Mama Lova

Mama Lova is the image of its neighbourhood: popular and modern, a bit cool without overdoing it, and above all friendly and no-nonsense. At cocktail hour, local regulars and bright young things leaving work mix cheerfully here – and it’s worth tracking it down on the Rue Marcadet, a little way from the high-end bustle around Jules Joffrin metro, as this bar celebrates everything artisanal and homemade.

The tapas menu is a delight: mini fish and chips, grilled prawns with chorizo, melon balls marinated in Muscat, nuggets of cod with peeled cherry tomatoes and mozzarella – all for €15. The snacks are ideal for teaming with cocktails from the long list – perhaps a Mamajito, a mojito reinvented with homemade ginger, or a Cucumber, with gin and cucumbers in syrup. During happy hour, cocktails are just €5.50. Service is a little slow, but we’ll forgive them as they make the drinks so carefully from scratch.

For anyone on the wagon, Mama Lova have also created their own iced tea and their own lemonade (€3.50 a glass), squeeze fresh fruit juices and offer a wide range of artisanal syrups, including chestnut and cinnamon. You can also dine here, from the short menu featuring just three dishes: fish and chips (not mini this time), burger or vegan salad, plus a daily lunchtime special that changes seasonally.