There’s no dispute that the Parisians simply crushed it when hosting the Olympics this past summer, showing the City of Lights in all its glory. And those lights will be even brighter this December, when Notre Dame reopens. So, in honor of this milestone when all is right in Paris again, these are the essential Parisian bistros you need on your list, that are so French they hurt. And yes, these are yet more reasons to be in Paris this month, next month, or whenever you spontaneously want to hop on a plane.
The Bistro: La Poule au Pot
Location: 9 Rue Vauvilliers – Les Halles
La Poule au Pot, or “The Chicken in the Pot” is a great place to taste classic French cuisine. The Michelin-starred restaurant is so Parisian that some of the meals look more like art. Chef Jean-François Piège serves classics like beef chuck hash, Colbert fried whiting with tartar sauce, and l’oignon gratinée. The restaurant’s interior is simply nostalgic, making you feel right at home.
The Bistro: Chez L’Ami Louis
Location: 32 Rue du Vertbois – 3rd arrondissement
Chez L’Ami Louis is one of the most sought-after restaurants in Paris. The atmosphere is buzzing, and often filled with locals, rather than travelers. The restaurant is known for its attentive service and classic French cuisine. L’Ami Louis is known for its exceptional grilled chicken with fries, but the menu also includes foie gras, flambe veal chops, and wild duck.
The Bistro: Allard
Location: 41 Rue Saint-André-des-Arts, Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood
Located in Saint-Germain-des-Près, Allard is a beloved restaurant, owned by Alain Ducasse. Since opening in 1932, the restaurant has remained very similar to its original design. The interior is simple, sophisticated, and quintessentially French. The à la carte menu includes items like Seared pollock and beef tenderloin, and the lunch menu includes stuffed tomato and meagre, cooked with hal-salted butter. Naturally, there is also an extensive wine list.
The Bistro: Chez André
Location: 12 Rue Marbeuf – 8th arrondissement
Chez André is an excellent place for both a romantic dinner, or for a business meeting or celebration. The main idea behind the menu is to trigger nostalgia by reminding locals of the meals they would have eaten during childhood – and they nailed it. The zinc bar and bistro tables harken back to the 1930s, and the air of nostalgia washes over you as you walk in. The menu includes unique items like frog legs and leg of lamb, while also serving more familiar dishes, like lobster and oysters.
The Bistro: Chez Georges
Location: 1 Rue du Mail – 2nd arrondissement
Chez Georges is the place to escape Paris’s crowds and enjoy a relaxing meal. The restaurant’s interior is minimalist – because the food speaks for itself. Simplicity is the key to Chez Georges’s success. The restaurant serves a variety of traditional French meals, but the roasted chicken is the most popular among regulars (and for good reason). Other menu items include beef tartare, rib eye steak, and veal sweetbreads.
The Bistro: Cafe de Luce
Location: 2 Rue des Trois Frères – Montmartre
Located in the heart of the vibrant Montmartre, the food at Cafe de Luce is based on Cheffe Amandine Chaignot’s childhood memories. You can visit for brunch, dinner, or just for drinks. The restaurant even includes a “living room” in the upstairs café, perfect for business meetings and special occasions. Each one of Cheffe Chaignot’s meals is a work of art, almost too beautiful to eat. Menu items include breakfast croissants, fresh pasta with zucchini flowers, and fried ravioli with camembert.
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FAQs
Q: What is the atmosphere like at La Poule au Pot?
A: La Poule au Pot has a classy and sophisticated atmosphere, but it is family-friendly and welcoming.
Q: What is the reservation policy at Chez L’Ami Louis?
A: At Chez L’Ami Louis, you can make reservations far in advance, as long as you re-confirm your reservations the day of your visit.
Q: Can I bring children to Chez André?
A: Yes, Chez André has a children’s menu and is welcoming to all.
