Benoit Paris
French restaurant · Saint-Merri ·
Classic bistro fare: casseroles, escargots & profiteroles.
Classic bistro fare: casseroles, escargots & profiteroles.
"Embodying the classic Parisian bistro with wood-paneled walls, red velvet banquettes and engraved glass, Benoît channels old-world charm (modeled after Lyon’s iconic bistros) while remaining in the Ducasse group; the century-old spot serves traditional dishes such as pâté en croute, black pudding and sweetbreads alongside regional specialties like homemade cassoulet and calf’s head in ravigote sauce, upheld by a philosophy of indulgent, convivial dining under chef Kelly Jolivet." - Lane Nieset
"For the atmosphere of a true Parisian bistro, push open the door at 20 rue St-Martin; this is where the brand was born in 1912, at the time of the “Halles populaires.”" - The MICHELIN Guide
"Leave it to restaurateur Alain Ducasse to turn an early 20th century neighborhood bistro into a consistently packed dining destination. Since he took over the old-fashioned spot in 2005, he and his team have gently modified French favorites like cassoulet, sweetbreads, and escargot (and hiked the prices) but preserved the tiled floors, antique silverware, brass detailing, and pressed white tablecloths the tourists have always loved. The most modern feature comes at the end of the meal, with ice cream, chocolate, cookies, and coffee produced by Ducasse’s own confectionary and roasting business. If there’s a downside, it’s that almost exclusively English speakers pack the place if you book a table in the evening." - Lindsey Tramuta
"Like a time capsule to your first trip to Europe, dishes from this classic bistro, which first opened in 1912, look like still life images from the Time-Life "Foods of the World" series. Think escargots bathing in butter, garlic, and parsley (and the warm baguette with which you sop every last drop up), cassoulet, pâté en croûte, Scottish salmon with Béarnaise sauce, seared scallops with leeks, a perfect cheese course, and even crêpes Suzette, if you can believe." - Lindsey Tramuta, Sara Lieberman
"Close to Hôtel de Ville, the Centre Pompidou, and the Tour Saint-Jacques, this century-old temple to haute bistro cooking greets you with a warm, intimate atmosphere; tiled floors, wood paneling, and brass light fittings evoke past splendor, and snagging a plush red velvet banquette makes for a truly Parisian experience." - The MICHELIN Guide