For the wine-indifferent, Café de la Nouvelle Mairie is merely a timeless, picturesque terraced café on a shady lane beside the Panthéon. But for alert wine geeks, it might as well be the Panthéon itself, as pertains to natural wine.
Le 6 Paul Bert had a brief closure followed by several different chefs and menu makeovers. We're not sure what's going on over there right now, but will update this description after another visit.
We have not yet reviewed this restaurant. Check back soon for our thoughts!
Great natural wines by the glass, fresh well-prepared food, and congenial service at this simple bistro near Bastille.
At the impossibly young age of 24, Arnaud Nicolas achieved one of the highest honors in gastronomy – the title Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) – for his talent in charcuterie. Fourteen years later, he opened an ambitious shop and restaurant near the Eiffel Tower with the explicit goal of returning charcuterie to a place of honor on the French table. In the same way that prize-winning artisans have reshaped traditional baguette-making and pâtisserie, Nicolas wants to reintroduce charcuterie to palates that have become used to mediocre industrialized examples. So is it really that different? Yes.
Le Villaret is one of our favorite Classic Bistros in Paris. Sometimes in life we chase after the ones who play hard-to-get and we ignore the nice, stable options who just want to treat us right. Le Villaret is the homely neighborhood bistro that I never appreciated until I stopped looking for love at Le Baratin and Le Repaire de Cartouche.
Food and wine pilgrims, particularly those who read the New York Times or watch Anthony Bourdain, are willing to climb the hill for this Belleville institution. Raquel Carena tends the fire, offering her own personal brand of bistro cooking - sometimes delicate, sometimes hearty, always heartfelt. In stark contrast to the loving kitchen, the dining room is cold as ice, thanks to the joyless leadership of Carena's husband Philippe.
Chef Philippe Damas is showcasing the season's best ingredients (porcinis, partridges) at this this bistro near the Canal Saint-Martin.
With its worn wooden tables, intricately painted ceilings, and charcuterie slicer propped on the marble counter, L'Assiette has the precise look of a dream Paris bistro. It also serves many of the classic dishes, like escargots and cassoulet, which have mostly disappeared from the city's restaurants. The far-flung location in the 14th arrondissement, near the Catacombs but far from the center, has probably helped L'Assiette to stay off the tourist radar. Chef David Rathgeber and his team are friendly with visitors but don't cater to them. The customers who come to indulge in this hearty fare are mostly local, which makes this a great option for tourists looking to avoid their own countrymen.
The Bistrot Paul Bert boasts one of the most charming dining rooms and patrons in town, appearing to first-time visitors like the Paris bistro of their dreams.
Mensae is a contemporary French bistro not far from the sprawling Buttes-Chaumont park. Classics like frogs' legs and steak tartare are frequently featured on the ever-changing menu, revisited with a contemporary bent and more reasonable portion size than the behemoths found in other restaurants. Don't miss the chocolate mousse for dessert.
Practical information
Address: 42 avenue Gabriel, 75008
Nearest transport: Franklin Roosevelt (1, 9)
Hours: Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance for breakfast and lunch; Book a few weeks in advance for dinner
Telephone: 01 58 36 60 60
Average price for lunch: More than 100€
Average price for dinner: More than 100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French, Haute Cuisine
Website Book online
Reviews of interest
Le Monde (2015) “L’hôtel La Réserve abrite, près des Champs-Elysées, un beau restaurant dont le chef cultive une verve culinaire à tomber par terre.”
Le Figaro (2015) “Même chez les grandes tables, il y a parfois cette volonté d’être à belle distance. L’éprouver, cette saison, en une parenthèse palace, du côté de cette table d’allure, soutenue par un chef signant et stylant une cuisine en talons hauts mais refusant avec pudeur les postures et les ego. Il y a là une gastronomie en charme discret que des chambres coquettes (à l’étage) et un opportun patio se plaisent à préfacer ou conclure.”
Gault & Millau (2015) “Tout est doré sur tranche dans ce palace jeune et bien né : la situation rue Gabriel, si facile d’accès depuis l’Elysée, le cadre, le service, les tarifs et un chef talentueux, Jérôme Banctel, que l’on connut chez Senderens.”
Gilles Pudlowski (2015) “Le brunch qui se prolonge en repas alerte est carrément royal: oeuf mimosa avec avocat façon guacamole et tourteau, tartare de veau aux huîtres et wasabi qui fait des clins d’oeil au vitello tonnato, ou encore salade de fruits sont épatants. Comme les « vrais » plats – macaroni au parmesan et boeuf croustillant, Saint Jacques et cèpes en civet ou encore côtes d’agneau de Lozère purée de butternut – enchantent.”
Photo courtesy of Le Gabriel’s website
Practical information
Address: 16 avenue de la Motte Piquet, 75007
Nearest transport: La Tour-Maubourg (8)
Hours: Open Sunday-Friday for lunch & dinner and Saturday for dinner
Reservations: Book a couple days in advance
Telephone: 01 47 05 98 37
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 60-100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Alexander Lobrano (2015) “A living archive of the great tastes of Gaul… With the possible exception of the price–there’s an excellent value 24.50 Euros lunch menu, but it’s expensive to order a la carte, which we did–everything about this meal pleased.”
Time Out (2012) “The welcome is exactly as you’d expect in a country inn, as well, friendly and unpretentious. The menu features hearty dishes like eggs en cocotte in beaujolais with bacon and shallots, frogs’ legs provençale, utterly traditional coq au vin. If you indulge, remember to order one of the unforgettable dessert souffles, Baked Alaska or flamboyant crepes suzettes at the beginning of your meal.”
Le Figaro (2011) “Un petit joyau régionaliste, tel qu’on les affectionnait après-guerre, lorsque le mot design n’existait pas encore. Cela donne du papier peint à fleurs de lys, des suspensions en fer forgé et lampes bougeoirs, des nappes blasonnées, des fauteuils en cuir cloutés et tout le cortège habituel de moules à charlotte, tonnelets-service à liqueurs et diplômes de boudin qui vous façonnent un décor. On plonge avec délice dans ce giron provincial activement préservé. Trop bien!”
Photo via L’Auberge Bressane’s Facebook page
Practical information
Address: 20 rue d’Aligre, 75012
Nearest transport: Ledru-Rollin (8)
Hours: Closed Monday; Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch; Open Thursday & Friday for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Reservations not accepted, but the restaurant can be booked for private parties at night
Telephone: 01 43 43 91 64
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Rotisserie, Classic French
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Reviews of interest
David Lebovitz (2014) “At boucherie Les Provinces, you won’t be blown away by the food, but you’ll have a good time, as we did, digging into our onglet steaks… While you likely won’t find Les Provinces listed in restaurant guides as a place to cross town for, I can’t think of a better way to spend a day in Paris than strolling around the Aligre market… before diving into a couple of steaks while knocking back a few glasses of red in the convivial atmosphere of boucherie Les Provinces.”
Le Fooding (2014) “When we’re feeling ravenous at the end of the Marché (d’Aligre), we head to the Boucherie des Provinces, choose a piece of well-matured meat and grab a table. Ten minutes later, the meat is out of the pan, in the company of sautéed new potatoes and salad, augmented by €9.80 of cooking fees. Hanger steak, veal filet, leg of lamb, pork ribs, andouillette, veal sweetbreads, or carpaccio and tartare, made using meat guaranteed to be in excellent shape by Christophe Dru, the son of the butcher and a student of the neighborhood star, Michel Brunon.”
Table à Découvert (2014) “Cette boucherie-restaurant plantée au milieu du marché d’Aligre est irrésistible… Les pommes de terre rattes confites (le seul accompagnement de la maison) sont divines. Un peu sucrées, dorées comme j’aime, un peu grasses aussi.”
Time Out (2013) “As you walk in, all the meat is displayed on the left as usual, with Aligre locals lining up to do their shopping, while the rest of the space is a jumble of tables and counters, heaving with hungry meat-eaters tucking into a giant entrecôte or côte de boeuf, sweet lamb chops or juicy pork ribs.”
L’Express (2013) “Sur place ou à emporter? On a le choix chez le boucher Christophe Dru. Ses pièces de boeuf français longuement maturées se déclinent en carpaccio, tartare, onglet, faux-filet et côte, que l’on déguste devant l’étal.”
Photo via Boucherie Les Provinces’ Facebook page
– Meg Zimbeck, 2010
Practical information
Address: 14 rue Léopold Bellan, 75002
Nearest transport: Sentier (3)
Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday; Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a day or two in advance
Telephone: 09 84 39 42 49
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Figaroscope (2014) “Adieu à l’Hédoniste (dommage!), remplacé illico presto par ce repaire s’essayant au genre du café populaire. Las, l’assiette besogne trop pour emporter conviction et enthousiasme.”
Not Drinking Poison in Paris (2014) “A refined, contemporary bistrot with the confidence and smarts to remain simple… Thrill-seeking critics might find the menu a bit ho-hum. Tant pis for them. I’d deem it a rare example of an unself-conscious, quality-oriented contemporary bistrot menu.”
Practical information
Address: 8 rue des Plantes, 75014
Nearest transport: Mouton Duvernet (4), Pernety (13)
Hours: Closed Saturday and Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 45 40 40 91
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 40-59€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Simon Says (2015) “Si l’on veut manger une bonne viande à Paris, c’est ici. Même les deux bouchers « stars » qu’une fausse inimitié savamment alimentée oppose (Hugo Desnoyer et Yves-Marie Le Bourdonnec) sont d’accord là-dessus.”
Alexander Lobrano (2012) “… the best steakhouse in Paris…the charcuterie is one great reason to come here, and the sharp knives and good bread, two others… I come here to eat a pavé de rumsteak from nearby butcher Hugo Desnoyer… with a tiny magic mountain of some of the best frites in the whole world.”
John Talbott (2011) “Severo/Desnoyer’s beef is not for the faint of heart or wallet, running one 80 E for two – but it is the Gold Standard and the method of making the frites should be required reading for the chefs at the other 39,999 restos in the ville.”
Alexander Lobrano via David Lebovitz (2009) “… all will be forgiven when your steak arrives. Owner William Bernet used to work for the Boucheries Nivernaises, one of the best butchers in Paris…”
David Lebovitz (2006) “… worth the trek for the excellent meal…”
– Meg Zimbeck, 2010
Bring some friends to share in Bertrand Bluy's family style dinner at this cave à manger.
A meat-centric spot from the Rostang sisters - daughters of Michelin-starred chef Michel and the sixth generation of restaurateurs in their family.
You'll be surrounded by an array of tempting products if you decide to lunch at this canal-side épicerie. Bottles to go, too.
Practical information
Address: 18 rue Lauriston, 75016
Nearest transport: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (1, 2, 6)
Hours: Closed Saturday & Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch & dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 40 67 10 00
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French, steak joint
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Additional Locations
Address: 20 rue du Cherche Midi, 75006
Nearest transport: Sèvres-Babylone (10, 12), Saint Sulpice (4)
Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday; Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch & dinner
Telephone: 01 45 44 50 44
Address: 82 rue des Archives, 75003
Nearest transport: Filles du Calvaire (8)
Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday; Open Wednesday-Sunday for lunch & dinner
Telephone: 01 42 71 48 07
Reviews of interest
Table à Découvert (2015) “J’ai choisi la hampe de boeuf de race black angus, j’adore ça la hampe. Je ne vous dis pas à quel point elle est spécifiquement savoureuse ici. De la mâche, le juste équilibre de filandreux, très goûteuse et parfaitement cuite entre la croûte extérieure et le saignant à l’intérieur… Le morceau «persillé» également proposé à la carte est plus persillé et également très, très bon. Je crois que je peux y retourner dans pas très longtemps pour lui.”
Le Figaro (2014) ” Parfaitement bien vu, le menu à 35€ (entrée-plat-dessert) propose six choix de viande dont un persillé Black Angus, un quasi de veau ou une côte de porc ibérique. Cuites selon nos vœux, d’une belle tendreté, elles sont toutes accompagnées d’une déclinaison en cinq variantes de pommes de terre: gratin dauphinois (très réussi), pommes darphin, purée, etc.”
Le Figaro (2014) “Du bon chic, bonne chair dans un quartier taillé pour.”
Les Grands Ducs (2013) “Tout ici, dans ce micro-resto (24 couverts pris d’assaut) a été pensé dans cette optique carnée : on y mange sur les billots de boucher, sous le regard de quelques bovins (photographiés, aux murs, je vous rassure) et la charmante serveuse qui s’occupe de vous porte un tablier de cuir des fort des Halles. La cuisine est ouverte, comme partout désormais, et y pendent quelques belles pièces de boeuf et de volaille.”
Philippe Toinard (2012) “Une fois le destin de la pomme de terre choisi, il ne vous reste plus qu’à lui adjoindre un compagnon, un ris de veau, un suprême de volaille de Challans, un magret de canard, de la pluma Ibérique ou du coeur d’entrecôte. Bien snacké, le ris de veau a de quoi plaire mais force est de constater que le coeur d’entrecôte est idéalement persillé et extrêmement fondant en bouche.”
John Talbott (2012) “The waitfolk have leather butchers’ aprons and they bring over some Iberic ham right off the bat so you know they mean serious meat business. We had sticker shock at the nice prices of the wines – ours was a terrific Elian Da Rosa Cotes du Marmadais. We each had potatoes a different way (a la Vivanda – halved with high heat and duck fat, Dauphinois, sauteed, Dauphine) bent on testing them head to head, but wouldn’t you know they were all good.”
Photo via L’Atelier Vivanda’s Facebook page
Practical information
Address: 94 rue des Martyrs, 75018
Nearest transport: Abbesses (12)
Hours: Open every day for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a day or two in advance
Telephone: 01 46 06 50 73
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Time Out (2012) “Ce bistrot moderne et accueillant fait partie des meilleures découvertes de ce quartier où les restaurants d’un bon rapport qualité/prix se font rares.”
Le Figaro (2008) “…c’est agréable. Une jeune femme souriante est à son affaire… sa carte présentée sur une ardoise est drôlement bien construite…La salade de légumes (poivrons-courgettes) et coquillages au jus d’herbe arrive tout de suite…Epaule d’agneau et chanterelles…Bonne cuisson, assaisonnement idem.”
John Talbott (2008) “…it’s terrific…I had a superb salad of artichoke hearts and herbs and then scallops which were quite good…but were surpassed by the veggies including divine cepes, beets, navets, etc., served aside.”
Photo via Miroir’s Facebook page
Practical information
Address: 83 rue Laugier, 75017
Nearest transport: Porte de Champerret (3)
Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday; Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 40 54 97 24
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Basque, classic French
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Reviews of interest
Le Fooding (2015) “Mais chez les Tredgeu, ça va tout de suite mieux: l’affaire est familiale, les enfants font leurs devoir à la table d’à côté, et le couple aux commandes de l’institution accueille à cœur ouvert dans la petite salle au décor pâlichon. Visiblement passionnés de tauromachie, ils rendent hommage à leurs origines dans leur cuisine néo-basque…”
Le Figaro (2011) “De la piperade avec l’œuf mollet, des haricots blancs façon cassoulet avec l’épaule de veau, la tome de brebis qui va bien… L’assiette met bien évidemment le cap au Sud-Ouest… Le tout avec une sincérité désarmante…”
David Lebovitz (2007) “So in spite of the name, and location, L’Entredgeu seems to be thriving and is always packed. The dining room can be a bit cramped, which is part of the charm… a real bargain for food this good, and well-prepared…”
Photo via L’Entredgeu’s Facebook page
Practical information
Address: now closed
Reviews of interest
Le Fooding (2013) “A friendly bistro where the honest work of the people running it is palpable, with wines from small winemakers and plates that get wiped clean.”
John Talbott (2011) “…very reasonably-priced 22 E 3-course “menu” with 2/2/2 choices (sliced salmon and lentil soup with sausage; veal blanquette and brandade of haddock; tomme de Savoie and tiramisu). There was also at 55 E cotes de boeuf for two.”
Alexander Lobrano (2010) “…there’s talent in the kitchen, and I’d gladly go back at noon for the 22 Euro menu.”
L’Express (2010) “…Au menu du midi, un potage paysan au lard fumé, délicieux, à vous combler des appétits de nostalgie…”
Sophie Brissaud (2010) “…des repas qui mettent en joie.”
A cheerful clone of Jeanne A for the underserved Montmartre neighborhood, this casual eatery and take-out epicerie is open seven days a week with continuous service.
Practical information
Address: 31 rue Vital, 75016
Nearest transport: La Muette (9)
Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch & dinner and Saturday for dinner only
Reservations: Book a day or two in advance
Telephone: 01 45 20 33 00
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 40-59€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
John Talbott (2013) “The place looks pretty much the same, but had many more clients than before when it was moribund, but the carte is still pricy and there’s no lunch ‘menu.’ ”
François Simon (2013) “Ma bonne table de la rentrée: tout simplement, Chez Géraud! La carte est courte mais, bon sang, qu’elle est avenante! Lieu jaune avec perles de caviar, pousses d’épinard et beurre blanc (28 euros); souris d’agneau confite et légumes de pot-au-feu (29 euros); ris de veau croustillant sucrines au lard et pommes Maxim’s.”
Photo via Chez Géraud’s Facebook page
Warm, welcoming and well-priced. This bistro from Christian Etchebest follows the model of his other cantines, La Cantine du Troquet and La Cantine du Troquet Dupleix.
Practical information
Address: 108 boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014
Nearest transport: Vavin (4), Edgar Quinet (6)
Hours: Open every day for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a day or two in advance
Telephone: 01 43 35 25 81
Website Book Online
What people are saying
Not Drinking Poison in Paris (2015) “The upside of a city that trades on history, however, is the persistence of such majestic creations as Le Dôme’s airy millefeuille, gargantuan portions of which are hacked off a tree-trunk-sized whole that the servers parade around the restaurant with justifiable pride.”
Simon Says (2015) “C’est une sorte de grosse bestiole. Qui ne bouge pas… On y vient ici s’offrir les poissons du jour, les plateaux de fruits de mer écumant d’iode. C’est impeccable, un peu roué dans la passation de commande où l’on aime bien pousser le bouchon. Mais qu’importe, si l’on a réservé ici, c’est que l’on savait exactement où l’on allait. Sans trop chercher, on atteint avec une aisance déconcertante une addition à 200 euros pour deux personnes.”
Condé Nast Traveler (2015) “I don’t eat fancy food, so most of my recommendations are for bistros and other elbows on-the-table sorts of places—like this one, where Hemingway met painter Jules Pascin, commemorating their story in A Moveable Feast. Here, the fish is still prepared in an old-school way (i.e., filleted tableside) and the maître d’s still wear tuxedos.”
Dorie Greenspan (2008) “Whenever I see a big metal platter with a mound of crushed ice and a pile of oysters, clams, shrimp, langoustines and other precious shellfish, I imagine that I’m in Paris in the 1920s… my favorite place to enjoy this luxury – and is it ever a luxury (especially now with the dollar so weak) – is at Le Dome…”
Photo courtesy of Patricia Wells’ website
Le Dome in video
Anthony Bourdain’s Paris episode for “The Layover.” The segment on Le Dome begins around the 27:00 mark.
Practical information
Address: 92 rue Broca, 75013
Nearest transport: Les Gobelins (7)
Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday; Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 47 07 13 65
E-mail: ourcine@free.fr
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Time Out (2013) “«Bons produits» ne rime pas toujours avec « repas réussi ». Si les éléments semblaient réunis pour s’offrir un dîner goûtu et audacieux– de la devanture qui annonce « Cuisine de cuisinier, vins de vignerons » (on n’en attendait pas moins) à la réputation du lieu–, c’est au final un peu précipitamment et surtout très déçus que l’on quitte le 92 rue Broca.”
Le Gastronome Parisien (2013) “L’Ourcine reste avec le temps une bonne adresse. Une valeur sûre, presque un refuge où les produits et les traditions sont éternellement respectés. Vous y mangerez avec plaisir et gourmandise mais malheureusement sans grande surprise.”
Simon Says (2013) “De l’adrénaline, du peps, du rentre-dedans… C’est sans doute l’une des tables de la rentrée des plus explosives. Lorsqu’Yves Camdeborde évoque ce style de restaurant, il cite volontiers l’Ourcine… sincèrement, la formule à 34 euros («obligatoire!»), malgré ses nombreux suppléments, reste d’un rapport qualité/prix remarquable.”
A Good Forking (2013) “Perfect rump steak. It was pink, tender and topped with a subtle gremolata, a roasted garlic clove, a random but appreciated piece of capsicum and a light jus. The rest went for the popular slow cooked beef cheek in a tomato…The jack-in-the-box looking tomato felt like a flashback to a 70s meal I never had, but boy was it good.”
Practical information
Address: 4 rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015
Nearest transport: Montparnasse-Bienvenuë (4, 6, 12, 13)
Hours: Closed Sunday-Tuesday; Open Wednesday-Saturday for lunch & dinner
Reservations: Walk-ins Welcome
Telephone: 01 45 49 47 27
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French, oysters
Reviews of interest
Le Figaro (2011) “Chaque semaine, il monte d’Arcachon avec sa propre production d’huîtres, mais aussi des cannelés et d’autres babioles gourmandes estampillées Sud-Ouest. Pour profiter d’un pique-nique sans façons autour de l’épatante formule à 18€ (une douzaine d’huîtres + foie gras ou saumon fumé), débrouillez-vous pour arriver avant 22h30, le patron ne joue pas les prolongations!”
Practical information
Address: 33 avenue du Maine (in the Montparnasse tower), 75015
Nearest transport: Monparnasse-Bienvenue (4, 6, 12, 13)
Hours: Open every day for breakfast, lunch & dinner
Reservations: Book a few weeks in advance
Telephone: 01 40 64 77 64
Average price for lunch: 20-39€ for the set menu & 60-100€ à la carte
Average price for dinner: 60-100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Alexander Lobrano (2012) “… the menu read rather Business Class, but chef Christophe Marchais delivered a fine surprise…This was well-conceived and executed fun festive food that avoided the pitfalls of being frilly and silly, which is what too often happens in high-altitude settings…. desserts are studiously art-directed but also delicious.”
Le Figaro (2012) “Velouté de homard au corail d’oursin servi à la soupière: capiteux. Selle d’agneau rôtie au thym citronné, légumes d’hier et d’aujourd’hui: comme souvent avec le sérieux, un peu ennuyeux. Opéra à l’émulsion d’arabica: probe.”
Practical information
Address: 56 rue de la Fédération, 75015
Nearest transport: Dupleix (6)
Hours: Closed Saturday and Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 45 66 09 01
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
John Talbott (2014) “The menu is as interesting as ever.”
Table à Découvert (2011) “Générosité, simplicité et un petit truc en plus qui enrobe le tout d’une sincère gourmandise…”
Figaroscope (2011) “Au bon matelas d’un arrondissement solidement rembourré de plumes bistrotières, un petit nouveau tirant joliment la couverture d’une cuisine troussée à manière sur un impayable décor jadis et pépère.”
John Talbott (2010) “The decor spells out the tone they’re setting right away: old Michelin‘s on a shelf over the kitchen door, faux-stained glass on the door to the kitchen, beautiful but unmatched light fixtures, old coat hooks on the walls…As an amuse bouche, we were served a chicken liver paste with two types of superb bread and that and a delicious piece of sauteed foie gras with wonderful salad and quince slices…”
Photo courtesy of Le Casse-Noix’s website
Practical information
Address: 9 boulevard de Port Royal, 75013
Nearest transport: Les Gobelins (7)
Hours: Open every day for lunch & dinner
Reservations: Walk-ins welcome
Telephone: 01 43 31 58 59
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
Website Facebook Book Online
Reviews of interest
John Talbott (2009) “… what most Americans (including ourselves) must consider ‘the’ quintessential French/Paris restaurant – red velvet banquettes, brass fixtures, waiters in black and white…They had three kinds of game today, including lievre royale and grouse… generous and most excellent…”
Le Figaro (2007) “Lièvre à la royale: plaisir vampire. Soufflé Grand Marnier: incontournable…”
Photo via Au Petit Marguery’s Facebook page
Practical information
Address: 3 rue Vasco de Gama, 75015
Nearest transport: Lourmel (8)
Hours: Closed Monday; Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch & dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 45 57 27 27
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 40-59€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
Website
Reviews of interest
John Talbott (2011) “… while there is an Alsatian spin to some dishes, the onion amuse gueule, for instance and the Alsatian white wines, it’s not pronounced…soup of cepes, foie gras and chestnuts… sauteed foie gras with pear, chestnuts and a chunk of baby lettuce; both were quite good.”
Practical information
Address: 4 rue de Bercy, 75012
Nearest transport: Dugommier (6), Cour Saint-Émilion (14)
Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch & dinner and Saturday for dinner
Reservations: Walk-ins Welcome
Telephone: 01 40 19 09 95
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
John Talbott (2009) “Terrines, gizzard salad, sausage, ris d’agneau, bavette/frites, pintade, prunes, figs and an apple gratin. And good affordable wine.”
Alexander Lobrano (2009) “We ordered à la carte from the chalkboard menu and ate a very good, simple French meal… I loved my faux-filet with an avalanche of freshly made frites…”
Table à Découvert (2009) “… un patron heureux de vous accueillir, de vous installer et de vous chambrer un peu en passant…”
Photo courtesy of John Talbott
Practical information
Address: 45 avenue Ledru-Rollin, 75012
Nearest transport: Gare de Lyon (1, 14, RER A), Quai de la Rapée (5)
Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch & dinner and Monday & Saturday for dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 43 43 34 38
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Atabula (2014) “Au programme: nappes épaisses, lourds couverts dans une ambiance mi populaire-mi bourgeoise. Comptez une vingtaine d’euros pour un menu qui fait la part belle aux terrines, rilettes, gibiers en saison, coq au vin, andouillette… Une jolie adresse dont on ferait volontiers sa cantine.”
David Lebovitz (2010) “… hearty and honest French fare… a very respectable Coq au vin. In the dinged-up casserole, you’ll need to drag the spoon through the thick, dark sauce to pluck out a piece of chicken…The fries are some of the best in Paris.”
John Talbott (2009) “… our friend had coq au vin that was about as good as I’ve had since Chez Rene’s went south, and I reveled in the thickly sliced almost raw biche (cooked to my liking despite no instructions) with a rich sauce and a chestnut puree and a ton of (so so) frites…”
Photo courtesy of A La Biche Au Bois’ Facebook page
The “bistrot” in question is carnivore-heaven Paul Bert, just next door. But at L’Ecailler the focus is on seafood, including a gorgeous array of Belon, Utah Beach, and Spéciales.
We’ll soon be publishing our review of Le Chardenoux, which has reopened after some renovations.
Café des Musées is a reasonably-priced bistro in the heart of the Marais with a notable beef bourguignon.
Practical information
Address: 62 avenue des Ternes, 75017
Nearest transport: Ternes (2)
Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday; Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 58 00 22 03
Average price for lunch: 40-59€
Average price for dinner: 60-100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French, Oysters & Shellfish, Seafood
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Reviews of interest
Condé Nast Traveler (2015) “Eight years ago, Alain Ducasse bought this 1920s brasserie, which he restyled as a sort of Zen temple to seafood. It’s simply the best fish in Paris.”
John Talbott (2010) “… has not gotten better (well maybe a bit) since the arrival of Jacques Maximin, just different.”
John Talbott (2009) “The amuse bouche was a typical Ducasse type Ball jar filled with fish cheeks and eggs – a good start. Then I had the tuna mi-cuit-cru that F. Simon found too cold, mine was perfect; my friend had the lobster soup with tiny grey shrimp in the bottom that was divine…”
Alexander Lobrano (2009) “It’s likely to become one of the best seafood restaurants in the world now that Jacques Maximin has been recruited to oversee the menu… steamed sole with the most magnificent aioli I’ve ever eaten. Next, perfectly cooked salmon with a sauce vierge… then a magnificent hunk of camembert, and a drop-dead good pain perdu…”
Photo via Rech’s website
The Obamas ate here! The Obamas ate here! This perpetual favorite, a mainstay on the crowded rue Saint-Dominique, offers classic cooking with a southwestern tilt. Open every day.
Chef Bruno Doucet took over La Régalade (now closed) from his boss Yves Camdeborde in 2004, then added La Régalade Saint Honoré in 2010. This location, part of a new boutique hotel designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, opened in February 2013 and is serving classic Doucet bistro fare like house-made terrine, pork belly with lentils, sea bream with fennel, rice pudding, and a Grand Marnier soufflé.
Practical information
Address: 41 avenue Gabriel, 75008
Nearest transport: Champs-Elysées Clemenceau (1, 13)
Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner; Open Saturday for dinner only
Reservations: Book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 42 25 00 39
Average price for lunch: More than 100€
Average price for dinner: More than 100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
Website
Reviews of interest
Chroniques du Plaisir (2010) “La bonne nouvelle, côté assiettes, c’est aussi qu’ici on « cuisine ». Si la cuisine d’assemblage, même fort bien faite vous lasse, vous trouverez ici le plaisir de goûter des plats dont on connaît la complexité de réalisation.”
Practical Information
Address: 9 place des Vosges, 75004
Nearest transport: Saint-Paul (1), Chemin Vert (8)
Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday; Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch & dinner
Reservations: Book many weeks in advance
Telephone: 01 42 78 51 45
Average price for lunch: More than 100€
Average price for dinner: More than 100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French, haute cuisine
Website
Reviews of interest
Bruno Verjus (2012) “J’admire Bernard Pacaud pour son obsession de la qualité, son exigence dans le choix des fournisseurs et des produits qui honorent la haute cuisine française. À l’Ambroisie l’on croise, pour le service et pour les mets, tradition et élégance, classicisme et modernité. ”
A Life Worth Eating (2010) “I am now certain that this is the finest French restaurant in the world. The indulgent menu, which is updated once per season, consists of only a handful of dishes. There are no weak choices on the menu, ever. Every dish is a speciality. The menu reads very straightforward, each dish described in a single line with all its ingredients listed. There is no tasting menu. There is no lunch discount. There are no exceptions.”
Food Snob (2009) “On the one hand, I was pretty sure I had eaten some of the most brilliant food of my life. On the other, I was not sure how much I had enjoyed it.”
The Financial Times (2007) “There was something sanctuary-like about L’Ambroisie – a solemn splendor that imposed quiet reflection on all who entered. This was not a restaurant for people who want a circus with their meal. It is a place best enjoyed by those who are truly, obsessively serious about food, because the food is pretty much the whole of the experience. That said, it is food that deserves to be worshipped.”
Practical information
Address: 105 boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006
Nearest transport: Vavin (4)
Hours: Open every day 6am-2am
Reservations: Walk-Ins Welcome
Telephone: 01 43 26 48 26
Average price for lunch: 40-59€
Average price for dinner: 40-59€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Alexander Lobrano (2015) “Served with charm and a deep professional knowledge of proper table service, this meal was the kind of feed upon which the good reputation of French cooking was originally constructed, because what this food says is that you can eat well even when you’re not interested in making a fuss about it or spending too much money.”
The New York Times (2013) “La Rotonde, a 1911 vintage brasserie in Montparnasse, accommodates both the real and imagined realities of the city, all without sacrificing good food…the politely wisecracking service is brisk in the brasserie tradition. More important, the traditional comfort cooking is not only well executed but often made with pedigreed ingredients.”
Photo courtesy of La Rotonde Montparnasse’s Facebook page
Practical information
Address: 131 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007
Nearest transport: École Militaire (8), Pont de l’Alma (RER C)
Hours: Open every day for lunch and dinner
Reservations: Book a day or two in advance
Telephone: 01 44 18 37 55
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 60-100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French,
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Reviews of interest
Alexander Lobrano (2015) “… cooking that’s as vivid, joyous and inventive as Julia Sedefdjian’s served in a lively dining room where everyone was clearly having a great time. One way or another, the inspired and very hard working Sedefidjian is very much a young chef to sample, savour, sample again and keep an eye on.”
John Talbott (2015) “About as good a meal as one can get around here…”
Patricia Wells (2011) “Sébastien Gravé and David Bottreau have… created a one-of-a-kind fish restaurant with a true personality. And you’ll feel as though you’ve hit the jackpot if you arrive on a warm, sunny day and dine on the compact terrace facing the fountain on Rue Saint-Dominique… Modern, refreshing, satisfying.”
Figaroscope (2009) “…tous sont préparés avec un indéniable talent. Goûtez par exemple à l’épais dos de turbot meunière servi avec des supions en persillade et une mousse de persil ou à ce formidable tartare de saint-jacques et saumon au curry rouge, parfumé et pointu.”
Photo via Edsel L.’s flickr
Christian Constant's casual, no-reservations café is open all day, starting at 8 in the morning.
Practical information
Address: 111 rue St. Lazare, 75008
Nearest transport: Saint-Lazare (3, 12, 13)
Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday
Reservations: Walk-ins Welcome
Telephone: 01 43 87 50 40
Average price for lunch: 40-59€
Average price for dinner: 60-100€
Style of cuisine: Classic French, oysters/shellfish, seafood
Reviews of interest
Time Out (2012) “Some loyal patrons never get beyond the oyster bar or the fresh shellfish buffet, while others reliably order the lobster from the tank or salad with balsamic vinegar and lightly spice d tomato sauce, or the pan-fried Dover sole, and others go off-piste onto the excellent meat menu with herb-crusted rack of lamb. Excellent wines and desserts and sprightly, professional service.”
John Talbott (2011) “Colette had the rougets with a copperpot full of caviar d’aubergines, P. had daurade (by far the biggest piece, but I’m not jealous, oh no) with carrots, and I had the third fish on the “menu” – the rascasse on-top a bed of mangetouts; all were indeed worth writing home about…”
Alexander Lobrano (2010) “… reliably serves some of the best oysters in Paris.”
Practical information
Address: 135 rue St. Dominique, 75007
Nearest transport: École Militaire (8), Pont le l’Alma (RER C)
Hours: Open every day, 12pm-11pm
Reservations: Reservations not accepted
Telephone: no phone
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 40-59€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
Website
Additional Locations
Address: 2 avenue Bertie Allbrecht, 75008
Nearest transport: Ternes (2)
Hours: Open every day, 12pm-11pm
Reservations: Reservations not accepted
Telephone: 01 53 89 50 53
Website
Reviews of interest
Reviews from the 75008 location
John Talbott (2015) “Nothing like the Mothership except for great food.”
Reviews from the original location
Time Out (2012) “Christian Constant has found the perfect recipe for pleasing Parisians at his new bistro: a flexible menu of salads, soups, verrines (light dishes served in jars) and cocottes (served in cast-iron pots), all at bargain prices – for this neighbourhood.”
David Lebovitz (2010) “…the hearty food served in Staub casseroles is worth the wait.”
Le Figaro (2010) “Savoureuses pommes de terre caramélisées, farcies au pied de porc, fricassée de volaille aux olives et citron confit, jeunes légumes du moment cuisinés en cocotte… Ultrafrais, ultrabon.”
David Lebovitz (2009) “Les Cocottes sits on a pretty prestigious piece of land, in the seventh arrondissement, not known for good-value restaurants…But Les Cocottes is a good value, and what makes it even better, the food is worth every centime.”
John Talbott (2007) “I started with a cold ptipois soup with strip of spicy salty chorizo and crème fraiche, then going on to the pigeon with big peas and delicious greens and scallions, finishing with a waffle with Chantilly and salty caramel. The meal was just as advertised, simple, honest and made from good products. It ain’t starred cooking nor is it meant to be…”
Practical information
Address: 7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009
Nearest transport: Grands Boulevards (8, 9)
Hours: Open every day for lunch & dinner
Reservations: Reservations not accepted
Telephone: 01 47 70 86 29
Average price for lunch: 10-19€
Average price for dinner: 10-19€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
Ann Mah (2015) “The food at Bouillon Chartier isn’t that bad. But the truth is, no one comes here for the food… 1) We wanted to meet near les Grands Boulevards; and 2) It’s open on a Monday. Oh, and 3) It’s historic. And 4) It’s cheap (bonus!).”
Time Out (2014) “The affordable prices and friendly service convinced us in the end to upgrade Bouillon Chartier from an amusing, clichéd spectacle to our new regular hangout.”
David Lebovitz (2009) “It’ll be a sad day in Paris if Chartier ever shuts its doors. True, the food isn’t exceptional. But it’s cheap and people seem to flock here in droves… I don’t think you’ll find a more perfectly-preserved relic of an old Paris… and a menu that hasn’t made a single concession to any of the culinary advancements of at least the last three or four decades…”
Le Figaro (2008) “C’est toujours le même choc visuel dans ce bouillon plus que centenaire qui transporte instantément à l’époque des crinolines. Mêmes cuivres, moulures, verrière, miroirs, éclairages globes, tiroirs à serviettes, etc., enceints dans un ample espace… même service en noir et blanc (parfois virtuose dans le maniement des assiettes et des verres)…”
Photo courtesy of Chartier’s Facebook page
Practical information
Address: 8 rue des Capucines, 75002
Nearest transport: Opéra (3, 7, 8), Madeleine (8, 12, 14)
Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Monday 8.30am-3.30pm; Open Tuesday-Friday 8.30am-2am; Open Saturday 8.30am-5pm
Reservations: Walk-Ins Welcome
Telephone: 01 42 61 05 88
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Reviews of interest
David Lebovitz (2011) “The place is packed full of locals…dim, noisy, and chaotic; you pull up a chair wherever if you want to eat more than a sandwich.”
Not Drinking Poison in Paris (2010) “The real attractions are the sandwiches, as long as you don’t mind a line at peak hours, or the various heavy meat dishes, as long are you are in fine health and not at all claustrophic or easily offended. (Being seated is often reminiscent of trench warfare; the service is on the sunny side of ferocious.)”
Le Figaro (2010) “…un authentique jambon-beurre, tellement parisien. Le meilleur et le plus croustillant s’emporte justement à deux pas de l’Opéra, au Petit Vendôme.”
Rosa Jackson (2008) “those with heartier appetites squeeze into the dining room and order a hefty steak or pungent andouillette with piping-hot frites…(be warned that sandwiches are not served at the tables). Even the rough house Gamay goes down easily in this no-nonsense setting…”
Practical information
Address: 7 rue Stanislas, 75006
Nearest transport: Notre Dame des Champs (12) or Vavin (4)
Hours: Lunch and dinner, Monday-Friday; closed Saturday and Sunday
Reservations: book a few days in advance
Telephone: 01 45 48 29 94
Average price for lunch: 20-34€
Average price for dinner: 35-49€
Style of cuisine: Classic French, Lyonnais, French bistro
Special attributes: open Monday
Reviews of interest
Thierry Richard (2013) “Voilà le genre de table qui fait aimer Paris des américains. Un restaurant dans son jus dont le calendrier des appétits est resté bloqué quelque part dans les années 60…En cuisine, Pierre laisse aux commandes le chef qui remuait les casseroles dans l’arrière-salle depuis vingt-cinq ans et perpétue, à quelques plats près, le menu labellisé 1961, tapé à la machine, qu’il retrouve dans les archives du restaurant. Ce sera donc ambiance filets de hareng, escargots de Bourgogne, quenelles de brochet, tripes et coq au vin. Une cuisine de répertoire bistrotier, loin du manger-correct de l’époque et délicieusement forte en gueule.”
François-Régis Gaudry (2012) “tabliers de sapeur d’une impeccable blondeur croustillante, quenelles parfaitement dodues et gratinées, saucissons chauds, terrines de campagne… Quitte à lui glisser à l’oreille sa propre recette de tarte à la praline (divine) et à l’entraîner vers la trahison d’une salade de vrais champignons de Paris avec des dés d’un vrai jambon de Paris, assaisonnée de crème et de ciboulette….”
John Talbott (2012) “We both go for classics…Lyon sausage with potatoes – sausage she deems “dry”, I think “flavorless”, potatoes bathed in water, even with mustard, barely finish 1/2; she, eggs mayo, banal, unimaginative, puhlease!”
Emmanuel Rubin – Figaroscope (2012) “Le plus charmeur des come-back du printemps!”
Practical information
Address: 14 rue de Clichy, 75009
Nearest transport: Liège (13) or Trinité-d’Estienne d’Orves (12)
Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturday for dinner
Reservations: Walk-ins welcome
Telephone: 01 48 74 51 27
Average price for lunch: 20-39€
Average price for dinner: 20-39€
Style of cuisine: Classic French
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Review of interest
Alexander Lobrano (2011) “… even though the cooking lacks precision, it’s still solidly good, and this is a recommendable if rather plain address for anyone looking for a Burgundian feed in the heart of Paris.”
John Talbott (2011) “The prices are also right… a huge selection of white & red Burgundies by the glass…”
Le Figaro (2011) “Jambon persillé: bien en chair et pas trop acide. Cuisses de grenouilles des Dombes: tout en cuisses et joliment relevées. Soufflé glacé: à clouer n’importe quel bec!”
Photo courtesy of Bourgogne Sud’s website