Under the radar - Restaurants in Paris

Ever since travel has become less of an aristocratic privilege, Parisians know better than to flaunt their favourite, new food ‘hot spots’. No sooner than a new and quirky restaurant opens in the French capital than it lands on the go-to lists from New York to New Zealand. The locals have kept these restaurants on the down low until now, and i'm about to expose them for you, (you're welcome.)

Here are the top 5 they'll wish you weren't reading about...

                                                                                    

 1. Full Moon Creperie 

The Full Moon Creperie is hidden away on the very bottom floor of the Chelt Society gallery, right next to the artists workshops. With its minimalist décor and sparse menu, you would think it was lacking in character and taste. On further inspection however, you will find that the plain white walls are there for you to interperet as you like, just the same as the art in the gallery that houses it is. A must visit for lovers of the arts or those that simply thrive off of the quaint things in life.

2. Paris-New York

There's no lack of gormet burger joints in Paris, but what sets one aside from the rest? Attention to detail is Paris-New York's speciality, and they definitely do it well. First off there is the Vintage Doublecheese (with extra mature cheddar), then the Morning California (lettuce, avocado and of course chedder) there is also the Smoky Blue (bacon, blue cheese and beautifully caramelised onions), plus a chicken option, as well as a vegetarian alternative. Classic films are also projected onto the wall of the dining area, and you're guaranteed a seat.

3. Le Bistro Mericourt

Imagine a pick'n'mix for adults, because that's exactly what Le Bistro Mericourt is. The concept of the restaurant is very simple, you have a 5-course tasting menu for the price of 55 euros. Sound a little bit expensive? Have a read of the dishes available and you're sure to be pulling out you Parisian pennies. Fried Quail, lentils with scallops and Palets Bretons. So, if you're looking for somewhere a little more fancy, the Mericourt could leave you feeling very merry indeed.

4. Holybelly 

Breakfast is served. If it's a light bite in the centre of Paris that you're looking for, then this might just be the place. The friendly, tattooed, Canadian free spirited people that work at the Holybelly cafe will be more than willing to educate you on which coffee is the one for you, not to mention each cup comes with a free speciality biscuit. The hip little venue aims to sprinkle a little bit of Vancouver into your day, with their top dish being their fig and caramelised hazelnut pancakes (with lashings of Canadian maple syrup of course.)

5. Rose Bakery

For those of you who can't bare to be away from those morning carbs, look no further than Rose's Bakery. This small English-themed cafe is run by a Franco-English couple who use only the finest of ingredients in their products, making it a favourite among the locals. Bread isn't the only delicious treat that's available. Carrot cakes, chocolate tarts and sticky toffee puddings are also of high demand by those who have a sweet tooth. Weekdays are the perfect time to grab tea and scones, as come the weekend, you'll be lucky to catch an empty table.