11 Restaurants Open for Christmas in Paris

This is another Parisian palace hotel whose two onsite restaurants boast Michelin-star accolades, headed by award-winning French chef Eric Frechon. Christmas eve tasting menus are offered at both the 1-star 114 Faubourg restaurant (around $450 per person) and at the 3-Michelin star Epicure restaurant (around $930 per head).

See this page for more information on Christmas dining options this year. Again, make sure to reserve well in advance.

Price: $$$$

This celebrated French gourmet table (boasting three Michelin stars) is nestled within the leafy Bois de Boulogne park, and remains open over Christmas. Inspired menus from Chef Frédéric Anton are well-suited for festive and special occasions, and the Belle-Epoque dining room is romantic and old-world.

Price: $$$$

This elegant brasserie is situated within the Gare de Lyon train station, offering the old-world glamour of the early rail era with its elaborately molded ceilings, frescoes, and romantic chandeliers. Christmas Eve tasting menus are available; in 2018 the price is around $150 per head. As with all of the restaurants on our list, make sure to reserve several weeks or months in advance.

Price: $$$ (Mid-range)

This well-known 1900-era brasserie offers classic French Christmas fare such as fresh shellfish platters, pate in pastry, smoked salmon and a bevy of festive desserts. Prices here are reasonable, which means that it's an incredibly popular place for a holiday meal. Book as early as possible, even several months in advance, for Christmas Eve and day for lunch or dinner.

Price: $$$

This traditional French restaurant tucked away in the south of the city near the Gobelins metro stop offers special Christmas menus for around $100 per person. The price includes a before-dinner drink and wine. One specialty here is wild game. This restaurant is open for both Christmas Eve and day.

Price: $$$

A humble but charming place for lunch or dinner, this restaurant not far from the Centre Georges Pompidou in the city center offers Alsatian-style French cuisine and special Christmas menus. This restaurant is open on both December 24th and 25th, so it can be a great option when you're having trouble booking a table elsewhere.

Price: $$$

In the heart of the Invalides district in western Paris, this elegant restaurant established in the late 1920s serves up Christmas menus between roughly $55 to $100 per person, including a before-dinner drink (aperitif) and wine. It's known for its excellent shellfish and seafood, including whole Maine lobsters and dishes prepared with lobster.

Price: $$$

Offering sublime views of Paris from the rooftop vantage at the Centre Georges Pompidou, this restaurant is considered one of the more romantic spots for dining in the capital. Le Georges doesn't offer special Christmas menus, but can be an elegant option for the occasion, especially for a couple looking for a more intimate and romantic setting.

Price: $$$

Another French seafood and shellfish specialist that's open both for Christmas eve and day, this restaurant in western Paris offers holiday lunch and dinner menus for roughly $60 to $100 per head. Drinks are included.

Price: $$$

With its stunning 1900 dining room and noisy, devil-may-care conviviality, Chartier can be a good choice for a budget Christmas meal—as long as you don't expect frills and ribbons.

Try the whole seabass with carrots or potatoes on the side, and a nice lemon tartelette or mousse au chocolat for dessert.

Unfortunately, this restaurant does not accept reservations. If you want to have a good chance of snagging a table, we recommend that you arrive half an hour to an hour before you wish to eat, and wait in the queue outside.

Price: $-$$ (budget-friendly)

Why not celebrate Christmas day Caribbean-style at this restaurant near Montmartre? While there are no specific Christmas menus on offer this year, you can assemble your own creative holiday meal with options such as fresh fish, Haitian-style chicken, Caribbean cocktails and much more. Prices are reasonable and the service is friendly at this restaurant in an off-the-beaten-path corner of the city. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Monday (Christmas Eve in 2018).

Price: $$