D. L. J.
Yelp
Stopped by Chez La Vielle for a casual lunch. The restaurant is diametrically opposite Chef Daniel Rose's well-known luxury outposts (e.g. Le CouCou in NYC). This is a neighborhood spot, tucked into two stories of a well aged building. The stairs are well worn down in the center of the treads! It feels like it has been there a hundred years. Though the space is tight (tables are very close) in the upstairs dining room, the design is pleasant.
Chez La Vielle is a solid choice for a meal without frills and fuss. The environment is cozy and comfortable. On our visit, the majority of diners were French speakers, typically a good sign. What makes the place unique, though, is the hospitality shown toward visitors as well. From the moment we stepped in, there was no hesitation to us as English speakers, and all we encountered were kind with no air of pretension. Finding this balance can be tough in Paris. All staff speak English, and an English menu is on the back of the French one.
The food at Chez La Vielle is classic and presented honestly, without flair or fuss. Whether this may appeal to you is really a matter of personal taste. Truthfully, some dishes we liked more than others. We had:
Salade Adrienne (12€): Basic salad with fresh ingredients and an interesting curry dressing, good if unexceptional.
Duck Terrine (10€): A classic preparation done well, the beet was a nice counterbalance - enjoyed!
Duck Breast (roasted apples, butternut squash - 28€): Excellently prepared and a very generous portion, a hearty lunch for a cold day. Would order again!
Hake (white beans, lemon, bottarga - 27€): Not a favorite, came almost as a soup/stew, which was perhaps just not our taste.
Overall, I found it enjoyable for a comfortable lunch, but would not call Chez La Vielle a destination in and of itself. A well-positioned stopping place for a casual meal before/after the Louvre.