Al fresco dining without compromising on the food: Paris terraces worth seeking out.


























As soon as the sun comes out, Paris moves outdoors. A table on a terrace adds another dimension to a meal: the light, the life of the street, the feeling of being in the heart of the city while you eat. The address still matters, though: a beautiful terrace cannot make up for disappointing food.
That is exactly what this guide is for: choosing restaurants with terraces in Paris where the food is just as good outdoors as it is inside.

Every restaurant in this selection is visited and assessed against four criteria: the quality of the food first (with the same standard inside and out), the terrace's exposure and comfort, outdoor service (often a weak point on Paris terraces), and noise levels. Each restaurant's Google and TheFork ratings are shown side by side, unaltered.
A rooftop offers views and open sky, ideal for special occasions in summer. A courtyard puts peace and quiet first: no traffic, a retreat in the middle of the city, perfect for a long lunch. A street terrace, meanwhile, is classic Paris: seeing and being seen, with the city's energy as a soundtrack. Our listings specify the type of terrace and its orientation.
The selection above is updated as we visit. Enjoy your meal, and the sunshine.