One of the best restaurants in Paris, excellent food, service & ambiance. Algerian coucous with delicious meats & veggies, Definetly go there, it's also very reasonably priced. We loved it! read more

This super authentic French Cafe was by our AirBnB. We knew we had to try it because it was not a touristy spot. The interior was filled with wood decor and that typical French bar/cafe look. The menu was only in French so we knew it had to be good. We ordered the shrimp salad and- wow!! THE best dressing I have ever had I think! It was so savory , engulfed with the umami taste. The beef brochettes were the best I've ever had! We didn't expect so much on our plate! We also orders the Branzino grilled fish- excellent! As we looked around we noticed other tables ordering the family style stew and couscous and specialty sets. We will try that next time. So, overall, it was authentic, they obviously do not get too many Americans! Lol The older waiter who has worked there for decades, was pleasant and put up with us Americans haha! We put up with him too! At the end, we had so much food heft for two. They begrudgingly gave us a 'to go ' bag.. I laugh and.d cry because it was hysterical! He says- to go box? No!! Box, boxing... then he put up his hands like boxing me! He then said , no no take away. Then a lovely busboy took our food and brought it back in a fancy foil wrapped goose shaped take away. It was a lovely and funny night. The food was amazing and that's all that mattered. We will be back! read more

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Delicious and always a treat. A real local spot you're lucky to experience. Classic and old world in the best of ways, serving the best cous cous out there. read more

Simply Put...Devine food. Excellent service and tasty food. Chicken is incredible along with the stew and couscous ENJOY read more

One of my favorite places I dined in Paris! It's an old school restaurant with delicious North African cuisine. The lamb was perfectly cooked and falls off the bone, the stew and couscous was great. It was also pretty affordable compared to other restaurants I dined at the portions are nicely sized. read more

Chez Omar - Restaurant - Moroccan Near Me - Paris, 75

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Great couscous with unlimited servings if vegetable stew. Hot the lamb shank - delicious and soft and huge portion. Owner is ever gracious as he makes sure each guest is happy read more

Food came out quickly. We made an early lunch reservation. There were only male waiters when I was there and the restaurant was quite empty right at opening. The space would be lovely at night and has a great ambience. The vegetable stew and couscous is such a hearty meal & great on a cold day. The mint tea is refreshing. read more

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Wonderful food and great service. I highly recommend this place for authentic North African cuisine. Try the merguez, a lamb sausage, with Cous cous. read more

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Chez Omar is always busy. It's always hectic, crowded and a bit frenetic. I find it to be a good time with plenty of food served that is quite nice in quality and preparation. The couscous dishes are served with a big terrine of cooked vegetables which is a real treat. The atmosphere is old genuine Parisian. read more

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It is not common for a restaurant to bring back childhood memories. Chez Omar did that to me and I am thankful for the reminder. See, I grew up in Algeria for 9 years. As a child, I remember eating "Couscous royal aux sept légumes" at least once a week. I remember begging my dad to take me to his boss' house so we could have the couscous. My mom used to worry that I like Algerian food more than Indian food. I have been to Paris multiple times, yet never had a chance to eat at Chez Omar. I have heard of their Couscous royal aux sept légumes. I heard from friends that it is authentic Algerian. You don't have to ask me twice to eat at an Algerian restaurant. I set off in search of the Royal couscous and my childhood.... From the service to the food, everything brought childhood memories back. I may have shed a tear or two after dining solo on my first night (I was waiting for the man and the in-laws to join me). I loved it so much that I returned with the family. Sit outside, have a glass of house red wine, and enjoy your Royal Couscous. Have a chat with the friendly owner and wait staff. Life will be pure bliss! Nothing much needs to be said about Chez Omar. read more

Chez Omar - Couscous royale aux sept legumes - Moroccan Near Me - Paris, 75

Good food and good service. The menu is a little unclear but you can't go wrong and portions are good.

Homey feel, generous with the semoule (they always bring us seconds!). The merguez falls apart in your fork it's so tender, and the servers are warm, entertaining and personable. Gets crowded and they don't take reservations. Expect a squeeze unless you're lucky enough to score the window table. Also, watch out for the wine - the list is hit or miss. read more

So I've never understood why people make a big deal about couscous and this place doesn't help its cause. At Chez Omar, the semolina or "semoule" in French was prepared plainly with no garnishments that I've seen or had in other places (no raisins, pistachio pieces, etc.). My table started off with the Moroccan salad (6€) which was a simple salad so don't waste your time on this. We had the following main dishes: Merguez sausage with couscous (18€) Grilled Lamb with couscous (18€) Duck breast au poivre (with pepper sauce). (19€) We had a half bottle of Algerian red: Cuvee du President which I liked a lot. (14€) The merguez sausage was "meh.." without any kick that I prefer but the lamb was a very good quality. The best part of the couscous was the vegetable stew. The broth was delicious and prepared fresh enough so the veggies had not yet completely fallen apart. The duck breast was overcooked and drenched in au poivre sauce which was very rudimentary. The service was at a level of cold indifference. I think I need to start coming up with my own levels of rating French service if I continue with these reviews from Paris... stay tuned. Overall, I would suggest skipping this place if you're in Paris during a limited stay but if it is in your neighborhood, you should give it shot. read more

This restaurant has been so hyped up by so many different people, and even so called "trusted" foodies, what are they smoking. This resto is popular during fashion week. Models hang out there. OK, that's a sign, models don't eat. It's just a known hang-out. I guess people will over look the food to be in a "popular" place. What a DISAPPOINTMENT! Can it get any blander. Thank God for Harissa. The vegetables were "soggy and droopy". Meats were tasteless. If it wasn't for my friends vegetable broth that I shared, it would have been too dry to eat. And, the fries, OMG, they're suppose to be "famous" for their fries. I have one word "LIMP". Go to some of the more Authentic neighborhood cous-cous places, you'll do much better. FYI, the desserts are sold by the pieces at €3 each, it can add up. the only thing worth eating. Service good though, but not enough for me to want to return. read more

Chez Omar is zagat rated? Really? Hmm... My friend had read that this place had a nice steak, or it looked really good anyways from someone's food blog, so while I am in Paris, we decided to dine here for dinner. It opens at 7pm for dinner, but really fills up around 8pm when all the french people eat dinner. They give you bread and water... We ordered the kebab couscous and a steak/fries to share...and then i got a cafe au lait which was quite nice...very strong coffee but not overwhelming..loved it... steak was perfectly cooked to how i like it, cooked on outside, RAW on inside..mmmmm some people may find it disgusting but i love it. The french know how to cook up a good steak!!! The best part is the sauce for the steak..omg..to die for. The creme brulee we got for dessert was okay, better than average, perfect to share. The lamb kebab was nicely cooked that i didn't realize it was lamb..and i hate lamb!!!! The waiter spoke english so it was nice..except they kept saying phrases in japanese to me..im not japanese so i was just like "wtf" talk to me in english please, im american. Oh and they totally saw me drop my spoon while eating dessert..they were quick to react..bringing me a new spoon..too bad it was dirty... read more

Time and time again the Chez Omar never disappoints. It's fabulous! Have been here quite a few times over the last 15 years and it's fabulous - fabulously priced, fabulous food, fabulous atmosphere. Definitely recommend! Had the Royale which is a taste of almost everything from cous cous to assorted meats and vegetables. However, the best without a doubt, was the dessert - an order of decadent profiteroles! Chez Omar is great for casual Parisienne dining or even fun romantic occasions. Highly recommend. It should be noted that this is a perfect and lovely walk up from Notre Dame on the Rue des Archives. read more

Whenever I come to Paris (about once a year) I stop by here for the grilled meats & couscous. What a treat! The succulent lamb to the perfectly textured couscous. This visit, the crowd was as hip as when I first discovered this place in 2001. Still see some of the same wait staff who are always ready to serve & banter with the clientele. read more

Americans Beware! Not the highest health standards at Chez Omar! Went to Chez Omar with a friend while on business in France. Although I enjoyed the old school Parisian decor, I have to say I was disgusted to find a bug in my couscous. I didn't want to say anything to my friend who was so happy to eat there--I faked a stomachache and returned to my hotel hungry. read more

The place is beautiful, warm, well lit and full of interesting and beautiful people. A friend said I had to go there and meet Omar. He is such an elegant and happy person - so kind to everyone there. The food is healthy and satisfying and the place makes me want to weep with happiness. I will visit every time I come for the rest of my life. Omar has the kind of human happiness everyone should aspire to acquire. read more

Located in the North Marais, the interior is classic old Paris, with it's high ceiling and zinc bar. But this bistro's menu is mostly known for it's Moroccan Couscous and Roast Lamb. They also have a very generously portioned and delicious Entrecôte Frites (Grilled rib eye steak with fries). read more

I must disagree with other reviewers and give this place a full quota of stars. I lived round the corner from the restaurant a couple of years ago and regularly visited with friends both Parisian and from overseas. The atmosphere is always buzzing with diners from all over the world crammed into the old cafe style surroundings. The popularity means you usually have to queue for a seat as reservations are not accepted, but don't worry the service is fast and diners are swiftly seated. Contrary to the other English language review describing the restaurant as "posh" I would instead describe it as no frills, relaxed and convivial. The staple here is the traditional Moroccan vegetable stew, served with light fluffy cous cous with a choice of meats. If you have a big appetite then try the "Cous cous royale" which gives you a wide selection of delicious meats. Other popular choices on the menu include the mouthwatering tagines. If you can possibly fit another morsel in at the end of your meal, try one of the strong coffees with perhaps a traditional nutty biscuit dusted in icing sugar. I will be visiting again this summer and will update with the latest prices, but from memory meals cost somewhere in the region of 20-25EUR. Beware however, credit cards are not accepted so bring cash! read more

Well-known Parisian institution. I try to make it here whenever I'm in town. I wasn't as impressed last night. My friends had the poulet and I had couscous au légumes. Delicious, fluffy couscous. Though flavorful there could be more variety of vegetables in the legume and the poulet was average at best from what I was told. Always full of people here as its name precedes it. Try it for yourself; come for the ambiance and you shouldn't be disappointed nor blown away. read more

After a day of walking around Paris and a few drinks down the street at the Open Cafe where we watched Paris life pass us by in plumes of smoke, a Moroccan dinner at Chez Omar was just the ticket. We had a very friendly server who was patient with us practicing our French, and the food was simple and delicious. You can see photos of what we at on our food website here: http://eatsporkjew.com/travel-2/moroccan-food-paris/ read more

Highly overrated. Came here with high expectations, especially after a couple days of eating excellent food at unbelievable Parisian restaurants. Sad to say, it was not worth it...not in the least. Bland food, soggy vegetables, unattractive dishes. Stay away. Far better options in this wonderful city. read more

Love love this place. I am a resident of Long Beach, CA however I have been traveling to Paris since 1996 when I had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris. This is when I discover Chez Omar. A good Parisian friend of mine Layashi took me and my fiancée to eat there. All of their food is so delicious and tasty. Their specialty grilled meats such as lamb, sausage,chicken, and steak are to die for. My favorite dish is their "Couscous Royal Aux Sept Legumes" is nothing but pure pleasure for your mouth. The service was impecable, friendly, attentive, ready to serve you! Can't wait to go back to Chez Omar! God willing next yr. read more

The service is terrible here (hey, it's Paris where "service" is "included" in your check) and yet Omar is packed, night after night. This is our 4th time staying in the Marais so we finally paid the obligatory visit. We were not impressed. The best thing we tried was the poulet, which was moist and juicy but not over the top good because the skin was chewy-- not crispy. The merguez (lamb sausages) were nicely grilled but not too flavorful or spicy and I have definitely had better. The couscous had no additions and so it was, well, couscous. One of the "specials" of the night was "ratatouille"-- except the surprise version here is roughly chopped up zucchini, carrots, chickpeas, celery and potatoes simmered in chicken broth. The only way to add flavor was to mound on the complimentary harissa, which was quite good on its own but needed a better vehicle. With a few glasses of wine, our tab ran a shade under 50 Euro. We definitely will not be back. Too many other good things to eat in this neighborhood! (note: cash only... there is an ATM nearby across the street) read more

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Other than not taking credit cards, it was an adequate meal of cous-cous, both poulet and vegetarian. Love the harrisa. The waiter was a ruffian, but no matter, the food was generous and savory. This is what I want in cous-cous. read more

Chez Omar, c'est magnifique! My French family took us here while visiting them in Paris for the first time. It is a family favorite, and we all ordered the couscous with different meats....it was yummy!! The service was kind and prompt. As all 6 of us ordered couscous, they brought a large platter heaped with fluffy couscous. This came with a pot of tomato-based vegetable stew filled with delicious chunks of vegetables including carrots, celery, turnips, and squash. The couscous absorbed this delicious stew like a fluffy and tasty sponge. We ate family style sharing the meats that we ordered with the couscous: the braised lamb and the roast lamb were both delicious and quite distinct from one another. The merguez was the tastiest merguez I have ever eaten. Afterwards, they brought huge trays piled with pastries, wow!! The baklava was lovely with the mint tea but the green dumpling-appearing pistachio-based pastry stole the show. It was a very memorable meal in the beautiful Marais arrondissement. The restaurant was tastefully decorated and the food was very delicious and flavorful while being very fresh and satisfying without being heavy. Highly recommend!! read more

I don't expect much from French service, but these guys were really awful. The food was boring although the portions were generous. There are far too many great restaurants in Paris to waste your time at Chez Omar. read more

Ate here on our first night in Paris and were very happy. One order if the royal couscous and one order of the legumes couscous and we were set. read more

Years later, after living in Paris for 3 months, I still dream about this slice of culinary heaven. I've searched but have never found its equal. I will, I must return. read more

Fun and bustling Moroccan restaurant. Packed and loud yet highly enjoyable. Had an amazing duck breast au poivre with fries. Service is fast, furious and attentive. The owner is a charming character always wanting to serve you another drink at the bar. Highly recommend it for a fun and non-traditional french dinning experience. read more

I am giving the food a 3.75. My wife and I shared the roasted lamb and stewed vegetables with couscous. The lamb was perfect; the vegetables and broth very satisfying, if a tad under-seasoned and the couscous was soft and steaming. The Moroccan salad was unremarkable; a poor choice on my part. The balance of the review is for service. The food was in indecorously tossed on the table in front of us, and we had to ask for plates to eat from twice after the main arrived. I've had less than desirable service before, of course, and have rarely commented on it, but we had to watch the family next to us get fawned over while we were ignored. The desserts looked beautiful, baklava and pistachio encrusted cookies, etc., but those were not offered to us. We were just given the check, while watching others select from the heaping plate. read more

Une sorte de cantine marocaine les plats sont simples mais de bonne facture.

This restaurant was recommended by a few friends including one who has lived in Paris for years but my dinner companion and I were both disappointed. The lamb couscous was bland and the Harissa was too. Hard to believe. The service was so so and all in all I wouldn't go back when the city is filled with so many better options. read more

This was my third visit to Chez Omar and I found both the food and service a bit lackluster. Granted we arrived a bit late, but they were open for another 90 mins, so not too late by Paris standards. Waiter seemed like he was in a hurry to leave. It's unusual to feel like you're being rushed in Paris. And they're not taking credit cards is annoying. There's better Moroccan food in Paris for sure. read more

Had one of the worst meals of my 6 days in Paris. We arrived as soon as the dinner service started. Worst shoulder of lamb I have ever had. Dried out and very fatty. Over priced to boot. read more

Not impressed I was dissapointed, the service was bad, the food was little in comparison to bebert and they dont accept credit cards not recommended at all read more

A restaurant with a french classic style serving couscous. Nice mix. But couscous is a bit pricey.

My daughter loves loves loves Cous Cous and this joint fits the bill. Its a pretty casual Bistro but the food is very good. It was a lot of fun and service was excellent. Not sure about the low stars by others but this place is always packed and a local favorite. Some folks just can't be pleased! read more