The décor here is very bland, with its basic panelling, harsh lighting, old curtains and a Breton flag hung on one wall. The only charm of the place itself is its position in the small square in front of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, a rare haven of tranquillity near the bustling Gare du Nord. The service can be rather blunt, but is nonetheless convivial at heart. This restaurant is not big on flourishes, but it knows how to feed the famished.
All efforts have been concentrated on the quality of the produce and the confidence of the menu, which lists the origins of the produce and has added the occasional twist, like a small sharing plate of winkles with a house mayonnaise to go with the menu. Then choose from thigns like venison steak served with its foie gras, scallops, pork with lentils or venison steak on a bed of mushrooms.
Supplements of €5, €8 or even €10 are quickly added to the €34 fixed menu of main course and dessert, so the bill can seem unreasonable. Fortunately, dessert comes to the rescue. The Paris-Brest by Chez Michel, sprinkled with caramelized walnuts, is a king of desserts.
This restaurant serves one of Time Out's 50 best dishes in Paris. Click here to see the full list.