Unusual dining experiences in Paris

Paris is known for its gastronomy and its impressive list of Michelin-starred restaurants. But there are many other unusual places that you must visit for an offbeat dining experience. On your next trip to Paris, add these 7 restaurants to your bucket-list for an unforgettable and true local experience.

LE CAFÉ DES CHATS

Inspired by the popular “Cat Cafés” in Japan, Le Café des Chats (External link) is a lovely coffee shop in central Paris. Home to 12 adorable cats, ailurophiles can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while caressing a cat, the much-required Purr Therapy for a calm and relaxing moment. You can also sit here comfortably and appreciate a good meal while playful cats walk around the place.

Address: 16 rue Michel Le Comte, 75003, Paris

BEL CANTO

If you are an opera admirer and wish to enjoy an opera repertoire while enjoying a delicious meal à la française, this is just the place for you! At Bel Canto (External link) , the waiters and waitresses become incredible opera performers between the courses accompanied by a grand piano located in the dining area. For an intimate and memorable experience, Bel Canto is one you should not miss.

Address: 72 Quai de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris

LE KUBE

The first and the only ice bar in the French Capital, swing by the bar-restaurant Le Kube (External link) for a unique and surreal atmosphere. The uniqueness of this restaurant lies in the illuminated ice-bar made of 20 tons of ice with igloo counters. Spend 25 minutes sipping on 3 vodka-based cocktails or 2 cocktails and 1 shot in a frozen space at a temperature of -18°C.

Address : 1-5 passage Ruelle, 75018, Paris

DANS LE NOIR

Aptly named “In the Dark” (External link) , this Parisian restaurant offers a dining experience in complete darkness! Unleash your imagination as you feast on dishes, that you will savour but not see, served by visually impaired waiters. A unique and unusual concept which gives you totally different perspective and a sensory experience like no other.

Address : 51 rue Quincampoix, 75004, Paris

COCO DE MER

Experience Seychelles in Paris at this quirky restaurant, a haven of paradise far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Relish some traditional Seychelles cuisine at this restaurant (External link) transformed into an artificial beach where you can sink your toes into the fine sand sway to the soft background music.

Address : 34 bd Saint Marcel, 75005, Paris

LE DERNIER BAR AVANT LA FIN DU MONDE

With board games, a geek-themed menu, an arcade table and action figures, Le Dernier Bar Avant la Fin du Monde (External link) (The last bar before the end of the world) is the perfect haven for nerds and geeks! Apart from naming meals and drinks after famous characters like Poison Ivy or even the TARDIS, this restaurant organizes events themed around different universes where cosplay is welcomed. You can dress-up as your favourite character, Batman, Jedi, Iron-Man or simply be yourself and meet other fans!

Address: 19 Avenue Victoria, 75001 Paris

SUR UN ARBRE PERCHÉ

In the heart of the 2nd arrondissement, this quite verdant restaurant allows you to eat on swings or inside a cabin! The concept of Sur un arbre perché (External link) (Perched on a Tree), is to have a healthy, natural, relaxing meal. And for a truly relaxing experience the restaurant offers shiatsu massages after a delicious meal!
Don’t forget to make a reservation mentioning the swings because they only have a few available and they fill up fast!

Fun Fact: The name of the restaurant is in fact a quote from the verse of a fable written by the famous French author-La Fontaine.

Address : 1, rue du 4 septembre, 75002, Paris

LE WAGON BLEU

If you are an Agatha Christie fan or an history buff, you will love this restaurant! Le Wagon Bleu (External link) (The Blue Wagon) constructed inside an original carriage from the Orient Express, takes you back in time and sends you on an imaginary journey through a land full of history. Enjoy a multitude of drinks with Corsican tapas at the bar or dig into flavoursome French and Corsican cuisine.
After a great meal, conclude your experience with a walk around the neighbourhood for a truly local ambiance

Address: 7 rue Boursault, 75017 Paris.