"The neighborhood near the Gare du Nord train station is nondescript, and this tiny bistro à vins packs its clients in like sardines. No one minds the humdrum location or the crowd, though, because the restaurant serves some of the best and most reasonably priced French comfort food in Paris. Chef Thomas Brachet’s chalkboard menu changes daily but always offers an irresistible mix of contemporary dishes — like a salad of green beans, apricots, speck, and fresh almonds, or John Dory meuniere with vegetable accras (beignets) — and traditional options, which may include langoustines with house-made mayonnaise. The stuffed cabbage and rice pudding with cinnamon and orange shouldn’t be missed either. Be sure to book a few days ahead of time. Located in the 10th arrondissement. Must-try dish: The city’s ultimate sausage and mashed potatoes." - Alexander Lobrano