4th - 6th
In the heart of the 5th
I don’t think you could find a 'better value' for money in a more charming bistro. Located in the busy centre of the 5th its everything a lunchtime experience should be. Good food served efficiently and with a smile. Comfortable seating, 1920’s frescos, quality wine by the glass and three excellent courses for €16 euors. (You can also choose 2 plates from €13).
There is of course the ‘menu de carte’ from 31 euors which I look forward to trying in the future. My starter, sashimi salmon was lightly drizzled with a soy dressing, the main, a fleshy callibaud (fish) although served warm not ‘hot’ was fine and rested on a bed of spiced ratatouille, tasty enough but not sensational.
All was forgiven however with a mouthful of the ‘crème de pistaschio’ topped with a raspberry coulis. Other diners were enjoying ‘Porc de Pieds with lentils’, ‘Mouton and haricots beans’ and ‘Poitrine veau farci’ all appeared very appetizing –
Le Buisson Argent - rue Jussieu 75005 Paris T: 33 (0)1 43 54 93 02
www.lebuissonardent.fr
Les Bouquinistes
A lovely restaurant situated on the Quai of the Seine. Decor is modern, minimalist but elegant. Service is attentive and friendly. Sampled was the ‘Carpaccio de Canard’ accompanied by a Foie Gras and Kumquat confiture; followed by ‘Croustillants d’escargots’ drizzled in a light garlic cream sauce. Both were close to perfect. Also tried was one of their signature dishes, ‘Ravioli Brittany Crab’, served in a frothy light sauce with a hint of ginger, oil and lemongrass.
Don’t miss this restaurant, which is one of six in the Guy Savoy stable. A lunchtime set menu starts from €25 (menu du jour) with one glass of wine.
www.lesbouquinistes.com
53 quai des Grand Augustins t : 01 43 25 45 94
Les Pipos - wine bar with oysters
A great 'bar a vins' with excellent food. Expect a crowd and you'll need cash. There's a great selection of wines from the Loire Valley, try the wine of the day with either a herring salad or a the more substantial rib-eye with green peppercorn sauce. Live bands on the weekend add to the choas.
www.les-pipos.com
2 rue de l'Ecole Polytechnique t: 33-01-43-54-11-40
Chez Dumonet - Josephine Old World Bistro
The decor is 1930s but the chef at the helm is third generation in this 113 year old bistro serving wonderful dishes such as 'boeuf bourguignon' or crisp-skinned cod with smoked mashed potatoes, why not try the suckling pig in a creamy cassia bark sauce or spice-crusted rump steak with a squash-filled spring roll. Afterwards, either tangy rhubarb compote with ginger-spiked white chocolate mousse. Allow 50 euros for two for 3 courses.
Closed Saturday and Sunday so go for lunch midweek.
17 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 6th. Tel: (1) 45 48 52 40
Au Bascou
Located in the 3rd, this is quality dining and more than reasonable prices Mains from €17euros and Lunch fixed menu at €19. Hearty meals from the southwest of France, featuring ‘Gambas au vermicelle croutillant’ (prawns and deep fried vermicelli) or ‘Terrine de lapin aux pruneaux’ (Terrine of rabbit and prunes). Come hungry to enjoy this
basque cooking. Dinner expect to pay from €35.
Booked at hotel with us? We’ll make a reservation for you.
Open Monday to Saturday lunch and dinner re-opens 7.30pm. Closed: August and Christmas week.
Metro: Arts-et-Métiers
Huîterie Régis - Oyster Lovers
This tiny little restaurant serves nothing but oysters and white wines to match. Only 14 seats so expect a wait. It is a great place to rest after shopping in St.Germain, the decor is all white and afterwards head off to one of the pastisserie for something sweet.
Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch 12-3pm then dinner 6.30 to 11.00pm
Metro: Mabillon or Saint-Germain
www.huitrerieregis.com
3, rue de Montfaucon, 6th
Le Timbre
A wonderful place to eat after a long stroll around the Luxembourg Gardens. Run by an Englishman, he's gained a lot of respect for his French culinary skills. The restaurant offers only one or two choices and these changes with what is fresh and in season. It is tiny, hence the name, 'poststamp' seats around 20 diners but that adds to its charm. Lots of lovely wines by the glass. Closed Sunday and Mondays. Reservations recommended due to its size.
www.restaurantletimbre.com
3 rue Saint Beuve 75006, 6th, t: 01 45 49 10 40
L'avant Comptoir
This award winning chef has an award winning restaurant but for those who just want a quality sandwich, tapas (3 to 6 euros) or some deli supplies to take back home you won't find a better range and a few little surprises. Quality snacks served by Parisian chef, Yves Camedeborde. On y va.
3 Carrefour de L'Odeon, 75006
Le Relais de L'Entrecôte
If you are seeking the best 'steak et frites' this is a Parisian institution. In the heart of St.Germain, arrive close to opening time at 7pm to avoid queues. Once seated the harried but usually friendly waitress will ask how you like your steak. Well done = bien cuit
Medium-rare = à point: Rare = Saignant
Very Rare = Bleu.
First a walnut salad, then a large silver tray will arrive with your steak, accompanied by a pepper sauce with a hint of mustard. No doubt a secret recipe. Seconds are encouraged, sometimes thirds!
20 rue Saint-Benoit, St.Germain t: 01 45 49 16 00