Without bistros, Paris captures us in an uninspiring tour simply because bistros have been at the heart of French culture – inevitable. The conventional bistro with its cheerful cuisine is the quintessence of Paris dining, but this fetish had ebbed away. Presently, the contemporary wave of chefs has restored this former passion and thereby succoured in ushering a modern finesse to the classic bistro and encouraging the genesis of neo-bistro.
Le Bistrot Paul Bert
Restaurateur Bertrand Aboyneau deserves an accolade for the work of art he created 14 years ago, adhering to the old-fashioned film genre in Paris bistros that the world raves about. Even to this day, a tremendous knockout, with its appetizing traditional French music, retro atmosphere – shaped by old enamel advertisement and splintered tile floors, and an exceptional wine listing. The menu comprises of classics including steak au poivre and roast lamb, with just the right amount of seasonal vegetables. A cheese lover would be ecstatic after a cheese platter, coupled with a homemade souffle flavour—a celestial experience.
Josephine “Chez Dumonet”
For that succulent auburn experience of pre-war Paris, this charming bistro on the sophisticated street in saint Germain is extortionate but worth every penny. The reason being old-fashioned bistro cooking in Paris has altered into an expensive and remarkable affair. This 1880 vintage bistro satiates that traditional craving of yours from morel mushrooms, truffles, and country ham to boeuf bourguignon.
Le Baratin
Argentine-born Raquel Carena’s trendy bistro is the panacea for those who want to relish la vie Boheme in Belleville. Carena is a self-made woman who had relocated to Paris 25 years ago, and her cooking is an amalgamation of France, South America, North Africa, and Spain. The dishes range from tuna tartare with black cherries to ox cheeks braised with citrus fruits, carrots, onion, and red wine. At the same time, her husband runs the organic wine lists in the city—the perfect getaway for the great chefs of Paris.
Les Bestronomes
This bistro, which is now 20 years old, is a perfect example of the success of the Neo-Bistro Movement in France in the early 1990s. A charming bistro with a glimmering ceiling and oatmeal-and-taupe lined wallpaper next to the Palais Royal. This bistro is owned by former sous-chef at the three-star Le Bristol, and this history can be perceived in the flawless technique that makes his cuisine unique. The variety of food ranges from a starter of foie gras, to duck breast-studded pate en croute, to chicken served with a delicate sauce and basmati rice.
Christophe
Concealed in the Latin Quarter, chef Christophe Philippe’s elegant bistro with red-painted walls and wooden tables is a feast that one should indulge in for savouring that modern French bistro dishes. And it is the sole bistro that remains open on Saturday and Sunday when most bistros are closed.