Le Trumilou - French Cuisine and other Paris, France Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Le Trumilou

Wanting an authentic French meal without the 'bells & whistles' ? If so, stop by this Parisian institution for a meal.

Le Trumilou is a cosy and friendly feeling restaurant located by the Seine, close to the Hotel de Ville.

I had read a few good reviews about it so was keen to try it out for dinner. We turned up early evening without a booking and there was a table available for us. It wasn't in the main part of the restaurant, but in the adjoining room. Nice, but not at atmospheric. (Perhaps I will book next time).

Favorite Dish: Service was very friendly and helpful….though a little slow at times.

Our meal was delicious. We had lamb served with potatoes and also veal served with fries (as per the photos). To accompany our meal we had a nice bottle of red Bordeaux. We managed to squeeze in some Crème Brulee for dessert.

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Theme: French
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 42 77 63 98
Address: 84 Quai de l'Hotel de Ville, Paris 75004
Directions: By the Seine

Nearest Metro: Hotel de Ville
Website: http://www.hiptravelguide.com/paris/reviews-55.html

Restaurant Name: China Club

By co-incidence, on one trip to Paris we happened to be there at the same time as some good friends were, so we decided to meet up for dinner.

They had read about a really good Chinese restaurant that they wanted to try….it was called China Club, and when I started to research it prior to our trip I discovered that it was actually a pretty hip place to go and that the food was reputed to be excellent.

The evening started with cocktails in the Library Bar on the 2nd floor of the China Club. This was a classy start to a great evening with friends. Service was first class throughout the night.

After drinks we moved downstairs into main restaurant area for what was a pretty special dinner. This was gourmet Chinese food….probably some of the best (and most expensive) I have had.

Favorite Dish: We started the meal with a selection of spring rolls. Then enjoyed main courses such as Roasted Leg of Lamb with small pancakes & hoi sin sauce; Steamed fillet of Salmon with Chinese mushrooms & ginger; and Steamed Scallops with black bean sauce.

We drank wine and beer with our food.

Desserts we had included Key Lime Pie; Poached pear with honey & ginger; and Lemon Sorbet with Vodka.

If you want to carry on after your meal, there is a nightclub downstairs from the restaurant which also has live music on some nights.

The China Club is a great place, so put your glad rags on and give it a try when you need a break from French Food.

Booking is required…though you may get away without it on quieter nights.

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Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 43 43 82 02
Address: 50 rue de Charenton, Paris 75012
Directions: Nearest metro: Bastille
Website: http://www.chinaclub.cc/
Other Contact: welcome@chinaclub.cc

Restaurant Name: Le Stado

When I visited Paris in September 2007 with my parents I wanted to find somewhere with a bit a character for lunch one day, and when I stumbled across Le Stado I knew I had found what I was after. Le Stado is a small, lively bistro, which was full of lunching Parisians when we visited. The walls are covered with sporting memorabilia and photos of a French singer, Alain Barriere.

We were given a very friendly welcome and were squeezed into a table towards the rear of the room. We ordered water and wine and decoded the menu. We decided to take advantage of the 3 course lunch special for only 12 euro (in fact, we thought it was 18 euro until we got the bill, but thought it was a bargain anyway!).

Favorite Dish: Mum and I started with the tuna salad, which was more than enough for lunch. Dad had some sort of terrine which he thoroughly enjoyed. Main course for Mum and I was the very delicious Beef Bourguignon, whilst Dad had the equally tasty Duck Confit. Somehow we managed to force down our dessert as well - Lemon tart for me, which was not to the same standard as the rest of the meal.

We loved the lively atmosphere at Le Stado and really enjoyed our lunch. I would happily return on my next visit to Paris.

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Theme: French
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 42 60 29 75
Address: 150 Rue Saint Honore, 75001 Paris
Directions: Nearest metro: Louvre-Rivoli
Website: http://www.lestado.com/

Restaurant Name: Glacier Berthillon

If you find yourself on Ile Saint-Louis (the smaller of the 2 Seine Islands) one day then make sure you pop into Glacier Berthillon.

At Berthillon you will find some of the best ice cream in town. This Paris institution has around 70 flavours on offer - something for everybody!

You can enjoy some scoops in the pretty tea room, or get a cone or cup of creamy delight to take away.

Favorite Dish: Having read about this place I made sure it was top priority on our days itinerary….heading to Ile Saint-Louis mid morning to see what the fuss was all about.

There was so many flavours to choose from it was hard to make a decision….in the end we stuck to some old favourites - I had Hazelnut and Coffee flavours and Alex had Chocolate and Tiramisu. It was all really good.

Just remember, it is never too cold for good ice cream - so even if you are visiting in winter, don't hesitate to stop by Berthillon!

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Theme: Ice Cream
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 43 54 31 61
Address: 29-31 rue Saint Louis en l'ile, Paris 75004
Directions: On the smaller of the Seine islands.

Nearest metro: Pont Marie
Website: http://www.berthillon.fr

Restaurant Name: Le Gai Moulin Restaurant

We were staying in Le Marais district of Paris and here one is spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants. There are so many in a smallish area….which is great…but also makes it difficult to decide where to eat.

We chose Le Gai Moulin as it had been very busy when we had walked by previously and also the food looked and sounded good. We were not disappointed.

Favorite Dish: There was a set price 3 course menu. For entrée Alex had the Egg Cocotte with Foie Gras that he said was amazing and Chris & I had a salad. Main course we all had Pavé of Beef with Béarnaise sauce, served with chips. And how could we go past the Crème Brulee for dessert.

We enjoyed a bottle of red Bordeaux with our meal.

It was a great meal in this small busy restaurant, which gives you the real Marais experience.

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Theme: French
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 48 87 47 59
Address: 4 Rue St Merri, Paris 75004
Directions: Nearest metro: Hotel de Ville
Website: http://www.le-gai-moulin.com/

Restaurant Name: Restaurant de la terrasse at La Samaritaine

If you find yourself shopping in the Samaritaine Department store and want to have a meal/coffee/drink, then you can do no better than a visit to the Terrace Restaurant/Café on the 10th Floor.

Ok, it isn't the cheapest option….or the best food….but that view!!

The Terrace Restaurant is an open air café with magnificent views of the Seine and the Left Bank, including the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

It is not open during winter or if the weather is particularly bad. When it is open, you can enjoy lunch or snacks and in summer also dinner.

Favorite Dish: Even if you are not hungry I would highly recommend a trip up to the 10th floor just to look at the view.

We had lunch here on a very windy day - it was pretty cold, but worth it. We both had a Croque Monsieur and a glass of red wine. The food was simple but tasty. But as I said, it is not about the food.

***** JAN 2006 - SAMARITAINE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS - PLEASE CHECK THEIR WEBSITE BEFORE YOU TRY AND VISIT! *****

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 0800 010 015
Address: 19, rue de la Monnaie 75001 PARIS
Directions: Nearest metro: Pont-Neuf, Louvre-Rivoli and Châtelet stations
Website: http://www.lasamaritaine.com

Restaurant Name: Leon de Bruxelles

We first discovered Leon when we were in Brussels and enjoyed a meal there, so when we saw it in Paris as well we decided to pop in for lunch. Turns out there are branches all over the place in France, including several in Paris.

Have now twice had lunch at the branch on the Champs Elysees. Service has been friendly and the food tasty and generous.

Favorite Dish: We have a penchant for mussels and chips….and of course beer! On both occasions we have ordered the Moules Crème which are served with frites and washed it down with a big Belgium beer.

We took my mother-in-law for a meal there and she surprised us by downing on of those big beers too!

*See the website for details of all branches*

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 42 25 96 16
Address: 63 Avenue des Champs Elysees, Paris 75008
Directions: Nearest metro: George-V
Website: http://www.leon-de-bruxelles.fr/

Restaurant Name: La P'tit Cantine

Arriving in Paris one Friday evening we were a little tired from the working week so wanted to have dinner not to far from our hotel.

We were staying in Le Marais district, so were spoilt for choice - loads of restaurants to choose from. We walked about, looking at menus and decided on La P'tit Cantine as it looked nice and friendly (and they had a spare table!).

The restaurant was smallish with a relaxed feel and friendly enough staff.

Favorite Dish: Alex and I both opted for some red meat - I had the Entrecote and he had the Cote de Boeuf. Both were cooked well and we were happy with our choices. We also enjoyed a bottle of red Bordeaux with our meal.

We couldn't resist desserts - I had my favourite, Crème Brulee, and Alex had the Moelleux au chocolat, which was a little 'half cooked' chocolate pudding. Divine.

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Theme: French
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 42 71 44 48
Address: 22 rue des Lombards, Paris 75004
Directions: Nearest metro: Chatelet or Hotel de Ville

Restaurant Name: Café Beaubourg

Located in a pedestrian zone, across from the George Pompidou centre, Café Beaubourg is one of those places to be seen.

With a large amount of rowed terrace seating to the front and 2 levels of seating inside, it is a busy place at all times of day, from breakfast till the early hours.

Service is not the greatest…well, perhaps for the locals, but not for us.

Favorite Dish: Our first visit to Café Beaubourg was for some drinks and dessert one evening. We sat outside, enjoying the mild spring night and watching some of the beautiful people.

On another trip to Paris we popped in for a quick lunch one day. This time we sat inside as it was a little cool for alfresco dining. I had a tasty Croque Madame and Alex had a Lamb Brochette. A couple of beers rounded off the meal.

A good option for a drink in the evenings and some serious people watching.

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01 48 87 63 96
Address: 43 Rue St Merri/100 Rue Saint Martin, Paris 75004
Directions: Nearest metro: Rambuteau or Hotel de Ville

Restaurant Name: Café le Départ St-Michel

On one visit to Paris we were staying in the Latin Quarter and our hotel was located close to lots of cafes and restaurants. After we checked in to the hotel we were looking for some afternoon tea and decided to stop in at the lively Café le Départ St-Michel.

This is a 24 hour café that is probably more popular as a place to have a drink than a meal, as the food is not reputed to be the greatest.

The café is located on the corner Place St-Michel, across the road from the Seine and right by one of the metro exits.
It appealed to us as it has lots of tables on the terrace making it a prime people watching place on a sunny day.

Favorite Dish: I think the other thing that appealed was that they had ice cream on the menu!

So, we enjoyed an afternoon tea of coffee and ice cream and thrilled at being back in Paris.

We returned the next morning for a breakfast of coffee and croissants and I must confess that I think we went there another afternoon for more ice cream….well, when you're on a good thing ; )

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 01-43-54-24-55
Address: 1 place St-Michel, Paris
Directions: Nearest metro: St Michel