4th - 6th
Altitude 95
If you can't get to Jules Vernes try the second etage.
5 avenue Anatole France, Champs de Mars
Chez Fernand in St Germain not Montparnasse!
Down a little Parisian alley lies this small but cosy bistro. The focus is on serving produce fresh from the markets, with an ever-changing menu but stable classic such as Erquy scallops, Bouef bourguigonne, and Limousin beef remain constant. Try their country pâté, a house specialty. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Reservations encouraged. A set menu at: Lunch €15, Dinner €34 is very good value.
9, rue Christine - 75006 Paris t:01 43 25 18 55
Le Comptoir du Relais - one of the best
The Chef, Yves Camdeborde, has been voted 5 times as one of the best bistro for its fixed priced of 40 euros. Its simple fresh, tasty French food, Foie Gras, roast lamb, Terrines of cepes, soups and much more. Go early by 1pm there's a queue of locals. Its adjacent to the Hotel Relais St. Germain which is under-going extensive renovations which should be completed by Winter 2008.
9 Carrefour de L'Odeon, 75006, t: 01 43 29 12 05
Le George, Place George Pompidou
While this venue may belong to the trendsetters in the evenings, during one Sunday lunch it was families that dominated. Those ‘coming and going’ from popular exhibitions like the recent Giacometti. Lunch was enjoyable, the food expensive (allow 35+ pp) and just above ‘average’.
Its a shame the menu didn’t reflect the crowd, families who also want to enjoy this wonderful contemporary and minimalst space, lounge back on the big leather white chairs and ignore the kids saying there’s nothing on the menu. We were however saved by a traditional ‘BLT’ and tomato sauce pasta. Our meals were fine, ‘Duck with Asian flavours and Jasmine rice’ and my partner enjoyed a perfect ‘bouef’ with mash potatoes.
Service was attentive. You could spend all day admiring the beautiful staff, walking around casually as if they’re off to ‘Le George’ for a drink or two!
Tip : Try and book a seat by the window for great Paris views and if you’re not with kids, book dinner for a spectacular view and dress to blend in with the other jetsetters.
M : Rambuteau of Hotel de Ville
www.centrepompidou.fr
19 Beaubourg 75004 t : 01 44 78 47 99
Le Balzar - Who's a happy chef?
Not much has changed in this classic bistro opened since 1898. Frequented by locals and the university crowd seeking good quality traditional fare such as onion soup, sole meunière, ham and sausage and pigs’ trotters. Tempted?
www.brasseriebalzar.com
49, rue des Ecoles - 75005 Paris, t: 01.43.54.13.67