In the heart of the 5th
I don’t think you could find a 'better value' for money in a more charming bistro. Located in the busy centre of the 5th its everything a lunchtime experience should be. Good food served efficiently and with a smile. Comfortable seating, 1920’s frescos, quality wine by the glass and three excellent courses for €16 euors. (You can also choose 2 plates from €13).
There is of course the ‘menu de carte’ from 31 euors which I look forward to trying in the future. My starter, sashimi salmon was lightly drizzled with a soy dressing, the main, a fleshy callibaud (fish) although served warm not ‘hot’ was fine and rested on a bed of spiced ratatouille, tasty enough but not sensational.
All was forgiven however with a mouthful of the ‘crème de pistaschio’ topped with a raspberry coulis. Other diners were enjoying ‘Porc de Pieds with lentils’, ‘Mouton and haricots beans’ and ‘Poitrine veau farci’ all appeared very appetizing –
Le Buisson Argent - rue Jussieu 75005 Paris T: 33 (0)1 43 54 93 02
www.lebuissonardent.fr
4th - 6th
Les Bouquinistes
— A lovely restaurant situated on the Quai of the Seine. Decor is modern, minimalist but elegant. Service is attentive and friendly. Sampled was the ‘Carpaccio de Canard’ accompanied by a Foie Gras and Kumquat confiture; followed by ‘Croustillants d’escargots’ drizzled in a light garlic cream sauce. Both were close to perfect. Also tried was one of their signature dishes, ‘Ravioli Brittany Crab’, served in a frothy light sauce with a hint of ginger, oil and lemongrass.
Don’t miss this restaurant, which is one of six in the Guy Savoy stable. A lunchtime set menu starts from €25 (menu du jour) with one glass of wine, however the comfortable, relaxed environment will probably have you ordering another.
www.lesbouquinistes.com
53 quai des Grand Augustins t : 01 43 25 45 94
Ze Kitchen Galerie
— Enticed but not overly excited by the menu I ventured in to this lovely restaurant just behind Les Bouquinistes. As a lone diner, I felt very comfortable, service was attentive and fast. It was the food however, was a wonderful surprise. The presentation was like the art on the wall, combined with creative Asian influence. A Tuna sashimi was drizzled in wonderful Thai dressing. The langoustines ravioli were sensational. The fixed menu, €39 included a glass of wine and coffee; very reasonable for the quality of food.
I don’t believe this place could disappoint. Try for a seat near the glass-walled kitchen.
www.zekitchengalerie.fr
4 rue des Grands Augustine t: 01 44 32 00 32
Bouillon Racine
— A 1906 brasserie that has retained its Art Nouveau decor. The menu combines traditional dishes with some modern touches. Suckling pig stuffed and spit roasted, rib steak, Pork or Lamb shank, roasted duckling as well as numerous fish dishes. Good prices, most mains around 15 - 17€.
This is not exceptional eating but a nice bistro that locals frequent on Sundays with families.
Open daily from 12 until 11am
www.bouillonracine.com
3 rue Racine t : 01 44 32 15 60
Indian Yugaraj
— The reviews on this Indian are quite good and it is reputed to be the best in Paris. It has been in business for over 37 years so they must be doing something right. Formula menus from €19; a dégustation of 6 plats expect €66 pp and 'a la carte' dishes from €40.
It can be difficult to find a 'really hot' curry so if you don't like your curry mild, ensure to ask for a little extra spice or two.
Open for lunch and dinner midday-2pm then 7pm until 10pm. Closed Mondays.
www.yugaraj.com
14 rue Dauphine, 75006 t: 01 43 26 44 91
Le Relais de L'Entrecôte
— If you are seeking the best 'steak et frites' this is a Parisian institution. Arrive close to opening time at 7pm to avoid queues. Once seated the harried but usually friendly waitress will ask how you like your steak.
Well done = bien cuit
Medium-rare = à point
Rare = Saignant
Very Rare = Bleu.
First a walnut salad, then a large silver tray will arrive with your steak, accompanied by a pepper sauce with a hint of mustard. No doubt a secret recipe. Seconds are encouraged, sometimes thirds!
20 rue Saint-Benoit, t: 01 45 49 16 00
Coco & Co - 'Brunch à la ferme'
— If you no longer feel like another croissant for breakfast, Coco is a new cafe featuring English style breakfasts and several wonderful concoctions with eggs, truffle, scrambled. Their house specialty is 'eggs Bénédicte de Paris'. The ambiance is very cosy, benches with large cushions. Dine either at a bar or the mezzanine level. It is open for continual service until 5pm, a little later on Wednesday - Friday.
www.cocoandco.fr
11 rue Bernard Palissy 75006, t: 01 45 44 02 52
La Ferrandaise - Good Value
— For the heart of St. Germain-des-Pres, this bistro offers good value. A menu degustation of fresh markets products starts at €38 for six plates so its a wonderful way to try the season's produce. The menu a la carte is extensive with a selection of meat and fish dishes such as ''Sauté de veau' or 'Filet de perche viennoise au parmesan, cocotte d’artichaut, pétales de tomate confite, pates calamarata', three courses for €32.
Open Monday to Friday and Saturday evenings only. M: Odeon or Cluny Sorbonne. The restaurant is named after a cow in the Auvergne region.
www.laferrandaise.com
8 rue de Vaugirard, 75006, t: 01 43 26 36 36
Italian Coffee Fix - Emporio Armani Cafe
— I don't mind saying, I just don't like french coffee, I much prefer the creamy texture of coffee Italian style so I head here for a cafe fix and some window shopping. They also serve other Italian delights such as Parma ham and melon, Tuscan pigeon and fish dishes but expect to pay around 30+ for one course with a glass of wine and coffee.
Site not yet ready.
www.emporioarmanicaffe.fr
149 boulevard Saint-Germain 75006, t: 01 45 48 62 15