Top Eight: Second Year Favorites
And here it is; another list I compiled of my favorite restaurants in my second year of living in Paris! If you know me and follow me on Instagram, my “new year” starts in Sept, at la rentrée when the kids go back to school. A bit of breathing room, time to organize intentions, and the bonus of the weather still being lovely. (See my Top Eight: First Year Favorites here, in case you missed it!) In no particular order, here are some definite must visits from me to you!
#1 - Colvert
This spot on Saint-Andre des Arts in the 6th is excellent - wonderful small menu with a lunch formule (set menu for a great value). Elevated but cozy dining room. A neighborhood friend and I enjoyed this lovely meal one rainy afternoon.
#2 - Enni Udon
Definitely a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it type of place in the 8th arrondissement! Alerted to this place by a friend (Rina) who is in-the-know with great Japanese food, she suggested this for a nice lunch post Dior flagship visit. Excellent lunch menu and formule option with noodles and tempura - authentic and delicious. This area is dominated by expensive, scene-y places that are rarely worth the money, so having this spot up your sIeeve is a definite must!
#3 - Vesper
This James Bond fan obviously loves the name, but there’s no weird movie decor in sight, just modern elegance! Another elevated formule lunch option - can you sense a theme? Ha! I booked this with a group of friends, two of whom were visiting from the States (Noelani and Heather!) Brisket tacos were filling and delicious with a little rosé and voilà! Vesper is owned by the same group that also has Fitzgerald from my previous list and has a great nighttime vibe at dinner as a result. This restaurant is in an area of the 7th right near the Eiffel Tower that can be touristy sometimes, so it’s great to have these on your personal map of nice spots.
#4 - Marcello
Another day, another lovely lunch! This great Italian spot is family owned and near Marché Saint-Germain in the 6th. It has a nice hidden terrace and the main entrance is down a staircase from the street. Lovely interior and great pasta du jour for lunch. All around delicious, especially this dessert pictured below!
#5 - Au 35
I have had several meals at this cozy spot - always full of locals and beautifully presented, consistent food. Lovely wine list for dinner and the different fish dishes I have had there have been stellar. Book this for lunch and sit near the window for great people watching as the locals move around the neighborhood at midi.
#6 - Le Gentil
What an absolute treasure of a place - on a quieter street just off La Tour Maubourg in the 7th; avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy lunch or dinner here where the menu changes daily. I have never had even a mediocre bite here, everything is always delicious. Family owned and operated - I was so happy to have been told by two foodie friends who live in the area to come here!
#7 - La Charrette
Lunching in style here just steps aways from École de Beaux-Arts - this super cool restaurant opened/was refurbished only two-ish years ago. Signature brick red color and original touches inside make it aesthetic AND the food is nice. My first time here was with Claudine of BleuBlondeRouge fame and we had a blast. I took even more friends there the next time I went and tried the truffle croque monsieur which lived up to what I had hyped up in my mind! I love waIking by in the evenings and seeing all the locals spilling outside on the street enjoying themselves. Tip: go for the happy hour and immerse yourself in this beautiful section of Saint Germain-des-Prés.
#8 - Prés de Seine
Another perfect suggestion from Claudine, we met up here so we could celebrate her birthday and I was able to discover this lovely, locally owned restaurant. Great location on the edge of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and has beautifully presented dishes with flair. The cold Sancerre was heaven to top it all off! We loved the daily specials here which is usually my recommendation for visitors when coming to a new-to-you spot.
