Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Since 2010, The Traveling Professor’s small group tours to Paris have been giving travelers authentic cultural experiences — from historic landmarks to charming cafés. But one of our favorite Paris traditions is pointing out, or even dining at, some of the city’s most famous restaurants featured in beloved films. For movie lovers and foodies alike, these stops are where cinema magic meets Parisian gastronomy.

Café des 2 Moulins — Amélie

This cozy Montmartre café became world-famous thanks to the whimsical French film Amélie. Café des 2 Moulins still exudes the same quirky charm as in the movie, making it the perfect spot for a café crème, a light lunch, and a photo or two from your own Parisian adventure.  On our Paris tours, we always try to stop here for lunch on our way to Montmartre. 

Le Grand Véfour — Midnight in Paris

Owen Wilson, Kathy Bates, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Adrian Brody, Cory Stoll among others starred in this Woody Allen comedy.  Elegant and historic, Le Grand Véfour dates back to the 18th century and has served French luminaries for generations. In Midnight in Paris, it captures the romance and refinement of Parisian dining. The restaurant’s gilded mirrors and ornate décor make every meal here feel like a scene from a classic film.

Polidor — Midnight in Paris

A legendary Left Bank bistro, Polidor is where Owen Wilson’s character in Midnight in Paris first meets the literary greats of the 1920s like Salvador Dali (played by Adrian Brody and Ernest Hemmingway played by Corey Stoll). Known for its traditional French fare and old-world charm, Polidor offers a dining experience that’s as authentic as it is cinematic.  We regularly dine here on our small group tours to Paris. 

La Tour d’Argent — Ratatouille (Inspired)

Of course this restaurant does not actually appear in the animated movie, it is said to have inspired the restaurant depicted in the movie. As one of Paris’s most celebrated restaurants, La Tour d’Argent boasts centuries of history and a Michelin star. It makes a delightful appearance in Pixar’s Ratatouille, and its stunning Seine River views and impeccable cuisine make it a bucket-list destination for travelers who love both fine dining and film.

Le Grand Colbert — Something’s Gotta Give

Romantic and refined, Le Grand Colbert became an international sensation after its charming dinner scene in Something’s Gotta Give. With Belle Époque elegance and a menu of timeless French classics, it’s the kind of place where you might just expect to see Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson at the next table.  Although we usually don't dine here on our tours, the restaurant has always been very gracious in giving us the opportunity to "look around inside" when we pass by.

Movie Magic Meets Parisian Cuisine

On our small group tours to Paris, visiting these cinematic restaurants isn’t just about the food — it’s about stepping into the world of your favorite films. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Montmartre or enjoying a Michelin-starred feast along the Seine, these dining experiences make your Paris trip truly unforgettable.