For decades, Paris has had les restaurants branchés, fashionable, of-the-moment places that attract stylish Parisians, celebrities, artists, politicos and in-the-know visitors. The food at les restaurants branchés is often secondary to the vibrant atmosphere and fabulous décor. Still, in many cases, and in many of the restaurants recommended below, the cuisine is also excellent.
The history of branchés—“plugged in” or “trendy” in English—deeply intertwines Paris’s culinary and cultural evoluti...