If you’re in Paris looking for restaurants that blend world-class dining with a genuine local vibe, Alain Ducasse has you covered. Ducasse isn’t just any chef—he’s a legend known for reinventing French cuisine across several iconic Parisian spots. Here’s your casual, insider-friendly guide to his best restaurants, complete with unique details and dishes you can’t miss.
1. Le Meurice Alain Ducasse
Opened: 2007
Address: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Why Locals Insider Loves It:
Dining at Le Meurice feels like stepping into a royal banquet hall—without any stuffiness. The decor is inspired by Versailles, with crystal chandeliers and vintage mirrors adding elegance. Chef Amaury Bouhours leads the kitchen, bringing fresh creativity under Ducasse’s guidance.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Saint-Malo Scallops: Freshly diver-caught scallops served with radish and delicate nasturtium flowers.
- Noirmoutier Sea Bream: Lightly cooked fish complemented by beetroot and smoked yogurt, combining freshness and smokiness.
Average Check: About €300-€350 per person.
2. Benoit
Opened: Originally 1912 (taken over by Ducasse in 2005)
Address: 20 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris
Why Locals Insider Loves It:
If you want classic Parisian bistro vibes, Benoit is your go-to. Think red velvet booths, brass fixtures, and a cozy atmosphere that has welcomed Parisians for over a century. Chef Fabienne Eymard adds a refined touch to traditional recipes, making classics even more memorable.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Cassoulet Toulousain: Rich, hearty stew with duck confit, pork sausage, and tender white beans—perfect comfort food.
- Escargots de Bourgogne: Garlic-butter snails done perfectly, served sizzling hot.
Average Check: Around €80 per person.
3. Allard
Opened: 1932 (revived by Ducasse in 2013)
Address: 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris
Why Locals Insider Loves It:
Allard has that authentic, old-school Paris charm. It’s famous for having had generations of female chefs, with Laëtitia Rouabah currently at the helm. The vibe is cozy, genuine, and perfect for enjoying hearty traditional French dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Duck with Olives (Canard de Challans): Tender duck braised gently with olives—rich, flavorful, and comforting.
- Sole Meunière: Fresh sole pan-fried in butter, crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, finished with a squeeze of lemon.
Average Check: About €90 per person.
4. Ducasse sur Seine
Opened: 2018
Address: Port Debilly, 75116 Paris (River cruise boat departing near Eiffel Tower)
Why Locals Insider Loves It:
This isn’t just dinner—it’s dinner with stunning views aboard a boat cruising the Seine. Ducasse sur Seine is fully electric, quiet, and elegant. Chef Francis Fauvel serves contemporary French dishes while you glide past Paris’s famous landmarks like Notre-Dame, Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Chilled Langoustines: Fresh seafood with cucumber jelly, delicate and refreshing.
- Landes Yellow Chicken (Volaille des Landes): Juicy, perfectly cooked chicken served with earthy chanterelle mushrooms.
Average Check: €150-€250 per person.
If you are in Paris, explore Jean-François Piège’s dining spots and our favorite Parisian wine bars for locals, which are recommended by our expert.
