Chez Janou’s gargantuan bowl of chocolate mousse is arguably as legendary as the Eiffel Tower (well, for foodies, anyway); arriving at your table and ladled onto your plate in mounds per your request (yes, you can have more than one scoop). But decadently good mousse aside, this bustling, always busy bistro in the Marais is one of Paris’ best. Its Provençal-style menu includes dishes like Stuffed Veal Liver with Apples, Prawns flambéed with Pastis and a classic Entrecôte, and with eclectic flourishes and plenty of personality, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike. chezjanou.com

The Parisian bistro has many expressions, but to experience a classic, take a seat at Chez Georges. With long shared tables shaped in a horseshoe and all the bistro trimmings (a wearied wooden facade, lacy curtains, gilt mirrors, a hand-scrawled menu), be transported to a bygone Paris inside this historic spot in the 2nd. This Parisian institution has been serving up traditional yet refined French fare since 1946, simple yet executed beautifully. Radishes and butter arrive first, followed by an array of Gallic favourites like Foie Gras, Oeuf Mayonnaise and Steak au Poivre, along with delectable desserts. Here, tradition is alive and most certainly well. facebook.com/chezgeorges1965

Famous for its superb Steak Frites, this bustling bistro in the 11th is one of the best and buzziest in town. Atmospheric and decidedly old-world, both its decor and dishes are a welcome throwback to the bistros of old. With a heap of accolades under its apron, book a spot at one its banquettes and revel in the pleasures of brilliant bistro cuisine. bistrotpaulbert.fr

Billed as “the Parisian bistro since 1923”, for over 80 years, Allard has been one of the most sought-after gourmet addresses in Paris and one of the remaining authentic bistros in the city. Now under the guardianship of acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse, everything from its original old-world decor to its classic dishes continue its storied legacy today. Don’t miss its emblematic plates, such as the Challans duck with olives, Fernande Allard’s frog legs, Confit duck foie gras and Rum savarin with lashings of whipped cream. restaurant-allard.fr

Bistrot des Tournelles has made quite the splash since arriving on the Parisian food scene in 2022. Just one year after opening, it won “Best Bistro of 2023” by Le Fooding and continues to be the bistro en vogue. But unlike its moody, dimly-lit, red-hued peers, authentic French plates star in a light, bright and beautiful setting. Crowd favourites include the Croque-Monsieur Comte with Prince de Paris Ham (the gold star of jambon) and Poultry Cordon Bleu, and Chicken from the Landes with black summer truffle from Urbino, while for dessert, decide out of the Crème Brûlée, Strawberry Melba or Chocolate Mousse – or, get all three. Oui oui. bistrotdestournelles.com/en

Culinary heavyweights like the late Anthony Bourdain and Pierre Hermé love this unassuming little bistro in the non-touristy 20th. Simplicity is key here, with chef Raquel Carena dishing up bistro-style cooking done exceptionally well, and with a slight twist (one that nods to her Argentian heritage). As one of the pioneers of modern bistronomy, expect Shallot Galette with Fresh Sardines, Tuna Carpaccio with Cherries, Roast Basque Lamb and slow-cooked Beef Confit alongside an impressive organic wine list, all within an unadorned, no-frills setting. And while it’s become one of Paris’ better known secrets, it still remains one of the city’s great gastronomic gems. The lesson? Seek and you shall find some of the best French food in town. 3 Rue Jouye-Rouve, 75020 Paris.

On the wonderfully charming Rue Vieille du Temple in the Marais, this cosy, buzzy corner bistro serves homestyle French cooking with a commitment to organic produce from local farms (in fact, its sustainable suppliers are even listed on the menu). With everything made in-house, the French Onion Soup is a standout and one of the best renditions in Paris, along with crispy Duck Confit, Steak Frites buried under an excellent bearnaise sauce and Tomato Tarte Tatin — all washed down with well-priced wines. 28 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris.

A quintessential Parisian bistro, this institution has been serving up French classics since 1912. Today, under the helm of Alain Ducasse, it remains deeply anchored to the past, carrying the bistro spirit in every way with fanciful Belle Époque furnishings like brass mirrors, velvet banquettes, floral crockery and shiny silverware. Its menu, too, reflects its history, with elegant vintage classics like garlicky snails in their shells, pâté en croûte and exceptional profiteroles with hot chocolate sauce that continue to make it one of Paris’ bistros par excellence. benoit-paris.com

A spot for serious gourmands, chef Stéphane Jego was an early pioneer of Paris’ bistronomy movement, which fuses humble bistro fare with the gastronomic techniques of fine dining. Here, the great classics are honoured beautifully but with a haute twist, think Parmesan Soup, Roasted Veal with Artichoke and a Foie Gras-stuffed Tuna Belly “Sandwich”. A lively little bistro that marries tradition with innovation, don’t leave without trying his famous Rice Pudding — you won’t regret it. lamijean.fr

When it comes to authentic bistro dining experiences, you can’t get more authentic than Chez Paul. Opening at the turn of the 20th Century, this charming bistro in Bastille uses fresh, local ingredients with time-honoured techniques to produce some of the best homemade cuisine in Paris. Try house specialities like the Rosemary Rabbit Rillettes, Burgundy Snails with Parsley Butter, Duck Confit and Steak Tartare in a historic dining room. chezpaul.com/en