It's that time of the year again.

No, I am not talking about Fashion Week in Paris, but about the fact that finally we can start to eat oysters again after the (super) long summer break.

OK, Paris happens to be one of the best cities where to taste oysters (French eat 4.4 pounds - 2 kilogram - of oysters per person per year, more than any other European country). So between one runaway show and another, why not stopping by at some Bistrot?

Oyster it's a delicate matter, though: you don't want to get it wrong, because, if you do, you are going to regret it probably for the rest of your life.

Here is the list of the 10 top places where you can go eat buckets of oysters with no worries.

 - Huîtrerie Régis, 3 rue Montfaucon, (0033) 01 44 41 10 07

There is probably space for no more than 25 people in this cozy, pristine white space in the Sixth arrondissement. Specialized in oysters (not much more on the menu, except shrimps), they are served to you free-shucked in many varieties, with a particular attention to the right pairing of wines.

And please, don't use any sauce to taste them: they are fresh and meaty, and don't need any lemon either. 

- Le Divellec, 107, rue de l'Université, Angle Fabert, Esplanade des Invalides, (0033) 01 45 51 91 96

In the Seventh Arrondisement, this place is just the spot you are looking for if what you want is high quality fresh fish. Of course you will find delicious oysters too. The Ocean and Mediterreanean Sea meet here, surrounding you with a sleek yacht-like interior and a breathe-taking view along the Esplanade. You will find a fine selection of French wines, too.

- Le Duc, 243, boulevard Raspail, (0033) 01 43 22 59 59

In the 14th Arrondissement, this Restaurant that specializes in shellfish - therefore, of course, oysters - is among the favourite ones among locals, despite its 70s style decoration (which is understandable, since it's been in business since for than 30 years, how can you not be proud of that?). What to order? Basically everything, so bring also friends who don't like oysters (but be sure to order some yourself), and don't complain about the not exactly cheap check. After all, it's going to be worth it.

 - L'Ecailler du Bistrot, 22 Rue Paul Bert, (0033) 01 43 72 76 77

In the 11th Arrondissement, this small seafood Restaurant offers a mouth-watering selection of oysters, including Belon, Utah Beach, and Spéciales. Among the dishes on the menu, you need to try the homard bleu au Kari Gosse (a typical Breton dish dressed with a spice called Kari Gosse). Many will point to this place as the best spot in Paris for oysters. Good wine list too, and enough off the map to eat in a calm surrounding.

- Garnier, 111 rue St. Lazare, (0033) 01 43 87 50 40

In the 8th arrondissement, an area with few good restaurants (but also off the beaten tourist track), this brasserie in front of Gare Saint-Lazare is what you are looking for if you want fresh fish and a relaxed atmosphere: order a wide arrange of fresh oysters at the Oyster Bar – you can even dare to order the giant platter – and don’t expect a warm atmosphere. But do foodies care about atmosphere when there is great food on the table?

  

- Le dome, 108 boulevard Montparnasse, (0033) 01 43 35 25 81

It's an institution in Paris. In the 14th arrondissement, in the heart of Montparnasse, this place nnot only boasts a romantic-art noveau style and welcoming atomsphere, it's also one of the best ones of the city, especially for oysters' lovers. The finest seafood you can find, to enjoy in a bustling atmosphere. 

- La Cagouille, 10, Place Constantin Brancusi, (0033) 01 43 22 09 01

In the 14th arrondissement, this place is all about seafood, which is so fresh that the menu practically changes every day. With a terrace and relaxed surrounding, you can be sure to find the freshest oysters and a long menu. Warm cockles and red mullet are great. As a plus, your bill will be reasonable. 

- L'Ecume Saint-Honoré, 6 rue du Marché St.-Honoré,  (0033) 01 42 61 93 87  

This poisonnerie on the first arrondissement near the Opera House is also a take away: shellfish in pole position, oysters are always served with the "petit vin blanc". And don't be scared by the piped-in recordings of seagulls: it's food (better, seafood) that matters, and if they want to make you feel in Normady, let it be, even if it doesn't do it for you.

- Baron Rouge, 1, rue Théophile Roussel,  (0033) 01 43 43 14 32  

This extremely good bar à vin in the 12th arrondissement has only a few tables, often occupied by locals who want to enjoy oysters without having to deal with tourists. And when it's too packed or it's warm(ish) outside, you can hang out with your plate and your glass of wine (excellent low prices). One of those special places you will only find in Paris.

- L’Huîtrier, 16 Rue Saussier-Leroy, (0033) 0140548344

In the 17th arrondissement, you will enjoy delicious oysters elbow to elbow with other satisfied clients. They don’t serve only seafood, here, but why order a steak when you can have Fine de Claires and Speciales, prawns and Provençal supions (squids)? Polish and modern interior do the rest. 

  

 

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Written by Elisa della Barba