Bag-all owner and CEO Jennifer Wesslau lists her favorite restaurants in Paris
You asked and Jennifer came through!
Living in Paris is a daily reminder that life is meant to be savored—ideally with a fork in one hand and a glass of wine (or a coupe of champagne) in the other. Since moving here, I’ve made it a personal mission to explore the endless culinary gems this city has to offer. While Paris is overflowing with iconic cafés and Michelin-starred establishments, my heart belongs to the places that feel a little more personal. A little more… mine.
Here are my absolute favorite spots in Paris right now. Each of these places brings something unique to the table—whether it’s the dreamy atmosphere, the unforgettable flavors, or simply that inexplicable feeling of joy you get when everything just clicks.
Café St. Regis
📍 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004
🔗 saintregisparis.com
Located on the tip of Île Saint-Louis, this classic Parisian café is where time slows down. I love coming here for lunch or dinner. The food is always good, well priced and lovely staff. It’s always buzzing, yet somehow feels like home.
Jennifer’s go-to: the chicken paillard with parmesan and a St. Germain spritz-liquor on the side.
Foods in Saint Regis
Margaux and Cappi inside Saint Regis
Jennifer and her eldest daughter Celeste having lunch at Saint Regis
Kunitoraya
📍 1 Rue Villedo, 75001
🔗 kunitoraya.com
Craving udon? Kunitoraya’s your spot. Located in the heart of Paris, this Japanese restaurant serves up soul-soothing noodle bowls and delicate flavors that make it one of my top comfort-food go-tos. Go 15 minutes before they open to get a table.
Her pick: Kama Tenmori (Udon with shrimp & vegetable tempura)
bambou
📍 23 Rue des Jeûneurs, 75002
🔗bambouparis.fr
Tucked away in the 2nd arrondissement, this trendy Thai restaurant is a feast for all the senses. With interiors straight out of an Indochine dream and a sprawling courtyard perfect for warm evenings, Bambou is where I go for elevated Asian cuisine and people-watching at its finest.
Jennifer always orders the Thai beef salad and the THAI BASIL
Jennifer dining at Bambou
La Grande Mosquée de Paris
📍 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005
🔗 la-mosquee.com
Yes, a mosque—but also one of the most magical tea gardens in the city. Sip sweet mint tea, snack on honey-drenched pastries, and bask in the serenity of the tiled courtyard. The tajine cooked food is divine! It’s like being transported to Marrakech without ever leaving the 5th arrondissement.
Jennifer’s move: the tagine lamb with aubergine and mint tea
Interior of the tea room at La Grande Mosquée de Paris
Interior of the tea room at La Grande Mosquée de Paris
Traditional Moroccan food served at La Grande Mosquée de Paris
Lapérouse
📍 51 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006
🔗 laperouse.com
Tucked near the Seine by Concorde, Lapérouse is dripping in Parisian history and old-world elegance. The private dining salons, the velvet everything, and the slightly decadent air make it the ultimate place for a special occasion—or just a Tuesday when you feel like dressing up.
Jennifer usually starts with foie gras and follows it up with the sole meunière
Inside Lapérouse
Bouillon julien
📍 16 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010
🔗 bouillon-julien.com
A true Paris institution. Think: Belle Époque décor, fast service, and classic French dishes at unbeatable prices. I go here when I want tradition with a touch of glamour. My insider tip is to go at a an early hour, preferably when they open, unless you want to wait in line.
Amourette
📍 10 Bd Delessert, 75016
🔗 amourette-passy.fr
For the perfect pre-dinner drink, this is the place. Big outside terrace basking in the afternoon sun. Their champagne cocktail, Le Amourette, is divine. I also recommend their tuna avocado tartar. If I had to choose just one place in Paris for a girls’ night kickoff—it’s Amourette.
LE BOIS
📍 29 Rue Bois le Vent, 75016
🔗 restaurant-lebois.fr
When the craving hits for a slow cooked stew or a hearty, comforting plate of meat-centric French cuisine, Le Bois delivers every time. It’s refined without being stuffy, and the wine list is chef’s kiss.
Jouvence
📍 172 bis Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine
🔗 jouvence.paris
Took my daughter Celeste here for her birthday super cozy restaurant tucked inside a charming old pharmacy. Jouvence is a cozy neo-bistro offering modern, seasonal French cuisine by chef Romain Thibault. Expect beautifully plated dishes, natural wines, and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. Great value lunch menus (2 courses €19 / 3 courses €24) and thoughtful dinner plates make it a local favorite.
These are my current favorites—but if there’s one thing Paris has taught me, it’s that the best meal of your life might be just around the corner. I’ll keep updating this list as I discover more unforgettable places.
Until then, Bon appétit!
xo
Jennifer
