El Tast (CLOSED)

Good news for chorizo fans – the charcuterie board is having a renaissance at El Tast (Spanish for ‘taste’) in the 18th arrondissement. Four young chaps (two Spaniards, a Mexican and a Frenchman) have created their ideal charcuterie and alehouse here: a light-filled space perfect for a lunchtime manchego sandwich (€4.80) or an after-work aperitif along with an epic cheese or charcuterie platter (€7.10-€24.80). 

Set in a former butcher’s shop, the tiled floor is the perfect setting for the boys’ stock of top quality Spanish hams and fine, mostly French, beers. Whole shelves are filled with ranks of interesting bottles – if you’re having trouble choosing, there’s a chalk board of recommendations or the advice of the warm, friendly while coolly expert staff.