Best Places in Paris for Fresh and Sustainable Seafood

Best Places in Paris for Fresh and Sustainable Seafood

In Paris, some of the best seafood are in Montparnasse and Le Marais. Known for their charming brasseries and seafood spots, these areas are where you’ll find tiered platters of oysters, clams, and prawns served over ice, just waiting to be enjoyed with a splash of lemon or mignonette. Montparnasse, with its rich Breton influence, is especially famous for seafood straight from the coast of Brittany—an area known for delivering some of the freshest catches to the capital.

In Le Marais, you’ll find trendy seafood bistros offering seasonal, sustainable dishes that celebrate the flavors of the sea, often paired with crisp French wines like Muscadet. Here in Paris, it’s all about simplicity and quality, letting the freshness of the seafood shine. Whether you’re settling into a cozy brasserie or a sleek, modern spot, Parisian seafood is a true taste of the French coast right in the heart of the city.

Top Eco-Conscious Seafood Dining in Paris

Le Dôme

Le Dôme has been a Montparnasse staple since 1898, and walking through its doors feels like a step back in time. Known for its opulent Art Deco decor, marble-topped tables, and elegant brass fittings, Le Dôme transports you to an era when intellectuals, artists, and writers made this their haunt. Nowadays, you’ll find a mix of well-dressed locals, history-loving tourists, and the occasional celebrity enjoying the classic seafood menu.

The dishes here celebrate the best of French seafood: think oysters from Brittany, delicately cooked sole meunière, and lobster thermidor. It’s all beautifully prepared with minimal fuss to let the quality of the ingredients shine, with prices for mains ranging from €30 to €50. Regulars and visitors alike comment on the “timeless Parisian atmosphere” and the “unmatched quality of the seafood.”

Operating Hours: Daily: 12:00 to 15:00, 19:00 to 23:00

Clamato

Opened by chef Bertrand Grébaut of the Michelin-starred Septime, Clamato has a relaxed, rustic vibe that attracts a diverse crowd of young locals, food enthusiasts, and travelers. With a warm wooden interior and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where you can kick back, share a few plates, and people-watch while savoring some of Paris’s freshest seafood.

Clamato’s small-plate menu is built around creative, seasonal dishes like raw razor clams with green apple and the famous crab toast. Each plate ranges from €10 to €20, making it ideal for a night of sampling and sharing. Patrons often mention the “welcoming vibe” and “surprising flavors” that make Clamato a standout in Paris’s modern seafood scene.

Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 12:00 to 15:00, 19:00 to 23:00

Istr

  • Address: 41 Rue Notre-Dame de Nazareth, 3rd Arrondissement, Paris
  • Website: istr-paris.fr

Nestled in the trendy Marais district, Istr is where Paris’s cool crowd comes for a night of oysters, cocktails, and good vibes. With its industrial-chic interior, bustling bar scene, and inventive oyster offerings (try the “Oyster Bloody Mary” for a twist), Istr is lively, attracting everyone from local artists to savvy tourists.

The menu includes unique seafood dishes, such as oyster shooters and bold tartares, with prices for mains around €15-€30. Known for its fun, buzzy energy, Istr is a great choice if you’re looking for a lively evening. Guests love the “energetic atmosphere” and the “creative spin on oysters,” which set it apart from traditional oyster bars.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 18:00 to 00:00

Lobster Bar

  • Address: 41 Rue Coquillière, 1st Arrondissement, Paris
  • Website: lobsterbar.fr

Tucked in the 1st Arrondissement, Lobster Bar brings the taste of New England’s coast to Paris. Since opening in 2015, this cozy spot has been a go-to for foodies seeking authentic lobster rolls in buttery brioche, a rare treat in France. Expect a mix of expats, locals, and tourists curious to try American-style seafood with Parisian flair.

Besides the classic lobster rolls (around €25), the menu also offers clam chowder and crab rolls. The minimalist, cozy interior, combined with friendly service, makes this a great choice for a relaxed meal. Reviews frequently mention the “comforting flavors” and “unpretentious atmosphere” that bring a slice of Maine to Paris.

Hours: Daily: 12:00 to 23:00

Le Bar à Huîtres

  • Address: Multiple locations in Saint-Germain, Montparnasse, and Place des Ternes
  • Website: lebarahuitres.com

With several locations across Paris, Le Bar à Huîtres is known for its grand seafood platters, piled high with oysters, langoustines, and lobster. You’ll see a diverse mix of locals and visitors, from families celebrating a special occasion to couples on a date night. The lively brasserie atmosphere makes it a classic Parisian choice.

Platters range from €40-€100, ideal for sharing, and their oysters are sourced from some of the best regions in France. Visitors often highlight the “excellent selection” and the “joyful, bustling vibe,” making Le Bar à Huîtres a must-visit for an indulgent seafood feast.

Hours: Daily: 12:00 to 23:00

Chez Léon

  • Address: 1 Rue de la Convention, 15th Arrondissement, Paris
  • Website: chezleonparis.fr

A neighborhood favorite since 1973, Chez Léon is a cozy, family-run bistro with a no-frills approach to classic French seafood. Locals come here for comforting dishes like bouillabaisse and grilled sole, and you’ll often find families, regulars, and friends gathered over a simple, delicious meal.

Prices for mains range from €20-€35, and the homey atmosphere, complete with vintage decor, makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a piece of old Paris. Regulars love the “warm, familiar vibe” and the “honest, straightforward cooking,” making Chez Léon a treasured gem in the 15th.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 to 14:30, 19:00 to 22:30

La Méditerranée

Sitting right across from the Odéon Theater, La Méditerranée has been a seafood institution since 1942. With its vibrant mosaics and Mediterranean decor, the place feels like a slice of the Riviera in Paris. It’s especially popular with theatergoers, locals, and tourists who love the Mediterranean-style seafood.

On the menu, you’ll find specialties like grilled octopus and seafood paella, with main dishes between €25 and €40. Patrons often comment on the “artful decor” and the “easygoing, classic ambiance,” making it a relaxed choice for a seafood dinner in the city’s heart.

Operating Hours: Daily: 12:00 to 23:00

Huguette Bistro de la Mer

Located in the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Huguette Bistro de la Mer is where you’ll find locals and travelers alike sharing seafood platters in a bright, nautical-themed setting. The vibe is laid-back and inviting, perfect for enjoying everything from fresh oysters to lobster rolls.

With main dishes priced between €15-€35, Huguette offers a mix of raw and cooked seafood in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Visitors love the “cozy coastal decor” and the “friendly, easygoing vibe,” making it a perfect spot to unwind with friends or family.

Hours: Daily: 12:00 to 23:00

L’Ecume Saint-Honoré

L’Ecume Saint-Honoré doubles as a seafood market and casual restaurant, attracting seafood lovers who appreciate the ultra-fresh selection. The interior is compact but bustling, with a standing bar where locals enjoy oysters and wine. You’ll find a mix of locals and curious visitors sampling seasonal seafood.

Oysters start at €12 for a half-dozen, making it an affordable and unique experience. Guests appreciate the “market-fresh quality” and the “authentic, no-frills vibe,” perfect for a quick, satisfying bite in the city center.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 to 19:30

Restaurant Prunier

  • Address: 16 Avenue Victor Hugo, 16th Arrondissement, Paris
  • Website: prunier.com

Founded in 1925, Prunier is an elegant, Art Deco gem known for its caviar and smoked salmon. This historic restaurant attracts a sophisticated crowd—think business professionals, couples, and caviar aficionados. Prunier specializes in French delicacies, including sustainably sourced Beluga caviar, making it a unique choice for those looking to splurge.

Main courses range from €40-€80. The luxurious ambiance, complete with vintage decor and a Parisian touch, is often praised for its “timeless elegance” and “exquisite quality,” making Prunier a memorable stop for a high-end dining experience.

Hours: Monday to Saturday: 12:00 to 14:30, 19:00 to 23:00

7. Sémilla

  • Address: 54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
  • Website: semilla.fr

Opened in 2012, Sémilla is a vibrant spot in Saint-Germain-des-Prés that specializes in organic, sustainable seafood. The restaurant works closely with small producers to source everything from seasonal fish to fresh herbs.

Signature dishes include the cod with chorizo and leeks, with main courses between €25-€40. The stylish, modern decor and open kitchen create a lively, engaging vibe that appeals to both locals and visitors.

Diners frequently commend the “fantastic flavors” and “eco-friendly focus,” making it a popular pick for a lively, sustainably conscious meal.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 12:00 to 15:00, 19:00 to 23:00


8. Breizh Café Odéon

Known for its Breton roots, Breizh Café serves up sustainably sourced seafood alongside its famous galettes. Opened by Bertrand Larcher in 2006, this café focuses on eco-friendly practices and supports local fishers to bring authentic Breton flavors to the heart of Paris.

Their scallop galette is a crowd-pleaser, with most dishes priced between €10-€20. The relaxed, bistro-style atmosphere makes it a hit with locals looking for an authentic, eco-conscious dining option.

Guests frequently mention the “amazing galettes” and the “sustainable seafood options” as reasons to return.

Hours: Daily: 11:30 to 23:00


9. Le Bar à Huitres Saint-Germain

Le Bar à Huitres, a Paris staple since 1987, specializes in responsibly sourced oysters and shellfish, showcasing seafood from sustainable fisheries. The Saint-Germain location is popular for its stylish decor and commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Their seafood platters and Belon oysters are top choices, with prices ranging from €15-€40 per dish. The upscale, modern decor and lively ambiance make it a great choice for a fun night out.

Visitors on TripAdvisor rave about the “fresh oysters” and the “commitment to ethical sourcing.”

Hours: Daily: 12:00 to 23:00


10. Les Pinces

  • Address: 29 Rue du Bourg Tibourg, 75004 Paris
  • Website: lespinces.com

Les Pinces, opened in 2014 in Le Marais, brings a sustainable twist to classic lobster and seafood dishes. They work with local suppliers to source quality seafood responsibly, with a straightforward menu that lets the ingredients shine.

The grilled lobster with fries is a signature favorite, priced at €25, making it both affordable and delicious. The laid-back, industrial-chic setting is perfect for a relaxed meal with friends.

Guests on Yelp love the “value for money” and the “quality of ingredients,” making it a go-to for sustainable seafood in the city.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00 to 23:00

Typical Parisian Seafood Dishes to Try

When dining at these top seafood restaurants in Paris, you’ll come across a range of classic French dishes that showcase the city’s love for fresh, flavorful seafood. Here are some must-try options to look out for:

Moules-Frites
A classic dish of mussels steamed with white wine, garlic, and herbs, served with a side of crispy fries. Moules-frites is a quintessential brasserie dish you’ll find at many seafood spots, including Huguette Bistro de la Mer, where they serve them in large, shareable portions perfect for enjoying with friends.

Bouillabaisse
A hearty fish stew originating from Marseille, bouillabaisse has made its way into Parisian seafood menus as a rich, comforting dish. Traditionally made with a variety of fresh fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs, this dish is often served with a side of rouille (a saffron-garlic sauce) and crusty bread. Chez Léon is known for its take on this classic, which offers a taste of southern France in the heart of Paris.

Sole Meunière
A Parisian staple, sole meunière is all about simplicity and flavor. This dish features a whole sole lightly dredged in flour, pan-fried in butter, and served with a lemon-butter sauce. Le Dôme offers an especially refined version, perfect for those who want to experience this delicate, buttery dish prepared to perfection.

Oysters (Huîtres)
Oysters are a staple of French seafood, enjoyed fresh on the half-shell with a splash of lemon or mignonette sauce. Different varieties from Brittany and Normandy bring unique flavors, from briny to sweet. Le Bar à Huîtres and L’Ecume Saint-Honoré offer impressive selections, with options to try oysters sourced from some of France’s best coastal regions.

Disclaimer: Our listings are based on research, local customer reviews, top travel bloggers, magazine evaluations, and our own preferences. Prices and menus may change, so please check official sites for the latest information.
Sources: VisitParis.com, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, restaurant websites

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