Paris is full of Chinese restaurants, but it can be hard to tell the tourist spots from the authentic gems. As a local, I favor places where the quality holds up year after year, far from visitor traps. This guide focuses on the central and eastern area, 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: Moderately priced View on Maps Website: http://www.zhaogroupe.com/ Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 14:30, 19:00 – 22:30
Located very close to Palais-Royal, this restaurant is an institution. The atmosphere is warm and the service efficient. People come here for refined Cantonese cuisine, especially its renowned dim sum and fresh seafood dishes. It is the ideal spot for a business lunch or a polished 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 Monday; Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 – 14:30, 18:30 – 22:30
This Hubei noodle specialist has won over Parisians with its simplicity and authenticity. The concept centers on Re Gan Mian, spicy noodles served with sesame and vegetables. It is a perfect spot for a quick lunch before wandering through the nearby Marais. Be aware that space is limited and it gets very busy at peak times.
Gros Bao - Paris
Gros Bao - Paris, 72 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris Google rating: 4.7/5 (9329 reviews) Price: Moderately priced View on Maps Website: https://baofamily.co/grosbao Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 23:00
Set along the canal Saint-Martin, Gros Bao offers a modern, 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 drinks and dinners with friends. It is the kind of place people visit for the vibe as much as for the food.
Madame FAN
Madame FAN, 18 Rue Bayen, 75017 Paris Google rating: 4.6/5 (1661 reviews) Price: Moderately priced View on Maps Website: https://www.madame-fan.com/ Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 23:00
Although it is located in the 17th arrondissement, Madame FAN is worth the detour for its authentic, spicy Sichuan cooking. The polished decor contrasts pleasantly with the aromatic intensity of the dishes served. Fans of bold flavors will especially appreciate the Peking duck and dishes with Sichuan pepper. It is a reliable address that never disappoints on ingredient quality.
Bleu Bao
Bleu Bao, 8 Rue Saint-Lazare, 75009 Paris Google rating: 4.8/5 (8582 reviews) Price: Moderately priced 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 Opéra Garnier, Bleu Bao is the more intimate and elegant version of the Bao group. The midnight-blue interior creates a subdued atmosphere, ideal for a romantic dinner or a quiet meal. The bao are carefully presented, and the cocktail menu pairs perfectly with the dishes. It is a dependable choice in a neighborhood often crowded 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 Monday; Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 – 14:45, 19:00 – 22:45
For those who want an all-you-can-eat meal without spending much, Royal Dragon is a long-standing reference in Montparnasse. This huge buffet offers an impressive variety of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. While it is not fine dining, the relative freshness of the dishes and the range of choices make it a popular option for groups or big appetites. Its location near Gaîté metro station 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: Moderately priced View on Maps Website: https://www.baofamily.co/petitbao Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:30 – 23:00
Tucked into the busy Rue Saint-Denis, this Petit Bao offers a practical option for offices and residents in the 2nd arrondissement. The space is smaller than its older siblings, creating a quicker, more casual experience. The pork belly bao remain the house star, but the vegetarian options are also well thought out. It is the ideal place to pick up a meal or grab a quick bite.
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 small, discreet address near Châtelet is a gem for lovers of bold flavors. Specializing in Sichuan dumplings and dishes, it serves modest portions but intense aromas. The value for money is excellent, and staying open late until 23:00 makes it possible to dine calmly after a workday. It is a well-kept secret that is worth the trip.
Practical tips
To visit these places, the Paris transport network is very efficient. 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. Gros Bao is accessible via Jacques Bonsergent or République metro stations. Bleu Bao is located near Saint-Lazare. Madame FAN requires a short trip northwest from the center, while Royal Dragon is well served by gare Montparnasse.
Most restaurants start lunch service between 11:30 and 12:00, and close around 14:30 or 15:00. Evening service generally begins at 18:30 or 19:00 and ends between 22:30 and 23:00. Consider booking for La Taverne De ZHAO and Madame FAN, especially on weekends. For the Bao restaurants, waits can be long at peak times, even without reservations. Always check the specific hours on Google Maps before heading out, as they may vary on public holidays.