French chef Mory Sacko knows a thing or two about eating out in Paris. The oldest of eight children, he grew up in the Seine-et-Marne neighbourhood of the French capital, in a house with his Senegalese and Malian parents who mainly cooked West African food. After a stint at a culinary school in his teenage years before cutting his teeth professionally at fine-dining institutions such as Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris. His first restaurant, MoSuke, opened in 2020 when Sacko was just 28, and the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2021 just months after the team started service. It was the first Michelin star in France awarded to a restaurant serving West African food – although Sacko combines the flavours of his family's cooking with French and Japanese techniques. Think Breton lobster with tomato miso, lacto-fermented chilies, and charred watermelon.
Paris is a city that's ripe for the picking by foodies, and Sacko's recommendations below reflect not only his own love of flavours from across the world, but also the high-low nature of the Parisian dining scene. Here, you'll find Michelin-starred restaurants, street food stands and cool neighbourhood spots to add to your Paris foodie bucket list.
Plénitude
“A gastronomic restaurant located in the Cheval Blanc hotel, in the very centre of the capital. In my opinion, this is the best gourmet restaurant in Paris.”
Who comes here?
“You'll find real gastronomy enthusiasts there. The whole experience is centred around the chef, Arnaud Donckele, and his cuisine.”
Best table in the restaurant
“The table in front of the windows, you have one of the best views of the Pont Neuf.”
Best time to go
“For dinner.”
Dish to order
“Just trust the Chef Arnaud Donckele!”
Siseng
“This is a restaurant offering Southeast Asian cuisine. It is located on the quays of Jemmapes, a neighbourhood in the East Side of Paris which is nice to explore.”
Who comes here?
“A lot of young Parisians who are very connected, sharp and curious.”
Best table in the restaurant
“On the terrace.”
Best time to go
“On a sunny day.”
Dish to order
“The bao burger.”
Opla
“The place is a Vietnamese restaurant located in the 14th Arrondissement, on the left bank of Paris, an area known for being quiet and bucolic.”
Who comes here?
“It's a real neighbourhood restaurant, especially frequented by local residents.”
Best table in the restaurant
“I recommend taking away and walking along one of the most iconic streets in Paris, rue Daguerre.”
Best time to go
“For a quick lunch during the week.”
Dish to order
“Bahn-Mi.”
Urfa Durum
“This is a restaurant that only offers Kurdish sandwiches with grilled meats. Everything is handmade in front of the clients, from cooking the bread to the meat to assembling the sandwich.”
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Who comes here?
“You will find a young and trendy Parisian clientele.”
Best table in the restaurant
“On the little terrace.”
Best time to go
“For lunch on a Sunday.”
Dish to order
“The grilled lamb sandwich.”
Relais Plaza
“Relais Plaza is a neo-classical french brasserie located in the palace Plaza Athenée run by the chef Jean Imbert.”
Who comes here?
“This is a typical clientele of Avenue Mongtaigne, a mix of stars, Parisians and tourists.”
Best table in the restaurant
“Every seat in the restaurant is iconic.”
Best time to go
“For lunch.”
Dish to order
“Langoustine thermidor and mayo.”