This neo-brasserie offers great iterations of French classics at reasonable prices in a fun, hip ambiance.
Author: emiglia
Cornichon is Even Better Than I Expected
I eat in a lot of old-school (and wannabe old-school) spots, and I often find myself considering what makes a place surprising or different. For me, what makes le Cornichon so great is its authenticity. You really feel the desire to bring out the best of an old-style café with just a few touches that make it a bit more unique and a bit more delicious.
Le Petit Pharamond May Be My Favorite Parisian Bouillon – with a Few Major Caveats
I’ve tried many bouillons in Paris, from the gorgeous, historic Bouillon Julien to the relative newcomer Bouillon Pigalle. My most recent foray into the category was Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond, a mainstay of the neighborhood around Les Halles since 1832 specializing in food from Normandy. And despite my worries that it might be a tourist trap, it proved fairly enjoyable… provided you’ve done a bit of research ahead of time.
Cloche Is a Place to See, Be Seen, and Eat Good Beef
Cloche serves modern plays on classic French bistro dishes in a dimly-lit, see-and-be-seen dining room perfect for a Fashion Week crowd.
FIEF’s Mission is Clear, but There’s Some Fumbling on the Execution
Stalwartly locavore, 1-Michelin-star FIEF prides itself on sourcing all of its ingredients from the hexagon – which means no coffee, no chocolate, and no vanilla. Instead Chef Victor Mercier takes full advantage of the bounty of France’s terroir to craft a tasting menu featuring surprising and audacious flavor combos, most of which take inspiration from French classics with a slight Asian twist.
Le Café du Commerce Continues in a Long Parisian Tradition
Along a vibrant shopping street at the edge of the 15th arrondissement, le Café du Commerce shows that Parisian tradition is alive and well, as flirtatious, black-vested waiters serve classics of French cuisine at tables arranged on three stories of mosaic tiled floors surrounding an airy, impressive atrium.
La Coupole is a Vibe… And a Step Out of Time
This Montparnasse mainstay dates back to 1927 and was a favorite of many Lost Generation writers and famous 20th century artists. Today, it still boasts major art déco vibes and surprisingly creative seafood appetizers alongside a massive seafood offering.
Bofinger is a Brasserie Gem Out of Time
This brasserie dating back to the 19th century serves copious, delicious Alsatian fare and seafood seven days a week.
NHOMe’s Boundary-Pushing Cuisine Nevertheless Remains Rooted in Comfort
This fine dining spot steps from the Palais Royal is helmed by the French-Israeli Chef Matan Zaken. The convivial dining room is located in a beautiful vaulted cellar, where guests pull up a chair at a massive, 20-seat table to feast on a 140-euro nine-course tasting.
Hôtel du Nord Nearly Delivers a Lovely Bistro Experience in a Storied Setting
The appetizers are pitch perfect at this restaurant, and while I have some quibbles with the rest, the slight missteps can easily be overlooked, especially if you want to eat in this storied dining room or indeed at a table outside with a view of the Canal.