Dinner onWednesday evening was L'Ami Jean, 27 Rue Malar 75007. We wanted to go out with a bang and chose the 5 course tasting menu. Was not able to take notes as I did with other meals but each course was very very good. My simple description does not do the dinner justice. Course 1 was a rich creamy vegetable soup. Course 2 was mackerel that was wrapped with zucchini and topped with bacon. Course 3 was hake with peppers and a spicy foam emulsion. Course 4 was roasted pigeon with a generous piece of foie gras, with lentils in au jus gravy with a side of mashed potatoes. Course 5 was the rice pudding with a side of caramel cream that was just awesome. Everything you have heard about the rice pudding is true and then some. We also were served a banana rum dessert and a kiwi based frozen dessert with brown sugar that was also excellent. We enjoyed a 2009 Cotes du Rhone with the feast. Chez l"Ami Jean and Les Papilles were the two best dinners during our 5 days in Paris. read more

I had such high hopes for this place and unfortunately left disappointed. After reading so many high reviews about their rice pudding i came with a concrete goal to try it for my lunch. To my regret, the huge bowl of rice pudding turned out to be a simple mix of lots of whipped cream with cooked rice... Nothing original. I cant even imagine how high in calories & fats it is. In fact, its the worst rice pudding i've had in my life. read more

This was our favorite meal in Paris. Great food, great staff and heavenly rice pudding. Everything we tried was exceptional. We'll be back. read more

This is one of those restaurants that I'll remember for many years. The decor of this small restaurant is really charming, I felt the ambiance of the Basque region right away. All three servers were very attentive in their own way and a manner that felt sincere, which is what I appreciate about customer service in France. The food that you order a la carte is much more expensive than the set menu, but it was only an issue for me because I'm a vegetarian and I had to take what I could get (which is a given when dining in Paris). The two entrees I had were so incredible. The mushroom soup was great, it was so flavourful and I am in awe at how they were able to get so much flavour out of those little mushrooms! The second appetizer, well, I'll describe it as caramelized onions, extremely fine shoestring potatoes and an egg on top. It was as complex and exciting as it sounds. It really inspired me to try brand new things with my favourite vegetables in my own kitchen, which is the best thing about going out to a new restaurant. It really makes these pricey meals worth it, because it was tasty, memorable and inspiring. read more

If your are in doubt - do it! I can't stress this enough. At L'Ami Jean you'll get an eating experience like no other. This small and subtle restaurant lies in a quiet suburban street, not far from the Eiffel Tower. The facade reminds one of a bar, the glass is coloured so you can't see what's inside, and the marquise is not as orange as it once was. When you get inside, you see a cramped place - all the tables are close, and it's usually filled with people, mostly locals. The waiters are more polite than in most Parisian restaurants, and they speak good English - the menu is French, though. Don't worry, just ask, and go with the menu. The food here is DELICIOUS. The veal was the most tender I've ever had, so was the pork. We got rice pudding for dessert, one dessert can easily go for 2-3 people. This place is not cheap. Expect to pay at least 50 euro pp for lunch (one main dish, 1-2 glasses of wine, and a dessert for sharing), but it is definitely worth it! I've been here twice, and been blown away both times. read more

Rice Pudding. OH MY GOD. The tables are very very very close together- so if your looking to have a private conversation probably not the place. Incredibly delicious. Highly recommend read more

This was our first dinner for the week we spent in Paris and Loire this fall. I'd made reservations weeks earlier based on friend's recommendations. Very good service, welcoming staff, and a wonderful hearty meal. My French when it comes to unusual ingredients is a bit weak, so we had to rely on the wait-staff, who were quite helpful. The soup was absolutely fantastic, I've never had anything like it. As was the terrine and virtually every course of the tasting menu exceeded expectations. The one thing I will say is that the tasting menu is a LOT of food, like most here have noted. Be forewarned, the space between the tables is small, but it makes for a very congenial atmosphere. There is a lot of hustle and bustle since most diners have to be served 6-7 courses, and the kitchen is open. We loved it, but ymmv. read more

We were a bit intimidated at the beginning of the meal. The waitstaff is intense, the chef is intense (lets of yelling), and it's quite boisterous and loud (and tight quarters). But we got into the groove and really enjoyed the atmosphere and the excellent food. I quite enjoyed the white asparagus, and I typically do not like asparagus. The foie gras, pork cheeks, and work iberico were all home run dishes. We also had a divine chocolate dessert. read more

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Nice, this one's a keeper! Doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you're in... The service was nice, the Chef greeted us from the open kitchen... we got the surprise menu and it was great! The Chef is very, let's say, passionate about his work, so you get a free glimpse into a professional kitchen! Just go there, you won't regret it! read more

L'Ami Jean - Duck Breast - French Near Me - Paris, 75

L'ami Jean has become an "incontournable " every time we are in Paris ! Just the very Best cuisine from Southwest France. Well worth your time For white Wine lovers, a must try is the Basque Wine Arretxea. A MUST. read more

L'Ami Jean - French Near Me - Paris, 75

[This post by our son who obviously loved it, as did we] L'Ami Jean is the proud winner of the title "best meal I have ever had". This basque restaurant has a small, cozy feel while providing top of the line food. I highly recommend the menu, which features an amazing salmon dish, a lobster soup that makes you smell the sea, a plate of meaty mushrooms, and other delicious foods. The restaurant is crowded and is not recommended for the claustrophobic. The food is warm and hearty so it's best to visit in the winter time, but it is a wonderful taste experience all year round. read more

This place is amazing. Honestly, probably my favorite meal in Paris. The food was amazing, but the service and chefs made it even better. Will definitely be a spot I always visit when I'm in Paris. read more

This place is great. Hard to find but worth the effort. When we asked for English menu another waiter walked up and said I am your English menu. Food was fresh and on the point. Beef cheeks and bacon for me and halibut served at tableside read more

L'Ami Jean - Bacon and beef cheecks - French Near Me - Paris, 75

Full review in the blog - highlights below: Shortly following the bread would be an item I attempted to order but was told "it's on the house" - the house terrine du jour and a large pot of cornichons and pickled onions. With the restaurant increasingly loud I must admit I did not catch all of the ingredients in that day's terrine but my notes indicate at least boar, pork, veal, and rabbit. Gamey but restrained and quite ample in portion the terrine was hefty with notes of garlic, pepper, onion, and paprika - and much to my surprise my sister loved it. Always a fan of my mother's meatloaf it was to this that she compared the terrine - a high compliment indeed. First, for myself, a daily special of white and green asparagus with button mushrooms, poached egg, and bacon resting in pork jus. Never one to pass up an egg dish and additionally now four for four in meals containing asparagus this rather traditional dish was quite good despite a slightly overcooked egg. Salty and savory yet vegetal and earthy this was perhaps the least "fussed with" dish of our trip to that point and a nice change of pace, even for someone who prefers "fussy" food. For Erika's first course, arriving steaming hot the dish described as Mussels, scallops, chopped tripe, blood sausage, garlic, chives, and fine herbs was fantastic - a mélange of flavors and textures that you could smell coming a mile away yet each distinct and nicely prepared with the chewy tripe, textural sausage, and the briny mushrooms most distinct amongst the nearly stew-like preparation. it would be perhaps 10:20 when our main courses arrived - the first Erika's Scallops with Lobster butter and bread crumbs, vegetable cocktail with bacon, and Pommes puree. Thankfully small in portion as she was already beginning to get full these four medium sized scallops were served in the shell and topped with savory butter and crisp breadcrumbs while the center of the plate contained a mélange of vegetables and a stick of bacon strangely reminiscent of a bloody Mary without the alcohol. With the main plate quite tasty I knew the moment I saw it arrive that my sister's Pièce de résistance would be the potatoes - one of her favorite foods and a stunning example likely equal parts butter and tuber. Moving forward to my main course it seemed as though French isn't quite as good as I'd thought - I thought I'd ordered lamb chops when in fact what I'd truly ordered was a large crock containing a whole milk fed lamb shoulder with white beans, carrots, sundried tomatoes, peppers, stuffing, and fine herbs. With the first chop plated tableside on a bed of toasted bread and house cured ham our server departed with raised eyebrows, a smile, and a "bon appetite." Pink, rich, and slightly more gamey than most American lambs I've tasted it was with my first bite that I was glad they'd been sold out of the sweetbreads - while I'm sure they were good it is hard for me to imagine that they would have been this hearty, rustic, and satisfying. With each bite as good as the last and the vegetables and legumes providing ample contrast to the rich meat this was precisely the sort of dish I'd hoped for at L'Ami Jean - the sort of dish I'm sure many French folks including Chef Jégo grew up and the sort of dish I wish more places did well stateside. With the hour nearing 11:00 at this point and people continuing to file in to fill the empty spaces our desserts would arrive next - the first a personal favorite and the second a dish recommended by pretty much everyone who'd ever visited L'Ami Jean prior. Beginning first with the Vanilla Brioche Bread Pudding with whipped cream, pistachio, and strawberry the dish arrived with instructions - namely "don't touch the bowl, it is very hot." Featuring four large cubes of golden bread lightly toasted on the corners and soaked through with rich caramel the hefty squares actually bordered on being overly sweet on their own, yet when matched with the mild and airy whipped cream, crumbled pistachio, and potage of vanilla the flavor mellowed out substantially forming an almost butterscotch flavor. Tasty, rustic, and indeed hot I will note I'm glad we ordered it as bread pudding is my favorite type of dessert, but it couldn't hold a candle to what followed. For our final taste of Chez L'Ami Jean the order would be Chef Jégo's famous Rice Pudding in the fashion of his grandmother. Served with with confiture du lait atop the short grain rice plus more as a sidecar, granola with pralines and dried fruit, and multiple flavored meringues I can confirm that the rumors are true - the portion is enormous. Delivered on a serving board with two large plates placed before us our server offered another smile and a "enjoy" - and enjoy we did, plate after plate until there was nothing left but an empty bowl and a spoon licked clean. They would see me as a regular if I lived locally. read more

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we really loved this restaurant...watching the chef/owner work his magic is theater. food was both interesting and spot on. just the slab of incroyable butter and the plate of ham were enough to mandate return visits. read more

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JenniferN. said it all. The apps are so expensive you almost have to order the tasting menu (€75) to get some selection for under €100 a person. The pate du campagne gratis app and little scoop of ice cream at the end were the best thing for me. My wife thought the 8 course tasting menu was just ok: but some of the flavors were weak, and the portions were too large. She loved the riz du lait, so now I have to figure out how to make it. There are too many other places to try. I give it three; wife gives it two etoiles. We will not be back. I just ate some left over riz du lait...it's pretty great. If there's a way to get it without spending €100 per person, you should try it. read more

As an American, this is a completely new experience. The food was good, the service was friendly, and the environment is exciting. Pros: Environment - The family style and open kitchen are exciting and invigorating. In addition, the sudden spurts of anger from the head chef are reminiscent of Hell's Kitchen and really add spirit to the dinner. Food - Definitely delicious. When we went, the chef really liked using pimentos in his dishes. I'm not a fan of pimentos, but he made it work. The 7 course "Carte Blanche" is an unforgettable experience. However, the portions (over 7 courses) is generous. Come hungry! Service - Lively and fun. Much better if you speak French (fluently) because they're a chatty bunch, but it was good nonetheless. Cons: Hostess - She was kind of pissed when I showed up for my reservation because she had been calling me all day for a confirmation. I'm sorry --- Am I the only tourist that turns off her phone in a foreign country to avoid roaming charges? Carafe d'Eau - So far in my trip, the only place that charges for tap water. €2.50 for each carafe d'eau. Seriously? Oh, and a 6 oz glass of house wine is also €12. For the price, we won't be back. There are other places that have unique environment, delicious foods, and lower prices (Less than €78 per person). However, it was definitely an experience. Bon Appétit! read more

If you're a serious foodie, you'll love Chez L'Ami Jean. But if you're anything short of serious...I advise you skip. We threw caution to the wind and sprung for the tasting menu, knowing it included pigeon. I kindly asked the waiter if the pigeon would be served with its head, and was told "not to worry, it will not disgust you." Then, 6 courses into the 8 course meal, comes the full pigeon, head on. Wowee, that was a sight to behold. Again, a real foodie would probably have loved this experience. In fact, my boyfriend, who is a ridiculously picky eater, took the "When in Rome..." philosophy and enjoyed eating it (its brain, too, which I found gross but apparently is common-place when dining on pigeon). Moral of the story is that the flavors of the meal were generally good, the rice pudding dessert was delicious as others have mentioned, but the overall experience was just a bit too adventurous for me and the dishes in the tasting menu were all over the map, which made me a bit sick the next day. I am not a picky eater and will usually try just about anything but this meal was just a bit much for me. read more

My absolute go too in Paris. Book ahead. Incredible experience. I've been at least 6 times.

Given the overwhelming quality and variety of restaurants in Paris, I'd say that the menu at Chez l'Ami Jean is not particularly amazing or groundbreaking. Certainly the quality of the food and its presentation are excellent, but the same quality meal can be had elsewhere for approx. half the cost. Service and setting are adequate, but would not compare to a typical 3-star restaurant - its incredibly casual! Maybe that's a good thing? This is particularly true for those coming from London or New York where menu's are more creative and the sourcing of ingredients is perhaps given more attention. read more

Food really impressive, but the rice pudding is a bit over rated. They will tell you that they sold out of the pudding to build anticipation, but it's a trick. The food is totally worth going back; the pudding, not so much. read more

The most overrated meal I have ever had in my life. Period. No question. A lot of the other reviews are about the price. While the price is absurd, I would not be disappointed if the food was actually good. I had the salad to start; incredibly bland...it was a few pieces of lettuce in a bowl with light dressing (I recall paying 30 euros for this LOL). I ordered their specialty for my entree: chicken with fries. The chicken was dry and the french fries were average. One of the worst meals I have had in Paris. Stay far aware from here. read more

American portions Inflated prices (12 euro for house wine?!) Food is good, servers speak English, vibe is casual. but service was rushed and hurried - not the quintessential slow Parisian service I've grown to love. Go elsewhere for a more authentic place to eat, or stay if you want a ton of food and budget does not matter. read more

Best meal we had in Paris. We were lucky enough to get a reservation before they left for the August holiday. The servers were both funny and helpful. We ate a mountain of jambon before moving on to our main courses of pork (yum) and salmon (my niece loved it). Mashed potatoes were divine. Our waiter recommended a great wine for me that paired beautifully with my meal. Oh, and also -- rice pudding! Yes! Great atmosphere and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. We will be back!! read more

What an awesome experience 2 months ago! All the staff were very helpful in accommodating us since we dont speak the language. Julie was such a ray of sunshine! Shes friendly and she made sure we get a table close to the kitchen so we can see all the action. We were the first diners and it got a bit crowded before we left. The dessert was great but we were so full by the time we got it. We will definitely go back since its one of the few decent places where we usually stay in 7th arrondissement. read more

Fantastic food and good service. It is a smaller establishment with a good wine list (but honestly who doesn't have one in Paris). The chef does a great job with the flavor combinations and seasonal items. It was hard not to sop up every bit of sauce with the fresh bread they provided. Definitely putting this one on our favorites list when we come back to Paris! read more

We really enjoyed our dinner at Chez L'Ami Jean, I found out about this place from following Mario Batalia on Twitter someone asked him if he only had one night in Paris where would he eat and he said Chez L'Ami Jean. The food was amazing we had and the waiters were really fun. But a couple of caveats if you only had one night in Paris and are looking for something traditional this is probably not your place. But if your willing to try a real french bistro where it's loud and tight, a place with great food at a reasonable price then you will love this restaurant. The tables are so tight they have to pull them out so you can sit down. It's basically sitting communal style and you better be willing to talk to the people sitting next to you because they are really close. We had a fun time talking to the diners on both sides of us and the waiter was hilarious, his humor was so dry. And the food again amazing with complex flavors. As everyone has recommended have the rice pudding it's the best I ever had. read more

I was recommended to this restaurant by a friend who called it the best meal of his life. While I wont call it the best meal of my life, I still left feeling that his high praise was well deserved. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive. Not speaking French well they were very kind in explaining the menu and helping us. The food was delicious and portions were plentiful. I would also highly recommend getting the rice pudding! A fantastic meal and restaurant to visit while in Paris! read more

We had phenomenal meals in Paris but this was by far my favorite. The food combined with the overall dining experience was unforgettable. Despite our poor French, the waiters were so welcoming, friendly and helpful. We opted for the 6 course tasting menu. Course after course was incredible. My favorites were the salmon, short ribs, and dessert. The dessert.. a rice pudding that knocked my socks off. I have never enjoyed rice pudding until now. We spent over two hours here and it was so enjoyable. We got to know our waiters, who were working extremely hard as the restaurant got busier, but they were still so attentive, funny and entertaining! Having a view of Chef Stéfane Jégo plating each of our meals was inspiring. The passion and artistry that goes into each dish is remarkable. This restaurant is doing everything right, thanks for the best meal of our honeymoon! read more

Yes its true ! This quality is amazing ! Hard to find another adress compared to this in Paris. Not suitable for vegetariens !!!!!!! Its loud , its crowded , very hectic - have a look at the chef in the kitchen and you 'll get it - The service is compared to the pressurefull action in the kitchen quite decent compared to the amount of work and powerfull workflow. The chef is more than amazing............. there still is a coup de feu in his kitchen....it seems to be endless. The combinations and mixtures in flavour , the outstanding quality and freshness of all products, prepared ....A LA MINUTE.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! are crazy . OUTSTANDING for meat dished a place for carinivores and gourmands ONE OF THE BEST in Paris Its not french....its breton read more

just returned from paris and 1 of our dîners here. very much wanted to adore, but disappointed, possibly due to expectations. this is not your typically-run bistrot, a little too sophisticated. the waiter/servers are somewhat "affected", a little too smooth and got the feeling of being staged - server jokes and satire, "as if" they (and u) are on THEIR stage. their individual and wine pours are VERY exacting, not exactly the loosey/goosey atmosphere they think they are presenting. tables very, very close, and naturally we were seated in the "american" section. appeared French are seated in the back tables closer to the open kitchen where u can see the chef/owner (stéphane jégo, 1 of "les coguineries taquines") at work. noted there is a round table by the bar, & a larger table in front; i knew there was no chance we would be seated in either. no complaints about the food, although i thought the cochonnaille entrée portion was skimpy for €19, as well as was the fromage brebis (€11) after the main course. it was my birthday and my son-in-law ordered a small dessert with a candle, which they charged full price - it's moreso the principle, i do not need anything gratis, but after spending €429, i thought chintzy and low-class. the server also brought over an unordered "riz'o lait de grand-mère philo", which again, i felt they made every attempt to have us spend as much as possible. i truly believe they think diners are too timid to say anything, and they take full advantage of that knowledge. this place is just too touristy. i had read, after we made reservations, it's in every guidebook as a place to go - over-marketed, so beware. ok, as to the main courses: pêche du jour (cod), lievre a la royale pour deux (rabbit), biche (deer), poulpe (octopus) - all good + the above mentioned. bottomline: i was looking for the (sort of) off-the-beaten-track bistro, and hopefully surrounded by local french - this is not the place. not unhappy we went & experienced, but would not return, nor recommend; just too many others "en paris"! read more

Service was very disappointing,basically the server took the orders, and disappeared.No water refills or additional drinks. Dessert was not even mentioned, and I had to push out my table to get out. The place is very noisy, small and smoky. The food is well prepared, diverse, but under the ambience circumstances, there is no desire to savor anything. It's a very stressful atmosphere. There was no welcome at the door, and we were told to "follow that person" to be seated. Pricey for the negative experience. read more

Very delicious! We had the clam appetizer and duck entree. Best duck I've ever had. My wife had the pork assortment--absolutely delicious and full of flavor. The red wine we had was excellent. Highly recommend! read more

Ummmm ok, this place is great. Must review. How often does one get to travel to Paris, stroll around sight seeing wonders and eat out of this world food? Not so much I'd say. I am taking full advantage of this opportunity to let myself go and let my appetite rage in this city of light. The cuisine here is gastronomically wonderful (as we all know). Chez l'ami jean is a restaurant that I'd rate highly in my foodelish book. After a nice stroll down the Rues and arms full of fatigue from taking way too many photos of the Eiffel Tower, we decided to go down Rue Malar. Here is a small strip that contains a handful of Restos to choose from for our lunch. I've bookmarked this place so I knew I wanted to try it. Disappointed, I was not. This place upholds the reputation that it deserves, which is 4.5 stars. The majority of people were French aside from the communal table which included 6 of us that were from different countries ( USA, Holland, Italy). The service, ok, was a bit hasty but once you sit down, it'll take a few mins to settle into your spot. Sit at the communal table, it's a nice way to get your chat on if you like or are used to family style dining and having strangers sit next to you and maybe talk to you, staring and asking what you are eating. Me likely that so I ended up befriending a couple from holland and we had some great convos until the place closed. The waiters were fast, friendly and attempted to speak English if there were any questions about the menu. For lunch, there's a pre fixe menu for 35 euros or a la carte. I ordered from the latter. Regardless, the prices were not cheap. The pork filet cooked to order was delicious. It came with stewed sweet tomatoes and a bowl of mashed potatoes. Very yummy. We shared the shaved asparagus baked with slivers of lardon and topped with Parmesan cheese. That was very tasty, with the asparagus being fresh,sweet and slightly crispy. Drink some vin blanc and call it a lunch for me. The meal was satisfying and left me full with no room for dessert. Looking around, I believe this place is known for their "granny ma" style riz au lait (rice pudding) since every other table ordered it; including our neighbors. Ok, note to self: next time. Again, I cannot emphasize what a pleasant lunch I had today. It was great food, great company and the fact that it's just minutes away from the Eiffel Tower, makes it a tad bit more special. read more

My my my, I've been here about 10 times. Alone on travel, with my girl, with colleagues and it simply is still my favourite in Paris. Cramped into a small little space, kitchen smells coming from the kitchen window, chefs screaming to the waiters, great wines, slightly inpatient waiters, and most importantly the food...... it simply is just everything you would expect from a Paris favourite. It has it all; foie gras, truffels, and the famous rice pudding. Go there... you'll be happy read more

I can't think of a more overrated restaurant in Paris. Based on a recommendation from a friend, we splurged on the tasting menu (75 euros) which seemed awfully overpriced for a restaurant where the hostess scribbles reservations on a messy notebook and seats you 40 minutes late on a Tuesday night. A couple of dishes were good, if not great; others were almost inedible. For example, a cube of beef fiery with pink peppercorns alongside a square of rubbery squid whose flavor was unrecognizable. A piece of skate swimming in a salty and overpowering chicken jus, with no acidity or discernible aroma. A roast duck leg which had all the tenderness of a shoe, and the depth of flavor of the skate dish that preceded it. A sad slice of tomato rendered mealy after a minute under the broiler with a layer of parmesan on top. After that dish, I was having a bout of Paris Syndrome. The portions were so large, they killed our appetite. Also, half of the diners are American and the rest are resentful locals (overheard at the table next to us: "You don't like Americans? No."). The service was plainly rude. One of the waiters threw a fit when we didn't finish the infamous skate. You'll be treated much more nicely, eat better food, and for a better price at Astier in the 3rd, for example. Or spend 50 more euros and book a Michelin starred table. read more

We made a reservation for lunch last week (couldn't get in for dinner for 2) and I'm so glad we did. It was by far our best meal on our trip. Both my husband and I are pescatarians, which can be a bit challenging in Paris, there is just so much Duck, Veal, Meat, etc, with limited fish options usually. The menus are in French and my French just isn't that great, so the waitstaff happily explained the menu to us and we ordered the Parmesan soup, the risotto with scallops and then the grilled fish special. All were amazing...we couldn't stop talking about the soup though. We found that all the soups we had in Paris are very watery and not a purée, which we typically are used to. But that did not matter, it was just so good and we debated ordering another one. We had a table full of Parisians next to us on their (very long) lunch break who seemed to be ordering most of the menus, those foodies! They were really sweet and recommended we order desert, specifically the rice pudding. It was AMAZING. I would most definitely come back again on my next trip to Paris, which I hope won't be too long! Such a great authentic and cozy atmospheric and excellent service, highly recommended! read more

From the tasting menu, perhaps four plates were good. The menu seemed to have a surf and turf theme. The pairing of foie gras and mackerel was interesting, if not super memorable. With other plates, flavors were masked by a one-note jus. Whoever runs the kitchen loves pepper way too much. Presentation was sloppy and the portions so large that other diners actually laughed at the quantity of food being brought to our table. I'm not sure who gives a place like this five stars, but I can assure you, dear discerning reader, that you should not be caught dead under the same roof. read more

Chez L'Ami Jean was such a surprise--probably because I'd heard so much about the rice pudding I didn't know what to expect from the main dishes! But every single course of our lunch was mouthwatering and stellar. Highlights included some of the most flavorful stew broth I've ever tasted, the tenderest beef (cooked seven hours, and just melts in your mouth) and without a doubt the most delicious mashed potatoes I've ever had. My husband and I could have eaten bowl after bowl of the mashed potatoes for every course and been satisfied. Okay, maybe that doesn't sound like the best idea, but suffice to say, we're still dreaming of them. Of course the rice pudding is the star of the show. There's nothing else like it in the world. As other reviewers have noted, mentally prepare yourself for the massive bowl that will be plopped down before you; you'll already be full, but you will not want to let a single grain of that heavenly pudding go uneaten. It's such a warm, quaint space that oozes with atmosphere and authenticity. The service was top-notch and accommodating. Feels like a family restaurant, and every course a labor of love. read more

got lucky with late walk in dinner. this is a basque place, so we ordered some basque wine the chef has a short temper, so the staff won't be that patient with you. thus interpreting a french only menu can be time consuming. just don't do something like confuse crevette (prawn) with cervelle (lamb brain) anyways, our server chose a stuffed piquillo peppers app which was very good, and then we shared a steak for 2 'hugo desnoyer' -- top boucherie steak was not very fatty, cooked rare for a medium rare, but still excellent also happened to sample the roasted pigeon in a crock pot, very delicious missed out on the riz au lait 'grand-mère' read more