L'Improbable

Paris might seem improbably beautiful a lot of the time, but L’Improbable is a less classic proposition. In the middle of the 4th arrondissement, a former garage has been completely re-done to create an on-trend, relaxed hangout. Newsprint papers the walls, chaises longues are suspended from the ceiling like hammocks, and everywhere are green plants, coloured curtains, squashy sofas and high tables. Against all this laid-back cool, the truck where the food is prepared ends up looking slightly out of place.

The overstuffed Belgian ‘pistolet’ (‘pistol’) sandwiches served (€8 or €10 with a salad) are a bit special – we liked the Garfield, with guacamole, chicken and ham, plus a scrumptious tabbouleh salad with avocado, cucumber and coriander. Drinks include Saor fruit juices and homemade lemonade, and there are quality patisseries to finish. It doesn’t matter, in the end, that L’Improbable fills up quickly and the staff are over-stretched, or that the electro soundtrack is a bit blah – the overall vibe is exceptional enough that we want to go back, and soon.