Chez Janou

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Chez Janou

Bistro · Archives

3

2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris, France

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Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null
Chez Janou by null

Highlights

Nestled in a charming corner of the Marais, Chez Janou offers a cozy vibe where you can savor hearty Provençal dishes and indulge in their legendary all-you-can-eat chocolate mousse, all while enjoying a refreshing pastis or a playful glass of house wine.  

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2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris, France Get directions

chezjanou.com
@chezjanou

€20–40 · Menu

Reserve

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2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris, France Get directions

+33 1 42 72 28 41
chezjanou.com
@chezjanou

€20–40 · Menu

Reserve

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reservations required

Last updated

Jul 29, 2025

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@goop

"Popular with locals and staff from the nearby galleries, this lively and unpretentious Provençal-centric restaurant offers a set lunch menu that’s a total steal: €14.50 nets you either a main and an appetizer or a main and a dessert. If you opt for the latter, they make the most memorable and dangerously delectable chocolate mousse—which just so happens to be all-you-can-eat."

The Paris Art & Architecture Guide
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@goop

"Popular with locals and staff from the nearby galleries, this lively and unpretentious Provençal-centric restaurant offers a set lunch menu that’s a total steal: €14.50 nets you either a main and an appetizer or a main and a dessert. If you opt for the latter, they make the most memorable and dangerously delectable chocolate mousse—which just so happens to be all-you-can-eat."

Paris in August
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@laneflorsheim
Paris
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Zion Kim

Google
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.

Daria Shlapak

Google
Good place, well-known online! I came right after it opened, so I didn't have to wait too long to be seated, around 10-15 minutes. The service was okay. Didn't find the waitresses the nicest to be around, but ours was very kind! Helped with everything and smiled a lot. Nevertheless, we were sitting close to the bar and it was hectic all the time, so I felt overstimulated 😅 The place itself is big, but has a lot of tables, so we were sitting pretty close to other people, but it was fine, gave us an intro into Parisian vibes. Food was great! Nothing special, but delicious. However, DESSERTS were chef's kiss!!! Chocolate mousse???? KILLED IT!! Creme brulee??? FIRE!!! Definitely worth it for desserts!

AB

Google
Chez Janou was everything I hoped for and more! A friend recommended it and it truly didn’t disappoint. The atmosphere was amazing—bustling, packed, and full of that charming, authentic French vibe. You’re seated close to others, but it just adds to the energy and fun of the place. We went around 1pm on a Friday and waited just over 40 minutes for a table inside, so I’d recommend booking ahead if you can. If not, the staff mentioned that 5pm is the best time to go without a wait. The food was incredible. We had the mussels—unlike any I’ve had before and a must-try! The risotto with scallops was perfection—super fresh, easy to eat, and packed with flavour. The crayfish and grapefruit salad was another standout—refreshing and perfectly balanced. The front-of-house manager is a total character and really brings the vibe together. He won’t explain the entire menu to you, but that’s part of the charm. The rest of the staff were a bit busy, so don’t expect constant check-ins, but it didn’t take away from the experience. Highly recommend—you’ve got to go!

Joanne Dale

Google
We were fortunate to get a reservation online as they recently opened this option. The mussels, ravioli in cheese/cream sauce, and chocolate mousse were 5/5. I felt my lamb was a bit under seasoned and rarer than I expected as I had asked for medium; sauce was good. My husband’s salmon was a bit overcooked but crayfish sauce on risotto was excellent.

K K

Google
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.

Alana

Google
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.

Olga Voitiuk

Google
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!

Isabelle McCourt

Google
i came tonight and it was great!! make sure you make a reservation or else you might not get in. i started with the avocado, shrimp and grapefruit tartare and it was very delicious and refreshing! i had the tagliatelle aux escargot for my main which was very rich but delicious- it could use a bit more flavour though. of course i had the chocolate mousse for dessert and loved it! i ate alone and wanted to try all those dishes, but wasn’t able to finish everything. if you are going with more people i would recommend splitting a starter/entree/dessert since they are big portions. i want to give a special thanks to the beautiful lady with long curly hair: she was running the show!!! she was hosting, serving, and cleaning and setting up tables. all while doing that she was so kind and attentive i really appreciated it.
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Lucille H.

Yelp
I know this restaurant needs reservations, but if you go in odd hours, just walk in and you might be in luck! Had sea bass, steak, chocolate mousse. All tastes fantastic, and the portion is large. One of the best spots in Paris. Don't miss it!
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Jordan J.

Yelp
One of the highlights of our trip to Paris was discovering Chez Janou, a charming restaurant specializing in the cuisine of the south of France. It was only a short walk from our hotel near Place de la Bastille, and both our hotel's staff and our own research had pointed us there--especially because my wife was on a mission to find the perfect French ratatouille. We arrived about 20 minutes before the kitchen opened at 7 p.m.--without a reservation--and for a moment, it seemed we might not get a table. Though I spoke French, I have to admit, my French is a little rusty. The waiter quickly switched to English: "I appreciate that you're speaking French, but it's more important to me that I'm completely understood than that you speak French." He reassured us that we could sit at a small table in the bar, enjoy an apéro, and order from the full menu once the kitchen opened. My wife had a cappuccino, and I had a verre of Marselan. For dinner, my wife, of course, had the ratatouille, which our waiter enthusiastically endorsed: *"You can get steak frites as good as ours many places in Paris, but we have the best ratatouille in all of Paris,by far."* We didn't try ratatouille anywhere else, but after tasting this one--rich, perfectly seasoned, and deeply satisfying--it's hard to imagine a better version. I ordered the ravioles du Dauphiné, expecting small cheese ravioli. Instead, I was served a dish of melted cheese with a golden-broiled crust. A bit of a surprise, but an absolutely delicious one. The portions were generous--so much so that I couldn't imagine following my dish with a 300g steak, which was one of the choices for the main course. We went straight to dessert. My wife had pain perdu (French toast), and I had a tarte tatin aux poires (pear tart). Both were exceptional, the perfect sweet finish to an already fantastic meal. Throughout the evening, we were taken care of by three different members of the wait staff, all friendly, attentive, and happy to offer recommendations. The atmosphere was lively but welcoming, and the service was as generous as the portions. Next time we're in Paris, we'll absolutely be coming back to Chez Janou.
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Adam C.

Yelp
This is a cute French restaurant on a street corner. It's very busy with a youngish crowd. The menu looked very French countryside. I had raviolis Delphine which were delicious because of a cheese that melted in my mouth. Our table ordered the duck which was rich and flavorful. We weren't fans of some of their appetizers. Seating outside during winter with no heater was rough for this American. No major complaints, but the food was a bit forgettable. Not bad, just good.
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Mark M.

Yelp
Poor service! STAY AWAY! We came to this restaurant this afternoon and asked for a reservation for the evening. The staff person said she would give us a table outside at 6:30pm. Shockingly, when we arrived at 6:30pm the hostess told us there was no availability. She did not care of the written promise/booking. I then asked for a reservation for the next day (Monday) and she said nothing was available until 10:00pm. What a disappointment for us.
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Michelle F.

Yelp
Showed up without a reservation for lunch. We waited about 15-20 min. Very organized. We shared a few starters the goat cheese was our favorite. The ratatouille was delightful on a hot day. Also had the chick pea fries and a salad with tomatoes and melon w mozzarella and ham. The tomatoes were outstanding. Wanted the chocolate mousse but we were so full. Our waiter brought us each a spoonful! Amazing experience. Worth the Instagram hype.
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Esther L.

Yelp
This was our first meal in Paris and it wa great! It was highly recommended and of course my daughter saw it on TikTok for their chocolate mousse. We didn't have a reservation so we waited a little (it was midafternoon). The host was funny but nice. The ravioli (not what you would expect) was delicious. The ratatouille was ok, maybe a bit bland. But the mousse was soooooo good. I'll be dreaming of it. The lady sitting next to us said it was the best in Paris. The servers there were so nice and friendly and helpful.
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Ashley A.

Yelp
Went for a late lunch with a friend (3pm) and thankfully there was no crazy line, we waited about 5 mins and were given a seat. They started us off with a delicious bread basket. For our entrees we enjoyed the ratatouille and pan fried mushrooms... WOW it was an amazing way to start 10/10 for both entrees. We enjoyed a pitcher of their red house wine (it was good). My friend ordered the sea bass fillet with tapenade and we both thought it was great when the two were paired. I ordered Bistrot Entrecôte (steak and potatoes). It was delicious!! Only downside to this meal was that I asked for it medium well, but it was a bit bloody and that the font used on the menus is quite illegible - so if you don't know french the difficulty will be double. For dessert we had the salted caramel french toast and the famous chocolate mousse, I will be thinking about this french toast for at least another 2 days haha The environment is great, it was a full house up until 6 pm, the staff was all friendly as well. I cant wait to come back :)
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Carolyn M.

Yelp
Friendly greeting by the host, colorful, fun atmosphere. Our server was wonderful and recommended several dishes. The mussels were amazing as was the scallop risotto! Don't miss the chocolate mousse for dessert - it is served from a big crock and plated in front of you! Definitely worth the calories. A fantastic overall experience for a fun lunch!
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Sue L.

Yelp
This was my favorite restaurant in Paris! Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time as it gets extremely busy during dinner. I wasn't able to make one online, so I asked the concierge at our hotel for some help. He ended up calling them and was able to snag an 8:30pm reservation for us on our last day in Paris. I was beyond excited as this place was on my list and it did not disappoint. We arrived over an hour early, and they were already packed. We ended up walking around the neighborhood and then came back around 8pm to be seated. We sat outside and felt a bit crammed. They do have more tables inside. The server took a while to take our order but it was understandable given the amount of customers. We ordered sea bass, ratatouille, and baked mussels. Omg the mussels were the best that I've ever had. They were seasoned extremely well, especially with a squeeze of lemon. I also really enjoyed the sea-bass especially the quiche on the side. It was my first time trying the ratatouille and it was tasty. I wasn't aware that it was a cold dish so that was surprising. I think it would've been even better if it was warm. A must try for those visiting Paris. It's located in a quaint neighborhood and a block away from Place Des Vosges. There are a few restaurants in the plaza, but Chez Janou is on its own.
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Laurie C.

Yelp
Nothing better than finding this gem just minutes from your Paris apartment, then to score a cute, cozy table on Valentines with no wait! As luck and the special stars that only Paris can combine, you find Cafe Janou! Very friendly atmosphere and staff, the mussels where so amazing. This meal was truly a great combination of value and excellent quality, even a fresh rose as a parting gift, made for a memorable night! (Finally posting this long overdue review)
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Justine R.

Yelp
Absolutely amazing experience at Chez Janou! Highly recommend this cute corner bistro if in the Marais area. Enjoyed a delicious meal of duck, ratatouille, and mussels, along with a bottle of wine. Service was so kind and accommodating and our food came out quickly. Would absolutely come back!
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Josh G.

Yelp
This was one of the most amazing meals I've had, possibly ever. My favorite dish was the ravioli, but the risotto was delicious and the salted caramel French toast was the perfect way to finish my meal.
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Patrick L.

Yelp
We checked into our hotel and looked for a French restaurant for lunch. Chez Janou had a high rating and was open on Sunday. Noticed a number places are closed on Sundays in Paris. We arrived around noon and place was pretty busy. Luckily, somebody just left and we were able to be seated right away. We started with escargots . They were fresh and the sauce was delicious. It does come with the shell on but it wasn't hard to get them out and you will get the full experience. My wife had the shrimps and the sauce was amazing. We lapped up the sauce with the bread provided. Duck magret, one of the iconic French dishes. The duck was tender and the skin was crispy. There were some sinewy pieces bit the rest was amazing. Highly recommended! We also had our first Crème brûlée and I yummy and perfect way to end the meal. The restaurant was rustic and guess that how French cafes look like. They spoke enough English that we were able to get by... hehehe. We would come back whenever we are in the area and try their other dishes.
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Ash N.

Yelp
The two of us walked in shortly after they opened on a weekday and were promptly seated. The menu is in French, which was a fun exercise to say the least. But no worries, feel free to ask for recommendations. I had the cheese ravioli and honestly -- these were so, so good. We also had the incredibly delicious and decadent scoop of chocolate. Such a unique consistency. I went through two pots of earl gray tea before finishing my portion. Beautiful restaurant, super memorable vibe, friendly and welcoming service, and of course everything was delicious. Highly, highly recommended!
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Aliaa Z.

Yelp
Worth every penny and worth the hype. Theyre so good! Food, drinks and ppl. Go early or put your name

Mary B.

Yelp
Ok this is not really a review but I am guessing it's good. Why? Well we were wondering the back streets of Le Marais looking for a cafe without having made a reservation. We see this inviting cafe without all the outside tables filled and went inside to see it was equally packed with many looking like locals. We decided to wait and went outside, and I'm not kidding within but a few minutes there were at least 20 people behind us. We were told that with the reservations that were already made, there would be no hope of a seat for the next hour and a half. She invited us to leave our names and numbers and she would call if anything opened up. We didn't want to wait but decided to make a reservation for the next day but time slipped away. So what I am saying is that when I make it back to Paris this is a restaurant I definitely want to try because the food looked amazing.
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Haylee M.

Yelp
You came here or not Sunday afternoon around 2:00 p.m. and the person outside told us we would have to wait around 45 minutes for a table but barely were there for like 5 minutes. They were calling names very quickly and someone was not there. Their name was being canceled so we were actually there for only 5 minutes. Definitely glad we waited. Place was completely fact but the food actually came so so quick, we were surprised! Chocolate Mousse - UNBELIEVABLE! Like for real unbelievable! So rich and creamy and smooth, it's hard to stop eating! Best part is it's unlimited so you can have as much as you want! I actually asked for extra bread on the table and had it with the bread - so good! Goat Cheese (chevre) - AMAZING! Definitely the best item we ordered to the table. The Jesus really creamy and soft and went so well with that tomato sauce. Kind of a thing on the side. Perfect with a baguette on the table! Mussels - Not sure what they did here but it was actually really really good! Probably the #2 item of the savory things we ordered. Have to add that lemon juice on top because it changes it and takes it up to a whole other level? Ratatouille - This was cold but somehow it actually worked! Game with some crusty bread on the side but actually went much better with the baguette slices they brought on the table. Also came with some tarpendne, and glad we could try some of that. Ahi Tuna Steak - Really good perfectly with nice charring and perfect flavor. And appreciate the vegetables on the side as well. Duck Breast - Will not recommend. The one item we actually did not like. The meat was too fatty and chewy and we could not eat a piece without leaving that extra chewy ending off on the plate.
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John L.

Yelp
This was the first restaurant I visited in Paris after a 2 hour train trip from London. Even at 10:30pm on a Tuesday night, the place was bustling and people were seated thigh to thigh -- I can't imagine how crowded it would've been on a weekend evening. With that being said - we were seated within 20 minutes as walk-ins with no reservation. The waitress immediately informed us that the kitchen was closing soon as we walked in and helped us order quickly. We started off with some mussels, which was recommended by the waitress -- however, it was just ok. I would recommend skipping it to save room for the dessert (more on that later) or going with a different starter. My friend ordered the escargot tagliatelle, and I ordered the grilled duck breast as our mains. They were both very delicious. As far as the duck breast went -- it was not gamey at all, and could even be mistaken for a more chewy beef steak to the unaware. Now - for the dessert which was the highlight of the night. I HIGHLY recommend getting the chocolate mousse. It was the best chocolate dessert I've had so far. More substantial than a whipped cream or icing, but more delicate than a supple moist chocolate cake. I would come back just for the chocolate mousse.
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Akiko I.

Yelp
- Locale Destination - It's on rue Roger Verlomme and Rue des Tournelles in Paris. Ambiance: casual Menu: Typical bistro menu Service: English ok, very friendly and attentive. Excellent. Reservations: you don't need one for lunch service, but make a reservation for dinner service! - Gluttony Expedition - Escargot: big and tender escargot. Solid. Fish carpaccio: very fresh fish Roasted duck: for this price, they do bring the quality! I liked it. Not the fine dining level, but excellent for bistro. A bit too much side potatoes. Steak: well cooked. Decent quality. Wine: good - Conqueror's Deduction - Solid 4 stars. Solid bistro foods with friendly and excellent service!
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Linda E.

Yelp
This is a place that I recommend every tourist to go to. It's definitely not the best food but it will give you an experience. The waitstaff are very animated & very French. We ordered steak, pasta, snails and chocolate mousse. All plates were good & definitely some of the best table bread I've tasted. The escargot is slathered in olive oil & pesto so definitely turned out to be my favorite plate. The chocolate mousse which is their specialty was just ok for me. I did notice that the more I ate it, the more I liked it but still not my top choice for dessert in Paris.
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Rob G.

Yelp
Delicious crepes!!! Asked out waiter for a recommendation as he hit it out of the parks my crepe has eggs, mushrooms, cream and some other mix veggies. Coffee was great and the ambiance was very cool.
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Chelsea C.

Yelp
Very tight quarters, you have to like who you're dining with as you will be very close to them! The food was good, service was average, but vibes were buzzing. The chocolate mousse lives up to the hype for sure!
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Anna L.

Yelp
Wonderful ambience, busy place and harder to get into. This food isn't life changing, but it is absolutely delicious French cuisine. The chocolate mousse MIGHT be life changing but overall really nice!
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Elle M.

Yelp
Another restaurant with a long wait line that somehow resulted in a short cut to excellent food and service for us. We were seated at the counter because we were willing to chat with locals and staff who had a lovely sense of humor and were very hospitable. They made our ratatouille and chocolate mousse dreams come true in the most picturesque spot on a random corner in the 4th.
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Courtney F.

Yelp
We visited Paris and tried many restaurants, but Chez Janou was by FAR our favorite. We are still talking about it constantly and I hope to be able to come and visit again in the future! Chez Janou feels like a real spot for locals and is so comfortable you want to stay and hang out all night. Their menu is amazing and vegetarian-friendly - it was hard to make a decision! One thing is for sure, you HAVE to order the chocolate mousse for dessert. It is an experience, and is SO GOOD!!! I do recommend making a reservation (seems that you can only do this via phone or in person) if you can, as we waited quite a while to get a table. This being said it was worth every minute of the wait. Please make the stop - you will love it!
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Asma A.

Yelp
I came tonight at 11:25 PM on a Monday night with my husband, 7 months visibly pregnant, and took a 14€ Uber to come here. I asked to be seated and the waitstaff asked if I'd be having dinner. I said I was there to have coffee and dessert. He said "we don't do that here," and proceeded to tell me that if they served dessert to people then the people who had dinner would not be able to have dessert. It was surprising because almost every item on their specials menu outside was crossed out and clearly sold out. If I was told there was a minimum spend, that would have been no issue. If there was a prix fixe menu, then that would make sense too. However, to be refused service because I am not getting dinner is bizarre. There was clearly a bar inside. Moreover, I am certain that they don't force people who buy dinner to also buy dessert. I cannot emphasize enough that if they just told me "we just need you to spend a minimum of X euros" then that would have been no problem. However, simply refusing service to someone, especially someone heavily pregnant, is despicable.

Lulu B.

Yelp
Got there excited to try due to hearing good things. The restaurant was very tight and compact and they had to pull the table out to be able to sit down. I was willing to look past that due to the fact they brought out bread, not only was the bread cold I almost broke a tooth trying to bite it! The food arrived and looked horrible, it looked like food had just been thrown in the plate. The fish special was ordered and when I receive it had weird sides that could also be referred to a "mystery meat"! I also ordered the ravioli due to it being the only vegetarian item on the menu.there was in fact not a single raviolis I was basically a baked plate of cheese. When I received the steak it was all fat and basically inedible, and impossible to cut! The family at the table next to mine was incredibly nice and I almost warned them that they should leave and the food was terrible. The service was okay not great or special. I said I had a place to be due to the fact that I just couldebt get out of there soon enough. The food gave the same vibe as dennys if not worse. Nothing made me happier to leave and get a falafel sandwich to cheer me up! Do no recommend!!!!!

Heidi M.

Yelp
Such a special cozy spot. The food. The ambiance. The staff. And of course, the best chocolate mousse in the world.
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Juliette L.

Yelp
My husband and I had our first dinner in Paris here and everything was great! Yummy, affordable wine, the best scallops and risotto and steak that was cooked just how my husband likes it!

Taylor D.

Yelp
Awesome ambiance. Food was amazing. Very slight wait with no reservations but we were seated almost right away. Variety of food was good too. Overall very recommended.
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Wayne W.

Yelp
Absolutely the most fun we've had at a restaurant. We waited over an hour on a busy night. It was well worth it. My steak was delicious. My wife enjoyed her meal. So lively. Waitress was such a big personality that she really made this place even more fun. To top it off was the chocolate mousse. The mousse is scooped from a large bowl and as much as you want. This was a wonderful dining experience. Loved the staff. Many more menu items I would love to try. Absolutely French vibe.
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Shawn H.

Yelp
Incredible. The ratatouille and mussels to start were perfect. We ended up getting three entrees (steak, duck, and mushroom risotto) because we just couldn't choose only two, and all three were amazing. The steak and duck were both cooked perfectly rare in a way that you rarely see in the US. The risotto had unbelievable flavor and a really great texture. And then of course, we had the chocolate mousse, which was perfection. (Our kids agreed.) We also got the cheese plate for dessert, which was the only thing we weren't crazy about.
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Lauren S.

Yelp
Was very excited to try this place after a glowing recommendation from a friend, but unfortunately we didn't have a good experience. We arrived at 10pm - well before the kitchen closing time of 11:30pm. We were seated immediately, but it took a long time for them to take our order. This meant that we were eating even later to the point where the staff was putting the chairs on every single table but ours and mopping the floor, so our dinner was paired with an extremely strong chemical smell - very obnoxious behavior and unpleasant atmosphere. The food was just okay. The fried anchovies and the salad were good, but they rushed the entrees out before we could finish them. Even though my duck was cooked to temperature, it was still somehow tough and lacked flavor. The steak my friend had was good, though. I can see how it was a lively vibe and a great location, but otherwise our experience was not positive.
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Michelle S.

Yelp
This is a very overhyped restaurant. We were able to get in for a late dinner one night and I wasn't expecting to be blown away but I was far from impressed. We ordered wine & our meals and within maybe 5-7 minutes our meals were delivered to our table - our wine was not. This place seems to just operate as a factory like the food is ready to go. Wine was delivered a few minutes later. The duck breast was actually decent, cooked as I ordered and there was a good sear on the fat. The potatoes were just roasted but garlicky and wet. The scallop risotto was a bit tragic. The scallops were ok, not overcooked but could have had a sear to the outside. The risotto portion? Not risotto. It was literally brown rice with a cheese sauce on top. On to why everyone seems to go there, the mousse. To be honest not wildly impressed it was good but it's not extremely different from other mousses I've had. If you are going for the mousse I'd recommend maybe not going as overall nothing is worth it. One last thing I'll comment on is the restaurant maybe has poor ventilation. My eyes started to bother me in there and the place had a very strong fish scent.

Ronni B.

Yelp
Make reservations, or you'll be waiting for some time. I stopped by in person the day before. At lunch, the place is wildly busy, with many American tourists who've heard about it on social media/travel guides. It's very professionally run, w/ great staff, who work like clockwork and don't forget about you. I had the ratatouille appetizer (splendid, with a sardine and olive tapenade), roast duck, and the famous chocolate mousse. Everything was delicious, although the duck came with potatoes that weren't roasted to crunchy level. The mousse was the best I've ever had. The lunch special is very reasonably priced even though I went a la carte.
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V P.

Yelp
Found this place through TikTok and added it to the list. I really enjoyed our meal. The baked mussels are 10/10. We didn't get the lamb but if I ever go back to Paris, that will be my next meal. It looked absolutely delicious. Chocolate mousse was chefs kiss. Only thing was that we contacted our hotel to make a reservation, and they said they called multiple times to no avail. So we did have to wait over an hour for a very cramped table. Besides that fact, we really enjoyed it here. All the staff were nice and very helpful. Didn't feel singled out for being American.

Roberto F.

Yelp
Excellent restaurant!! Super friendly service with outstanding dishes. Very cool atmosphere. Be prepared to wait for a table.
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Mala L.

Yelp
Chez Janou came recommended by a coworker who lives in Paris. She said it is her favorite French restaurant in Paris and I can see why. The food was outstanding, and they specialize in Provence food. I had the vegetable risotto for my entrée and one of the cheeses for dessert. Everyone else's plates around me looked amazing. Beautiful décor, friendly staff, and excellent food (and for a good price!) It seems like reservations are a must and you need to call to make them. Dinner service starts at 7pm so I walked in around 6:30pm on a Monday and was able to get one of five seats at the bar and start with a glass of wine. The other seats filled in very quickly, as did the rest of the restaurant. I would definitely return here next time I am in Paris.
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Denere P.

Yelp
Very small place but lots to see in the decor. Expect to be very close to those sitting at nearby tables. Servers were very friendly. Portion sizes are large but not as flavorful as expected. Once I added pepper and salt then the meal was better. Had the apple dessert, also left us underwhelmed. You had to get through the top layer to get to the best part of the dessert.

Leanna F.

Yelp
This was the restaurant I was most excited to try in Paris and unfortunately left disappointed. Food: 4/5, Service: 1/5, Ambiance: 4/5. Our specific server was one of the rudest and most unprofessional my entire family has ever experienced. We felt highly uncomfortable, not sure why we received such treatment (perhaps because we are POC). Food was decent. We loved the mussels, escargot, prawns, and wine. The steak and duck were alright: a bit chewy and needed more seasoning. Unfortunately because of the service, no matter the food, we will never return.
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Danielle P.

Yelp
This place came up multiple times as a must try spot on TikTok, so we gave it a try on our last night there. Even at 10:30 pm on a weeknight this place was totally packed, so much so that they had to stick us at a small side table by the bar but we didn't care, we were happy to be there! We started off with the small fried fish and mussels au gratin which were fantastic. I had the escargot pasta which was out of this world, and my friend ordered the duck special that was cooked to perfection. My big regret is not having enough room for dessert -- the girls next to us ordered their signature chocolate mousse and we overheard them saying it was one of the best things they'd ever eaten. There was a solid mix of locals and tourists at this spot -- if you're traveling solo this seems like a great spot to make friends at. The bar was packed save for a few open stools and everyone seemed to be interacting even though they didn't arrive together. Lots of birthdays and celebrations happening at each table as well, so definitely a solid spot for groups!

Gabi B.

Yelp
Looking to have a reservation for 2 people Thursday 16/1/2925 at 8 pm Please confirm Gabi Ben harosh
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Shannon G.

Yelp
Eh it was fine, obviously you're coming for chocolate mousse...so is everyone, but they wouldn't let us order it alone. We had to order 2 plates of "other food" first, and as we had just had lunch and wanted dessert that was not super appealing. Like a lot of Parisian cafes you move a table and are locked into a seat, lol, then you're at the mercy of the servers if you need out or need something. Personally the mousse was good but I had better at my local bistro, 7/10
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Lauren F.

Yelp
Went twice during our Paris leg and although the greetings were sometimes French-snappy, I personally felt like my usual attitude fit right in. Make a rez or prepare for a very long wait. Lunch was cute, the goat cheese dish was lovely, but DINNER, baby, was the mood and the vibe and the lighting and the music and Sammy (Sami?)! Salmon: lightly perfect. Steak: tenderly perfect. Ravioli: richly perfect. Mussels: succulently perfect. Bread: deadly perfect. Tagliatelle: lovely!
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Paige Q.

Yelp
Wow this was hands down my very favorite place I ate at in Paris! Make sure you book reservations because this place is ALWAYS busy and it's for good reason. The Escargot was fantastic, especially since it was as my first time trying it. The Beef with potatoes (I'm sorry I can't remember the French names): the steak was amazing and it's served more on the rare side but not too bloody. Delicious! The duck: Wow; I can't say enough good things about the duck. This is a must order and the sauce paired with it is AMAZING. 10/10 Mushroom Risotto: creamy, delicious, & fabulous. So much flavor and the Parmesan crisps used to scoop it just adds to it! Chocolate Mousse: I'm usually not a huge chocolate fan but this is a must try. It's on the darker chop side and very rich with little pieces of chocolate and simply delicious If you love wine you definitely need to order the house wine! Don't forget the little adorable post cards they give out by the door!

Lanes M.

Yelp
There was a short wait and the mousse was truly spectacular! The food was average, got the escargot pasta and I wouldn't care to eat it again. Ambiance is loud and crowded but it honestly adds to the charm! I would return!

Adrian D.

Yelp
One of the best restaurants I've been to in a while. Atmosphere was fun, service was nice and the food was all amazing.

M. V. S.

Yelp
Such a fun, casual and cozy option! Hard to add much to the great reviews below but we echo the kudos and recommendations for the escargot and chèvre appetizers. The sea bass was delicious as were the crème brûlée and chocolate mousse. The latter came to the table next to us and there was so much that they shared. Don't forget to order one of the 50 pastis off the drink menu. And get there 45 minutes early before 7pm if you don't have a reservation. Servers were fun and funny. FYI It seems very popular with English speaking patrons and French is not required to order well.
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Megan P.

Yelp
I had spent the morning contemplating modern art. During a two-week stint in Paris, I ended up at the ever fascinating Centre Pompidou, a museum I admire deeply and yet at the same time a museum by which I often find myself feeling incomprehensibly drained. As I descended the building's trademark transparent escalators back down into the bustle of Les Halles, I knew that there was only one thing that could revive me in that moment: an ungodly amount of chocolate mousse. Luckily, I was just a short walk away from the heart of the Marais, where Chez Janou sits poised on a corner beneath a green and white striped awning. The first word that comes to mind upon setting eyes on the place is "darling," although passing through the heavy doors gives way to a whole new landscape of vocabulary -- hip, timeless, quirky, and indisputably cool. (Cool here being pronounced with a French accent, of course.) The walls are tastefully cluttered with colorful remnants of a Parisian past, and exploring them feels almost like going backwards and forwards in time all at once. If there's a way for a restaurant to win my heart from the get-go, it's a solid welcome. Sometimes that comes in the form of a friendly host or a fun ritual about finding your table. Other times -- and oftentimes -- it comes in the form of olives. From cerignola to castelvetrano (a personal favorite), a small bowl of olives feels to me a lot like an olive branch itself -- it is a predictor of peace, an indication of community, and a signal of good things to come. Of course, this little snack to whet my appetite also happened to be a perfectly savory complement to the undeniably sweet dish my dining companion and I had come for: the establishment's famed chocolate mousse. As anyone who has passed through the doors of Chez Janou knows, however, this is no ordinary chocolate mousse. It does not come served in a sweet little ramekin garnished with berries and and shaved chocolate or powdered sugar, most certainly not. Instead, it is brought to the table in a mammoth ceramic dish, having almost the appearance of a teacup on steroids. A massive scoop is then procured from the cavernous vessel and ceremoniously flopped over onto a plate to be shared, savored, and lauded by all. When our server asked if we'd like a second scoop, he quickly added "no waste!" A man after my own heart. (And he was right, of course -- one scoop for the two of us most definitely did the trick.) I was only more smitten when I saw the adorable signature Chez Janou nougat sitting innocently beside my companion's cappuccino, and again when I tucked one of their precious takeaway cards in my wallet. (Another way to win me over -- give me a mini postcard at the end of the meal, and the deal is sealed.) The restaurant was so proud of this special little world it had created, and by association, I had become so too. Chez Janou is a delightful time capsule into the Paris of yesterday, infused with the flavors and the flair of the modern-day city of love. You'll find more than just an impeccable cure to your sweet tooth -- you'll also find kindness, camaraderie, and an infectious lightheartedness that's far more important than anything that could be plated. Read more reviews at letsgetdinner8.wordpress.com.