Over the years we have shared countless times with Cuca’s customers our favourite restaurants from every city we know. The truth is that people in search of the tastiest food from around the world seem to trust chefs’ picks when choosing food, and since everyone asks our humble opinion, we have decided to start a proper “Our Picks” section where we give you our recommendations on where and what to eat. Go ahead, try for yourself and share these lists as you please, but just because we may help you find a new favourite, please don’t forget about your first love, Cuca!
Paris has forever been the global capital of gastronomy and only in terms of modernity and creativity have they ever come second. Now, the list below does not have any of the 3 Michelin Star culinary “temples” or the trendiest fusion joint, let alone a single restaurant that does not serve French cuisine, and the reason is to focus entirely on the heart and soul of Paris and its timeless perfect French classical cooking. Plus… You don’t need our help to find what is easily available in every restaurant guide or online list, although you do need our help to find these little beauties.
Jeffrey Cagnes Pastry boutique
With a few shops scattered around the city, this place stands out and is truly special! Paris is absolutely packed with luxury pastry shops and this was our favourite hands down. Their pastries are based on tradition while cleverly modernized through texture and innovative technique. Individual cakes shine like artistic sculptures and the only challenge here is deciding what to devour.
Price: $
What to order: Vanilla Éclair…the best we’ve ever had!
Le Bougainville
This place serves typical bistro fare in a restaurant where time seems to have stood still. The very good home style cooking is all made from fresh vegetables and great produce at good honest prices. Being a busy restaurant, service can be scattered at times, so make the most of the initial table visit by the waitstaff.
Price: $$
What to order: Croque Monsieur, steak tartare.
Creperie Broceliande
With crepes and galettes sold on every corner, why would you make a trip to this place? Well, because here they are better, much better. Nutty buckwheat flour and quality ingredients with masterful cooking and a cozy atmosphere make for what may be the most satisfying lunch in town!
Price: $
What to order: From Monday-Friday they run a “menu du midi” for 13.50 Euro. With a drink of juice or cider (choose cider!), a choice of Savory Galette and a Sweet Crepe to finish. Brilliant!
Le Chateaubriand
Opened in 2006, it has boldly transformed the French dining scene and pioneered the city’s “bistronomie” movement. The menu has no choices but rather a set tasting where your fate lies in the hands of the Chef and, in this case, that is a wonderful thing. Dishes are tasty, unfussy and uniquely surprising with ingredients that are understandable and combined beautifully. The laid-back style service and unpretentious dining room make for a casual a very delicious evening.
Price: $$$
What to order: Tasting menu only.
Le Dauphine
Exciting, creative, experimental “tapas” build up a menu of delicious ideas. The cool kid’s vibe is set in a very white and modern design-focused dining room with great service and clever details. Intended as a wine bar to consume biological lesser-known producers and to snack on a few great plates before heading on to the next, we instead decided to crush the menu of small dishes to share and were extremely impressed.
Price: $$
What to order: as much as possible on their daily changing menu.
Le Poule Au Pot
Here outstanding traditional French classics are given a fresh unpretentious makeover by incredible Chef Jean Francois Piege, who holds 2 Michelin stars at his other posh restaurant. Le Poule Au Pot has been cooking and serving French comfort food for almost a century now at reasonable prices and it’s a standout for deliciousness.
Price: $$$
What to order: Frog legs in parsley, Veal blanquette.
Benoit
This is the only bistro in all of Paris with a Michelin star so expect perfect French cooking. Part of iconic Chef Alain Ducasse’s restaurant group, this old school Parisian bistro opened its doors in 1912 and sits like a time capsule of authenticity. Their solid cooking and a brilliant wine list of France’s most famous vineyards are delivered with character and absolutely flawless service. Not a single dish on the menu strays from delicious and incredible produce truly shine through.
Price: $$$$
What to order: Paté en croute, catch of the day, profiteroles.
