Emily In France Exclusive 🇫🇷 8 Awesome Places to Eat Near the Louvre

You don't need to eat bad food near tourist attractions

It’s an unfortunate reality that the closer you are to a major monument in Paris, the worse the food tends to be. But fear not! There are a few gems within spitting distance of can’t-miss sites in Paris, and as of right now, they’re no longer a secret… starting with the Louvre.

The Louvre is the world’s largest museum, and with over 38,000 works on display alone, a wander through can take several hours – and leave you super hangry.

If you're planning on visiting the Louvre, on your trip, however, you're in luck – for more than one reason.

I have offered guided tours of the Louvre for years, so I know the ins and outs of this palace turned monument to international art. If you’re traveling to Paris and want me to take you through my favorite pieces and stories, from how Da Vinci got the Mona Lisa to Paris to why any trip to the Louvre must begin in the basement (with or without a post-visit cheese tasting or glass of wine), feel free to reply to this email to start a conversation about making that happen. But even if you decide to visit the Louvre on your own, I’ve got you covered.

Begin with my in-depth guide to how to navigate the Louvre, which will allow you to proceed relatively in chronological order through the Louvre’s wide range of collections, stopping off at all of the major showstoppers from Winged Victory to Liberty Leading the People. And once you’ve finished feeding your mind, use this guide to feed your belly.

The Louvre is open every day except for Tuesdays, but it holds noctournes, aka late-night openings on Fridays, and a Friday evening visit followed by dinner is one of my favorite activities to suggest to visitors to Paris. But whether you're looking for lunch, dinner, or just a snack, this area has got loads of choices.

Well-heeled visitors to the first may notice that this list is lacking a mention of quite a few storied spots, including two women-run kitchens with Michelin stars: La Dame de Pic and Yam Tcha. This elision has nothing to do with the quality of these tables – it’s just that since I haven't been myself, I can’t recommend them in earnest. The list below is by no means exhaustive; it includes only places I can vouch for from personal experience. But whether you want Michelin stars or just a nosh, you're sure to find just the right option.

1. If You're Looking to Be Wowed…

Step into Omar Dhiab (23, rue Hérold) for a Michelin-starred experience that pleasantly breaks with the codes of fine dining. The young Dhiab delivers a tasty five-course prix fixe at lunchtime, and while at 115 euros, it’s not cheap by any means, it’s definitely surprising, with allusions to his Egyptian background, playful hints of nostalgia, and a particular deftness when it comes to amuse-bouches.

2. If Time Is Of the Essence…