Is there anything more enjoyable than eating well in Paris? Yes: eating well on a terrace in Paris.
According to a theorem no one can quite explain, food always tastes better when enjoyed wearing sunglasses, with ice cubes clinking in your drink and the sun reflecting so brightly that you can barely read the time. In this selection, we’ve gathered some of the most pleasant terraces in Paris from our favourite restaurants—places where you can sit back, relax and enjoy great food in the open air. If you’d rather dine with a view, take a look at our guide to the city’s best rooftops.
Bistro | Latin Quarter
Nestled in the heart of Paris’ 5th arrondissement, Le Petit Bal Perdu enjoys—without exaggeration—one of the most beautiful restaurant settings in the city. Elevated above the cobblestones, surrounded by trees and overlooking the charming Lucien-Herr square, its golden terrace feels wonderfully secluded. Accompanied by the sound of a fountain and the laughter from the nearby school playground, it offers a peaceful retreat just steps from Rue Mouffetard, serving honest Southern French cuisine.
Where? 32 Rue Tournefort, 75005 Paris
Arts et Métiers
Among the new generation of restaurants that joyfully blend cultures and culinary traditions, Café de l’Arc, recently taken over by Ramy Ndione, stands out. Chef Christina Ogiefa, a talented Italian-Nigerian chef from Rome, brings together influences from West Africa, France and Italy. The setting remains that of a minimalist former neighbourhood betting café, complete with a fantastic terrace and perhaps the highest tolerance for lively conversations in the area.
Where? 3 Boulevard Saint-Denis, 75003 Paris
Wine Bar | Ménilmontant
On Rue Sorbier, one of Ménilmontant’s favourite aperitif destinations, Pipa has quickly become a local favourite. Owner Margot Lavialle, formerly of Brigade du Tigre, has created a welcoming wine bar filled with bottle-lined shelves, bistro chairs and a spacious terrace. In the open kitchen, self-taught chef Morgane Saguedolce prepares bold dishes packed with chillies, peppers and powerful seasonings. The drinks menu features a carefully curated selection of natural wines.
Where? 6 Rue Sorbier, 75020 Paris
Folie-Méricourt
Located next to Maison des Métallos, Gramme may not revolutionise Instagram feeds, but it has won over the neighbourhood with its bright dining room, white walls and neo-1950s-inspired furnishings. Chef Louis Fedide serves thoughtful contemporary bistronomy centred around the reassuring starter-main-dessert format.
Where? 96 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris
French Cuisine | Greater Paris
Just a short walk from her home in Saint-Ouen, Fleur Godart opened Fine Fleur, a bright corner restaurant and wine cellar overlooking the beautifully named Place de la Paix et de l’Amitié entre les Peuples. Its generous terrace is the ideal setting to enjoy seasonal dishes paired with natural wines selected by the owner herself. Saturdays feature a special highlight: roast chicken sourced from the family farm.
Where? 162 Rue du Docteur Bauer, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine
Vegetarian | Le Marais
Housed in a former 19th-century stamping workshop, Maslow Temple is the latest vegetarian restaurant from Julia Chican, Marine Ricklin and Mehdi Favri. The impressive venue spans three levels and features striking poppy-red riveted beams, as well as a spectacular atrium illuminated by cascading strands of light.
Maslow Temple also boasts a beautiful 60-seat terrace overlooking the Carreau du Temple, where guests can enjoy inventive plant-based sharing plates packed with flavour and supported by exceptional sauces. Organic wines, cocktails and alcohol-free creations complete the experience.
The result is a genuinely enjoyable dining destination where the vegetarian aspect almost fades into the background, leaving centre stage to creativity, generosity and flavour. To top it all off, prices remain remarkably accessible for the neighbourhood.
Where? 32 Rue de Picardie, 75003 Paris, France
Bistro | 20th Arrondissement
The recently opened bistro by chef Antoine Villard and sommelier Morgane Souris has already earned a loyal following thanks to its seasonal dishes and regional French recipes, including foie gras and bouillabaisse, subtly infused with Asian influences inspired by the chef’s experience at Double Dragon.
The charming terrace on a quiet cobbled square in Paris’ 20th arrondissement only adds to the appeal.
Where? 46 Rue des Vignoles, 75020 Paris
Café | Abbesses
A café that is as stylish as it is excellent, with interiors designed by Mur.Mur and a beautiful terrace tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac. Expertly brewed specialty coffee is paired with freshly baked pastries and excellent sandwiches.
Simply put, it’s a success.
Where? 78 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris
Saint-Ouen
Located in the heart of Saint-Ouen’s famous flea market, opposite Bonne Aventure and run by the same owners, Café Jaune offers a large sun-drenched terrace. Guests can enjoy comforting dishes such as French toast with mascarpone whipped cream, fried chicken sandwiches and Caesar salads, accompanied by kombucha, local beers or natural wines.
A perfect Saint-Ouen spot.
Where? 96 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine
Belleville
A beloved neighbourhood institution has been brought back to life. Once a cherished gathering place for Belleville’s Tunisian Jewish community, the café had fallen into disrepair before being revived by Edouard Lax, owner of nearby restaurant Le Grand Bain.
After extensive renovations, the terracotta-tiled façade has regained its warmth, the original sign has been restored and natural light once again fills the welcoming space.
The real delight, however, is the irresistible terrace located on a quiet pedestrian street, the kind of place where you can easily imagine spending an entire day. Open continuously from morning to evening, the café offers an all-day menu built around carefully sourced ingredients and generous hospitality.
Where? 4 Rue Lemon, 75020 Paris
