The 12 most romantic restaurants in Paris

What was it like to flirt during the time of Napoleon III? To find out, head to Le Clarence, a stunning mansion decorated with intricate mouldings, marble, and Second Empire furniture in Paris’s luxurious Golden Triangle. It’s a deep dive into the refined world of French luxury, brought to life by Christophe Pelé’s incredible dishes. A unique sensory experience unfolds over about twenty dishes and three hours of bliss, ending in the lounge by the fireplace.

Where? 31 Avenue Franklin-Delano-Roosevelt, Paris 8th arrondissement

Within the gold and bronze setting of Le Gabriel, Jérôme Banctel has crafted a deeply personal cuisine – calmly creative, subtly technical, and always focused on the product, which is sourced from his native Brittany or French forests during game season. Here, there are no grandiose menu titles or overuse of luxury ingredients as a cover-up. Instead, he moves diners with a ‘simple’ dish of Bretagne carrot des sables, an artichoke (glazed with cherry vinegar), or squid (slow-cooked in duck fat). You won’t find a more evocative dinner for such a good price anywhere else in Paris.

Where? 42 Avenue Gabriel, 8th arrondissement

Stepping through the doors of this charming bistro feels like escaping the hustle and bustle of central Paris for a while. La Baignoire’s calm atmosphere, starched white tablecloths and vintage silverware make it a serious contender for a quiet, romantic dinner. Cécile Levy’s menu (which you’ll find handwritten inside a notebook) leans towards adventurous bistronomy (sumac paired with monkfish here, Japanese curry with ribeye there) and emphasises high-quality ingredients – it’s minimalism done in the service of indulgence.

Where? 7 Rue Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, Paris 2nd arrondissement

Cecilia Spurio and Eugenio Anfuso, a couple as quintessentially Italian as a Fiat 500 dipped in tiramisu, bring their impressive résumés from prestigious establishments to Amalia, a refined spot, offering a gastronomic experience in a neighbourhood more accustomed to scruffy bistros. The result? Elevated prices and brilliant dishes that pay homage to Italian cuisine. Just be sure to avoid the ‘table from hell’ stuck between a pillar and the restrooms, which is unworthy of the setting.

Where? 32 Rue de la Fontaine-au-Roi, Paris 11th arrondissement

Chenapan is a charming little 18-seat restaurant decked out in pine green, black leather, and a pop-art backdrop, where young chef Bruno Laporte showcases his passion for sabayons and mousselines in a five-course, Asian-inspired, ultra-generous menu. You’ll joyfully dive into well-crafted dishes (Thai broth mussels, binchotan-grilled duck breast) with flavours that are experimental, but not too much — in other words, it’s the perfect spot to take your date.

Where? 28 Rue de la Tour-d’Auvergne, Paris 9th arrondissement

The quintessentially Parisian ambience of the Passage des Panoramas, the chic bistro-style dining room with its wooden charm, and the impeccably crafted Italian dishes by Simone Tondo all add up to a beautiful dining experience. Even the modest width of the tables allows you to stay close to your partner while sensually slurping a tagliolini (although that does require a bit of practice).

Where? 8 passage des Panoramas, Paris 2nd arrondissement

The red neon flooding the street and interior with a sultry glow might suggest a rowdy, boisterous spot. But no. Augustin Marchand, the apron-clad host, offers a cosy wine cellar for refined hedonists. A handful of travertine tables accommodate about a dozen guests in a jazzy ambience, surrounded by heaps of bottles, exposed beams, and plates featuring carefully sourced ingredients.

Where? 26 Rue des Grands-Augustins, Paris 6th arrondissement 

A small tavern-like room hidden away on one of Paris's most charming squares, closely packed tables and a jazzy soundtrack – Dilia is the kind of tucked-away, romantic spot that Paris does so well. To top it off, Tuscan chef Michele Farnesi delivers perfectly balanced and subtly crafted Italian dishes you’re bound to fall for.

Where? 1 Rue d'Eupatoria, Paris 20th arrondissement