 Rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris

Café d’Aguteur — 39 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris

Bonjour Jacob — 30 Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris

Huîtrerie Régis — 3 Rue de Montfaucon, 75006 Paris

Kodawari Ramen — 29 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris

Breizh Café — 1 Rue de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris

Jixiao’s Buns — 21 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris

Cosí — 54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris

Allard — 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris

Oktobre — 25 Rue des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris

Brasserie des Prés — 6 Cr du Commerce Saint-André, 75006 Paris

L’Avant Comptoir du Marché — 14 Rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris

Semilla — 54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris

Sétopa — 6 Rue Dupuytren, 75006 Paris

Augustin Marchand D’Vins — 26 Rue des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris

Cravan — 165 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

Freddy’ — 54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris

Pépites Caviste et Bar à Vin — 36 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris

Jaques Genin — 27 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Des Gâteaux et des Pain — 89 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris

La Dernière Goutte — 6 Rue de Bourbon le Château, 75006 Paris

Le Grand Épicerie — 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris

Written by Rachel Naismith. Photos by Sammy Royal. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.

WRITTEN BY

Rachel Naismith

Originally from London, Rachel is a writer and content creator currently living in Paris. She is deeply passionate about all things food and drink. Her favorite pastimes include discussing anything to do with butter, experimenting with raku ceramics, and watching her Italian partner make her pasta. She has been writing about food, travel, and lifestyle for over four years. Her work has appeared in publications including Palate Magazine, Travel Mag, HiP Paris, and Paris Unlocked.

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