The 13th: An Overview
Home to amazing street art, France's national library - the Bibliothèque Nationale de France or BNF - and Paris' Chinatown, the 13th is a vibrant, eclectic arrondissement that has so much to offer. Alongside the vilage-like neighbourhood of Butte aux Cailles with its cheap student bars, there's incredible street art in this quartier, as well as some great cuisine from the four corners of the world.
A short disclaimer! As we all know, dining out is a very personal, nuanced affair, and our humble little list featured here - or indeed in any of our content - unfortunately cannot guarantee a spectacular, knock-your-socks-off, "Dear Diary" dining experience - as much as we would love it to! While we certainly aim to inspire, as always we recommend using these suggestions merely as a jumping-off point for your own Paris research. So with that out of the way - on we go!
Restaurants
Lao Lane Xang
Known for its excellent and authentic Laotian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
102 Avenue d Ivry
Chez Gladines
A neighbourhood staple, this famed student hangout is a go-to for those looking for enormous portions and heartwarming French fare. Boisterous, busy, and fairly iconic.
Mondol Kiri
If you've ever wondered what excellent Cambodian cuisine tastes like, look no further than this friendly, cosy restaurant.
Des Crêpes et des Cailles
A cosy little crêperie in the Butte aux Cailles neighbourhood, set amidst the bustling student bars of this village-like enclave.
13 rue de la Butte aux Cailles
Chez Mamane
For excellent couscous and warm, friendly service, Chez Mamane is a regular haunt for many.
27 rue des 5 Diamants
Au Palais de Krishnaa
In a city where excellent Indian cuisine can be hard to find, Palais de Krishnaa is a must for your address book.
16 Rue du Père Guérin
Tempero
A small restaurant with big ambitions, Tempero serves an imaginative, tightly curated menu of inventive dishes. Book ahead!
Bars
Le Petit Bain
At the food of the BnF, France's national library, Le Petit Bain is a floating boat bar just next to the Piscine Josephine Baker - the swimming pool on a boat! An all-round cultural venue, you'll find exhibition and concert space, a bar and restaurant, and a varied programme of events.
7 Port de la Gare
Bateau el Alamein
Boat, concert venue, floating garden, Bateau el Alamein is another multi-faceted cultural venue to discover on the Seine!
Quai François Mauriac
La Folie en Tête
If you're hankering after the rough and ready, anything goes atmosphere that you only get at a local dive bar, then La Folie en Tête could be the perfect antidote to Parisian polish.
33 Rue de la Butte aux Cailles
Coffee
L'Arobase
Just a few steps from the BnF for easy access of studious visitors, L'Arobase is a haven of good coffee and great lunch options - bagels, quiches, sandwiches, and desserts all faits maison - home made!
101 rue du chevaleret
Honourable Mentions
L'Essential, bakery
Anthony Bosson is the artisanal baker behind L'Essential, where you'll find incredible fresh organic breads, brioches, and pastries that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
89b rue de Tolbiac
