We love good wine, simple yet sophisticated bar atmospheres, and, of course, a cheese plate to match. That’s why we turned to Parisian wine journalist Yakov Lysenko for his expert recommendations. Yakov shares his favorite spots in Paris where he meets friends over a glass of Blanc de Blancs—five must-visit wine bars across five arrondissements.
Freddy’s
54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
Tucked away in the tourist-heavy streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Freddy’s is a modest bistronomy spot that you might overlook at first glance. My first visit was on the recommendation of Carla-El Rogoski, a wine journalist for Les Échos, and by the end of the evening, I knew I’d be coming back—again and again. Why? First, the crowd. From Beaux-Arts students and posh Parisians to wine geeks from New York and London, Freddy’s attracts an eclectic mix.
This stylish tapas restaurant, with its sleek blend of marble, wood, and metal in the decor, primarily offers bar seating, creating a vibrant and communal atmosphere where striking up conversations with your neighbors feels natural. At the heart of the space is an open kitchen, where you can watch chef Carlos and his team preparing grilled sea bream, slicing tartare, or glazing a sophisticated sauce for cuttlefish. Their passion is palpable, and the seasonal neo-French menu is refreshingly affordable: appetizers start at €6, and mains at €10.
The wine list is a treasure trove, featuring rare vintners from Jura and Savoie, as well as small allocations from Champagne and the Loire Valley. The by-the-glass selection changes regularly—don’t hesitate to ask the staff to let you sample a few before making your choice. Freddy’s is your go-to for wine and culinary enlightenment.
Septime La Cave
3 Rue Basfroi, 75011 Paris
Septime La Cave is an intimate and cozy natural and biodynamic wine bar from the team behind the Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name. With just 6-8 seats inside, the scene often spills out onto the wooden facade, where hipsters in neon beanies and tired professionals gather with glasses of natural wine in hand.
Inside, creaky parquet floors and melting candle wax add charm, while a wooden cabinet houses rare cuvées, complete with handwritten price tags and minimal markups. Expect a fantastic selection of orange wines from places like Kakheti and Friuli, experimental offerings from Polish and Hungarian winemakers, and bottles from the new-wave enologists of Beaujolais.
The discoveries are endless, so feel free to pop a cork (the corkage fee is just €7) and dive into a discussion with friends over leek vinaigrette, terrine, or a cheese plate.
Cave Vino Sapiens
145 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
This is a more traditional wine shop, focusing on French winemakers, but the selection is anything but ordinary. You’ll find a delicate, earthy Pinot Noir from Sancerre, a robust Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, and a lively Jacquère from Savoie.
You can easily lose an hour chatting with the knowledgeable caviste, who will not only guide you through various grapes and regions but also offer tastings to ensure you find your perfect match. Take your bottle to go, or settle in at one of the impromptu tables nestled between the wine shelves and barrels. Your chosen cuvée will be served at the ideal temperature, in the perfect glass, alongside olive tapenade, chèvre with honey and tomatoes, or burrata with smoked tuna.
Located near the Eiffel Tower, the clientele here is diverse, but the core remains true Parisians in Paraboots and Hermès scarves, popping in to chat with their trusted caviste, who, in France, is worth their weight in gold.
Le Baron Rouge
1 Rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris
Le Baron Rouge might be the most old-school wine bar in Paris, with wooden tables and wine barrels where you can fill your carafe with young Riesling or Syrah. The selection focuses on French wines, particularly Burgundy, the Rhône, and the Loire, with by-the-glass options starting at just €2.50.
Pair your glass with traditional snacks like pâté, escargot rillettes, or aged Comté. On weekends, the bar is transformed into an oyster lover’s paradise, with a local fisherman serving freshly shucked Breton and Norman oysters at near-cost prices.
It’s always lively and noisy at Le Baron Rouge, with a crowd made up mostly of 12th arrondissement locals.
Glou
101 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris
Located in the Marais, Glou has been working with natural and organic producers since 2008—long before it became mainstream. It’s a favorite among wine connoisseurs and foodies alike, where the wine list is as impressive as the menu.
Sea bass ceviche or grilled octopus? Definitely. Pair it with an off-appellation cuvée from Languedoc, an indigenous varietal from Spain, Austria, or Greece, or a 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the legendary Château Rayas.
As a bonus, the restaurant offers a stunning view of the Picasso Museum and the charming streets of one of Paris’s trendiest neighborhoods.
Here are the links and addresses to the top wine bars in Paris recommended by wine expert and journalist Yakov Lysenko:
Glou
101 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris
glou-resto.com
Freddy’s
54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
instagram.com/freddys.paris
Septime La Cave
3 Rue Basfroi, 75011 Paris
Septime La Cave Official Website
Cave Vino Sapiens
145 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
Cave Vino Sapiens Official Website
Le Baron Rouge
1 Rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris
lebaronrouge.net
If we missed your favorite wine bar in Paris or if you’d like to write about your favorite spot in your city, let us know at hello@localsinsider.com.
