The best bars in Paris - Top 10 must-visit

Paris shines for its iconic monuments, a world-renowned fine dining scene, and a vibrant nightlife that attracts locals and visitors from around the globe. From chic, trendy bars to lively pubs and hidden speakeasies, the French capital offers countless drinking and dining destinations to explore, whether you’re sipping on innovative drinks in sultry cocktail clubs, enjoying fine labels at some cosy wine bars, or simply unwinding with friends in buzzing pubs. Whether it’s a romantic date, a birthday celebration, or an after-work gathering, the best bars in Paris promise an unforgettable night.

Let yourself be captivated by the cosy atmosphere of an intimate wine bar in the heart of Le Marais, sip cocktails with breathtaking views from a must-visit rooftop in the 1st arrondissement, or step into a trendy cocktail bar in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Explore the hidden treasures or timeless classics of Parisian nightlife and book now at the best bars in Paris on OpenTable.

The best bars in Paris for cool vibes and killer drinks – read on for a guide

For a romantic date night at one of the best bars in Paris – don’t miss ONYX in Opéra

onyx2 — Sultry interiors and sexy vibes call for the perfect date night at ONYX. Credit: ONYX

66782565-1 — The red interiors and contemporary artwork call for a romance-filled evening at ONYX. Credit: ONYX

onyx1 — Elegant interiors and a standout drinks list make ONYX a must-visit bar in Paris. Credit: ONYX

A mille-feuille dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream at ONYX in Paris — Share the signature mille-feuille with a special someone for the perfect date night in Paris. Credit: ONYX

In the 9th arrondissement of Paris, near the Grands Magasins and the iconic Galleries Lafayette, ONYX is a chic and intimate bar and brasserie that offers a gourmet break with a focus on wine pairings. MICHELIN-starred chef Nassim Kouta creates classic French staples with a creative twist, to be ordered à la carte or through a five-course carte blanche menu for the table – a playful way to enjoy high-end dishes and European wine pairings. Order the burrata with truffle oil and puffed rice, the beef tataki with yuzu mayonnaise, or the roasted sea bass with nori seaweed sauce, and finish with a signature mille-feuille with burnt vanilla cream, caramel and Tonka beans The modern decor, highlighted by a majestic four-meter onyx wall, boasts an elegant and intimate atmosphere, making it one of the best bars in Paris for a romantic date or a special occasion.

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For one of the best apéritif spots in Paris loved by locals – visit Restaurant Zo in Madeleine

zo2 — The passion fruit Paloma cocktail is the star of the drinks menu at Restaurant Zo. Credit: Restaurant Zo

zo1 — Grab a stool by the beautiful marble bar at Restaurant Zo. Credit: Restaurant Zo

zo4 — A strong focus on local labels makes Restaurant Zo one of the best bars in Paris for an apéritif. Credit: Restaurant Zo

zo5 — Expect picture-perfect cocktails for a fun night out in Paris at Restaurant Zo. Credit: Restaurant Zo

A spread of small plates at Restaurant Zo in Paris — The menu blends influences from all over the world, from Japan to Italy and beyond. Credit: Restaurant Zo

A glamourous evening of cocktails cheering and buzzing conversations awaits at Restaurant Zo – an apéritif and dinner destination loved by locals – of the 8th arrondissement, near Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Parisians flock to this fun and vibrant hotspot which boasts a stunning marble bar, an outdoor terrace, and a kitchen serving dishes blending Mediterranean, Italian, and Japanese influences, creating an unexpected culinary journey around the globe. From black truffle rolls to beef tartare and shareable pizzettas and giant burratas, the extensive menu has something for everyone. Go for an intimate date night during the week and for dancing the night away on weekends – and make sure to try one of the signature cocktails such as the Spicy Lips made with chilli-infused tequila, agave syrup, coriander, and ginger beer.

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For one of the best bars in Paris for iconic views and gourmet plates – visit Le Grand Café Fauchon in Madeleine

A spread of fine dining dishes on a black marble table at Le Grand Café Fauchon — Expect classic French staples with a fine dining twist. Credit: Le Grand Café Fauchon

Two brioche toasts with scoops of cream and crumble at Le Grand Café Fauchon — Every day from 3 pm to 7 pm, take your pick from the Glam’hous menu featuring club sandwiches, croque monsieurs and sharing boards. Credit: Le Grand Café Fauchon

Nestled at the corner of Place de la Madeleine and Boulevard Malesherbes, Le Grand Café Fauchon is a true Parisian institution that combines tradition and modernity. Chef Baptiste Limouzin offers refined French cuisine, featuring the iconic French desserts of Maison Fauchon. During apéritif time, oyster platters, Basque chorizo, croque monsieurs and cheese and ham boards are perfect for sharing among friends. Wash it all down with a selection of wines, refreshing cocktails, and unique drinks like the Spritacchio, made with fresh raspberries, Ramazzotti rosato vermouth, and homemade pistachio syrup. With a large terrace terrace boasting breathtaking views of the Madeleine Church and bright, elegant interiors complete with plants and artwork, make sure to add Le Grand Café Fauchon to your visit to Paris.

fauchon5 — For a glam happy hour with friends, Le Grand Café Fauchon awaits. Credit: Le Grand Café Fauchon

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For one of the best bars in Paris with a hidden speakeasy – don’t miss Prost in Bastille

A bar with a neon light hanging and bottles lines up on shelves at Prost, one of the best bars in Paris — A unique drinking experience unveils the moment you step inside Prost. Credit: Prost

67988991 — Prost blends timeless Parisian elegance with trendy decor and cool vibes. Credit: Prost

Copper dining booths at Prost in Paris — Sit back a relax while you sip on craft beer in the beautiful copper booths at Prost. Credit: Prost

A brioche burger with fries and a ketchup pot at Prost, a bar with a hidden speakeasy in Paris — Hearty burgers with French and German inspirations make for a comforting meal at Prost. Credit: Prost

66351573 — Craft beers and German pilsners are the focus of the drinks list. Credit: Prost

The entrance of a hidden underground speakeasy 404 Not Found at Prost in Paris — To continue the evening, the underground hidden speakeasy promises a night to remember. Credit: Prost

French and German culinary inspirations meet at Prost, an architectural stunner in Place de la Bastille. Founded by Michael Fink, this restaurant and bar offer an unexpected dining experience focusing on top-notch produce and inventive spins on French and German classics, including flammenkuches, schnitzels, pike quenelles, and truffle sauce spätzles. Go for the food, and stay for the drinks. The secret speakeasy – the 404 Not Found – is one of the highlights of this local brewery and a personal tribute to the founder’s mixologist journey. The drinks program features a wide selection of cocktails and mocktails, including the famous Grösse prost, which mixes Sobieski vodka, lime cordial, and seasonal fruit. One of the best cocktail bars in Paris for those seeking a unique sensory experience.

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For one of the best dancing bars in Paris – soak up the vibes at VERDE BY YEEELS by the Champs-Élysées

26258091 — For one of the best cocktail bars in Paris, VERDE BY YEEELS awaits. Credit: VERDE BY YEEELS

Steps with graffitis at the entrance of VERDE BY YEEELS in — VERDE BY YEEELS is a cool and trendy hotspot in Paris. Credit: VERDE BY YEEELS

If a fun night out in Paris is what you’re after, look no further than VERDE BY YEEELS. Located on Avenue George V, this trendy hotspot – considered one of the best bars near the Champs-Élysées – is an address to pin down for a memorable trip to Paris. Under the direction of chef Thibault Sombardier, expect a refined culinary experience with dishes inspired by international and seasonal trends. Start by the fancy cocktail bar and let the bartenders and mixologists prepare creative concoctions right in front of you while soaking in the party-like vibes that become more lively through the night. With DJs spinning tunes and live entertainment, get ready to dance the night away at VERDE BY YEEELS.

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For craft beers and pub grub – stop by THE BLOSSOM ARMS in Batignolles

The exterior black and red facade at THE BLOSSOM ARMS, one of the best pubs in Paris — THE BLOSSOM ARMS is the perfect stop for great beers and pub grub after a day of visits. Credit: THE BLOSSOM ARMS

A fish and chips dish sits on a table next to a beer at THE BLOSSOM ARMS, one of the best pubs in Paris — The beer-battered fish and chips with sauce tartare is the star of the show. Credit: THE BLOSSOM ARMS

A pint of Guinness at THE BLOSSOM ARMS — Missing the UK? Find the best Guinness in Paris at THE BLOSSOM ARMS. Credit: THE BLOSSOM ARMS

Head to Batignolles to find one of the best Guinnesses in Paris – The Blossom Arms, a modern British pub that’s perfect for catching up after a day of visits with great beers and comfort food. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed during the day – and quickly gets buzzing with live music nights and sports screening events. Craft beers and creative cocktails take the spotlight, including Guinness, draft lagers, whisky sours, and Irish coffee made with whisky, espresso, and vanilla cream. The typical English pub grub menu offers comforting dishes like beer-battered haddock fish and chips, cheese toasties with matured comté and cheddar, and Guinness chocolate mousse. Grab a stool by the sleek wooden bar for lively chats or relax on the streetside outdoor terrace to watch the world go by.

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For one of the best bars in Paris for music and creative cocktails – try COYA Paris in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Peruvian-inspired interiors at COYA Paris — COYA’s trendy, Instagram-worthy interiors make for a night out to remember. Credit: COYA Paris

Three Peruvian dishes at COYA Paris — Expect surprising flavours in innovative fusion dishes at COYA. Credit: COYA Paris

Three empanadas sit in a bowl with a dip sauce at COYA Paris — Start your culinary journey with chicken empanadas with aioli sauce at COYA. Credit: COYA Paris

Head to the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a transportative dining and drinking experience at COYA Paris. The menu is one of the highlights and features an innovative fusion of Peruvian, Asian, and South American cuisine. Set in a magnificent 700m² church, this picture-perfect gem provides a grand and colourful background in stunning surroundings. Exotic cocktails and upbeat music make for a fun night out with a group – head to the Pisco Bar for Peruvian-inspired cocktails and cracking snacks. A truly must-visit concept, as evidenced by the success of COYA Mayfair in London and COYA Dubai.

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For a bar and restaurant helmed by a celebrity chef – try Arbela Paris 10 in République

A wine bottle with glasses and snack at Arbela Paris 10 - Juan Arbeláez, one of the best bars in Paris — French sharing boards and wine pairings make for a charming evening out. Credit: Arbela Paris 10

Bottles of wine lined up on a shelf on a white wall with mirrors at Arbela Paris 10, one of the best wine bars in Paris — Arbela Paris 10 is the perfect romantic spot for a date night in Paris. Credit: Arbela Paris 10

Celeb chef Juan Arbeláez made his way to the top since his participation in French culinary TV show Top Chef, as crowds flock to his restaurant in the vibrant République district, Arbela Paris 10. With a focus on Basque Country-inspired cuisine, expect a stellar selection of top-notch charcuterie, cheese and tapas, along with an extensive wine list that makes it one of the best wine bars in Paris. Feast on boards of Bayonne ham, Ossau-Iraty cheese, and Txuleta pork with pairings and wine tastings from the South West of France. With two other branches in Boulogne and Paris 11 – every evening is set to be a great one at Arbela.

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For an iconic Parisian café – book at Grand Café Capucines in Opéra

capucines1 — Grab a stool at the bar to try one of the house’s signature cocktails. Credit: Grand Café Capucines

capucines2 — Grand Café Capucines’s creative cocktails are a must-order with a group. Credit: Grand Café Capucines

The external facade ok Grand Café Capucines in Paris — You’ll feel just like Emily in Paris at Grand Café Capucines. Credit: Grand Café Capucines

Established in 1875, nothing screams Paris like the Grand Café Capucines – an absolute must-visit in the French capital. The iconic Parisian brasserie located on Boulevard des Capucine is renowned for its seafood platters overflowing with oysters and langoustines. While the focus is fish and shellfish, you’ll find some traditional French classics like the Parisian-style onion soup, poultry suprême and cheese ravioli. Pair it with a label of French wine or with a creative cocktail such as the passion fruit martini or the Amandine cocktail made with rum infused with tonka bean and pineapple nectar.

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For a fun night out with a group at one of the best bars near the Champs-Élysées – book at L’Empire du 8ème

l_empireok-5 — Expert mixologists craft creative cocktails at L’Empire du 8ème. Credit: L’Empire du 8ème

l_empireok-3 — Cocktail lovers, head over to L’Empire du 8ème for your next night. Credit: L’Empire du 8ème

66108636 — Elegant banquettes and chandeliers make for a sultry night at L’Empire du 8ème. Credit: L’Empire du 8ème

62720048 — Refined French classics are the highlight of the food menu at L’Empire du 8ème. Credit: L’Empire du 8ème

48456720 — Start with dinner and continue throughout the night at L’Empire du 8ème. Credit: L’Empire du 8ème

For party vibes and killer cocktails one of the best bars in Paris, L’Empire du 8ème awaits. Head over to the Champs-Élysées – in the 8th arrondissement of Paris – for a group-friendly hotspot that will mark any business dinners, drinks with friends, or dancing nights. Expect modern French dishes such as seared scallops from Brittany with bacon risotto, sea bass fillet, Iberian pork pluma with honey-soy reduction and Madagascar vanilla crème brûlée. Expect sleek drinks and a club-like atmosphere that animates the premises passed 10 pm, with local DJs and artists performances. Whether you’re after a special occasion or a group reunion, book the private dining room.

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The best bars in Paris for an unforgettable night out

The best bars in Paris for cool vibes and killer drinks – read on for a guide

For a romantic date night at one of the best bars in Paris – don’t miss ONYX in Opéra

For one of the best apéritif spots in Paris loved by locals – visit Restaurant Zo in Madeleine

For one of the best bars in Paris for iconic views and gourmet plates – visit Le Grand Café Fauchon in Madeleine

For one of the best bars in Paris with a hidden speakeasy – don’t miss Prost in Bastille

For one of the best dancing bars in Paris – soak up the vibes at VERDE BY YEEELS by the Champs-Élysées

For craft beers and pub grub – stop by THE BLOSSOM ARMS in Batignolles

For one of the best bars in Paris for music and creative cocktails – try COYA Paris in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

For a bar and restaurant helmed by a celebrity chef – try Arbela Paris 10 in République

For an iconic Parisian café – book at Grand Café Capucines in Opéra

For a fun night out with a group at one of the best bars near the Champs-Élysées – book at L’Empire du 8ème

Hungry for more? Explore more of the best bars in Paris on OpenTable before you go.

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