Le Select (Paris)

Love the history of this restaurant and the effort to make it last. Busy restaurant so expect some delays. Delicious lunch set! Glad we tried it while in Paris

True Parisian institution and a classic choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in beautiful Montparnasse. The atmosphere will take you back to the 1920s, and the food is excellent in both quality and flavour: from eggs and salads to profiteroles and Laurent Dubois cheese

The service was Excellent and the food and drinks were Amazing. My Wife and I were visiting Paris for the first time, and I wanted to go to a place where the American Authors frequented. When I asked the Maitre D where F. Scott Fitzgerald would sit, he sat us in a nice booth next to the bar- he know exactly what I wanted. I ate snails for the first time so I would highly suggest those. The customers were also sophisticated and nicely dressed, relaxed, and all seemed to be in deep conversation- either about politics or literature or something academic. Honestly, I don't speak French but it still seemed like it could've been either of the aforementioned. No one talks loud, but just the right tone. And we all (the entire restaurant) enjoyed ourselves on that Saturday night, as if we were all on the same page. Our service was Excellent, and I'll definitely come back again. I miss and love Paris

Excellent traditional brasserie. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff friendly and welcoming. I have been a few times and will come again. The saucisse with mashed potatoes is excellent. Probably the best sausage I have ever had. The onion soup is also excellent. Tete de veau is a classic and very well done here. One of my favorite brasserie in Paris.

Amazing whisky selection, great food and I love to have a Scotch Manhattan here in the afternoon 🍸 the bar also had its 100 years anniversary

A wonderful Montparnasse place with all the history. But a little too genteel - has lost some of its once respected edge. I like La Coupole better.

Went there because of a certain Korean celebrity was there recently. I had the Brunch special while my friend had his first escargot and we love them! He couldn't stop raving how delicious the escargot was! My croissant was crispy yet soft, the Orange juice was fresh. Tasty. The ambiance was nice and calm, literally just being with the locals was nice. We were there around 10am. Our waiter was very kind. I would come back again to try their other menu.

Great food and amazing service! Big thanks to Alex, it was my first day in Paris and she made it memorable!

Like many a cafe in Paris - this place is well located to take in the boulevard and grey for people watching. The food however, was not the best. We had flavorless onion soup and a bland risotto. We expressed this to the waiter who said he would pass along the feedback. We also had a baba du rhum and it was also (and unfortunately) bland. It simply was not worth the stomach space when you have limited time in Paris and you want every meal to count. Maybe this place is better for a coffee and croissant in the am but our dinner was mediocre at best.

my hubby and I stopped in here twice during our time in Paris on our honeymoon for late night caps! each time we were greeted and taken great care of for last minute drinks. the second time I had taken a fall on a lime bike due to slippery wet roads from the rain and the staff was so attentive and ran to the back to find supplies to help get me back to good before pouring us up some nice cocktails! and the fact that they went above and beyond for my accident/injury was so heartfelt and kind! when we are in Paris again we'll have to try the food!

Quite the disappointment Arrived on time for our reservation and were seated. Then we're told that our table was reserved for someone else so we needed to move. Ordered an omelette and salad nicoise. First the omelette: eggs not properly beaten, with egg whites streaked through and cooked dry. The nicoise -- a pretty basic salad, but apparently no one taught them how to properly boil an egg -- green around the yolk and tough white because they cooked it on a hard boil and / or too long. Ten minutes and gentile! Again pretty basic if you care. Pathetic -- stay away.

Disappointing, overrated, rude. A relic perpetuating the stereotype of the rude, impertinent waiter

Fabulous meal, service, and ambience. Loved it. Super friendly staff to Americans. Classic French restaurant to begin our vacation.

We came here for dessert because when we were in Paris, we were really into getting late night desserts for some reason. We were seated on the patio that overlooked the street. Our waiter was extremely friendly and helpful; he even taught us the word for cheque and was happy to converse with us. I ordred a grog, which seemed to surprise our waiter and a creme brulee because why not? When in Paris. My boyfriend ordered a chocolate lava cake, and I stole his caramel while he stole half my creme brulee. The creme brulee was really enjoyable and the caramel took it over the top. I really enjoyed that. The grog was a great drink and helped to really ease my nerves after our rough first night in Paris (I will blame Airbnb all over for this!). I was worn out, but it was at Le Select where I was finally able to relax a bit. It's a good place to people watch and get a decent dessert and enjoy a slow meal. There were quite a few people around in the middle of the night, but it wasn't overly crowded like a lot of places I'd been in Paris. I had a good time here and I do recommend it if you are looking for a cute late night cafe

It's a classic! And it's classy, too. Especially good cocktails and aperitifs but for sipping, not downing! Enjoy the excellent seafood and ambience. No rush.

Our tour guide recommended this place, as he said it was one of his favorites. So we went. Sadly, we weren't impressed. The service was terrible and our waiter in particular was unpleasant and inattentive. Service was painfully slow; it took nearly 3.5 hrs to finish dinner. Even by European standards, that is a very long time. I ordered the onion soup and liked it. My brother did not. I love onions, so the fact that it was overflowing with with onions didn't bother me in the least. For my entree I ordered the roast chicken which came with French fries. The chicken was too dry, so I asked for extra broth and poured it over the chicken, which made it better. The French fries were pretty good. We all liked our meals okay. Probably wouldn't go back with so many other options around.

Okay, I think the word cheap certainly doesn't really apply to this place, but when comparing it to the other 'Hemmingway cafes' it certainly isn't anywhere near as expensive (and while I thought that this part of Montparnasse was going to be cheaper than the other part, it quickly turned out not to be the case). The other thing that I liked about this place is that the staff were really friendly despite the fact that I certainly wasn't dressed as if I could afford to eat (or even drink a glass of wine) at this place. In a way the only thing that they were worried about was the colour of my money. Sure, that doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence, but the fact that they didn't prejudge us on the way we looked means that this place does get some credit. Oh, and they are more than happy to show you where Hemmingway used to sit (if you are interested that it).

Thank God our last meal in Paris was a good one because I was beginning to think France only had tasteless and bland food. I regret not having tried this place sooner because we haven't had any luck in the food department our entire stay in France. And considering we just came from Italy--where the food was beyond amazing--the food in this country has been a disappointment. From the outside Le Select looks like a casual diner but once inside, it's a bit more upscale. Lots of seating, waiters have nice put together uniforms, and kind of a romantic setting with dim lighting and simple decor. Le Select not only had great food but great service as well. Our waiter was attentive, super friendly, and spoke English very well. We were seated right away and our food literally came 5 minutes after we ordered. I got the rigatoni with tomato sauce and while it may not have been homemade pasta and sauce from Italy, it surely didn't disappoint--it was very flavourful and filling. My niece got the free range chicken which came with a side of fries and salad that she said was delicious--the chicken was a HUGE portion (so much so that she could only eat one piece of it), and the side salad and fries were also great. We both got the piña colada to drink and both agreed it tasted amazing--not overly sweet and just the right amount of alcohol. Overall, is definitely come here again, both to eat and drink. The service was great and so was the food which deserves 5 stars in my books. We'll miss you Paris! Au revoir

Honestly reading other people reviews I wished we had received as friendly and great service .. I am writing this review because it has been two weeks since been to this restaurant and the attitude of our waiter still bother me. This was our first night in Paris and we were looking for a quick bite to eat near our hotel. When this restaurant advertised American bar we thought this will suit us because both my friend and I spoke limited French ... We pretty much received attitude from the start .. we ordered one entree to share and the waiter proceed to question us why we were only ordering one entree .. Then we each ordered dessert and tea . I asked for black tea .. I got green . We asked for refill of our water never got it ... I asked for milk for the tea never got it ... Food : we had the roast chicken it was ok and the desserts were good .. We would have loved to come back for dessert again but been ignored and not been heard .. really soured our first night in Paris experience...

Awesome food! The staff was so polite as we entered, showing us to a quiet corner of the restaurant. After a long day touring the city, I ordered a whiskey sour and the wife wanted water to rehydrate. The waiter delivered a bowl of bread, mini-pretzels, and olives while we selected our main course. I got a simple steak and fries; she got a veggie-pasta dish. Both were very shareable! For dessert we shared crème brûlée and a chocolate lava (with caramel topping) dish. Dang! Both were absolutely wonderful! A little pricey, but we were expecting that with what we ordered. We will be back in the future, if we ever get a chance to see Paris again.

The charcuterie plate was excellent; probably some of the best I've had. Who knew French mustard was so much better than the American stuff? The tartare was also very good, but it had been close to a dozen years since I'd had it... so I have no clue if you should trust my opinion. We had a (relatively cheap) bottle of wine and it too was enjoyable. This place probably gets rated higher than it deserves because it was both our first meal in Paris and our first meal in an open air cafe. I think eating in the Montparnasse area is what Americans imagine when they think of cafes in Paris and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I can see how people would think it was too touristy, but hey, we were tourists... so whatever.

This was a last minute decision when the other restaurant was closed in August. It actually worked out very well! Charcuterie plate and an order or bone marrow was excellent along my ginger gin drinks. Main was shrimp and risotto which was tasty. Staff was excellent and friendly also. Do it!

Great little place with history. Food was good. As Americans, we want a more American bar, they really tried. It was good... then we headed to the cemetery to find Jim Morrison. Makes me wonder how much longer people will want to see Jim Morrison, my 17 yr old was clueless as to who he was... this place is not near that cemetery. We went there because it is a place that is in a scene in The Sun Also Rises. Hemingway was all over Paris. Maybe a longer lasting figure than Jim. Enjoy. D

Very nice big restaurant. Perfect for a wine in the afternoon or dinner. They also have english menu.

Tourist trap that serves truck stop quality food. Yes, French truck stops are pretty good but nothing special and neither is this place. Resting comfortably on its reputation from the jazz age maybe it's time to really make an effort?

Great service and food. We enjoyed the Risotto with Shrimp and Tuna Tartar, excellent choice. I highly recommends this authentic French restaurant. Mathias was awesome and extremely professional.

I was here on a perfectly sunny day in the fall and I sat outside in the sunshine for lunch. I don't know why, but it was the best croque monsieur I've ever had, by a long shot. It is a great place to eat lunch and have a kir in Montparnasse. I think Hemmingway used to hang here.

(sorry for the lack of location info. It's across the street from Le Dome and La Coupole) I was recommended to come here by locals but was probably not warned it's one step above diner food. I was fortunate my veal with cream sauce was actually pretty good. The rest of the menu looked average. Service was not good. The waiter was more preoccupied with finding the bottle opener he apparently lost, and annoyed a table that had ordered a Coke disappeared.

La Select is a legendary cafe in Montparnasse. One beautiful evening, our party of four dined outside at this gorgeous establishment. Two hours later, we all left sated and dreaming of delectable tastes. We tried a variety of menu items, including salmon tartare, veal, and the piece de resistance . . . confit de canard. It was my first experience with this glorious creation and it will certainly not be my last. The duck was slightly salty from preserving, the skin was perfectly crisped, and the meat was fall off the bone tender. The wine was good, as were the entrees and desserts. But they will always be overshadowed by my magical confit. I went to bed dreaming about preserved duck that night. A month later and I can still taste it now . . . yummy!

This place has history. Beyond that the staff is great! I was immediately offered an English menu and had my order taken quickly. The food itself was good but nothing especially stellar. A great place to have a seat, drink some coffee or wine, and read.

Sadly, I had my first experience of "the French hate Americans." We have had an amazing time in Paris and everyone has been so friendly, until Le Select. We stopped here for a quick drink before our reservation across the street. Our waiter was extremely rude, never came back, and never brought our full order (and yes, he was still surviving other tables for another hour). The rudeness continued throughout even by another waiter that we asked for the check from. Just beware.

Great food... The staff speaks english, and are very accommodating. English menus. Reasonably priced. Good atmosphere, even for paris. Amazing food.

Coffeehouse on a high traffic street with vintage parisien charm but unfriendly waiters. The Cafe Creme (4,50 EUR) we had was good. Step in if you need a break

We haven't been yet. So I really can't rate it. Le Select is on our "Sun Also Rises" itinerary I have planned for my significant other who has taught the book in his English class for over 30 years. I thought it would be fun to trace Jake's footsteps in Paris and move down through Spain ending in Madrid! Can't wait and will critique Le Select after we have dinner there. It's not so much the food and service (although I will keep my fingers crossed) we eat and are treated well! It's the experience of just walking through the doors we are looking forward to. We'll make reservations for dinner on March 21.

Bad food, Even Worse Service .. Read the history via Madame Google, snap a photo - and keep on walking. I've lived in Paris 2.5 years. I would give it Zero Stars if Yelp would allow.

We were staying across the street from Le Select and had read about its reputation in the 1920's---We decided to go there on our first night and enjoyed it very much---It wasn't the tourist trap like so many restaurants in that area---I was able to have delicious French Onion Soup and my husband was able to have a heartier meal of steak---Both met our expectations---And, of course, a good bottle of wine enhanced the experience---We enjoyed it so much we went back another night---It is true that the servers could have been more gracious but we enjoyed both nights tremendously.

Decent food, but nothing special. Prices were good for the main courses (€15 to €20 for many of them), but drink prices were high: €6 for a beverage like a coke or small bottle of water. Waiter was rude and extremely rushed, even though the restaurant was relatively empty. I would never go back with all of the other great choices in the Montparnasse area.

Absolutely wonderful Sunday brunch, best quality ingredients, cooked to perfection. Cannot find any fault. Best start to a lazy Sunday I've had in many a year.

This is of course a storied place from the expatriate 'twenties, and the "Bar Americain" sign still hangs outside. Had the first steak tartare of my life, and it came with fries and a wonderful house sauce and Worcestershire. A cheese plate and a glass of red and a coffee rounded out things nicely. A terrific dining experience on a chilly November night!

Wonderful experience. My meal was superb and the ambiance lovely. The servers were very accomodating and graciously tolerated my attempts to speak French. I recommend that you visit Le Select when you are in Paris.