L'Ile de la Réunion

With tables spilling out over the pavement of Rue Daguerre, restaurant L’Île de La Réunion offers a fleeting trip to the tropical Indian Ocean island and former French colony. It’s a popular hangout, and anyone wishing to smoke outside should think about reserving a spot on the terrace.

The house punch makes a fine apéritif, lusciously flavoured with passion fruit, coconut, mango, pineapple or lychee. The small quantities don’t detract from its gorgeous taste, though the price might (€6 for 120ml). Starters really deliver, with things like fantastic melt-in-the-mouth blood sausages served with vegetable achar (Indian-style pickle) (€7), aubergine fritters (€6) and stuffed crab (€10).

Main dishes (€15 to €31) span fish, shellfish, meat and vegetables, most often accompanied with perfectly cooked rice and a selection of spicy sauces (which can be overpowering – choose carefully). Our duck civet (a type of ragout) was too salty, and at dessert a pineapple upside-down cake (€6) was very dry despite the crème anglaise. In all, it’s best to go for the €20 set menu (which includes either a starter and main, or a main and dessert) in order to explore L’Île de la Réunion’s exciting but slightly hit-and-miss menu without breaking the bank.