Paris - le Bistrot de Paris
Summer 2008
Frank's view 
'disappointed camel'
The concierge at Hotel Montalembert had no hesitation in recommending le Bistrot de Paris when I enquired as to a good traditional Parisian bistrot in Saint Germain des Pres. Indeed, when I asked another member of the Montalembert team for directions, he was equally enthusiastic.
We were apparently in for a treat.
Le Bistrot de Paris is in rue de Lille, a few minutes walk from rue du Bac and rue du Montalembert. Established in 1965, this bistrot is clearly popular with locals and ticks all the ambience boxes. It would make a good model for a movie set.
Parking is an issue in the area, which is overcome by the presence of a ‘Voiturier’, the Parisian answer to Hollywood style Valet Parking.
Starters are around €12 – 14, with the exception of Foie Gras at €16.50, which I ordered. It arrived as a slice with 2 pieces of toast. Onion marmalade or another appropriate accompaniment would have been appreciated. The Camel’s companion ordered rocket salad, which was simply rocket, slices of parmesan and balsamic vinegar. This really was basic, no frills food.
To follow the Camel’s companion had duck with spinach and sautee potatoes (€24). I chose ‘pave de boeuf’, a slice of sirloin steak with fine beans (€27.50).
The duck was chewy, the steak was good, but not exceptional.
To end we shared a cheese plate (€10). Disappointingly for France, the three cheeses had just come out of the fridge. They were certainly not room temperature ripe!
The food bill for two was around €100. I chose a bottle of Chateau Cardonne, grand cru Medoc (€40). It was good but not a bargain.
If you’re looking for a traditional bistrot in Saint Germain Des Pres try Allard in Odeon.
Le Bistrot de Paris
33 Rue de Lille
St Germain Des Pres
Paris
+33 1 42 61 16 83
We were apparently in for a treat.
Le Bistrot de Paris is in rue de Lille, a few minutes walk from rue du Bac and rue du Montalembert. Established in 1965, this bistrot is clearly popular with locals and ticks all the ambience boxes. It would make a good model for a movie set.
Parking is an issue in the area, which is overcome by the presence of a ‘Voiturier’, the Parisian answer to Hollywood style Valet Parking.
Starters are around €12 – 14, with the exception of Foie Gras at €16.50, which I ordered. It arrived as a slice with 2 pieces of toast. Onion marmalade or another appropriate accompaniment would have been appreciated. The Camel’s companion ordered rocket salad, which was simply rocket, slices of parmesan and balsamic vinegar. This really was basic, no frills food.
To follow the Camel’s companion had duck with spinach and sautee potatoes (€24). I chose ‘pave de boeuf’, a slice of sirloin steak with fine beans (€27.50).
The duck was chewy, the steak was good, but not exceptional.
To end we shared a cheese plate (€10). Disappointingly for France, the three cheeses had just come out of the fridge. They were certainly not room temperature ripe!
The food bill for two was around €100. I chose a bottle of Chateau Cardonne, grand cru Medoc (€40). It was good but not a bargain.
If you’re looking for a traditional bistrot in Saint Germain Des Pres try Allard in Odeon.
Le Bistrot de Paris
33 Rue de Lille
St Germain Des Pres
Paris
+33 1 42 61 16 83
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
