Bistrot Des Tournelles
French restaurant · l'Arsenal ·
Classic French bistro fare, rich pork rillettes, chicken with morels
Classic French bistro fare, rich pork rillettes, chicken with morels
"Ancient cash register? Check. Brass wall sconces? Check. Coat hooks hung so low they could’ve been installed for Napoleon? Those are here, too. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bistro near the Place de la Bastille is perfect for a traditional French meal. Expect simple starters like crispy fried mushrooms doused in butter and plated with zero flair, practically just-plucked sucrine lettuce served with a creamy mustard dressing, and mains like a fist-sized chicken cordon bleu. All dishes come with either thin and crispy frites, a whipped potato purée, or green beans. And while you’re the boss, waiters won’t hesitate to steer you towards what they recommend. (Fries for the hanger steak, purée for the Provençal beef stew.)" - sara lieberman, lindsey tramuta
"An instant hit since its July 2022 opening, this romantic 4th-arrondissement bistro channels classic French comfort cooking with evident passion and historic charm. Mains typically range €30–€40 and include textbook bistro sides (fries, mashed potatoes, green beans); a standout is the roast chicken, served with seasonal accompaniments such as a cream-and-morel sauce in winter or oyster mushrooms dressed in persillade in summer. Expect elegant, unfussy presentations and the option of a traditional cheese course." - Eleanor Aldridge
"As long as you accept it’ll be noisy, you’ll have a great time at this popular, narrow Marais bistro with a marble-topped bar. Enlivened by friendly owner Édouard Vermynck, this place feels like a party, where conversations, fueled by a great wine list, leap between tables. Look forward to dishes like irresistibly rich pork rillettes from Perche in Normandy, oyster mushrooms sauteed in finely chopped garlic and parsley, and andouillette (chitterling sausage) and chicken with morel mushrooms in cream sauce. All mains are served with sides of hot crispy frites, portions are huge, and the chocolate mousse is required (though the tarte Tatin with raw cream is excellent too). Located in the 4th arrondissement. Know before you go: Book a table during the second service of the night so that you won’t feel rushed." - Alexander Lobrano
"You’d assume that this bistro near Place des Vosges, with tile floors, lace curtains, and an old-timey cash register, has been around since Charles de Gaulle was president, but it opened in late 2022. The menu delivers on the retro kitsch thanks to the usual bistro suspects that remind us why the saucier is the top dog of any French kitchen brigade. Beef tenderloin swims in creamy au poivre sauce, and daube de boeuf, the Provençal answer to beef stew, is olive-studded gravy perfection. If you can't resist a cheese pull, their signature softball-sized cordon bleu oozes a lava flow of melted comté when you pierce it with your knife. (Watch out for hot cheese oil geysers!) This is a pocket-sized spot with limited seating, so head here with close friends, especially ones who like low-intervention Beaujolais and hate shared small plates." - emily monaco
"A new address that serves pretty late, it turns out very classic, very French plates like meat with French fries, made very well, and backs them with a nice wine selection; on their last visit they drank a very good Fleurie from Dutraive." - Sophie Friedman