Tap Books Publishing

Adrian Leeds® is seen on HGTV’s House Hunters International and is the author of the Parler Paris Nouvellettre® and French Property Insider.

I began writing this guide in 1996, not long after I moved to Paris as a permanent resident and ferreting out charming, little out-of-the-way places where tourists likely won’t find easily, but to which the locals flock. It is often the simple, hole-in-the-wall, mom-pop restaurants that serve the best food at the most reasonable prices…and they are getting harder and harder to find in today’s modern world. When you’re a tourist on holiday you will often end up eating in the touristy spots that are convenient – and you’ll often be disappointed. But carry this guide with you in the City of Light, and no matter where you are at any given moment you’ll be able to find great French restaurants (and sometimes other kinds of cuisine) not far from where you are – so you won’t have to waste one single precious meal on bad food in the city we love most – Paris!

Bon Appétit!

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Dining “à la française!”

There are so many exciting experiences in Paris you will have – the art and culture, visiting the monuments and museums, shopping for French fashion, romantic moments, French wines, and of course, dining “à la française!”

France is world famous for its cuisine, and with thousands of restaurants in Paris, it’s no wonder the decision about where to eat can be overwhelming! But, I believe every dining experience should be a delight, and not a single meal should be wasted on bad food. That’s why I began writing the guide in 1996, not long after I moved to Paris as a permanent resident.

My idea of dining heaven has always been a simple meal of bistrot fare – starting off with something as fresh as “Poireaux vinaigrette,” followed by a hearty “steack-frites” and for dessert a real classic – “mousse au chocolat” or “crème brulée.” The classic French bistrot can often times serve up some of the best meals you’ll have…and some of the least expensive…those quaint little spots with their checkered table cloths and lace curtains that haven’t changed in decades were always the most appealing. Don’t you agree!?

Insider Paris Restaurants – Good Value

That’s what Adrian Leeds Top 100 Cheap Insider Paris Restaurants tells you: how to dine in Paris for a lot less and a lot better! These are the good-value restaurants you need to be in-the-know to know about!

And that will make you an ‘insider,’ too.

While the guide offers a selection of Adrian Leeds’ favorite top 100 Paris restaurants, you’ll also discover little known dining tips:  

• How to ‘flirt’ with the wait staff to get great service
• How to handle the tax and tip like a pro
• How to read a French menu to enhance your dining experience
• What times to dine and how to dress for the occasion
• ...and much more!

Don’t Make These Dining “Faux Pas!”

“This note is to say thanks for your ‘Do’s and Don’ts.’ This brief but most valuable section of the guide enabled us to have comfortable and pleasant dining experiences wherever we went. It answered key questions and reminded me of ‘la politesse’ – one of the things that make Paris so charming. Everything I read in the guide showed that you [Adrian] simply adore Paris and want to share its secrets with others.” – Tim K.

You’ll learn what not to do, with these invaluable pointers:

• How to keep your conversations intimate by not speaking too loudly
• How to relax and enjoy your meal by not rushing it
• Why you should ask if you can be seated before just taking a table
• Why the French don’t “doggy bag” it
• Why you wouldn’t want to ask for separate checks
• ...and many more!

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Organized by Arrondissement

The guide is arranged by the 20 arrondissements (districts) of Paris, so no matter where in the city you find yourself, you can also find a great restaurant and a great meal! Here are excerpts featuring a few of Adrian’s favorite restaurants.

Chez Omar, Arrondissement 3

“North African couscous is as French these days as onion soup, thanks to a large North African population in Paris of more than 200,000. So, to truly complete a French experience you will not want to visit Paris without a lunch or dinner pause at Chez Omar. You can find me here about once a week as this is the kind of restaurant I can count on for a great meal, a small price and a really fun experience. It is well reputed for its great couscous, grilled meats and fish, fast, friendly service and Omar himself, who is loaded with personality…”

Bistrot le Mazarin, Arrondissement 6

“A classic corner in what is fast becoming “tourist town,” Bistrot Le Mazarin holds fort for the lovers of Saint-Germain-des-Prés who have watched their neighborhood butcher shops turn into chic shoe boutiques. Lace curtains, cozy wood tables, a long bar for the regulars to bend their elbows over a coffee or a Pastis, one can order a broad range of brasserie-fusion-restaurant traditional cuisine served by a friendly wait staff with years of experience. Daily specials keep the menu forever interesting. Preparation is superb. The bread assortment in the tiny basket comes from a bakery on rue Git le Coeur and is worth spreading butter on before your meal arrives. Atmosphere is so “Paris,” it’s unbelievable. In warm weather, tables take over the sidewalk under temporary tarps. The clientele is local to a tee – you have to know this “petit coin” exists and stands out from the rest, even on the well-known and chic rue Mazarine…”

Au Pied de Fouet, Arrondissment 7

“The first time I landed at the door of Au Pied de Fouet was in the ’80′s when Paris was just a tourist destination for me. My first encounter there was memorable as we were wedged into a corner of the 16-seat lower level and got to know our young French neighbors so well that they became friends for many years to come. The owners of Au Pied de Fouet have changed since then but very little else has, except that the upper level is now seating for another 18. Cloth napkins reserved for the regulars are neatly pigeon-holed into a rack made just for them. The tables are set with red check cloths – but of course! The owner stands behind the bar and when there is standing room only, the bar gets busy. The regulars are a mix of suited older gentleman from the district’s government buildings, families, young couples and even a tourist or two, but not many. This is one of Paris’ most charming and least expensive dining spots…”

Saving Euros While Eating & Drinking Like a King!

Buying this book is the first piece of huge value you will receive with our bargain price! But there is so much more inside the pages. I know how hard it is to save for your adventure and some of you may be taking a big hit on currency exchange before you spend a dime! So our team shares our euro-saving tips with you.

Read an Excerpt of Top 100 Now