Frenchs joie de vivre is all about eating, drinking and socialising. And Parisians love few things more than a glass of wine and a nibble with friends at one of the best bars in Paris.
These great bars – called caves à manger – combine interesting wines, great nibbles and a welcoming atmospheres with plenty of Parisian charm. Whether your taste runs to Bordeaux, Jura or somewhere in between, these bars will surprise and delight with great value drops from the best artisanal winemakers.
Cave du Clown (11th arr.)
The Clown Bar – a former dining room for the clowns of the nearby Cirque d’Hiver (immortalised in the hand-painted tiles and gorgeous ceiling) – is now one of Paris’ go-to bars. Wines are natural, food is edgy and staff are switched on and willing to open something different to accommodate guests’ interests.
Willi’s Wine Bar (1st arr.)
Established in 1980, by Englishman Mark Williamson, lover of Paris and French wine, Willi’s is a Parisian institution credited with pioneering the modern Paris wine bar. Its posters – a new one added each year – have become collectables. Whether it’s a glass of Côtes du Rhône at the long oak bar with some great cheese, or several glasses over a lunch or dinner of excellent international fare with Parisian flair, you’ll love Willi’s.
Septime la Cave (11th arr.)
This bottle shop aligned with the popular Septime restaurant offers wine to go, a very reasonable €7 corkage if you want to buy and drink there, and a great-value selection by the glass. Snacks include some great charcuterie, though finding somewhere to sit and enjoy it can prove challenging unless you’re early, so plan ahead!
L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer (6th arr.)
Between them, Yves Camdeborde’s three Parisian L’Avant Comptoir bars offer something for everyone. His seafood-focused bar, de la Mer, features oysters from the best growers around the country. Other aquatic delights include the likes of crunchy salmon croquettes and refreshing cod and lime tartare. Plus a great range of good-value wines, friendly staff and a lively atmosphere.
L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre (6th arr.)
De la Terre was the first L’Avant Comptoir to open, in 2010 next door to Le Comptoir bistro as a ‘waiting room’ for the bistro’s guests. It’s a standing room only bar with menu cards hanging from the ceiling showing Basque-inspired meaty tapas-style snacks. There’s a great range of charcuterie on display too as well as huge glass-fronted wine fridges.
Prices correct at time of writing.
Updated 04 Sep 2026
