John B.
Yelp
Fantastic little brasserie just a few blocks north of the Jardin de Tuileries! I could not have asked for a much better lunch spot to enjoy my first meal in Paris after almost 20 years.
I will say this place is not suitable for those who will only be satisfied by an incredibly fancy dining experience, nor is it appropriate for any tourist who is merely seeking sustenance or lacks appreciation for food. It's not for them! Le Petit Vendôme is a relaxed and casual restaurant serving up some very good and very traditional French dishes with specials hailing from Auvergne and Burgundy (Central France). The food is honest and the atmosphere is homey. Le Petit Vendôme is definitely one of those places where you take the time to enjoy your meal, savor the moment, and wish the experience would last just a bit longer.
___F O O D___
The menu consists of classic French dishes. You'll find confit de foie, wild escargot from Burgundy, andouillette, and pot au feu (beef stew). Additionally, they allegedly make one of the best sandwiches in Paris. Just ask for the jambon beurre (ham and french butter on a baguette) and they'll hook you up! I was only somewhat hungry so I ordered a soup, a starter, and a dessert.
-Onion Soup: Really comforting and tasty soup topped with glorious cheese! Been a while since I've had French onion soup in France so I actually made an effort to pay attention and tweak my own recipe later. This one was lighter in color (y'all use chicken stock or something?) than most onion soups I've had in recent memory, but managed to taste even more delicious! I loved the savoriness and the subtle background flavors from the herbs. And the broth wasn't excessively sweet or salty either! 9/10
-Jambon de Bourgogne Persille: Burgundy ham with parsley. They take the ham and gently poach it for hours in stock with white wine, garlic, and other delicious things before assembling it into a terrine. It's old-fashioned but ohhh so good. Pair with some French butter + bread and you're golden! 9.5/10
-Pistachio Crème Brûlée: I thought a dessert was a must in Paris, even though I do not normally order such things (I'm more of a savory guy). Anyway, this was great! The caramelized sugar shell satisfyingly shattered under my spoon and revealed a light and silky smooth pistachio custard. It wasn't grainy at all! The top appeared to be torched a bit much, however, the burnished flavor really worked well. I just wish the pistachio was more prominent, but I suppose subtle flavors are more appealing here? Still good. 8.5/10
___S E R V I C E & A M B I A N C E___
The people are as sincere as their food. So nice! Folks checked up on me often and my order arrived in a timely manner. As for the ambiance, Le Petite Vendôme feels like one of those places that has not changed much over time. It's old-school and homey. The use of vintage signage as decor, red & white gingham tablecloths, and handwritten menu boards further drive this point home. I'd also like to add that space is a bit tight. The restaurant is popular and they have some rather cozy seating arrangements so you will be in close proximity to other diners.
___F I N A L T H O U G H T S___
I had such a wonderful experience dining at Le Petite Vendôme and every dish was such a joy. I'm only deducting one star because it's not a mind-blowing restaurant. I just went back to my only 5-star Paris review for a restaurant and that establishment was on a whole 'nother level. Le Petite Vendôme is great, but probably not "as good as it gets."