Eat well in Paris It’s almost a redundancy. Whatever your preference or budget, this is the best place to satisfy your most special gastronomic desires. Whenever I return to Paris, I try to visit new tables, but the truth is that it’s practically impossible to resist and I end up revisiting old passions.
Friend Jean
It was the case of bistro Friend Jean. I went there for the first time three years ago, on the recommendation of a friend. On that occasion, I arrived late and without a reservation. Luckily, I bumped into chef Stephane Jego saying goodbye to a group of customers at the door of the almost empty house. I asked, in disbelief, if I could still come in for dinner and he replied: let’s go! The experience was so incredible that this time I preferred not to risk it. As soon as I booked the trip, I made the reservation.
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The scenario was very different. Full house… Crowded! The space is small and noisy, the tables are close together and the atmosphere is quite lively and informal. I was directed to a communal table and given the menu. The restaurant follows the line “bistronomic“.
In other words, a bistro atmosphere and economical prices, but with the boldness and sophistication of haute cuisine. We started with a Terrine de Campagne…à disposition. In other words, the entire dish comes to the table with some delicious bread rolls and we can eat as much as we want. Next I ordered a 7 hour confit veal cheek.
It sounds strange, but it’s unbelievably sensational! My mother, who accompanied me on this trip, ordered ribs with mash. For dessert, we opted for the Choco… cuttlefish… cuttlefish… Dame Blanche Vanilée. We love the name! And the sweet, a kind of chocolate and vanilla sundae in a tall glass, did not disappoint.
The Kitchen Gallery
Another restaurant worth repeating was The Kitchen Gallerya star in the Guia Michelinem Saint Germain des Pres. As I had fallen in love with chef Willian Ledeuil’s creations the first time I was there, I decided this time to order the six-course tasting menu. I recommend!
Each dish better than the other. We started with the amuse-bouche, a beetroot salad with ginger and cucumber broth. Then came the tasting itself. To start, sardines marinated in lemongrass, followed by prawns with asparagus and seafood sauce, spaghettoni with basil and squid, dorado with oysters and citrus sauce and quail with spinach puree, mushrooms and mustard. Finally, the desserts: a gianduja roll with praline and orange broth and rhubarb sorbet with strawberries. Everything incredible!
On the same street as To KitchenRue des Grands Augustins, on the corner of the riverbank Senathey are Booksellersdo chef Guy Savoy. There’s no way not to like this place, with a name inspired by the traditional booksellers’ stalls in the region. Chic, but without affectation, menu with great options and exquisite service. Among the options, we chose foie gras with rhubarb chutney, fish with kumquat confit (a Japanese berry) and green and white asparagus, grilled cod with chanterelle risotto and green asparagus. To close, the dessert that we consider to be the best of the trip: a kind of chocolate fondant. Simple and perfect!
The following night, I decided to try the The shadows. I had heard a lot of good things, especially about the view, but I didn’t know it yet. The restaurant is located at the top of the Musée de Quai Branly, next to the Eiffel Tower. And, with its all-glass roof, it offers a stunning view from any table you sit at.
The hall is large and very popular with tourists. The service is not the most efficient and the food is delicious, but not exceptional. But none of that overshadows the emotion of being there, at the feet of this French icon. As I went at the end of May, the sun only set after 9 pm.
I made a reservation for this time. We arrived a little early, took the opportunity to take photos on the terrace and then sat down. We were served a glass of champagne and voilà: it lit up completely and started blinking. O timing It couldn’t be more perfect. This magical moment was worth the whole night!
Still under the influence of the previous night, we started planning the next dinner. So we decided to get to know the Eggsin the heart of Marais. From the same owners as Glouanother one I love, this chic bistro run by Massimiliano Monaco, mixes classic French cuisine and creative dishes, always with super-fresh and organic ingredients.
The entrance is somewhat hidden on Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, and the garden in front of the house already gives an idea of the charm of the place. I ordered grilled prawns with watercress cream and croutons in squid ink as a starter, and then a green ravioli with ricotta and squid. My mother had the terrine de campagne (again!) and the fish of the day, a dorado, with roasted beets.
Wonderful wines by the glass and, this time, we resisted the sweets. We loved everything, the cool and casual atmosphere, delicious dishes, charming people and great prices. For those who opt for lunch, they offer closed menus of starter, main course and dessert for 21 euros.
Tokyo Eat
Speaking of lunch, I had some memorable ones on this trip. As in Tokyo Eatrestaurant Tokyo Palace. Modern atmosphere and creative cuisine with oriental inspiration. I plan to go again, but next time at night to try the signature drinks.
Another one that I make a point of returning to is the Frenchie to Go. A chef friend, who had just returned from Paris, gave me the tip and recommended: “Don’t miss it”.
I’m glad I followed your advice! The small restaurant, located on Rue du Nil, is the hottest thing in the city right now. The queues at the door throughout the day are proof of this. This is chef Gregory Marchand’s third restaurant and specializes in gourmet sandwiches, such as the delicious Reuben, with pastrami and cheddar. But everything there is wonderful, like the hotdog made with 100% beef and the fish & chips. On the day I went to meet, the chef was dividing his attention between customer orders and recording with an Australian TV crew. But nothing that could affect the result… Fantastic!
Photos and text: Bárbara Ariston
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