Saint Germain: Tsukiji
2 bis, rue des Ciseaux (Metro: Saint Germain des-Prés)
+33-1-43-54-65-19
 
The world has developed an almost religious fanaticism for Japanese cuisine, and this tiny eatery is where Parisian fundamentalists come to worship. It’s a stark and puritanical place, without music or decorations. And no yakitori, sukiyaki, or other hot foods; Tsukiji does only a few things—sushi, sashimi, and a handful of rolls—but it does them very well. When you want to sit quietly and contemplate the subtle tastes of fresh sea eel, fatty tuna, octopus, squid, herring roe, mackerel, and salmon, sidle up next to the other in-the-know diners at the 12-person sushi bar.

Dress: Anything
Prices: Moderate to expensive
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Close to: Hotel Madison, Artus Hotel
 
 
Champs-Élysées: Maison d’Aubrac
37, rue Marbeuf (Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt)
+33-1-43-59-05-14
 
A lot of business is conducted around the Champs-Élysées, yet you can hardly swing a baguette without hitting an overpriced tourist trap or obnoxiously trendy cocktail lounge. Follow the clued-in to the laid-back and unpretentious Maison d’Aubrac. With its backcountry French decor—distressed wood, livestock photos—and beef shipped from the noted Aubrac region, the eatery is Paris’ answer to the Texas steak house. A thick wine list complements a menu featuring hearty beef salad, beef carpaccio, beef tartare, filet mignon, and an entrecôte that proves that not all steak frites are created equal. Go native and order your meat saignant—rare—while taking in the Paris Saint-Germain soccer matches on the flat-screen TVs.

Dress: Casual to suits
Prices: Moderate to expensive
Reservations: Recommended at peak hours
Close to: Hotel Claridge Bellman, Paris Marriott Champs Élysées
 

Concorde: Pinxo
9, rue d’Alger (Metro: Tuileries)
+33-1-40-20-20-00
 
Located in the Asian-chic Renaissance Paris Vendome hotel, this modern restaurant comes courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Alain Dutournier. A long dining counter overlooks the open kitchen, allowing solo diners to watch the chefs in action as they concoct Southwestern French specialties. The beef carpaccio is brushed with olive oil and lemon juice and then topped with capers and sliced artichoke. The slices of Pyrenees lamb are cooked cotton-candy soft and loaded onto platforms of grilled eggplant and carrots. The impressive wine list features scores of vintages, including a robust and slightly spicy Faugeres (Domaine du Fraisse 2004) for a reasonable 6 euros. Afterward, the hotel’s Chinese-themed Bar Chinois is a cozy spot for a newspaper and disgestif.

Dress: Trendy to suits
Prices: Expensive
Reservations: Recommended
Close to: Le Meurice hotel, Westin Paris