Le Bouclard

Despite its heavy door with a tiny window that gives the impression it’s a secret club, Le Bouclard is actually a very welcoming restaurant, open to all (including the odd celebrity guest, including Vincent Cassel and Dominique Farrugia, who have been spotted here). A few minutes' walk from the Place de Clichy, Michel Bonnemort set it up 20 years ago, offering something between grandma’s home cooking and gastronomy. The cosy 1920s décor is welcoming, and you can choose to sit near the very beautiful decorated bar or on a the small raised area which overlooks the room.
 
We started with a gratin of crayfish tails, and seared foie gras with truffle rubbed new potatoes – both subtle and delicious to the point, almost to the point where we wanted to order them all over again. A good start for a set menu for only €37. For mains, grilled veal marinated with thyme came piping hot, fragrant and well-seasoned, if slightly dwarfed by a mountain of potatoes and lamb’s lettuce. It’s not necessarily the best choice here, especially when you could have divine pike-stuffed cabbage with crayfish. At dessert, an astounding sugarless, eggless and butter-free chocolate mousse, or a selection of small desserts: Grand Marnier crème brûlée, baba au rhum and chocolate mousse.
 
There's a great wine list, and service is attentive yet never overbearing, making Le Bouclard is ideal for a romantic evening out or relaxed dinner with friends. Given that the fifty seats in the restaurant get filled up quickly, reservation is recommended.