24 hours in Paris

Lifestyle writer Georgina Safe steers you clear of the City of Light’s food tourist traps with a très bien selection of fashionable hotspots, city institutions and chic bistros.

Your best day’s eating in the City of Light.

7.30AM FASHIONABLY LATTE

The former haunt of the Lost Generation,

Café de Flore (172 Boulevard SaintGermain, 75006) now attracts bourgeois locals and the fashion pack, who come as much to be seen as for the café crème. The bill is a little steep, but the people-watching is priceless in this Left Bank destination.

11AM MON POMPIDOU!

After enjoying the Pompidou Centre’s many cultural charms, head up the transparent escalators to the rooftop Georges (Place Georges Pompidou, 75004). The panoramas of Paris are matched by food just as glorious.

12.30PM VIVE LE BRUNCH

Weekend brunch is a Parisian tradition. You’ll find one of the best at Le Cuisine in swanky Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris Hotel (37 Avenue Hoche, 75008). Enjoy Pierre Hermé pastries alongside fluffy eggs, charcuterie and cheese. Sip on Champagne and sinfully rich hot chocolate. Bliss.

2PM SUSHI DOES IT

No need to walk far for your next feed; in the same hotel as Le Cuisine is Matsuhisa

Paris, the first restaurant in France from the world’s most famous Japanese chef, Nobu Matsuhisa. This is dining as theatre – as you eat, watch an army of sushi chefs expertly slice and dice in the open-plan kitchen. 6.30PM

LOCAL HERO

Famed Le Figaro food critic François Simon wrote that getting a table at Frenchie (5 Rue du Nil, 75002) was “simply hell”, but trying is worth the effort. Chef Gregory Marchand imagined his establishment as an extremely good neighbourhood restaurant, and that’s exactly what it is. The seasonal menu celebrates what’s good and available, but it’s always original and delicious.

9.30PM ONE LAST BITE

Au Passage (1 bis, Passage de Saint Sébastien, 75011) has a cheap and cheerful small-plate menu championing a nose-to-tail philosophy and some of the freshest vegies in Paris. Solo diners take a seat at the communal tables or bar, while couples enjoy cosy romantic suppers in corner nooks.

MIDNIGHT FAREWELL TO CHARMS

Hemingway drank away many an hour in what became Bar Hemingway (15 Place Vendome, 75001). This intimate spot is the ideal ending to your Parisian experience.