Le Cadoret is a French restaurant in Belleville offering traditional French fare, inexpensive natural wines, and craft beers. With sincere and efficient service and serious value for quality, it's an excellent example of what a modern bistro can be.
Cheval d’Or is a luxury small-plates restaurant in Belleville offering a delicate synthesis of pan-Asian and Parisian cuisines. Reservations are highly recommended for the dining room, though the 20 counter seats are always kept open for walk-ins.
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.
You can call Quedubon a bistro or a wine bar or a cave. All apply to this address near the beautiful Parc des Buttes Chaumont. The simple food ranges from light (capriccios of fresh fish) to homey (braised meats) to downright offal (veal brains), and is washed down by one of the vins naturels that populate the impressive wine list maintained by Gilles Bénard. Owing in part to the non-central location, there’s a village-like feeling to this friendly place. You can also buy bottles to go.
Meat is king at Au Boeuf Couronné, a restaurant across the street from the Parc de la Villette – the previous site of the Paris slaughterhouse. It’s a beautiful old brasserie and a reliable place for steak lovers in search of a slab. Open every day.
A brand-new roastery from the Parisian coffee powerhouses David Flynn (formerly of Telescope), Thomas Lehoux (Ten Belles), Anselme Blayney (Ten Belles and Le Bal Cafe). The roastery and accompanying tasting space are geared towards production and professional trainings during the week, but will be open to the public for cuppings and coffee on Saturdays.
The mood goes from picnic to party as the day progresses at this pavillion in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont. Small plates, straightforward plats du jour and drinks.