Paris is full of Chinese eateries, but it can be hard to navigate between tourist traps and authentic gems. As a local, I prefer establishments where quality holds up year after year, far from visitor pitfalls. This guide focuses on the central and eastern sector, offering a mix of reimagined traditions and timeless classics.
La Taverne De ZHAO
La Taverne De ZHAO, 22 Rue Molière, 75001 Paris Google Rating: 4.8/5 (3079 reviews) Price: Moderate View on Maps Website: http://www.zhaogroupe.com/ Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 14:30, 19:00 – 22:30
Located near the Palais-Royal, this establishment is an institution. The atmosphere is warm and the service efficient. People come here for the refined Cantonese cuisine, particularly renowned for its dim sum and fresh seafood dishes. It’s the perfect spot for a business lunch or a nice dinner in the 1st arrondissement.
Cai Lin Ji
Cai Lin Ji, 21 Rue Réaumur, 75003 Paris Google Rating: 4.8/5 (552 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Closed on Monday; Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 – 14:30, 18:30 – 22:30
This spot specializing in Hubei noodles has won over Parisians with its simplicity and authenticity. The concept focuses on "Re Gan Mian," these spicy noodles served with sesame and vegetables. It’s a perfect spot for a quick lunch before wandering in the nearby Marais. Be aware, the space is limited and it gets busy during peak hours.
Gros Bao - Paris
Gros Bao - Paris, 72 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris Google Rating: 4.7/5 (9329 reviews) Price: Moderate View on Maps Website: https://baofamily.co/grosbao Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 23:00
Located along the Canal Saint-Martin, Gros Bao offers a modern and trendy take on Asian street food. The bao buns are generous and creative, blending Vietnamese and Chinese influences. The relaxed atmosphere and view of the water make it a popular spot for after-work gatherings and dinners with friends. It’s the kind of place where you come for the atmosphere as much as for the food.
Madame FAN
Madame FAN, 18 Rue Bayen, 75017 Paris Google Rating: 4.6/5 (1661 reviews) Price: Moderate View on Maps Website: https://www.madame-fan.com/ Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 23:00
Although located in the 17th arrondissement, Madame FAN is worth the detour for its authentic and spicy Sichuan cuisine. The well-designed decor contrasts pleasantly with the aromatic intensity of the dishes served. Fans of bold flavors will particularly enjoy the lacquered duck and Sichuan pepper dishes. It’s a reliable address that never disappoints in ingredient quality.
Bleu Bao
Bleu Bao, 8 Rue Saint-Lazare, 75009 Paris Google Rating: 4.8/5 (8582 reviews) Price: Moderate View on Maps Website: http://baofamily.co/bleu-bao Hours: Monday: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:30 – 22:30; Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:30 – 23:00
Located not far from the Opéra Garnier, Bleu Bao is the more intimate and elegant version of the Bao group. The midnight blue interior creates a cozy atmosphere, ideal for a romantic dinner or a quiet meal. The baos are presented with care, and the cocktail menu pairs perfectly with the dishes. It’s a safe bet in a neighborhood often saturated with international chains.
Royal Dragon
Royal Dragon, 18 Rue Delambre, 98 Bd du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris Google Rating: 4.7/5 (10061 reviews) Price: Inexpensive View on Maps Website: https://www.buffetroyaldragon.fr/ Hours: Closed on Monday; Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 – 14:45, 19:00 – 22:45
For those who want to eat as much as they want without breaking the bank, Royal Dragon is a historical reference in Montparnasse. This vast buffet offers an impressive variety of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. While it may not be fine dining, the relative freshness of the dishes and the variety offered make it a popular option for groups or big appetites. Its location near the Gaîté metro makes it very accessible.
Petit Bao - Étienne Marcel
Petit Bao - Étienne Marcel, 116 Rue St Denis, 75002 Paris Google Rating: 4.7/5 (6142 reviews) Price: Moderate View on Maps Website: https://www.baofamily.co/petitbao Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:30 – 23:00
Nestled in the shopping street of Saint-Denis, this Petit Bao offers a convenient alternative for office workers and residents of the 2nd arrondissement. The space is smaller than its older siblings, promoting a quick and friendly experience. The pork belly bao remains the star of the house, but the vegetarian options are also well thought out. It’s the perfect place to grab a meal to go or eat on the run.
Ravioli du Sichuan Châtelet
Ravioli du Sichuan Châtelet, 21 Rue St Denis, 75001 Paris Google Rating: 4.8/5 (216 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 – 23:00
This discreet little spot near Châtelet is a gem for lovers of bold flavors. Specializing in dumplings and Sichuan dishes, it offers modest portions but intense aromas. The value for money is excellent, and the late opening until 11 PM allows for a relaxed dinner after a workday. It’s a well-kept secret worth the trip.
Practical Information
To visit these places, the Paris transport network is very efficient. The Châtelet station serves La Taverne De ZHAO and Ravioli du Sichuan. For Cai Lin Ji and Petit Bao, get off at Étienne Marcel or Réaumur-Sébastopol stops. Gros Bao is accessible via the Jacques Bonsergent or République metro. Bleu Bao is located near Saint-Lazare. Madame FAN requires a short trip northwest from the center, while Royal Dragon is well served by the Montparnasse train station.
Most restaurants open their lunch service between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM, and close around 2:30 PM or 3:00 PM. Dinner service generally starts around 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM and ends between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM. Be sure to reserve for La Taverne De ZHAO and Madame FAN, especially on weekends. For the Bao, the wait can be long during peak hours, even without a reservation. Always check specific hours on Google Maps before heading out, as they may vary on holidays.