Paris has taken the burger seriously. What started as a trend in the early 2010s is now a fixture of the city’s food scene, with chefs using bakery buns, French beef, aged cheeses and proper hand-cut fries. If you want the best burger in Paris, start with Le Ruisseau in Montmartre for a classic, PNY for a stylish cocktail-bar burger, Burger & Fries for value, or Ralph’s on the Left Bank for an upscale sit-down meal.

Below are our picks, what each one does best, and a few practical tips for eating burgers in Paris. Restaurants change hours and menus often, so check the current details before you go.

Quick comparison

Restaurant	Area	Best for	Price level
Le Ruisseau	Montmartre (18th)	Classic, generous burgers	€€
PNY	Marais, Faubourg Saint-Denis, Oberkampf and more	Cocktails and polished burgers	€€
Burger & Fries	Odéon, Bonne Nouvelle, Pereire	Budget-friendly meals	€
Ralph’s	Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)	A special-occasion burger	€€€
Schwartz’s Deli	Trocadéro (16th)	Big portions near the Eiffel Tower	€€
Shiso Burger	Saint-Michel (5th)	Asian-inspired burgers	€€
Burger & Fils	Near Saint-Philippe-du-Roule (8th)	Build-your-own burgers	€

Le Ruisseau

Le Ruisseau, on rue du Ruisseau in the 18th arrondissement, is a neighborhood favorite and often named among the best burger spots in the city. The room is simple, with wooden furniture and tiled floors, and the focus is squarely on the food: generously sized burgers, house fries and a tasty dipping sauce.

Look out for cheese-forward options using French mountain cheeses and spicier burgers with cheddar and guacamole. The onion rings are a standout side. It is an easy stop before or after exploring Montmartre.

PNY

PNY (short for Paris New York) has several locations, including rue Perrée in the Marais, rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis and rue Oberkampf. The burgers are on the smaller side but carefully made, with soft buns, aged cheddar, bacon and house barbecue sauce on the signature options. The cocktails are a big part of the appeal, so it works well for an evening out.

Vegetarians are well served: PNY was one of the first burger chains in France to offer a plant-based patty, which you can swap into most burgers.

Burger & Fries

If you want a good burger without spending much, Burger & Fries is the place. The menu is short, everything is prepared on site, and a full meal costs noticeably less than at most sit-down restaurants in Paris. The loaded fries with grilled onions, melted cheese and sauce are worth ordering.

There are branches near Odéon on Boulevard Saint-Germain, at Bonne Nouvelle near Strasbourg-Saint-Denis, and near Pereire in the 17th, so one is usually within easy reach. For more cheap eats, see our guide to where to eat on a budget in Paris.

Ralph’s

Ralph’s sits inside the Ralph Lauren flagship store at 173 Boulevard Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement. The fashion house created it to bring classic American dishes to a Parisian setting, and the burger is served with coleslaw and fries in an elegant dining room or, in good weather, a lovely courtyard.

It is one of the most expensive burgers on this list, so think of it as a treat rather than a quick lunch. Reservations are a good idea, especially for the courtyard. The nearest metro station is Saint-Germain-des-Prés (line 4).

Schwartz’s Deli

Schwartz’s Deli is a New York-style deli with a branch at 7 avenue d’Eylau, close to Trocadéro (metro lines 6 and 9). It is known for generous portions, good-quality beef and friendly service. Burgers come with sides such as coleslaw, fries, salad or hash browns.

It gets busy at peak times, so arrive early or order takeaway. It is a handy option after visiting the Eiffel Tower viewpoints at Trocadéro.

Shiso Burger

Shiso Burger, on Quai Saint-Michel facing Notre-Dame, mixes American burgers with Korean and other Asian flavors. Expect ingredients like kimchi and bulgogi-style beef, with sides such as edamame or sweet potato fries and homemade lemonades. It is a good choice if you are exploring the Latin Quarter and want something different from the usual bistro menu.

Burger & Fils

Burger & Fils, on rue du Commandant Rivière near Saint-Philippe-du-Roule (metro line 9) in the 8th, sits between fast food and a sit-down restaurant. You order at the counter in a stylish setting and can customize your burger, or try the burger of the month. Prices are moderate, and a meal deal adds a side and a drink. Check that it is open before making a special trip, as hours can change.

Places that have closed

Several burger spots that appeared on earlier versions of this list have closed permanently, including L’Atelier Saint-Georges in the 9th, Cantine California in the Marais and La Station Damrémont in the 18th. If you see them recommended elsewhere, check before you go.

Tips for eating burgers in Paris

• Book for dinner at popular places, especially on weekends. Lunch is usually easier.
• Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (roughly 3 pm to 7 pm). Plan accordingly.
• Burgers are often served medium or rare by default. Ask for à point (medium) or bien cuit (well done) if you prefer.
• Fries are not always included. Check whether the price is for the burger alone or a full menu.
• Service is included in French restaurant prices. Read our guide on how much to tip in France if you want to leave a little extra.

If you are craving more American dishes, see where to eat the best American food in Paris, and for a bigger cut of beef try our list of the best steakhouses in Paris. For an overview of the city’s dining scene, our Paris restaurant guide is a good starting point.

Summary

The best burgers in Paris range from casual bargains to elegant Left Bank lunches. Choose Le Ruisseau for a classic, PNY for cocktails and polished burgers, Burger & Fries for value, and Ralph’s for a special occasion. Schwartz’s Deli, Shiso Burger and Burger & Fils round out the list. Check opening hours before you go, book ahead for dinner, and remember to say how you like your burger cooked.