The Best Service Continu Restaurants in Paris for All-Day Dining
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ALMOST WITHOUT FAIL, AT LEAST ONE DAY DURING MY VISITS TO PARIS WILL UNFOLD LIKE THIS:
I’ll spend most of the morning and early afternoon in a museum or on a tour, only to emerge around 2:00 PM or so, absolutely famished and desperate for lunch.
I’ll head to a nearby restaurant, only to find that their lunch service is winding down for the day, and the restaurant is about to close.
Most French restaurants close during the period between lunch service and dinner service.
Finding a good meal between the hours of 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM can often feel like a fool’s errand.
THIS IS WHERE SERVICE CONTINU RESTAURANTS COME TO THE RESCUE.
These all day eateries are open continuously through the traditional break in service, ensuring that locals and tourists alike can enjoy a meal when most other restaurants are closed.
The last time that I experienced this familiar dining crisis, I vowed that if I ever did start a blog, no matter the subject, that I would include a list of service continu restaurants in Paris.
IF YOU’RE TRAVELING TO PARIS, YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF THESE PLACES WHERE YOU CAN RELIABLY DINE NO MATTER THE TIME.
So save this list for your next trip to Paris, and get ready to devour that mid-day meal after a long morning of exploring the city.
The Best Service Continu Restaurants in Paris for All-Day Dining
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Le Grand Café Capucines
Le Grand Café Capucines, located in the 9th arrondissement near the Opéra Garnier, is a quintessential Parisian brasserie that operates seven days a week from 7 AM to 1 AM.
Known for its Belle Époque décor, the restaurant features ornate ceilings, gilded mirrors, and plush tufted velvet seating.
THE MENU FOCUSES ON TRADITIONAL FRENCH CUISINE WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SEAFOOD, INCLUDING OYSTERS, LOBSTER, AND DOVER SOLE.
Diners also enjoy classic dishes like onion soup and beef tartare.
The attentive service and central location make Le Grand Café Capucines a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Prices are on the higher side, consistent with its prime setting and luxurious ambiance.
Les Deux Magots
Situated in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots is a historic café once frequented by intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre and Ernest Hemingway.
The menu offers classic French fare, including croque-monsieur, steak tartare, and a variety of pastries and desserts.
THE INTERIOR MAINTAINS ITS OLD-WORLD CHARM WITH WOODEN PANELING AND GREEN LEATHER BANQUETTES, WHILE THE OUTDOOR TERRACE IS PERFECT FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING.
I’ve always appreciated the iconic status of Les Deux Magots, as well as the quality of its coffee and hot chocolate for brief visits.
Portions of the menu feel overpriced, but the history and ambiance justify the cost.
LES DEUX MAGOTS
📍 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France
📞 +33 1 45 48 55 25
🌐 Visit Website
Café de Flore
Another Saint-Germain-des-Prés institution, Café de Flore is renowned for its art deco interiors and literary heritage.
The menu features French staples such as foie gras, escargots, and duck confit, alongside lighter options like salads and sandwiches.
THE INTERIOR EXUDES PARISIAN ELEGANCE WITH LEATHER SEATING, BRASS FIXTURES, AND MIRRORED WALLS.
I’ve consistently found the service to be professional and the food high-quality.
The outdoor seating also offers fantastic opportunities for people watching in a prime Parisian neighborhood.
Le Select
Le Select, located in the Montparnasse district, is a 1920s brasserie with a laid-back yet authentic Parisian atmosphere.
The menu offers a mix of French classics such as coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and quiche Lorraine, alongside an extensive wine list.
THE DECOR IS SIMPLE BUT COZY, WITH WARM LIGHTING AND ART DECO ACCENTS.
Le Select has an unpretentious vibe and consistently good food, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists seeking a relaxed meal at any time of the day or night.
L’Alsace
L’ALSACE, LOCATED ON THE CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES, SERVES UP HEARTY ALSATIAN DISHES AS WELL AS FRESH SEAFOOD.
Signature offerings include choucroute garnie, flammekueche, and a variety of shellfish platters.
The interiors combine modern touches with traditional brasserie elements, like bulb pendant lights, ceiling murals, and a classic raw bar.
L’Alsace gets high marks for its generous portions and efficient service.
THE RESTAURANT’S LOCATION ON THE CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES MEANS IT OFTEN HOSTS A TOURIST-HEAVY CLIENTELE, BUT ITS AUTHENTIC ALSATIAN KITCHEN REMAINS A STRONG DRAW.
Le Bouillon Chartier
Le Bouillon Chartier is a Parisian institution known for its affordable prices and bustling atmosphere.
The menu features simple, traditional French dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, escargots, and crème caramel.
THE DECOR IS CLASSIC AND UNPRETENTIOUS, WITH HIGH CEILINGS, VINTAGE LIGHT FIXTURES, AND COMMUNAL SEATING.
The value for money and the nostalgic dining experience make this a great choice.
However, it’s best to be prepared for a short wait, as the restaurant’s popularity often leads to long queues.
LE BOUILLON CHARTIER
📍 59 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, France
📞 +33 1 45 49 19 00
🌐 Visit Website
Brasserie Lipp
Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Brasserie Lipp is famous for its traditional French dishes and old-school Parisian charm.
The menu includes classics like cassoulet, steak frites, and sole meunière.
THE INTERIOR FEATURES ART DECO DESIGN ELEMENTS, INCLUDING MOSAICS, BRASS ACCENTS, AND LEATHER BANQUETTES.
Brasserie Lipp is known for its professional service and authentic cuisine.
While it is a bit pricey, the historic setting and consistent quality of the food make it a solid choice.
Café Beaubourg
Café Beaubourg, situated near the Centre Pompidou, offers a modern twist on the Parisian brasserie experience.
The menu includes a mix of French and international dishes, such as duck breast, risotto, and vegan options.
THE SLEEK, MINIMALIST DECOR CONTRASTS WITH TRADITIONAL BRASSERIES, FEATURING CLEAN LINES AND CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS.
The restaurant’s convenient location and outdoor seating are major advantages for diners near the Centre Pompidou, Les Halles, or the Marais.
Le Procope
LE PROCOPE, ESTABLISHED IN 1686, IS ONE OF PARIS’ OLDEST RESTAURANTS AND A HISTORIC LANDMARK.
Located in the Latin Quarter, it serves a menu of traditional French dishes, including coq au vin, veal blanquette, and crème brûlée.
The decor reflects its storied history, with vintage portraits, chandeliers, and period furniture.
The restaurant’s unique historical ambiance and attentive service make it a stellar choice for history buffs finding themselves on the Left Bank around lunch time.
The prices are high, but the experience of dining in such an iconic setting is worth it.
Café Charlot
CAFÉ CHARLOT, LOCATED IN THE MARAIS, IS A CHIC BISTRO POPULAR AMONG LOCALS AND TOURISTS ALIKE.
The menu features French comfort food, including roast chicken, quiche, and a variety of fresh salads.
The interior combines rustic and contemporary elements, with wooden tables, tiled floors, and large windows.
The ambiance at Café Charlot is lively, and the simple menu features high-quality ingredients.
The service can be slow during busy hours, making this a great spot for a long, languid lunch, but not the best if you’re in a rush.
La Coupole
LA COUPOLE, IN MONTPARNASSE, IS A LEGENDARY PARISIAN BRASSERIE KNOWN FOR ITS ART DECO DECOR AND VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE.
The menu features French classics like lamb curry, oysters, and entrecôte.
The spacious interior is adorned with murals and columns, creating a grand impression, while their attentive staff ensures a welcoming environment.
The seafood platters are out of this world, and the nostalgic feel of the restaurant is not to be missed.
Some may find it a bit touristy, but when I was here for a business lunch with French clients, it felt like a quintessentially Parisian experience.
Conclusion
DON’T LET A PACKED ITINERARY PREVENT YOU FROM ENJOYING A GREAT LUNCH WHILE IN PARIS!
With these above service continu restaurants, you’ll be able to beat the traditional service break at most Parisian restaurants.
Take your planning a step further and ensure that your early afternoon tours and activities are ending in the vicinity of one of these restaurants.
Dining in Paris is always a treat, and doing it at the time that works best for your itinerary is even better!
Happy dining!
xx,
Angela