After enduring the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Paris is experiencing a renaissance in its restaurant scene. With pent-up demand and the resurgence of the city’s tourist trade, Parisian bistros are once again buzzing with life. This article takes you on a culinary journey through six must-visit Parisian bistros that showcase the best of what’s new, combining traditional flavors with a refreshing and simplified approach to cooking.
- Bistrot des Tournelles: Nestled in the vibrant Marais neighborhood, Bistrot des Tournelles offers an authentic Parisian bistro experience. As you wait for a table in its charming long and narrow dining room, take the opportunity to enjoy a drink at the nearby Le Vanart cocktail bar. The bistro’s lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and nostalgic ambiance create the perfect setting for a delightful meal. Indulge in the porcine richness of rillettes from Normandy, sautéed oyster mushrooms, and plump ivory asparagus. For the main course, savor the juicy chicken with morel mushrooms or the flavorful andouillette sausage. Complete your experience with a shared dark chocolate mousse (6 Rue des Tournelles, 4th Arrondissement).
- Janine: Located in Les Batignolles, a neighborhood in the 17th Arrondissement, Janine is a hidden gem that pays homage to both French and Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s chic dining room adorned with oil paintings and flea-market finds sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. Chef Soda Thiam, a talented young chef with a multicultural background, brings inventive twists to traditional French bistro and Italian trattoria dishes. Try the excellent celery rémoulade, vitello tonnato, and other evolving menu offerings. Don’t miss the braised pig cheek with creamy polenta or the roasted cockerel with an herbal pesto sauce. Janine offers a fusion of flavors that will leave you satisfied (90 Rue des Dames, 17th Arrondissement).
- Les Parisiens: Nestled in the heart of St.-Germain-des-Prés, Les Parisiens is an elegant bistro known for its refined ambiance. With its low-lit setting, globe lamps, and Art Deco-style mosaic floor, the restaurant exudes a sophisticated charm. Chef Thibault Sombardier, trained by renowned Michelin-starred chefs, brings his expertise to contemporary French bistro cooking. Indulge in featherweight langoustine quenelles, ris de veau with Provençal sauce, or other enticing options. For dessert, choose between the light vanilla soufflé or the warm chocolate mousse with buckwheat ice cream (1 Rue du Pré aux Clercs, 7th Arrondissement).
- Géosmine: In the trendy Oberkampf quarter of the 11th Arrondissement, Géosmine stands out as a chic and refined bistro. The restaurant’s stylish interior, with recycled wood tables and white cement floors, sets the tone for an elegant dining experience. Chef Maxime Bouttier’s culinary creations marry earthy flavors with elegant presentation. Start with vibrant starters like green asparagus with pistachios and ramps, or morel mushrooms stuffed with ground veal. Indulge in main courses such as sirloin with homemade barbecue sauce or turbot with friar’s beard. For the adventurous, Géosmine even offers a rare dish of cow’s udder with caviar, cream, and seaweed. Experience the sinewy talent and gastronomic creativity of one of Paris’s most impressive young chefs (71 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 11th Arrondissement).
- Des Terres: For those on a budget, Des Terres in the Belleville neighborhood of the 20th Arrondissement offers a delightful dining experience without breaking the bank. With its exposed red brick walls and natural ambiance, this corner bistro caters to a local crowd. Explore the daily changing menu, which features vegetarian-friendly options and a selection of natural and organic wines. Enjoy starters like terrine of veal sweetbreads and morel mushrooms or a flavorful lentil soup. For the main course, savor pan-roasted cod or indulge in golden-domed pithiviers filled with celeriac, mushrooms, and potatoes. End your meal with a fluffy chestnut mousse or other tempting desserts (82 Rue Alexandre Dumas, 20th Arrondissement).
As Paris recovers from the impact of the pandemic, its restaurant scene is thriving once again. These six bistros capture the essence of Parisian dining, each with its unique culinary style and ambiance. Whether you seek traditional flavors or a contemporary twist, these bistros offer a diverse range of dishes to tantalize your taste buds. From classic French bistro cooking to inventive fusions of flavors, these establishments showcase the creativity and talent of Paris’s young chefs. So, immerse yourself in the revitalized culinary landscape of Paris and embark on a gastronomic journey through its beloved bistros.