La Cave Signature (CLOSED)

This wine bar-cum-delicatessen in the 15th arrondissement has a warm and intimate feel about it, with only a handful of tables and charming furniture fashioned out of old wine barrels. Run by the same team as the identically named bistro opposite, La Cave Signature boasts a small terrace overlooking the small Place du Général-Monclar and is best suited to cosy dates rather than large get-togethers.

Glasses are helpfully arranged into three price bands: ‘small pleasures’ (reds, whites and rosés from €4), ‘good moments’ (around €6) and ‘special occasions’ (Champagne, €10). In the middle band, for instance, there’s a particularly flavourful Minervois and a thoroughly pleasant Saumur-Champigny. Spirits are also available, and so too are various draft beers and artisanal bottles like the Levalloise lager and the Citra Galactique pale ale. For non-drinkers, there’s a decent range of fruit juices and various flavours of Club-Mate. Team your drinks with an excellent plate of mature cheeses or some exquisite ham (€12-€20), but avoid the rather banal sausage and chorizo.

TRANSLATION: HUW OLIVER.