Bofinger is one of the most popular brasseries in Paris, featuring an impressive interior with a stained-glass ceiling, hand-painted murals, paneling and leather-upholstered benches. The menu is loaded with quality seafood and veal dishes and Alsatian choucroutes (sauerkraut dishes with beef, pork or sausages), a house specialty. The restaurant is extremely popular and turns tables at the speed of light. The controlled chaos is apparently part of the appeal.
Bouillon Julien is a historic Parisian restaurant, designed in Art Nouveau style, serving traditional French cuisine at affordable prices. The eatery’s enchanting atmosphere and delectable food have made it an iconic destination cherished by both locals and tourists.
Aux Crus de Bourgogne might just be our favorite restaurant in Paris. Featuring high quality cuts of steak and chicken prepared with luxurious sauces or slowly braised in stews. Most of the the sauces and stews utilize unique culinary ingredients such a chanterelle, morelle and porcini mushrooms. The menu reads like a Julia Childs cookbook. But it’s not just the food. Everything from the demeanor and aptitude of the waiters to the weight of the silverware and white tablecloths shouts sophistication. It’s a beautiful marriage between classic country French and sophisticated Parisian presentation. This one should be top of the list.
Café Mericourt is a small specialty coffee shop that offers an interesting breakfast menu that includes includes dishes like orange water pancakes and a North African shakshuka. A down-home, laid-back ambience is 100% free of pretense yet sophisticated enough to appeal almost any diner. Service is better than acceptable. It’s the best option for both coffee and breakfast in the Mericourt / Oberkampf neighborhoods of the 11th.
Café de la Rotonde is our favorite of the much-ballyhooed ‘grand cafés’ of Paris, although Le Dome, directly across the street is impressive as well, both in terms of décor and culinary prowess. The décor features paneled walls (what few there are) and striking red upholstery with walls strewn with artwork from revered contemporary artist Amedeo Modigliani, who is said to have frequented this café with contemporaries Pablo Picasso and Nina Hamnett. Red wicker chairs line the sidewalk of this impressive café. The American breakfast was perfectly executed.
Hardware Société is an Australian-born café that found its way to Paris. Highly popular with a probable wait for a table, the restaurant is pleasantly decorated and service is acceptable or better. Execution varies. Sometimes, flawless. But on a recent visit, the eggs on my Prawn Benedict were slightly undercooked. Start the morning of your visit to the Sácre Couer with breakfast here. Arrive at opening to avoid the wait for table then make your way up the hill to the church after breakfast.
t coming soon