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A Parisian bistro (also spelled bistrot)
is a small, informal restaurant typically serving
traditional French cuisine.
According to one popular legend, the Cossacks who
occupied Paris in 1814-1815 used to frequent exactly
this type of establishments (their dining bills were later
paid by the Russian Army) and, in anticipation of
their meals, bang their silverware on the table, yelling
"bistro!" ("быстро", which means quick or, more precisely,
quickly in Russian).
The accuracy of the story has been disputed on the grounds that
bistros only started to be called bistros several decades later, but
whatever the case (and whatever spelling we choose),
bistros have been a part of Parisian life for well over
a century.
Select Bistro Restaurants- Au Bascou
38 rue Réaumur (3rd Arrondissement), +33 (0) 1 42 72 69 25
A bistro that has been serving a seasonal menu of
inventive Basque dishes. The wine list is short and
understandably focused on the South-West region.
Booking highly recommended.
- Brasserie du Pont Louis Philippe
66 quai de l'Hôtel de Ville (4th Arrondissement), +33 (0)1 42 72 29 42
A reasonably-priced restaurant. The second
floor (specify your preference when booking a table)
affords good views.
- Chez Georges
1 rue du Mail (2nd Arrondissement), +33 (0)1 42 60 07 11
A classic Parisian bistro - one of those places that
define its genre. The daily menu is hand-written.
- Fleur de Sel
32 Boulevard du Monparnasse (15th Arrondissement), +33 (0)1 45 48 52 03
- La Régalade
49 Avenue Jean-Moulin (14th Arrondissement), +33 (0)1 45 45 68 58
One of the restaurants at the center of the
bistronomique revolution in the city, despite
slighly out-of-the-way location.
Menu at 32€
- L'Absinthe Café
54 rue de Turbigo (3rd Arrondissement), +33 (0)1 48 87 79 30
Traditional bistro cuisine. Menu changes twice a year.
- Le Coupe Gorge
2 rue de La Coutellerie (4th Arrondissement), +33 (0) 1 48 04 79 24
A two-level restaurant serving inexpensive bistro
fare (downstairs is a bar). Daily menu at only 18€
(14€ at lunchtime)
- Le Petit Pontoise
9 rue Pontoise (5th Arrondissement), +33 (0)1 43 29 25 20
A small bistro with a loyal following.
Legend:  = contributor review(s); Please keep in mind that our site does not attempt to provide comprehensive restaurant listings. These are simply the restaurants picked by our editors and contributors - subject to all the subjectivity such a method implies. That said, if you think we're missing something - and that includes you, self-promoting restaurateurs - feel free to let us know! |
