FRANCE - Best of Europe 2014 - page 392

isatypicalbrasseriewithsalads, platsdujour, andgoodseatinginsideandout(daily,tel.01
43546002). Patios servesbasicItaliancuisine,includingpizza,atdecentprices(dailyuntil
late, tel. [phone]). Le Bac de la Sorbonne is a tad cheaper, but you get what you pay
for.
$$ Le Pré Verre, a block from the Cluny Museum, is a chic wine bistro—a refreshing
alternative in a part of the Latin Quarter mostly known for low-quality, tourist-trapping eat-
eries. Offering imaginative, modern cuisine at fair prices, the place is packed. The bargain
lunch menu includes a starter, main course, glass of wine, and coffee for €14. The three-
course dinner menu at €30 is worth every centime . They pride themselves equally on their
small-producers' wine list, so follow your server's advice (closed Sun-Mon, 8 Rue Thénard,
reservations necessary, tel. [phone]).
On Rue Mouffetard
(See “Restaurants near Luxembourg Garden” map, here . )
SeveralblocksbehindthePanthéon,RueMouffetardisaconveyorbeltofcomparison-shop-
ping eaters with wall-to-wall budget options (fondue, crêpes, Italian, falafel, and Greek).
Come here to sift through the crowds and eat cheaply. This street stays up late and likes to
party (particularly around Place de la Contrescarpe). The gauntlet begins on top, at thriving
PlacedelaContrescarpe,andendsbelowwhereRueMouffetardstopsatSt.MédardChurch.
Both ends offer fun cafés where you can watch the action. The upper stretch is pedestrian
and touristy; the bottom stretch is purely Parisian. Anywhere between is no-man's land for
consistent quality. Still, strolling with so many fun-seekers is enjoyable, whether you eat or
not. To get here, use the Censier Daubenton or Place Monge Métro stop.
$$ Café Delmas, at the top of Rue Mouffetard on picturesque Place de la Contrescarpe,
is the place to see and be seen. Come here for a before- or after-dinner drink on the terrace,
typical but pricey café cuisine, or great chocolate ice cream (open daily).
$ Cave de Bourgogne, a young and local hangout, has reasonably priced café fare at the
bottom of Rue Mouffetard. The outside has picture-perfect tables on a raised terrace; the in-
terior is warm and lively (€13-16 plats , specials listed on chalkboards, daily, 144 Rue Mouf-
fetard—see map on here ).
In Montmartre
Much of Montmartre is extremely touristy, with mindless mobs following guides to cancan
shows. But the ambience is undeniably fun, so either join in the touristic fray or walk a few
blocks away and find a quieter, more authentic meal at one of the places I've listed below.
For locations, see map on here .