Chez Omar

After researching the top 10 spots for couscous in Paris, I decided to give this restaurant a try. Unfortunately, the experience started on a less-than-positive note, as the reception and seating lacked warmth and courtesy. We placed our order right away, choosing a Moroccan salad, a pastilla au poulet, and a vegetarian couscous with a side of merguez. The Moroccan salad was quite underwhelming—essentially a mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green peppers, but without any distinctive flavor or seasoning to make it stand out. The real highlight of the meal was the pastilla. The moment I cut into it, the fresh and perfectly crispy crust impressed me, and the taste was nothing short of excellent. However, the couscous was a bit of a letdown. While the vegetables included (carrots, zucchini, and potatoes) were well-cooked, I had expected a more diverse selection—perhaps cauliflower, green beans, or even sweet potatoes. Additionally, the couscous itself lacked the sweet touch of dried raisins, which would have added a layer of depth to the dish. Overall, the meal left me feeling as though I had opted for a budget-friendly version of what could have been a much richer couscous experience.

Chez Omar in the Marais district of Paris offers an exceptional dining experience. Their chicken couscous with chicken skewers is a standout dish, featuring farm-raised, organic chicken cooked to perfection. The couscous itself is delicious, and the vegetables are expertly prepared, showcasing the chef's skill and attention to detail. Everything comes straight from the grill and pot, ensuring freshness and flavor. Beyond the food, the staff at Chez Omar truly excel. Despite any language barriers, they provide excellent service, taking great care of guests and ensuring a memorable dining experience. With top-notch cuisine and exceptional hospitality, Chez Omar is a must-visit destination for food lovers in Paris.

The bustling restaurant was filled with a lively crowd. A friendly attentive service to begin with, and very comfortable food to follow. The couscous dishes are the star of the menu. The grains are prepared in a light and fluffy consistency, accompanied with a vegetable stew begging to be spooned over the couscous. The menu has different pairings of stews, braises, and grilled or veggies. Chez Omar, the food is just nice, they managed to find a delicate balance.

Went for a diner there. Food is good but rather pricey for what you eat. Size portion is not much. Better eat as an early bird because the place is cramped and become jam-packed quickly. You have to squeeze into your chair and no privacy between the tables. Staff is accommodating but would not get back there because of the price. Better deals in the street

Very nice and characteristic place. I discovered it thanks to a French friend. The best couscous in Paris. The ratatouille is also very good. I was with family and all was satisfied included child’s.

Chez Omar à step away from enfant rouge is probably the best meal you’re yet to have. It’s homemade and you can definitely feel the love and care. The staff is extremely lovely and accommodating. The farmed chicken was delicious. Crispy skin yet juicy, moist, and flavourful. The couscous and the vegetable stew was light yet once again super flavourful. The vegetables were fresh and tender. The grilled salmon was fantastic too. Lots of great protein options, carbs, and vegetables to choose from on the menu for all tastes. Great food for great price!

Great food.... Had the couscous and lamb which was a huge portion and great veg broth (add the harissa!). A good bottle of red too. But mostly go for the atmosphere... We had a great chat with the owner (Omar obvs) who was lovely!

Just an absolutely lovely place - the vibe - the service - the food - the prices. A staple for our friend group, we love you!

Delicious and always a treat. A real local spot you're lucky to experience. Classic and old world in the best of ways, serving the best cous cous out there.

This super authentic French Cafe was by our AirBnB. We knew we had to try it because it was not a touristy spot. The interior was filled with wood decor and that typical French bar/cafe look. The menu was only in French so we knew it had to be good. We ordered the shrimp salad and- wow!! THE best dressing I have ever had I think! It was so savory , engulfed with the umami taste. The beef brochettes were the best I've ever had! We didn't expect so much on our plate! We also orders the Branzino grilled fish- excellent! As we looked around we noticed other tables ordering the family style stew and couscous and specialty sets. We will try that next time. So, overall, it was authentic, they obviously do not get too many Americans! Lol The older waiter who has worked there for decades, was pleasant and put up with us Americans haha! We put up with him too! At the end, we had so much food heft for two. They begrudgingly gave us a 'to go ' bag.. I laugh and.d cry because it was hysterical! He says- to go box? No!! Box, boxing... then he put up his hands like boxing me! He then said , no no take away. Then a lovely busboy took our food and brought it back in a fancy foil wrapped goose shaped take away. It was a lovely and funny night. The food was amazing and that's all that mattered. We will be back!

One of my favorite places I dined in Paris! It's an old school restaurant with delicious North African cuisine. The lamb was perfectly cooked and falls off the bone, the stew and couscous was great. It was also pretty affordable compared to other restaurants I dined at the portions are nicely sized.

Simply Put...Devine food. Excellent service and tasty food. Chicken is incredible along with the stew and couscous ENJOY

Great couscous with unlimited servings if vegetable stew. Hot the lamb shank - delicious and soft and huge portion. Owner is ever gracious as he makes sure each guest is happy

Food came out quickly. We made an early lunch reservation. There were only male waiters when I was there and the restaurant was quite empty right at opening. The space would be lovely at night and has a great ambience. The vegetable stew and couscous is such a hearty meal & great on a cold day. The mint tea is refreshing.

Wonderful food and great service. I highly recommend this place for authentic North African cuisine. Try the merguez, a lamb sausage, with Cous cous.

Chez Omar is always busy. It's always hectic, crowded and a bit frenetic. I find it to be a good time with plenty of food served that is quite nice in quality and preparation. The couscous dishes are served with a big terrine of cooked vegetables which is a real treat. The atmosphere is old genuine Parisian.

Good food and good service. The menu is a little unclear but you can't go wrong and portions are good.

It is not common for a restaurant to bring back childhood memories. Chez Omar did that to me and I am thankful for the reminder. See, I grew up in Algeria for 9 years. As a child, I remember eating "Couscous royal aux sept légumes" at least once a week. I remember begging my dad to take me to his boss' house so we could have the couscous. My mom used to worry that I like Algerian food more than Indian food. I have been to Paris multiple times, yet never had a chance to eat at Chez Omar. I have heard of their Couscous royal aux sept légumes. I heard from friends that it is authentic Algerian. You don't have to ask me twice to eat at an Algerian restaurant. I set off in search of the Royal couscous and my childhood.... From the service to the food, everything brought childhood memories back. I may have shed a tear or two after dining solo on my first night (I was waiting for the man and the in-laws to join me). I loved it so much that I returned with the family. Sit outside, have a glass of house red wine, and enjoy your Royal Couscous. Have a chat with the friendly owner and wait staff. Life will be pure bliss! Nothing much needs to be said about Chez Omar.

Whenever I come to Paris (about once a year) I stop by here for the grilled meats & couscous. What a treat! The succulent lamb to the perfectly textured couscous. This visit, the crowd was as hip as when I first discovered this place in 2001. Still see some of the same wait staff who are always ready to serve & banter with the clientele.

The place is beautiful, warm, well lit and full of interesting and beautiful people. A friend said I had to go there and meet Omar. He is such an elegant and happy person - so kind to everyone there. The food is healthy and satisfying and the place makes me want to weep with happiness. I will visit every time I come for the rest of my life. Omar has the kind of human happiness everyone should aspire to acquire.

Homey feel, generous with the semoule (they always bring us seconds!). The merguez falls apart in your fork it's so tender, and the servers are warm, entertaining and personable. Gets crowded and they don't take reservations. Expect a squeeze unless you're lucky enough to score the window table. Also, watch out for the wine - the list is hit or miss.

So I've never understood why people make a big deal about couscous and this place doesn't help its cause. At Chez Omar, the semolina or "semoule" in French was prepared plainly with no garnishments that I've seen or had in other places (no raisins, pistachio pieces, etc.). My table started off with the Moroccan salad (6€) which was a simple salad so don't waste your time on this. We had the following main dishes: Merguez sausage with couscous (18€) Grilled Lamb with couscous (18€) Duck breast au poivre (with pepper sauce). (19€) We had a half bottle of Algerian red: Cuvee du President which I liked a lot. (14€) The merguez sausage was "meh.." without any kick that I prefer but the lamb was a very good quality. The best part of the couscous was the vegetable stew. The broth was delicious and prepared fresh enough so the veggies had not yet completely fallen apart. The duck breast was overcooked and drenched in au poivre sauce which was very rudimentary. The service was at a level of cold indifference. I think I need to start coming up with my own levels of rating French service if I continue with these reviews from Paris... stay tuned. Overall, I would suggest skipping this place if you're in Paris during a limited stay but if it is in your neighborhood, you should give it shot.

This restaurant has been so hyped up by so many different people, and even so called "trusted" foodies, what are they smoking. This resto is popular during fashion week. Models hang out there. OK, that's a sign, models don't eat. It's just a known hang-out. I guess people will over look the food to be in a "popular" place. What a DISAPPOINTMENT! Can it get any blander. Thank God for Harissa. The vegetables were "soggy and droopy". Meats were tasteless. If it wasn't for my friends vegetable broth that I shared, it would have been too dry to eat. And, the fries, OMG, they're suppose to be "famous" for their fries. I have one word "LIMP". Go to some of the more Authentic neighborhood cous-cous places, you'll do much better. FYI, the desserts are sold by the pieces at €3 each, it can add up. the only thing worth eating. Service good though, but not enough for me to want to return.

Chez Omar is zagat rated? Really? Hmm... My friend had read that this place had a nice steak, or it looked really good anyways from someone's food blog, so while I am in Paris, we decided to dine here for dinner. It opens at 7pm for dinner, but really fills up around 8pm when all the french people eat dinner. They give you bread and water... We ordered the kebab couscous and a steak/fries to share...and then i got a cafe au lait which was quite nice...very strong coffee but not overwhelming..loved it... steak was perfectly cooked to how i like it, cooked on outside, RAW on inside..mmmmm some people may find it disgusting but i love it. The french know how to cook up a good steak!!! The best part is the sauce for the steak..omg..to die for. The creme brulee we got for dessert was okay, better than average, perfect to share. The lamb kebab was nicely cooked that i didn't realize it was lamb..and i hate lamb!!!! The waiter spoke english so it was nice..except they kept saying phrases in japanese to me..im not japanese so i was just like "wtf" talk to me in english please, im american. Oh and they totally saw me drop my spoon while eating dessert..they were quick to react..bringing me a new spoon..too bad it was dirty...

Time and time again the Chez Omar never disappoints. It's fabulous! Have been here quite a few times over the last 15 years and it's fabulous - fabulously priced, fabulous food, fabulous atmosphere. Definitely recommend! Had the Royale which is a taste of almost everything from cous cous to assorted meats and vegetables. However, the best without a doubt, was the dessert - an order of decadent profiteroles! Chez Omar is great for casual Parisienne dining or even fun romantic occasions. Highly recommend. It should be noted that this is a perfect and lovely walk up from Notre Dame on the Rue des Archives.

Americans Beware! Not the highest health standards at Chez Omar! Went to Chez Omar with a friend while on business in France. Although I enjoyed the old school Parisian decor, I have to say I was disgusted to find a bug in my couscous. I didn't want to say anything to my friend who was so happy to eat there--I faked a stomachache and returned to my hotel hungry.

Located in the North Marais, the interior is classic old Paris, with it's high ceiling and zinc bar. But this bistro's menu is mostly known for it's Moroccan Couscous and Roast Lamb. They also have a very generously portioned and delicious Entrecôte Frites (Grilled rib eye steak with fries).

I must disagree with other reviewers and give this place a full quota of stars. I lived round the corner from the restaurant a couple of years ago and regularly visited with friends both Parisian and from overseas. The atmosphere is always buzzing with diners from all over the world crammed into the old cafe style surroundings. The popularity means you usually have to queue for a seat as reservations are not accepted, but don't worry the service is fast and diners are swiftly seated. Contrary to the other English language review describing the restaurant as "posh" I would instead describe it as no frills, relaxed and convivial. The staple here is the traditional Moroccan vegetable stew, served with light fluffy cous cous with a choice of meats. If you have a big appetite then try the "Cous cous royale" which gives you a wide selection of delicious meats. Other popular choices on the menu include the mouthwatering tagines. If you can possibly fit another morsel in at the end of your meal, try one of the strong coffees with perhaps a traditional nutty biscuit dusted in icing sugar. I will be visiting again this summer and will update with the latest prices, but from memory meals cost somewhere in the region of 20-25EUR. Beware however, credit cards are not accepted so bring cash!

Well-known Parisian institution. I try to make it here whenever I'm in town. I wasn't as impressed last night. My friends had the poulet and I had couscous au légumes. Delicious, fluffy couscous. Though flavorful there could be more variety of vegetables in the legume and the poulet was average at best from what I was told. Always full of people here as its name precedes it. Try it for yourself; come for the ambiance and you shouldn't be disappointed nor blown away.

Love love this place. I am a resident of Long Beach, CA however I have been traveling to Paris since 1996 when I had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris. This is when I discover Chez Omar. A good Parisian friend of mine Layashi took me and my fiancée to eat there. All of their food is so delicious and tasty. Their specialty grilled meats such as lamb, sausage,chicken, and steak are to die for. My favorite dish is their "Couscous Royal Aux Sept Legumes" is nothing but pure pleasure for your mouth. The service was impecable, friendly, attentive, ready to serve you! Can't wait to go back to Chez Omar! God willing next yr.

Other than not taking credit cards, it was an adequate meal of cous-cous, both poulet and vegetarian. Love the harrisa. The waiter was a ruffian, but no matter, the food was generous and savory. This is what I want in cous-cous.

After a day of walking around Paris and a few drinks down the street at the Open Cafe where we watched Paris life pass us by in plumes of smoke, a Moroccan dinner at Chez Omar was just the ticket. We had a very friendly server who was patient with us practicing our French, and the food was simple and delicious. You can see photos of what we at on our food website here: http://eatsporkjew.com/travel-2/moroccan-food-paris/

Highly overrated. Came here with high expectations, especially after a couple days of eating excellent food at unbelievable Parisian restaurants. Sad to say, it was not worth it...not in the least. Bland food, soggy vegetables, unattractive dishes. Stay away. Far better options in this wonderful city.

I am giving the food a 3.75. My wife and I shared the roasted lamb and stewed vegetables with couscous. The lamb was perfect; the vegetables and broth very satisfying, if a tad under-seasoned and the couscous was soft and steaming. The Moroccan salad was unremarkable; a poor choice on my part. The balance of the review is for service. The food was in indecorously tossed on the table in front of us, and we had to ask for plates to eat from twice after the main arrived. I've had less than desirable service before, of course, and have rarely commented on it, but we had to watch the family next to us get fawned over while we were ignored. The desserts looked beautiful, baklava and pistachio encrusted cookies, etc., but those were not offered to us. We were just given the check, while watching others select from the heaping plate.

Chez Omar, c'est magnifique! My French family took us here while visiting them in Paris for the first time. It is a family favorite, and we all ordered the couscous with different meats....it was yummy!! The service was kind and prompt. As all 6 of us ordered couscous, they brought a large platter heaped with fluffy couscous. This came with a pot of tomato-based vegetable stew filled with delicious chunks of vegetables including carrots, celery, turnips, and squash. The couscous absorbed this delicious stew like a fluffy and tasty sponge. We ate family style sharing the meats that we ordered with the couscous: the braised lamb and the roast lamb were both delicious and quite distinct from one another. The merguez was the tastiest merguez I have ever eaten. Afterwards, they brought huge trays piled with pastries, wow!! The baklava was lovely with the mint tea but the green dumpling-appearing pistachio-based pastry stole the show. It was a very memorable meal in the beautiful Marais arrondissement. The restaurant was tastefully decorated and the food was very delicious and flavorful while being very fresh and satisfying without being heavy. Highly recommend!!

Years later, after living in Paris for 3 months, I still dream about this slice of culinary heaven. I've searched but have never found its equal. I will, I must return.

This was my third visit to Chez Omar and I found both the food and service a bit lackluster. Granted we arrived a bit late, but they were open for another 90 mins, so not too late by Paris standards. Waiter seemed like he was in a hurry to leave. It's unusual to feel like you're being rushed in Paris. And they're not taking credit cards is annoying. There's better Moroccan food in Paris for sure.

The service is terrible here (hey, it's Paris where "service" is "included" in your check) and yet Omar is packed, night after night. This is our 4th time staying in the Marais so we finally paid the obligatory visit. We were not impressed. The best thing we tried was the poulet, which was moist and juicy but not over the top good because the skin was chewy-- not crispy. The merguez (lamb sausages) were nicely grilled but not too flavorful or spicy and I have definitely had better. The couscous had no additions and so it was, well, couscous. One of the "specials" of the night was "ratatouille"-- except the surprise version here is roughly chopped up zucchini, carrots, chickpeas, celery and potatoes simmered in chicken broth. The only way to add flavor was to mound on the complimentary harissa, which was quite good on its own but needed a better vehicle. With a few glasses of wine, our tab ran a shade under 50 Euro. We definitely will not be back. Too many other good things to eat in this neighborhood! (note: cash only... there is an ATM nearby across the street)

I don't expect much from French service, but these guys were really awful. The food was boring although the portions were generous. There are far too many great restaurants in Paris to waste your time at Chez Omar.

Fun and bustling Moroccan restaurant. Packed and loud yet highly enjoyable. Had an amazing duck breast au poivre with fries. Service is fast, furious and attentive. The owner is a charming character always wanting to serve you another drink at the bar. Highly recommend it for a fun and non-traditional french dinning experience.

Had one of the worst meals of my 6 days in Paris. We arrived as soon as the dinner service started. Worst shoulder of lamb I have ever had. Dried out and very fatty. Over priced to boot.

Ate here on our first night in Paris and were very happy. One order if the royal couscous and one order of the legumes couscous and we were set.

A restaurant with a french classic style serving couscous. Nice mix. But couscous is a bit pricey.

Une sorte de cantine marocaine les plats sont simples mais de bonne facture.

This restaurant was recommended by a few friends including one who has lived in Paris for years but my dinner companion and I were both disappointed. The lamb couscous was bland and the Harissa was too. Hard to believe. The service was so so and all in all I wouldn't go back when the city is filled with so many better options.

Not impressed I was dissapointed, the service was bad, the food was little in comparison to bebert and they dont accept credit cards not recommended at all

My daughter loves loves loves Cous Cous and this joint fits the bill. Its a pretty casual Bistro but the food is very good. It was a lot of fun and service was excellent. Not sure about the low stars by others but this place is always packed and a local favorite. Some folks just can't be pleased!

Yum! This place was very good! I loved how you pour the veggie soup onto the couscous and eat it with the meat. They also had an amazing hot sauce you can eat with it. We got to try all the different meats including the lamb, sausage, chicken and steak. It was unfortunately the hottest day ever in Paris (it really was a record breaking 104 degree) so we were sweating like crazy but still sat there and ate the whole meal.

Someone posted a picture of the veggie couscous, citing it as ratatouille and calling it tasteless. I feel it behooves me to call attention to this as the ratatouille here is actually unbelievably good. True, the veg cous is not the most flavorful, but they give it to you as well when you order meat and it really is just better if there is something to go with it. It's not tasteless, but by all means, get the ratatouille.

certainly not the best morrocain à Paris. used to be a hot spot during fashion weeks past. but those types don't really eat, no? so now getting by with tourists. if in the area and must have tajines or couscous, go to le marche des enfants rouges down the street.

if I was on death row their filet au poivre would be my last meal.

One of the worst restaurants I have ever eaten in since I moved to Paris. It is a trendy place, that's all it is. Vegetables were limp, fries reputed to be the best were like rubber. The food had no flavor at all. It's know for models hanging out there especially during fashion week. They don't eat, so what would they know about food. Go to the `5eme, 18eme, 19eme, 20eme for more authentic foods from the Maghreb!

I thought I liked couscous before eating at Chez Omar. Quickly, I realized, I've never HAD couscous. There's always a waiting line at this restaurant; I can see why. When the couscous arrived, it was served on a large plate. Accompanying the couscous was a pot of stewed vegetables and the additional item ordered (we all ordered meat), along with some pepper paste for as much or little spice as you'd like. I've always ordered couscous and had all of the ingredients premixed before being brought to me. My friend told me, "that wasn't couscous!" He was right. The couscous here was light and fluffy. The actual grains were much smaller than in the states. As I was eating, I heard an American ask the chef to please tell him his secret for making the couscous so light and fluffy. Everything was absolutely delicious!! When I go back to Paris, I will certainly return for more couscous!

This was a definitely highly ANTICIPATED restaurant that turned out to be just okay. I guess people love it because of it's very posh atmosphere and the good service. However, it was just okay since the price was about 24-30EUR a cous cous choice. You you pick a meat or veggie/ you get cous cous and a bowl of veggies. I think it's worth it to go if you're with a group of people, but it's nothing I would brag home about.