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Top 15 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre
Originally written by Jordan in December 2019 and updated by Ruth in July 2022
A trip to Paris definitely isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Montmartre neighborhood. Perched atop a hill in Northeastern Paris, this area was once a Bohemian village on the city’s outskirts. Today, Montmartre is still home to many artists but also hosts some of the most popular Parisian monuments. Winding cobblestone streets, the magnificent Sacré Coeur Basilica and of course, the art-filled Place du Tertre are just a few of the sights to be discovered in this neighborhood.
Since Montmartre is one of the most visited places in the city, it’s overflowing with tourist traps, and it can be hard to find a good place to eat. What many people don’t know, is that Montmartre is actually home to some of the best restaurants in the city, you just need to know where to look! Of course, you’re bound to work up an appetite after a day of exploration, so read on to discover our list of the top 15 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre!
1. Le Jardin d’en Face
Photo by Le Jardin d’en Face – Uploaded by them
This charming little restaurant is located on a quiet, unassuming street just minutes from the Sacre Coeur. A handful of tables and an antique interior gives this place an intimate, cozy feel and also makes it our pick for one of the top 8 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre.
Part wine bar and part restaurant, Le Jardin d’en Face is the perfect combination of laid back atmosphere and exquisite dining. The daily specials feature the chef’s inspiration and the freshest items, while the menu captures the true essence of a classic French bistro.
The menu choices ranging from fresh caught fish to heartwarming classics like roast duck and potatoes are all equally delicious. The friendly staff will be happy to recommend the perfect glass of wine to accompany your meal, and don’t forget to save some room for some traditional French dessert!
practical information:
le jardin d’en face – 29 Rue des Trois Frères 75018
metro station: abbesses
opening hours: open nightly for dinner 8PM//midnight
price range: €€
2. La Boîte aux Lettres
Photo courtesy of the Boite aux lettres – Sourced from their website
The next up on our list of the top 8 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre is truly a local legend. At La Boîte aux Lettres, you’ll find some of the best modern yet elegant French cuisine in all of Paris. Chef Frederic Paul Chartier was trained under the iconic French Chef, Alain Ducasse and his cuisine is always full of inspiration.
The handwritten menu changes weekly since Chartier incorporates seasonal ingredients into every dish. With choices like foie gras, decadent lemongrass linguine, and a very tempting rotation of revisited classics, it can be hard to decide!
Luckily, if you’re as indecisive as I am, the restaurant has a special menu called “pour les indécis” which literally means “for the indecisive”. Each dish on the 3-course menu is hand picked by the chef himself which only adds to the local charm. La Boîte aux Lettres is also very affordable! A weeknight dinner menu costs 25 € and includes a starter, main dish and a dessert, which is pretty exceptional in Paris.
practical information: la boite aux lettres – 108 Rue Lépic 75018 paris
metro station: lamarck caulaincourt 75018 paris
Opening hours: open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 12PM//2:30PM
Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7PM//11PM
price range: €€
3. Sacrée Fleur
Photo courtesy of Sacré Fleur – Sourced from their website reviews
If you’re looking to try traditional French food during your time in Paris, look no further than the Sacrée Fleur! Located just a ten minute walk from the center of Montmartre, this restaurant is somewhat of a local institution. You’ll love settling into this classic French bistro atmosphere for a delicious homemade meal.
Everything from expertly cooked frog legs and classic escargot to succulent steaks and delicious desserts are on the menu at Sacrée Fleur. Famous in the neighborhood for their meats, Sacrée Fleur has quite the variety of meats, all accompanied by house made sauces. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, their crème brulée is one of the best I’ve ever tried, while their tarte tatin is definite a must-try.
The restaurant also has a well-stocked wine cellar, featuring French wines exclusively from independent vineyards. Tables fill up quickly, especially on weekends so be sure to arrive well before closing time in order to snag a place.
practical information: sacré fleur – 50 Rue de Clignancourt 75018
metro station: porte de clignancourt
opening hours: Open for lunch Monday – Friday 11:45AM// 2PM
Open for dinner Monday – Saturday from 7PM //11PM
price range: €€
4. Babalou
Photo by Babalou – Sourced from their website
While a pizzeria may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture Paris, this local favorite is well worth a visit. Italian comfort food with a French twist is what you’ll find at Babalou. Located on Rue Lamarck, the restaurant is just a short walk from all the main sights in Montmarte. So, it’s the perfect place to refuel with a tasty meal after a day of sightseeing. In my opinion, Babalou has one of the best pizzas in Paris! This is probably because they use a traditional Napoli-style oven coupled with tried and true home recipes.
While pizza is the star of the show at Babalou, they also offer other delicious Italian classics from pasta to salad to antipasti and tasty desserts. There’s really something for everyone here, so it’s no wonder this restaurant is a neighborhood go-to. I hope it will become one of your favorites, too!
practical information:
babalou – 4 Rue Lamarck 75018
metro station: lamarck-caulaincourt
opening hours: Open for lunch daily from 12PM//3PM
Open for dinner daily from 6PM//11PM
price range: €
5. Seb’on
Hidden in plain sight right in the heart of Montmartre lies Seb’on. Offering excellent food and a casual yet chic atmosphere, this place is truly the definition of a hidden gem. Their handwritten chalkboard menu highlights French classics reinvented with a gourmet twist. Chef Sébastien Heloin trained under French greats at the likes of the Ritz and the Bristol, and his decades of culinary excellence really shine through at Seb’on.
Every week, the menu is updated by the chef in order to incorporate fresh seasonal ingredients and perfectly balanced flavors in each dish. The offerings are surprising yet not shocking, and the result is delicious. Everything is very imaginative from the starters to the desserts, choices like grilled octopus with sun artichoke purée, veal entrecôte with chestnut truffle sauce and even poached pear with salted almond cream are sure to satisfy.
Whether you’re looking for a great meal with friends, a special night with family, or even an impressive date location, Seb’on has you covered. There are just nine tables at Seb’on, so you’re sure to receive great, personalized service. The restaurant is cozy and intimate, definitely the perfect place for a romantic dinner! Since space is quite limited, be sure to reserve in advance so you’ll be able to get a table.
practical information:
seb’on – 62 Rue d’Orsel 75018
metro station: abbesses
opening hours: Open for lunch on Sundays from 12PM//3PM
Open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 7PM//11PM
price range: €€€
6. Hardware Société
Photo by the Hardware Société – Sourced from their Instagram
If you’re in Montmarte and looking for a good brunch, look no further than the Hardware Société. The concept behind this bright and friendly spot was born in Melbourne, and the same team brought some down under sunshine cuisine to Paris.
Easily one of the top 8 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre, the Hardware Société serves up classic Aussie brunch fare all day long. You’ll find the place packed with locals, and some in the know visitors. Eggs Benedict, healthy smoothies, grain bowls and of course a mean flat white await you here.
practical information:
the hardware société – 10 rue lamarck 75018 paris
metro station: lamarck caulaincourt
opening hours: monday – friday 9AM//4PM
saturday and sunday 9:30AM//4:30PM
price range: €€
7. La Vache et le Cuisinier
Photo courtesy of La Vache et Le Cusinier – Sourced from their website
This next spot on my list of the top 8 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre is actually just a 3-minute walk away from the Place du Tertre and the Sacré-Coeur. Talk about a hidden gem! La Vache et le Cuisnier is a simple restaurant serving up classic French dishes.
The laid back, no-frills atmosphere is matched perfectly with simple, yet tasty French cuisine. On the menu, you’ll find magret de canard alongside rabbit, or lamb tournedos; all of which are cooked to perfection.
Just a word of warning: Vegetarians should think twice before heading to this place, there aren’t a lot of options for you! And communicating dietary restrictions or asking for substitutions are much more complicated in France.
practical information:
la vache et le cuisinier – 18 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris
metro station: anvers
opening hours: open nightly for dinner 7PM//midnight
price range: €€
8. Le Caulaincourt
Photo courtesy of Le Caulaincourt – Sourced from their Instagram
Located just a quick hop from the Sacré-Coeur, Le Caulaincourt is a neo-classical brasserie where you’ll find plenty of locals. Chef Arachequesne has worked at a number of Paris restaurants before taking over at Le Caulaincourt. He manages to put a modern spin on the most classic French dishes.
The vibe is a little more upscale here, but stays within the realm of comfort and affordability (mains range from €19-€30). You can try dishes like confit pork loin with Chantarelles or Seared Bluefin Tuna with candied red beets. Everything is just as surprising as it is tasty. Though be sure to reserve for weekend evenings, as this place is a local favorite.
practical information:
le caulaincourt – 62 Rue Caulaincourt, 75018 Paris
metro: lamarck cualaincourt
opening hours: tuesday – friday 7PM//2AM
saturday and sunday 12PM//2:30PM and saturday 7PM//2AM price range: €€€
9. Abattoir Végétal in Montmartre
This one is for the vegans! At the moment, it’s the only solely vegan eatery in the entire Montmartre district. The restaurant has done plant based dining so well that most of their clientele aren’t even vegan themselves — and most of them are locals!
The menu has a range of dish options spanning from juicy burgers to saucy hotdogs; salads and falafel plates, even buddha bowls and raw soups. The space has an Alice in Wonderland style to it. You feel healthier just stepping inside.
Abattoir Végétal in Montmartre – by Abattoir Végétal – Uploaded by them
Abattoir Vegetal is also open until 11:30pm which is unheard of for late night vegan dining in Paris, particularly in Montmartre. Usually, there is nowhere to get decent veggie based food at this hour in this neighborhood.
Top 5 Places for Vegans in Montmartre
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY – 9AM TO 11:30PM
ADDRESS: 61 RUE RAMEY, 75018 PARIS, FRANCE
METRO STATION: JULES JOFFRIN
price range: €
10. la Bouillon de Pigalle in Montmartre
Bouillons are typically affordable mass eateries in Paris, that date back to the medieval times when working class folk needed to be fed throughout their shifts of manual labor. They are known for being cheap and festive — and this is what la Bouillon de Pigalle is bringing back to this neighborhood.
The bouillon will open at 12pm and 300 guests will be seated immediately. The waiting queue is simply one of waiting for the restaurant to actually open, and not so much for a table to open up. Contrary to how it sounds, this is not actually a tourist trap!
Bouillon Pigalle in Paris – by Bouillon Pigalle – Uploaded by them
Most of these dishes will not cost you more than €4. Yes, full plated meals of herring, Pot au feu, lamb shank, marrow and potatoes all for under €5 a meal. There are sides available that run at about €1:50 each. Desserts including eclairs and ice cream with toppings start at just €2.90.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY – 12pm to 12am
ADDRESS: 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Pigalle
price range: €
11. La Bossue in Montmartre
The fact that la Bossue is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays is the bane of many Montmartre resident’s existence. Their clientele consist of regular diners who have been coming to this cafe for years.
On they days they are open you’ll likely wait a few minutes for a table. La Bossue is a cafe run with traditional French cuisine. I enjoy la Bossue most for breakfast, but they are open until 7pm allowing for lunch and early dinners.
La Bossue – by La Bossue – Sourced from their Instagram
Sunday is the day you want to aim for at la Bossue! Book in advance and take part in their spectacular end of week roast. Dishes range from sweet to savory and come in at just €24 per head. Do not (I repeat, do not) try show up here without a booking on a Sunday — you will not be served until Wednesday!
What To Do on Sundays in Paris
practical information:
OPENING HOURS: WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY – 8:30AM TO 7PM
ADDRESS: 9 RUE JOSEPH DE MAISTRE, 75018 PARIS, FRANCE
METRO STATION: ABBESSES
price range: €€
12. Le Café de la Poste
A restaurant exterior by analogicus – Pixabay
Le Café de la Poste is the perfect place to mingle with the locals and get a true taste of Montmartre life. Their address is 76 Rue Damrémont, 75018 Paris, France. They open daily from 7 am to 2 am.
The menu proposes a great selection of burgers and steaks, including steak à cheval topped with a fried egg, snack foods, and cheese or cooked meat platters to accompany a bottle of wine from the well-stocked cellar.
In keeping with the local spirit, the neighboring tradesmen, including the fishmonger, baker, and patisserie supply Le Café de la Poste with fresh and high-quality produce.
A glass of wine at Le Café de la Poste can extend into the night with the occasional evening events organized around a good plate of traditional French cuisine.
practical information:
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY –7 AM TO 2AM
ADDRESS: 76 Rue Damrémont, 75018 Paris, France.
METRO STATION: ABBESSES
price range: €€
13. La Mère Catherine
A food platter by buffetcrush – Pixabay
La Mère Catherine was founded in 1793. The French bistro fare is located at 6 Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France. They open daily from 7 am to 2 am.
The ambiance of old Montmartre is captured in the paintings that line the walls and live musicians singing.
Their menu consists of copious French classics, including onion soup bubbling with melted cheese, frogs legs, and the famous apple pie known as tarte tatin.
In the summer months, La Mère Catherine shares the Palace du Tertre with the artists, setting up a secluded terrace and providing an excellent spot to linger over a long lunch to the sound of the bells chiming from the nearby Sacré Coeur.
practical information:
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY –7 AM TO 2AM
ADDRESS: 6 Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: ABBESSES
price range: €€
14. Moulin Rouge
Outdoor dining by Pexels – Pixabay
Moulin Rouge lights up the Place Blanche at night, which is an indispensable place to experience Paris. Their address is 82, Boulevard De Clichy 75018 Paris. They open daily from 7 am to 2 am.
The Moulin Rouge menu offers various options and recipes devised by Toulouse-Lautrec, who swore by his philosophy of food being an art. Be sure to try the Belle Epoque option comprising 1889 beef with French beans.
The Moulin Rouge kitchen is also sensitive to changing lifestyles, proposing vegetarian and vegan options. With champagne flowing and red lamps glowing, dining at the Moulin Rouge is a perfect blend of gastronomy and tradition.
practical information:
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY –7 AM TO 2AM
ADDRESS: 82, Boulevard De Clichy 75018 Paris
METRO STATION: ABBESSES
price range: €€
15. Les Tantes Jeanne
Breakfast by romjanaly – Pixabay
Les Tantes Jeanne is a friendly restaurant, welcoming meat lovers to a feast of tender cuts. Their address is 42 Rue Véron, 75018 Paris, France. They open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm to 10:30 pm.
The highly acclaimed Japanese Kobe meat features among the array of revisited French classics prepared with a creative twist and beautifully presented.
Look out for the chef’s special sweetbread cassoulet with cep mushrooms or duck breast with Sichuan pepper, and try out the selection of divine desserts including prune soufflé or fruit sorbet with champagne. This restaurant in Montmartre will be time well spent.
Well, there you have it! My recommendations for the top 15 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre. I hope you’ve enjoyed this article, and I hope that some of these local favorites will become yours too. If you are interested in exploring the Montmartre area more, I recommend you check out our 90-minute free tour of the neighborhood!
practical information:
OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY TO SATURDAY –6 PM TO 10:30PM
ADDRESS: 42 Rue Véron, 75018 Paris, France
METRO STATION: ABBESSES
price range: €€
See you soon in Paris!
