Café Constant closed in the fall of 2021 and will is scheduled to reopen as Café Lignac (from chef Cyril Lignac) in November 2021.
Previously: Given chef Christian Constant’s roots in the French southwest, it’s no surprise that hearty dishes like cassoulet and duck confit are often on the menu at his eponymous restaurant. These choices are nestled among classic Parisian bistro offerings like roast chicken, slow-cooked beef daube, or some of the best leeks with vinaigrette in Paris. The simple, reasonably-priced fare makes Café Constant the perfect spot to stop by pre- or post-Eiffel Tower visit, and the non-stop opening hours (from 8am) mean that those looking to eat between the 2pm closure and 7pm opening of most Parisian restaurants are in luck (now closed)
Café Constant in Pictures
In Other Words
Le Figaro (2018) dubbed Café Constant’s leeks with vinaigrette the best in Paris.
Table à Découvert (2015) “Qu’ajouter? Rien. Dans le quartier, pour faim au débotté sans se ruiner et bonne ambiance, c’est au Café Constant que ça se passe.”
Alexander Lobrano (2013) “Our mains came off as the sort of formatted high-volumn cooking the French might refer to as “correcte,” or honest, while exhibiting no perceptible creative flair. Ditto the creme caramel we shared, right down to its squirt bottle blazes of caramel sauce. And perhaps even more gravely, despite the well-meaning and conscientious service, this restaurant had little charm.”
Le Figaro (2011) “Même s’il n’est plus derrière les fourneaux, le chef sait choisir ses lieutenants… En l’occurrence, un répertoire traditionnel de superbe exécution où l’effiloché de crabe et pommes rattes discute le bout de gras avec la caille farcie au foie gras. Le tout à prix d’ami.”
Le Figaro (2009) “… des plats qui sonnent juste comme les desserts d’antan, furieusement bons (riz au lait, île flottante, crème caramel).”
Photo via Café Constant’s Facebook page
If you’d like to be treated rudely by a waiter, in order to get marginal food, eat here. This place was like a caricature of a French restaurant, and we speak French. We spend a lot of time in Paris, and rarely have I been so disappointed in a place, so highly recommended. Perhaps all the reviews have made them cavalier about taking care of customers. I won’t even accept rude waiters from a great restaurant.
We had a lovely lunch here after our visit to the Eiffel, service was delightful and the scene lively. Thanks to Paris by Mouth for the invaluable recommendation, never would have found it otherwise!
I have enormous respect for M. Constant as a chef but the noise level at Cafe Constant is inexcusable. We were seated upstairs. The low ceiling and tiny tables crammed tightly together made for a miserable experience. We had to shout when giving our order and gave up trying to have a conversation over dinner. Yes, profit margins are thin and space has to be maximized, but this is ridiculous.
we had a wonderful and reasonably priced lunch here. very crowded with mostly locals. the service is a bit slow as there was only one server for the ground floor. food was very delicious! would return there again!