I posted this question on Fodor’s and it was suggested I post here as well because of the wealth of info on HO. I’ve scoured some old posts and great extensive past trip reports but was wondering if there were some recent recommendations.
“I’ve finished most reservations of “must visit” restaurants for upcoming trip but am interested in bistros and more casual neighborhood type options. I understand food is highly subjective but would love suggestions of places that folks found and really enjoyed.
Staying in the 1st but open to Marais, St. Germain; doesn’t have to be traditional French food.
TIA”
To give advices, it’s better you come up with a selection of places that interested you and asked for opinions. There are quite a lot new restaurants reviews in here.
Thank you for the welcome, naf.
We are staying for over a month so already have a number of places on the books. Repeat visits to some: Alliance, Alain Ducasse, Boutary, Semilla, Le Christine. New for us: Alleno, Pierre Gagnaire, Omar Dhiab, Odette, Poulette, Frenchie, Aldehyde, Grand Brasserie, Jeanne Aimee, Mori Venice. All I can think of right now…
Looking for more casual options to add in. Appreciate any new recs. Thanks.
Casual places with great food: Dilia, Baillotte, Eels, Restaurant 975, Juveniles (lots of Yanks, although well-behaved ones generally), Café du Coin (for lunch) and Café des Ministères, to name a few.
And don’t forget some of the old wonderful stand-bys, like Les Arlots in the 9th, La Fontaine de Mars in the 7th and Benoît in the 4th.
I for one would not spend a month in Paris without visiting Amâlia in the 11th, Vaisseau in the 11th, Sourire (restaurant not tapas place) in the 13th, A Lea in the 18th and Sadarnac in the 20th. But these are not really bistros.
Does anyone know what happened to Jeanne Aimee? I made a reservation 6 weeks ago and they cancelled it one week out and will not respond as to why.
I so much appreciate the in depth reviews from other posters which I could do the same but here is my very brief update on my list so far:
Alleno was absolutely stellar. The best 3* I have ever been to. Every dish was perfect and the ambiance and service were stellar.
Alliance as good as last visit, a few dishes not to my liking and heavily flavored, mackerel in particular.
Omar Dhiab first time and would definitely not go back. I felt like they tried too hard with flavor combos (passionfruit and coffee crumble dessert did not fly, heavy black garlic again on mackerel and the beef tongue I just said non merci) also the room was loud.
Odette was a dud for me. Comparable to hotel food at home.
Mori Venice also IMO not good way too touristy, and expensive for subpar food. I ordered a tortellini dish with morels and thyme that was lacking in both and have had better packaged tortellini. Definitely a disappointment.
Frenchie and Poulete were both fine. I expected more from Frenchie but service was rushed and detracted from the meal.
Grand Brasserie was a surprise I didn’t have high hopes but the lamb shoulder (to share) was excellent and service was good.
Le Christine was a second visit, first being lunch last year. It was good for the price point but would probably do lunch and not dinner again. Weird playlist in the background put me off.
Went once years ago, didn’t like the vibe, food was ok but not exciting. No idea why it is always on some recommendation lists, maybe due to their marketing team?
Re Omar Dhiab, I don’t think I would have enjoyed any of the dishes you mentioned. And I’ve never experienced other than a quiet hum in the restaurant. The dining room is way too small if groups get noisy.
I have never been to Odette, Mori Venice or Poulette; and Frenchie’s not for a long long time. Even in the earlier days service there seemed a bit rushed.
Grand Brasserie for the lamb shoulder is always a winner. I think we were there with onz for that dish back in December '23.
Pleased to hear you also like the lamb dish. I honestly didn’t have high expectations for Grand Brasserie but would definitely go back and was considering them for a replacement for Jeanne Aimee cancellation.
As for casual places I’m trying to recall lunches … Les Temps des Cerises was as good as before, surprised by Cafe Varenne. Went only because we were standing in front of it at noon. I was concerned it may have had too much media of late but a ravioli Dauphine was very good as well as the chicken. I also thought Les Antiquaries was very good. Full disclosure I did have the burger only because I had hit the wall on duck and chicken:) I’m not a big fan of hamburgers but it was excellent and my husband enjoyed the Bourginion.
Oh, a new place we found is Le Serpentine on Ave. MacMahon off the Arc. We went for lunch and the room is lovely, service was great and the lunch price point was a bargain. The duck was possibly the best I ever had.
If I think of any others will post.
Other casual places:
Au Petit Tonneau in the 7th Rue Surcouf. Unassuming from the street but cute and clean inside. Owner and staff were very nice and accommodating. Be forewarned portions were large. I ordered the plat du jour of young pork roast and it must have been a pound of meat! Blanquette de veau was also very good.
Le Reminet nice little bistro on Rue des Grands Degres, 5e. Mostly locals, definitely need a reservation even at lunch.
Terronia, Rue Boulangers also 5e. Nice Italian option, homemade pasta dishes. Owner was attentive and wanted to make sure all was good.
Senza Nome for pizza - don’t judge:) I was there for over a month so had to mix it up some - on Rue du
Roule right off Rivoli. Tiny wood fired pizza place that was excellent. A number of different topping options plus calzones.
