Alex M.
Yelp
Yelpers abroad: look no further.
One of the best value to cost propositions in all of Paris, Bistrotters was our last night meal during our Paris trip earlier this month and turned out to be a highlight of the trip. They offer simple and affordable prix-fixe options (we chose the 36 Euro menu and added on a few things that had surcharges, like the foie gras...more on that later) in a cozy, homey setting. Tu ne parles pas Français? Pas de problème! The wait staff is fluent in English and without a hint of attitude whatsoever.
The foie gras (a slight additional charge to the menu du jour) was a highlight for me. Rosy, pink and delicious with all the right fats, it was quite honestly the best foie gras I sampled in Paris - perhaps in my life. Served with a lovely little compote, it was the perfect balance of sweet and umami/deep, fatty flavor. I had the magret de canard (duck breast) as my main, and it was perfectly cooked to medium rare without a hint of gristle. The sweet potato side was very unique for French cuisine but an utterly perfect complement to the crisp skinned, moist, and delicious duck breast. Other items my dining companions and I sampled as part of our menus included the octopus (again, one of the best I'd had) and the pork belly (delicious.)
Since it's a daily menu it changes from time to time, I wouldn't stress that at all. Just put your trust in these talented chefs and enjoy what's on offer that season. They know how to steer you right, and the table staff was quick with recommendations on food and wine. For dessert we all had the chocolate fondant, which takes a little longer to prepare since it's made to order. It's totally worth the wait and if you're in a rush, I'd advise you to let the server know that you want it around the time the main courses are delivered.
Getting there? It's in the 14th so a little off the beaten tourist path, but that's okay! You can make an afternoon of it, starting at the Jardin du Luxembourg and working your way southwest through Montparnasse, the catacombes, and one of the most truly Parisian neighborhoods in the left bank. Paris is full of bike sharing programs and you can try Mobike (our favorite), Ofobike, or Velib - all accessible through a simple app download to your iPhone - as a means of getting over there. The bonus of biking is that it helps you work off that foie gras afterward!
A+++++++++ to this terrific little bistro. It's one of the best in Paris and you owe it to yourself to make it over!