Best places to eat near the Louvre

A visit to the Louvre easily takes three to four hours, so sooner or later you will need a break. The good news is that the area around the museum is full of places to eat, from quick bites to historic dining rooms. Here are some of the easiest options, all within a short walk of the Pyramid.

Inside and under the museum

The Louvre has its own cafés inside the galleries, handy if you want a coffee without leaving. Below the museum, the Carrousel du Louvre shopping area has a food court with a wide choice of quick meals, a practical option for families and anyone on a tight schedule. Café Marly, in the arcades of the Richelieu wing, serves meals with a terrace view over the Pyramid; it is popular, so expect to wait at busy times.

Along the Rue de Rivoli

Just across from the museum, the arcaded Rue de Rivoli is lined with cafés and brasseries. The best known is Angelina, a tearoom open since 1903 and famous for its thick hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc pastry. Queues can be long in the afternoon, so try it in the morning or late in the day.

Around the Palais-Royal

A few minutes north of the Louvre, the gardens of the Palais-Royal are a lovely spot for a picnic on a sunny day. Under the arcades you will also find Le Grand Véfour, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris and a classic choice for a special occasion.

Rue Sainte-Anne for Japanese food

About ten minutes' walk from the museum, Rue Sainte-Anne and the surrounding streets are known as the city's Japanese quarter, with ramen, udon and bento spots side by side. Prices are reasonable and service is quick, which makes it ideal for lunch between visits.

Practical tips

Many traditional restaurants in Paris serve lunch from around noon to 2:30 pm and dinner from 7 pm, with the kitchen closed in between, while cafés and brasseries usually serve all day. Lunch menus (formules) are often good value. Opening hours change, so check before you go, and book ahead for popular places in high season.