Sancerre * 7e and other Paris, France Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Sancerre

Sancerre serves a small menu of omlettes, quiches & salads -- the main event is the red and white Sancerre wine. The inside is decorated with murals and objects from the Sancerre region. It is a warm and cozy place. As do most wine bars, Sancerre closes early in the evening. On the other hand they open early to accomodate the French worker's custom of having a glass of wine before work -- referred to as "tuer le ver" -- literally "kill the worm"
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If you face the street you can see the wonderful Art Nouveau building just opposite at 29 rue de Rapp -- and, after dark, you can see the lights of the Eiffel tower twinkle in its windows on the hour.

Favorite Dish: I love the simple omlette with ham and cheese and the green salad.

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Theme: French
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01-45-51-75-91
Address: 22 ave. Rapp - 7e
Directions: Across the street from the famous Art Nouveau facade at 29 ave Rapp.

Restaurant Name: La Fontaine de Mars

We ate here first back in the days when the menu was a purple mimeograph sheet. The new owners have kept the same menu style, now printed, and have maintained the same southwest menu and decor style. Downstairs is a bustling bistro. Upstairs a quieter more elegant dining area.
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Reservations are essential and should be made at least a day ahead. They speak English so no worries there.

Favorite Dish: Well my grilled salmon in lemon cream sauce on a bed of leeks was delicious. Our French friend had the pictured special. Of course I had floating island for dessert!

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Theme: French
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 47 05 46 44
Address: 129 rue Saint-Dominique, 75005 Paris
Directions: Just off ave. Bosquet.
Website: http://www.forbes.com/2001/06/07/parisrestaurants_2.html

Restaurant Name: La Fontaine de Mars

La Fontaine de Mars was run for many years by an old couple from southwestern France. The new management has wisely kept the same warm bistro feel while updating the food and, alas, raising the prices. For me it is still a wonderful place for a special meal.
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In the summer you can eat outside. Inside downstairs is a comfy bistro setting, while upstairs is a little more formal. The food is southwestern French. The house wine is Chinon.
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The service is welcoming and professional -- many of the waiters speak some English.

Favorite Dish: The dessert: Iles flottantes.
The cassoulet... mmmmm

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Theme: French
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 129 rue Saint-Dominique, 75005 Paris
Directions: Near ave Bosquet
Other Contact: T?l : 01.47.05.46.44 -- Fax : 0

Restaurant Name: Thoumieux

This is a bustling traditional French bistro/brasserie. favored by Parisians and tourists in the know. The food is good and the price is right. I prefer La Fontaine de Mars for charm and quality of service, but variety is also good! The food is again southwestern French.

Favorite Dish: pintade a la Limousin -- a small guinea hen on a bed of chestnut flavored cabbage. It was very tasty.

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Theme: French

Phone: 01-47-05-49-75
Address: 79, rue Saint-Dominique
Directions: At the other end of the same street as La Fontaine de Mars.
Website: http://www2.resto.be/thoumieux/

Restaurant Name: L'ami Jean

A friend recommend L'ami Jean to me and I was not disappointed. I walked into a very rustic space and was then blown away by the sophisticated presentations and tastes. It's hidden on a small street near rue Cler and is very popular with locals -- so a reservation is a good idea. I called a week in advance to be sure.

Favorite Dish: I loved my deconstructed onion soup. You can see how it was presented to me with the slightly cooked egg on bits of onion and herbs. The soup itself was in a pitcher that I then poured over the egg, cooking it slightly. It was delicious!

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Theme: French
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01-47-05-86-89
Address: 27 rue Malar
Website: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/D41405.html
Other Contact: closed Monday & August

Restaurant Name: La Cigale

Both main course and dessert soufflés are served. They are perfect every time.
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La Cigale has moved to 4 RUE RECAMIER. Reservations are strongly recommended.
I visited the new location recently. The signage isn't very clear from the front, but people were happily tucking into their soufflés.

Favorite Dish: I enjoy the artichoke and goat cheese soufflé -- it was magically airy and completely delicious. Another of my favorites is the green watercress souffle with bacon and a poached egg at the center. The dessert souffles are utterly decadent.

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Theme: French
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01.45.48.87.87
Address: 4 rue Recamier, Arrondissement 7
Directions: The metro remains Sèvres-Babylone

Restaurant Name: Le Babylone

Le Bablyone is a pleasant restaurant/cafe within sight of the upscale department store Bon Marché. The service and the food were fine -- we just had a light lunch. The highlight of the meal was a conversation with an older couple at the next table -- in French!!

Favorite Dish: Last visit I had the delicioous Salade d'Auvergne -- see the pictures for details!

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Theme: French
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: rue Babylone

Restaurant Name: Caf? du March?

A caf? in the middle of the rue Cler market street, popular with both locals and tourists. It can be hard to get a table on a warm summer evening. The café serves a fairly standard bistro menu with some good meal size salads. The servers are usually harried, but not wildly rude.
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On my most recent visit the crepe stand that used to be tucked into the front of the café was no longer there:(


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Theme: French
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 47 05 51.27
Address: 38 rue Cler
Directions: At the corner of rue Cler and rue Champ de Mars
Other Contact: closed Sundays

Restaurant Name: Boulangerie Patisserie Artisnale

Bread, pastries and lunch items such as sandwiches and small pizza. Exquisite and flavorful. And always a long line!!
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It's fun to sit at Cafe du Marche across the street and watch people choosing and then carrying away their prizes!

Favorite Dish: Try EVERYTHING!!! But if you want brioche get there EARLY!

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Theme: Bakery

Address: rue Cler-- corner of rue Champ de Mars
Directions: Walk up rue Cler from ave. La Motte-Piquet and it's about a block on your right.

Restaurant Name: L'Epicierie Fine

Here you can get spices, coffees and other gourmet delights. Walking inside is an invitaion to your sense of smell and a pleasure for your eyes!
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Just across the street is Le Notre -- where chic Paris buys its hostess gifts.


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Theme: Local

Address: 8 rue Champ de Mars
Directions: just off of rue Cler