Stuck for somewhere great to eat while in the City of Light? We have the answer to your tummy rumbles!
Caf̩ A РFacebook page
148 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010
This charming little café, in the 10th arrondissement, serves delicious fresh organic food, such as cold cuts and bruschetta. To find it, walk through the gates of the former 17th century convent, and keep going under the arcade until you come to the architectural museum’s very pretty courtyard, with its chairs & tables and deck chairs. Perfect for a lazy afternoon of al fresco food and conversation.
Café A is open from 9am until midnight, seven days a week.
Chez Louisette
136 Avenue Michelet, 93400
Tucked away in the Marché aux Puces (the famous Parisian flea market), situated between a couple of antique dealers, is Chez Louisette – a delightfully kitschy bistro which feels as though you have been transported back to the French movies of the 1930s.
The food is simple and traditional fare, and there’s beer and wine, as well as hot and cold soft drinks. The main reason for visiting Chez Louisette, however, is the singers, who entertain with vintage French classics from the likes of Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour et al. If you’ve ever wished you could visit a quinguette like you’ve seen in old movies, this is the place to go to!
Chez Louisette is open between 8.30am – 6.30pm, Saturday to Monday only.
L’Etage de Pastavino – Facebook page
18 Rue de Buci, 75006
This seemingly-ordinary Italian deli in St Germain hides a big secret: at the back of the shop is a spiral staircase which leads to a bijou upstairs restaurant (Italian of course), serving pasta, risotto, gnocchi, and of course, fresh meats and cheeses, which you can also buy in the deli downstairs.
L’Etage de Pastavino is open every day between 9.30am-11.30pm, and booking is advisable.
Le Foyer de la Madeleine – website
L’Eglise Sainte Madeleine, Place de la Madeleine, 75008
Despite this year celebrating its 45th anniversary, this truly is a secret eatery – one that even the locals don’t seem to be very aware of, often favouring the more expensive (and crowded) La Maison de la Truffe or Caviar Kaspia.
Head behind the flower market, and go through the small door at the side of the church to find this charming restaurant, staffed by volunteers, and housed in the vaults beneath Napoléon’s temple. An three-course lunch will set you back 15 euro, and proceeds from their excellent repasts go to help the needy.
Le Foyer de la Madeleine is open between 11.45am–2.00pm, Monday to Friday.