Chez Janou

We had an incredible experience here. The food was absolutely amazing—probably one of our favorite meals in Paris. The value was incredible too. We’ve had meals that cost double and weren’t even close to as good. We ordered the liver, the duck (a must-try), the chocolate mousse, the crème brûlée, and the risotto—everything was absolutely delicious. The food was a 10/10 across the board. We’d definitely go back. The staff had a lot of character. The queue manager was honestly pretty rude—very short with everyone waiting in line—but it was almost comical. Once you got inside, the whole vibe changed and the service was genuinely warm and attentive. They even comped our champagne that we had while waiting, which was a really nice touch. We also got to sit outside, which made it even better. Overall, just an awesome experience and truly memorable food.

THE TRUTH - LA VERITÉ Saturday afternoon 18:30: We are two people showing up (it's full) and they get our name down for 8:30. Cool 20:30: We show up again and are asked to wait. By 20:50 the front of the house reads our name and lets us sit! (PRO TIP: Use a simple, easily pronounceable name, e.g. Tom, Jack) The staff is friendly and we get our order down quickly and get our starters in less than 15 minutes. We had the daily special of frog legs which was interesting, the shrimp/avocado "tartare" which was mid, the spinach ravioli (skip it honestly) and the mussels (amazing! PRO TIP: Dip your bread in the pesto sauce after you are done with the mussels). For mains, we had the duck and the entrecôte. The duck was exceptional and the sauce quite unique. Good potatoes too. The steak was good, nice cut and well cooked, though under seasoned. The steak size was quite large though so that's a plus. The mousse: For me, I did not really find it special, though my friend (a pastry chef) said the chocolate quality was good, but also noted that for a mousse, you can't really expect your mind to be blown. So don't expect your mind to be blown. Overall, good experience. I need to eat out more in Paris to tell you if the price is representative of the quality, but for 4 starters, 2 expensive mains, dessert and 2 wine glasses at one of the most hyped restaurants, I consider the price to value ratio about right.

Absolutely the best meal we had in Paris. The duck is absolutely outstanding, the scallop risotto is delicious, the chocolate mousse is to die for. Martin recommended a great red wine and a very delicious Rose. We came to eat here twice and both times were just outstanding. The service is incredible and adds to the outstanding experience. Martin really went above and beyond to make our experience very memorable. We were also lucky enough to see all the chefs take a meal break at 5, so we were able to thank them and take a photo. I highly recommend this restaurant. I will definitely return when I’m back in Paris.

We dined at Chez Janou and had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The mussels were absolutely delicious—an excellent choice to start the meal. We also loved the house rosé, which complemented the food beautifully. The atmosphere was vibrant and a bit edgy, adding to the charm of the evening. Our server, Margo, was fantastic—attentive, friendly, and really elevated the experience. The only downside was the steak, which came undercooked compared to what we ordered. I’d recommend requesting a level above your usual preference. Despite that, it was a memorable meal in a lively setting.

Chez Janou is a well-known bistro in the Marais, so you might expect a queue. We were happy to take seats at the bar and didn’t wait even a minute. The location was perfect for both dining and people-watching — a truly delightful mix of culinary and social experience! Artists sketching nearby, lively groups chatting, Parisian ladies passing by in elegant outfits. The waiters and bartenders were incredibly friendly, with a great sense of humor. We chose the lunch menu, and it was an excellent decision — the fish was fresh and perfectly cooked. And the dessert with mascarpone and raspberries was the perfect finishing touch. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Yesterday, I visited Chez Janou, a charming bistro tucked on the corner of a beautiful building in Paris. The first impression was truly lovely. Right across the street, there’s a peaceful little square shaded by trees, with benches where you can relax—especially helpful given the long waiting list. I was dining solo, and after about an hour of waiting, I was finally called in. To my surprise, I was seated at the bar, right next to a very loud and drunk group of people. The atmosphere quickly turned overwhelming—noisy, chaotic, and far from the cozy Parisian vibe I expected. Because of that, I decided to skip a full meal and only ordered a starter. Be aware: the menu is only in French, which could be tricky for non-speakers. I chose the mussels, and they were absolutely outstanding—rich in flavor, perfectly cooked, and easily one of the best starters I’ve had in a long time. Also, the prices are very reasonable. Although this visit wasn’t ideal, I’ll definitely give Chez Janou another try—hopefully next time with better company and a quieter atmosphere.

This charming spot was an early highlight of our Paris trip. We lucked out with perfect timing—walked in and were seated within 5 minutes. By the time we left, there was a line out the door. The setting is gorgeous and full of character. My wife ordered the duck, and I had the entrecôte—both dishes were cooked to perfection. The staff were warm and welcoming, even with our broken French, and helped guide us through the experience with patience and smiles. A truly memorable first meal in Paris.

⸻ Absolutely incredible experience! The duck and potatoes were simply delicious, especially the sauce — unforgettable. We left the wine selection up to the staff, and we were very happy with their choice. To finish off the meal, we had the chocolate mousse, which was truly one of the best we’ve ever had — definitely lived up to the hype. The atmosphere was warm, local, and authentic, which we really appreciated. Yes, it’s a bit small and tightly packed, but honestly, that only added to the cozy, intimate vibe. At the end, they offered us a melon-flavored pastis, which we were told is something they’re known for — and it was amazing! Make sure to book in advance. We stopped by on our first day in Paris to make a reservation for four days later, and even then, we had to wait a bit despite having a booking. Totally worth it though!