BEST STEAK IN PARIS
Thanks to an abundance of top quality, grass-fed beef sourced from all over France, most Parisian restaurants offer some kind of steak on their menu. This is particularly true for bistros because classic French bistro fare include all time favourites like Steak and Frites (French fries which were indeed invented in France much to the chagrin of both French and Belgians). But the trouble is, with so much on offer, which restaurants serve the best steak in Paris?
Well, we’ve painstakingly devoured hundreds of delicious steaks in order to compile the following top 10 shortlist of the best steak in Paris, narrowing down the list from over 30 establishments based on the quality and diversity of the beef on offer, consistency, quality of service, comfort and price. Note that while steak can be expensive in Paris, like anywhere in the world, there are some more affordable options to choose from.
1) LE RELAIS DE L’ENTRECOTE
“Entrecote” has been a Paris establishment since the 19th century. This was one of the first fast food establishments in Paris when casual bistrot dining became popular. This isnt an upscale place nor is it ‘fast-food’, its basically ‘fast-food from another era, and not for the faint hearted as they aim to squeeze as many people as possible into narrow tables. In spite of this, you will see lines every single day…why? Because they serve thinly sliced beef in a delicious sauce that keeps crowds asking for more!
There are three Relais de l’Entrecote in Paris all with the same set menu which includes a tasty walnut salad + steak and French fries, starting from 30 euros per person. You can then order your preferred drink, extra sides and desert a la carte. Note that everyone eats the same core meal of ‘steak and frites’, a Parisian classic invented in Paris, and the steak is served sliced in thin pieces and served with a delicious secret sauce (some kind of garlicky herbal butter sauce).
Just tell the waiter how you want your steak and just wait for heaven’s pearly gates to open. They come back to serve seconds, so you will not leave unsatisfied.
The profiteroles and other French classic deserts are also really good. If you haven’t been to one before it’s a must do in Paris!
The only downside is they don’t take reservations hence all the queuing (lines) so go early!
Price: Affordable
2) ATELIER CARNEM
Located in the heart of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter), this modern yet down to earth steakhouse does some of the tastiest steaks we’ve chomped down on. All steaks are char-grilled and served on wood. They specialise in entrecote (ribeye) steaks which they import from all over the world including Argentina, Uruguay, USA, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The 300 gram Argentine entrecote is a modest 39 euros while the 250 gram Wagyu punches in at 115 euros. Sauces are amazing here as well and you can also order some amazing sides like French fries and appetizers like bone marrow.
Price: Mid Range – Expensive
3) SACREE FLEUR (SACRED FLOWER)
Located in the charming Monmartre area, Sacre Fleur is a fairly new kid on the block but has grown in popularity as a result of their passion for delicious cuts of beef. Portions are relatively generous. For instance, a 350-400 gram rib steak costs 29 euros. You can share a 1 Kg prime rib (rib roast) for two (or just for your piggy self) for 69 euros. They offer all kinds of side dishes, delicious wines, and you guessed it- delectible desserts to finish the job. TKO! We recommend the Trou Normand (apple sorbet with calvados) or the apple tarte tatin for dessert, and frog legs or onion soup as a starter.
Price: Mid-range
https://www.sacreefleur.fr/menu-sacree-fleur
4) MAISON D’AUBRAC
The Maison D’Aubrac steakhouse is located right off the Champs-Elysees and is one of the first genuine steakhouses in Paris. Steaks come with carmelised onions and Bearnaise sauce and are served on wooden boards just the way us neanderthals like it! As per the name, much of the beef they serve is Aubrac beef from central France, which is one of the best you can get in the world. All grass fed, raised naturally and delicious! The restaurant has two levels so don’t be afraid to ask staff to sit upstairs if you prefer.
While this used to be THE place to go for the best steak in Paris, we’ve had to take a few points away due to their price increases. While they have arguably the best selection of meat in Paris you can easily spend your entire budget here if you’re not careful as they have removed some of their more affordable options.
Mid-range steaks available include a delicious 350 gram rib eye for 42 euros or a 300 gram sirloin steak for 30 euros. They also now have a delicious cheeseburger which deserves a spot in our top 10 best burgers in Paris list.
Price: Mid-range to Expensive
5) LES FINES LAMES
Located in the North of Paris in the Monmartre area, Les Fines Lames is a modern yet simple steak house that consistently delivers excellent steaks. The menu is very simple here: the current a la carte steak offering includes Brazilian style Picanha for 22 euros, 200 gr Angus entrecote for 38 euros and a matured rumsteak for 26. Sides like veggies and French fries are very good and their dipping sauces are to die for. For desert, we highly recommend the brioche perdu (like French toast but fashioned for desert) or the cheesecake!
Price: Mid-range
Les Fines Lames – the Fork page
6) PERSILLE
Persille has two spots in Paris, their original butcher/restaurant in the SW of Paris across Bercy and a new and larger one in Levallois Perret (outskirts in the west of Paris). We recommend the Levallois location since this has comfortable seating and offers plenty of options, such as nice 300 gram entrecote for 28 euros or your own planche (wood board) platter pick and choose option starting at 23 euros. One thing unique is their all you can eat nights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for 30 euros. Did we mention, burgers? They offer several delicious options for just under 20 euros. Besides beef, they do delicious duck and chicken, and their Maki Tartare is made with Charolais beef, rice algae, sesame and sweet soya sauce. Yum.
Price: Affordalble t0 Mid-range
7) ALLER RETOUR
This is a modern yet cosy restaurant which specialises in steak although it’s technically not a steakhouse. Prices are very reasonable as you can order steak tartare made with Charolais beef for only 17 euros or an Irish sirloin steak for 22 euros. Their decor is modern minimalist and the service is friendly so it’s a nice option if you’re look for a more affordable yet modern option. Also, they do a lovely lemon tart for desert and escargots for starters.
Price: Affordable – Mid Range
8) CLOVER GRILL
Clover Grill is the creation of Michelin starred chef, Jean-Francois Piege. It’s a modern yet cheerful Parisian bistro located between the Louvre museum and Les Halles. They serve excellent dry-aged meats from all over Europe at mid range prices and a rather large selection to choose from including entrecote (ribeye) steak for 48 euros (300 grams). And if you’re with someone who doesn’t feel like having steak, their roasted chicken is a renowned all over Paris. They offer a menu for two for 74 per person which comes with calamari, ribeye steak and a delicious chocolate dessert.
Price: Mid-range
Clover Grill website (in French)
9) BEY STEAKHOUSE
We not only love their cuts of meat but also the presentation (full of pomp and circumstance, as would be expected!!!). Besides excellent steak they also have delicious lamb and sides. Prices are a tad high so they lost a few points on this front as a cote de boeuf costs 49 euros and a faux filet (sirloin steak) costs +40 euros, but they won top marks for excellent, perfectly cooked, juicy steak.
Price: Expensive
10) LE BOEUF VOLANT
Located in the trendy Batignolles area of the 17th a short hop from the Monmartre area, Le Boeuf Volant is a neighborhood restaurant with a minimalist vibe that serves quality steaks. Their prices are very reasonable compared to other ‘maison de viande’ in Paris so you can order a three course meal consisting of 1 entree 1 meat dish (200 grams) + 1 desert for around 40 euros. They also offer some exceptional wagyu sold by weight. The only downside is the venue is very small. That said, seating is comfortable and service is good so it’s great value option.
Price: Affordable to Mid-range
Le Boeuf Volant Tripadvisor review page
Now that you know where to get the best steak in Paris, check out our where you can eat the tastiest gourmet burgers in Paris! While many bistros and steak houses offer excellent burgers these burger joints specialise in making nothing but juicy, loaded burgers that will have you craving more!
And if you’re interested in hearty comfort food, your best bet is to go for regional French cuisine. Regional French cuisine is very simple and can be very filling and simple, like beef stews from the North or grilled fish from the South. Few visitors realise that French food doesn’t have to be fancy, and that it while a lot of French food can be rich, it can also be very light and healthy.
Finally, if you’re looking for a good deal, you can purchase the Paris City Card which includes a cruise along the seine via Bateaux Parisiens, Louvre museum access plus access to the Eiffel Tower and an audio guide (app). And if you have a kids or just looking for something a bit more relaxed, the Paris Family Fun Pass, which includes access to the Paris Zoo (world class and not to be missed!), Gallerie D’Evolution at the Natural History Museum (skip the line) and the Grevin Wax museum. Click below for more details!