Paris, as one of the leading food cities in the 2025 Global Tastemakers awards, radiates an irresistible allure drawing culinary talents from across the globe. Today, the essence of the city's food culture effortlessly combines heritage with innovation, evoking gustatory excitement in every bustling bistro, trendy hot spot, and revered restaurant. Paris was, after all, the cradle of the restaurant as we know it. Here’s a round-up of some of the most intriguing dining experiences I’ve discovered across the city.

Auteuil is a little haven in western Paris infused with quaint charm and historical character. This is where literary luminaries like Marcel Proust and Honoré de Balzac found inspiration. Auberge de Mouton Blanc, established in 1668 and frequented by the likes of Molière and Jean de La Fontaine, is a beloved culinary fixture in the community. The Dumant family has delicately modernized this historic locale while preserving its classic feel with dishes like herring and potatoes, veal in a rich cream sauce, and moules frites.

The cafés in the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés have long been a sanctuary for artists and writers. An often ignored gastronomic paradise in this district is Le Christine. Helmed by Chef Rodolphe Despagne, the tasting menu is an adventure, serving dishes like smoky mussels on a bed of pine needles with warm, homemade brioche.

In the historically meat-focused culinary landscape of Paris, the rise of vegetarian establishments like Daimant Saint-Honoré is beyond remarkable. Alice Tuyet is striving to revolutionize dining with a focus of protecting our planet through delectable vegetarian cuisines. The menu includes unique dishes like broccoli guacamole speckled with pickles and served with buckwheat chips.

The Grand Café, nestled within the architecturally stunning Grand Palais and managed by the Loulou Group, is another must-visit. The esteemed Colin Field, for 30 years the master mixer at the Ritz, now crafts concoctions behind this bar while guests revel in everything from salads to seafood platters.

Chef Irwin Durand, a Michelin-star veteran, opened his gastronomic domain in April to much praise. Irwin boasts a sleek dining room that mimics its posh 8th arrondissement surroundings, and its inventive cuisine like roasted Provençal asparagus infused with a juniper berry sabayon is guaranteed to impress.

Magnolia in Pigalle is known for its exceptional tartare, courtesy of American chef Noah Howell. The menu may be modest, but the flavors pack a punch and change with the seasons.

Misso, located in the 13th arrondissement is a little gem. Chef Young Kyoung Lee has championed comforting, family-style Korean cuisine since 2006.

For a sweet indulgence, pastry virtuoso François Perret's Le Comptoir, located in Paris' sugar capital, is a must-visit. You may recognize Perret from the Netflix show The Chef in a Truck and his signature marble cake dessert.

Over at SENsation, Chef Samuel Lee is wowing guests with his modern Chinese fare such as marvelous roast duck that takes 24 painstaking hours to prepare.

Finally, Tarántula near Bastille, run by Monterrey-born chef Emmanuel Peña, is making waves with its Mexican-French fusion cuisine in a sultry 1930s setting. There, the small plates, such as slow-cooked pork tacos and white asparagus on a bed of beans, are enough to leave you pining for more.

In compiling this guide, views from over 400 chefs, travel specialists, food and travel writers, and wine professionals worldwide were taken into account. For the entire list of all 165 winners, visit foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers.