Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This popular locals' cafe is certainly out of the way, but if you're looking for an authentic
meal in a neighbourhood setting, it's a good bet. Along with wine and plates of cheese, it
serves mackerel
rillettes,
steak tartare and that all-time favourite,
œufs à la coq aux tartines
(soft-boiled eggs with toast).
CAFE
LE SQUARE TROUSSEAU
mains €18-26; kitchen noon-2.30pm & 7-10pm; ; Ledru-Rollin)
With etched glass, zinc bar and polished wood panelling, this vintage (c 1900) bistro has be-
come a Parisian landmark of sorts - come here for a classic French meal or simply coffee
and a croissant on the terrace.
ARGENTINE
UNICO
12.30-2.30pm & 8-11pm Tue-Sat, 8-11pm Mon; Faidherbe-Chaligny)
This very trendy, very orange Argentine
parrillada
(steakhouse) took over an old butcher's
shop and put a retro 1970s spin on it. Unico is all about meat - especially the barbecued
en-
trecôte
(rib steak) with chunky
frites
. To order, study the diagram of the steer and choose
your territory.
Pick up Argentine wines at its neighbouring bodega,
El Galpon
.
BISTRO
COCOTTE ET CANOU
noon-2pm & 6-10.30pm Mon-Thu, noon-2pm & 6-11pm Fri; Charonne)
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo gave this bistro tucked down a small alleyway her stamp of ap-
proval, but it's still off tourists' (and even many local foodies') radars. The red-splashed din-
ing room is a vivifying spot for daily changing dishes like roasted scallops with caramelised
endives and saffron made from fresh-as-it-gets seasonal ingredients. Good wines, great all-
round value.
SICILIAN
LES AMIS DES MESSINA
toine, 12e; pasta €12.40-22, mains €18-25;
noon-2.30pm & 7.30-11pm Mon-Fri, 7.30-11pm Sat;
Faidherbe-Chaligny)
