Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3-course lunch menus €21/26, 3-course dinner menu €33;
noon-2.30pm & 7-10.30pm Mon-Fri;
Bir Hakeim)
Proving that a location footsteps from the Eiffel Tower doesn't mean compromising on qual-
ity, quantity or authenticity, 'the nutcracker' is a neighbourhood gem with a cosy retro interi-
or, affordable prices and exceptional cuisine that changes by season and by the inspiration of
owner/chef Pierre Olivier Lenormand, who has honed his skills in some of Paris' most fêted
kitchens. Book ahead.
BISTRO
JEU DE QUILLES
noon-2pm Wed-Sat, 8-10pm Tue-Sat; Mouton-Duvernet)
When your next-door neighbour is the original premises of celebrated butcher Hugo Des-
noyer, you have an inside track to serve exceptional meat-based dishes, and chef Benoît
Reix does at this brilliant bistro. Creations such as artichoke-paste-encrusted pork or veal
carpaccio pair with an extensive selection of natural wines. Reserve ahead: there are just 18
seats and locals love it.
MODERN FRENCH
LA VÉRAISON
3-course lunch menus €15/18, mains €19-24;
12.30-2pm & 8-10pm Tue-Fri, 7.30-10pm Sat;
Com-
merce)
The elegant simplicity of owner/chef Ulla Bosse's welcoming neighbourhood bistro (bare
boards, timber tables, pistachio-coloured walls) belies the outstanding cuisine she creates in
her open kitchen. The starters alone - truffled chestnut velouté, foie gras ravioli in cognac
sauce, burrata cheese with orange, crispy 'Peking duck' morsels, Thai crab cakes with
mango dip - are reason enough to return.
REGIONAL CUISINE
LA CERISAIE
mains €16-25; noon-2pm & 7-10pm Mon-Fri; Edgar Quinet)
Chef Cyril Lalanne shows how inventive southwestern cuisine can be at this snug 22-seat
restaurant behind a cherry-coloured facade. Starters such as snail cassoulet are followed by
rich, often game-based mains (partridge, pheasant) and amazing desserts like blue-cheese
ice cream with fig purée. The wine list is extensive and extremely well priced. Be sure to
book.
