Yeah, the restaurant is all hard surfaces, so nothing to dampen the noise.
Well, de gustibus non disputandum for all the rest (including the fish accompaniments and sauce), for sure, but I’m convinced that I got a great piece of monkfish itself on the night we visited, but yours and onz’s simply wasn’t as good.
Such variations are to be expected, especially when it comes to fish.
Very good meal again, tonight. Slightly less sensational at 55€ than 45€, but still good value. Last week, I think, was just an off week. But although I have a reservation for next week with more friends, I’ll have to think about whether to change, even though the menu will be different, just to get a change of scenery.
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We returned on a warm April evening to Cafe de L’Usine for another very good dinner at an excellent price.
It began with this refreshing imitation of a crab handroll but without seaweed or rice, and with a nice vinaigrette.
The next dish was probably the same cool broth with clams and asparagus that @jmc167 noted above. Interesting, a little different and quite refreshing.
Next came an onion tarte with a green pistachio sauce and another sauce reminiscent of an incredibly light sour cream and onion dip. The onions on the tarte were particularly tasty; the tarte itself was the only thing at all “heavy” in the meal prior to the dessert.
The main was monkfish with carrots, peas, a garlic-based (I believe) purée and mint with what I think was a meat-based reduction. Another very enjoyable dish.
Dessert was financier with candied pecans and strawberries served with vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce. Not innovative, quite delicious, and a large portion that left us feeling quite full, very different from the overall lightness of the rest of the meal.
My two glasses of wine were not particularly memorable, nor particularly expensive.
We were on the ground floor, but not in that low-ceilinged nook near the kitchen, and I enjoyed the high ceiling and the “vibe” of the place.
At these prices for this experience, we will most certainly be back.
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I ate there last summer and really liked it. I will be in paris this summer again - any suggestions in similar price range? I’m staying in 6th and alas havent found much nearby given its a more expensive area but willing to hop on metro or bus. I should have added dinner only . Seems there are amazing value opportunities for lunch but I rarely stop for lunch - I guess alas for me in many ways.
Read through this board. E.g. La Gorgée.
Pierre Sang Oberkampf in the 11th. Like Le Café de L’Usine, a no-choices menu (though they accommodate intolerances well). Make sure to sit upstairs on the bar seats, not downstairs at tables.
Brion in the 9th a little more pricey but I highly recommend it.
