Bouillon

Step into Bouillon and you’ll quickly understand why there’s perpetually a queue snaking outside. This Parisian gem has cracked the code on what feels impossible elsewhere: genuine French classics at prices that won’t empty your wallet. With locations near République and in Pigalle, it’s become a go-to for locals and visitors alike who crave authentic brasserie fare without the typical tourist markup.

The kitchen runs like clockwork from noon until midnight, churning out crowd-pleasers that have earned their place on French menus for generations. The oeuf mayo is deceptively simple yet perfectly executed, while the onion soup arrives bubbling and golden under its blanket of melted cheese. Don’t skip the escargots—they arrive drowning in the most aromatic parsley-garlic butter—and the roast chicken with crispy frites is the kind of soul-satisfying meal that makes you wonder why you ever order anything complicated.

This is the ideal spot when you’re rolling with a crew and everyone’s hungry but no one wants to break the bank. The République location makes a perfect pit stop after wandering through the Marais, while the Pigalle spot serves well after exploring Montmartre’s winding streets. The atmosphere is bustling and unapologetically casual—think crowded tables, quick service, and the happy din of people enjoying honest food.

Come here with an appetite and an open mind. Let the classics shine, grab a carafe of table wine, and use the savings to fund your next stop at a neighborhood wine bar for apéro. Bouillon proves that exceptional doesn’t have to mean expensive, and sometimes the best meals are the most straightforward ones.