2 Days in Paris: Authentic Bistros and Hidden Gems Locals Love

"A lunch at this Left Bank institution means experiencing a classic interpretation of the bistro. Opened in 1932 by Marthe Allard, a Burgundy-born cook who brought her family recipes to Paris, Allard was the first traditional restaurant to be recognized by The MICHELIN Guide. That was back in the 1960s, and while the menu has been updated, it still revolves around many of the dishes she and her daughter-in-law (who would later take over) made famous — duck with olives, escargots with garlic-parsley butter, seasonal stews — served in a dining room that has changed little since her time. Generations of chefs and owners have passed through, including Alain Ducasse, who revived the legend in 2013. Today, Chef Lisa Desforges maintains a sense of continuity with Allard’s earlier iterations but updates the recipes for today’s tastes — namely making them a little lighter." - Lindsey Tramuta