During the holiday season, Paris’s finest establishments elevate the French art of hospitality to new heights. Book a restaurant in Paris for Christmas and enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience. For Christmas Eve dinner, the most talented chefs unleash their creativity to delight your taste buds. Discover our top picks for restaurants in Paris offering refinement and wonder this holiday season.
1 – A CHRISTMAS MEAL IMBUED WITH ELEGANCE
A symbol of Parisian sophistication, the two-Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse offers a gastronomic Christmas dinner at the height of refinement. Located in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, its majestic and intimate setting recalls the splendor of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. The menu tantalizes all your senses, featuring dishes like crispy blue lobster and black truffle! Be sure to reserve your table early.
Celebrate Christmas away from the bustle of Paris in the quiet elegance of L’Ambroisie. Nestled on Place des Vosges, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant perfectly marries elegance with ultra-refined cuisine. Chef Bernard Pacaud champions a “cuisine of civility” designed to offer the very best. Perhaps you’ve already tasted his bar scallops with thinly sliced artichoke or Lozère lamb crusted with walnuts—pure delights! The Christmas menu promises to be just as exquisite. Keep this spot in mind for ringing in the New Year as well.
2 – A ROMANTIC CHRISTMAS EVE
Defined by its discreet charm, the Monsieur Lancaster restaurant, led by chef Patrick Charvet, invites you in. Located just steps from the Champs-Élysées, this cozy and tasteful retreat stands out for its warm and elegant ambiance. The attentive service ensures a memorable evening with your partner. This year’s menu features scallops and langoustine as a second course, followed by Bresse poultry with truffled potato dauphine as the main dish.
For a festive celebration, what could be more romantic than dining tête-à-tête with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower dressed in its finest lights? Perched atop the Quai Branly Museum, the Les Ombres restaurant invites you to savor a meal for two at the summit of the City of Light. This prestigious venue, alongside other renowned addresses, embodies the essence of Parisian dining in the 7th arrondissement. Let the magic of Paris enchant you while enjoying delicious dishes atop this rooftop gem. The minimalist decor combines Mediterranean flavors with contemporary haute cuisine. For Christmas, the chefs have crafted a festive menu inspired by their signature dishes, such as lightly smoked octopus served with a “sauce chien.”
3 – A WARM CHRISTMAS EVENING WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS
Whether with friends or family, Odette restaurant ranks among our top choices for a Christmas Eve dinner in Paris. Close to the Seine and the Louvre, this delightful 1st arrondissement establishment invites you to share a truly special moment. Its chic yet relaxed ambiance and warm welcome set the tone. The Christmas menu is a treat for the taste buds! Relish the main course: roasted duck breast paired with sesame-roasted root vegetables.
In the 17th arrondissement, L’Huîtrier welcomes you to an elegant setting. A seafood lover’s paradise, this restaurant has been a culinary landmark for over 25 years. After soaking in the Christmas magic of Paris, indulge in seafood platters while toasting to this delightful moment. The team ensures a warm reception and impeccable service.
4 – A SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS EVE
What would Christmas Eve be without a dinner-show at the Moulin Rouge? The iconic Parisian cabaret offers a festive evening, both onstage and on your plate. Naturally, it’s part of the best cabarets in Paris. Amid feathers and glitter, enjoy a colorful experience. Dinner is served before the show begins, with a menu featuring an amuse-bouche, starter, main course, and dessert.
What if the Parisian landscape became the backdrop for your Christmas Eve? Cruise along the Seine with a festive dinner aboard Bateaux Mouches or Capitaine Fracasse. Their Christmas packages include a two-hour Seine cruise paired with a menu of starter, main course, and dessert. You can also opt for a Christmas Day lunch cruise.
5 – AN EXOTIC CHRISTMAS DINNER IN PARIS
Craving something different this Christmas? In the 8th arrondissement, Ferona takes you on a journey with its high-quality Argentine cuisine. The warm decor transports you to the ambiance of Argentine estancias. Signature dishes include sea bream ceviche and Angus ribeye steak.
Finally, no selection would be complete without mentioning Chok Dee, a renowned Thai restaurant in Paris. Located in the 9th arrondissement near the theaters, the chef offers an exotic menu featuring elegantly presented dishes. Wagyu beef filet in Panang curry is a standout choice for an extraordinary dinner—and the same goes for Christmas.
After savoring a festive feast, why not explore everything Paris has to offer during the holidays? From Christmas markets to concerts and special holiday performances, every corner of the City of Light sparkles with a unique charm at this time of year. Check out our comprehensive guide to discover activities that can complete your festive Parisian stay, ensuring every moment is unforgettable.
At Christmas, the beauty of the City of Light and the refinement of its restaurants promise an exceptional evening. Whether you’re seeking an intimate dinner, a gourmet experience, or a journey without leaving Paris, the capital will satisfy all your culinary desires on December 24th. Let yourself be swept away by its unique atmosphere and indulge in a refined and festive Christmas menu! For more culinary adventures, explore molecular gastronomy with our guide.
To end your evening beautifully, soak in the magical Christmas atmosphere in Paris: stroll through its illuminated streets and marvel at its glittering window displays!
