Designed for sharing and ideal for after-work drinks or a relaxed dinner, tapas and small plates mix foodie sensibilities with social dining. Five to try in the City of Lights, that blend flavor with ambiance.

The bistro option: Lucien la Chance. This former candy stores features a retro interior and small plates based around products of the French terroir – think rustic pâtés, meats and cheeses. 8 rue des Dames, Paris 17th. +33 9 73 52 07 14.

The foodie option: La Rallonge. King prawn nems, truffle pasta and the perfect egg share menu space with chaperons (sardine conserves) and fine charcuterie. 16 rue Eugène Sue, Paris 18th. +33 1 42 59 43 24

The Spanish tapas option: Pessic. Generous portions and authentic products sourced in Spain. Wash down your ham croquettes and moletes pork rolls with a local beer or a cocktail with a decidedly Spanish flavor. 102, rue du Temple, Paris 3rd. +33 9 54 33 10 11.

The Corsican option: A la Main Le Comptoir. Meats and cheese from the Isle of Beauty, as the French island of Corsica is known, grace the menu alongside tinned sardines and homemade hotdogs. 31 rue Saint-Sauveur. Paris 2nd. 01 40 26 37 65.

The Italian option: Tappo. Come here for cicchetti, or Venetian tapas; Italian cured sausages and meats, burrata, grilled vegetables, smoked swordfish and crostini. And it’s delizioso. 19 rue Commines, Paris 3e. 01 42 76 06 35.