5 Non – French Restaurants You Have to Try in Paris

Growing up as a Californian tends to spoil you to the core when it comes to food (if you let it). Thanks to a rich agricultural industry and a large immigrant community, you can experience culture and flavors from around the world without leaving the state. Moving to Paris almost 15 years ago was a big adjustment to my culinary palette. Arguably the foodiest of the food cities in the world, 15 years ago the non-European choices were a bit lacking, and this half – Mexican, full flavor child of the sun needed some spice in her life. Now as Paris has grown and evolved, so have its flavors and we are all the better for it. Here is a deep dive into some of the best non – French culinary experiences the city of light and love has to offer. 

Mandala : A Homemade Tibetan Escape

Photo by Mandala Restaurant Paris

Mandala is a Tibetan restaurant located in the heart of the 10th arrondissement. Open only for lunch this hole-in-the-wall is the perfect place to spice up your midday routine. Walking in you find casserole dishes, rice cookers and double broilers sitting on the counter tops and stoves leaving you feeling like the owner and her husband are inviting you into their home rather than your typical brasserie. You choose between noodles or rice and then create a bowl of heaven as you sort through your choices.  Some favorites include the vegan momos (dumplings) that the owner handmakes fresh daily, the sichuan chicken and the matcha cheesecake. It’s simple, flavorful and delicious, every single time which is evident by the long line outside the door starting at noon. Make sure not to go too late because once this two man operation is out of their fresh, handmade (daily) food, the shop is closed.

Mandala | 50 Rue de Chabrol, 75010 Paris | 11:50 – 14:45 | Monday – Friday

Petit Pacifico : Latin Warmth and Coastal Colors

Alberto, the owner, has created a masterpiece in his Cevicheria. A pure reflection of him from the colorful decor, the bright and happy tables and the lively music but the party doesn’t stop there. From the moment you sit down you feel the warmth of the latin culture envelop you, Alberto takes time to get to know you and where you are from in a way that so sincere that he is a staple in the neighborhood, everyone from neighbors to the mailman stop to chat with him as they go about their day. The menu is filled with every type of ceviche you could dream including a ceviche/poke bowl hybrid section and empanadas. Your choice comes with a follow up question “What level of spice?” and a witty response like “strong spice means strong character”. What follows is a symphony of colors and perfectly balanced flavors that delight the eye in a way only Latin food can. Rich purple yams, snow white yucca, sunshine orange mangos, with small specs of green from the avocados and microgreens. The flavors are a delight in your mouth starting with the fresh fish that is smooth and subtle and then a burst of sweet mango and creamy avocado all topped with a hit of spice (to your liking) creating a love story on your palette. These flavors felt like home to me and my first thought was finally. I have lived in Paris for 15 years and this was the first time in my Parisian life I felt like I was at home sharing a plate with my loved ones. 

Petit Pacifico | 38 Rue de Cîteaux, 75012 Paris | 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 23:00 | Tuesday – Saturday 

Petit Bao : Modern Mastery of Chinese Classics

Photo by Bao Family

Is the brain child of Celine and Billy, two children of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants, respectively, who were born in France as third culture kids. Growing up in their parents’ kitchens, they merged modern and traditional Chinese cuisine into a delicious addiction that makes you want to visit time and time again. There are no misses on this menu but there are a few favorites. The Aubergine Hong Shao, slightly spicy, slightly salty, totally melty, delight your taste buds over and over. The Pan Fried Pork Mini Bao, imagine all the best parts of a soft and fluffy bao perfected by hot oil and a good crunch on top then filled with sweet and tangy pork, it’s perfection in a bun. If you like a hint of spicy that is balanced and not overwhelming, the Wontons Aux Crevettes Chili Oil is the dish, it’s the perfectly steamed, perfectly spiced, shrimp wonton that is then covered in chili oil, chili flakes, sesame seeds and green onion. It is a breakout star in a sea of “asiatique” restaurants around Paris. While the others offer a bit of something from every asian country making them seem interchangeable, Petit Bao focuses on perfecting the Chinese cuisine they grew up loving. 

Petite Bao | 10 rue Bréguet, 75011 Paris | 12:00 – 14:30, 19:00 – 22:30 | Daily

Santa Carne : The Ultimate Argentinian Steakhouse

Photo by Santa Carne

Hands down one the best steaks you’ll ever eat in Paris and I’ve done the research. This Argentinian gem boasts staples like Empandanas, their take on chorizo and of course the best cuts of beef Argentina has to offer. Walking through the doors you feel transported to the streets of Argentina with the brick walls, plant covered booths and walls covered with flamboyant artwork. If you have a chance to catch a glimpse of the wall paper in the bathroom, it’s a must! While steak frites is a staple you can find in any brasserie, steak frites a la argentina is another level. The Argentinian rib eye was marbled to perfection and cooked perfectly rare over an open flame resulting in every bite you take being juicy, succulent with the perfect flavor. My grandfather would say it is a sin to put sauce on such a well cooked steak but the chimichurri that accompanies this steak could be the exception that proves the rule, garlicky and slightly acidic as any good chimichurri should be is a the flawless accompaniment that doesn’t outshine but rather compliments every flavor note of this exemplary steak. 

Sante Carne | 3 Bd Richard-Lenoir, 75011 Paris | 19:00 – 23:00 | Daily

Sadu : A Comforting Taste of Saudi Arabia

Photo by Sadu Restaurant

The ambiance in Sadu is warm and inviting, as you come to expect from the Arab world. Chef Aza pours her heart and soul into each dish and it shows. I can’t claim to know what authentic Saudi food tastes like but from my understanding this is it without question and as my first touch point into this world, my bags are packed and I am ready to move in! The food is rich and comforting like a hug from a fancy aunt, everything familiar and warm yet refined and delicate, not to mention it smelled incredible! The Date Carpaccio Salad was unexpected and flavorful, the perfect way to start off a meal. The Margoog Laham was tender and sumptuous, spiced to perfection and reminded me of a home I’ve never been to but never want to leave. The KABSAH’T DAJAJ was weightless and filling all in one breath, the spices dance on your tongue while the tomatoes offer the perfect hint of acid that makes this dish well balanced and for lack of refinement and a better phrase, finger licking good. Top this off with their cardamom ice cream and you will roll back onto the streets of Paris full, happy and feeling transformed. They also offer an amazing Iftar selection during Ramadan for those who are interested in breaking their fast in a new way or for those who are just looking for an excuse to join in the family fun and delicious flavors at Sadu. 

Sadu | 24 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, 75003 Paris | 19:30 – 23:30 | Tuesday – Saturday