In the city of love, there are so many great food options! Here are some places to help you narrow down your choices while not breaking your bank.
Pause Bobun
For an unexpected but delicious choice, give Pause Bobun, Vietnamese restaurant a try. From the exterior, it is easy to pass by and not give any attention to the building, but when you walk in, you realize there is more to this place.
You can order a la carte or a set menu for a small discount. We ordered a set that comes with a starter of choice and an entree of either a casserole, grill or special on their menu.
I particularly enjoyed the Vietnamese crepes and their Special Bobun that consists of mixed salad, rice vermicelli in a bowl with pork as my choice of meat. I always appreciate it when they provide us choices within their menu. Well-done classic and authentic Vietnamese food.
Le Petit Canard
When it comes to all things duck, Le Petit Canard has a fabulous set menu where you can choose your appetizer, entree, and dessert from their options.
For the appetizer, we are able to choose between a charcuterie style appetizer with duck done four ways with pickles or a foie gras with two delicious jams to complement and slather on toasted crispy bread.
For the entrees, we ordered the orange duck and the filleted duck with a honey cherry sauce with the sides that both include mashed potatoes and string beans. Everything is full of flavor and the sweet sauce is not overly sweet and complimented the duck very well. For those who prefer savory sauces can choose a rosemary sauce instead.
For dessert, we tried the babu and creme brulee. The babu packed a powerful rum flavor and sweet decadence. The creme brulee was evenly torched where every bite had a crispy toffee surface as I dig into each creamy spoonful every time. Service is quick, friendly, and provides a unique rustic farm to table Parisian meal.
Le Sens Unique
Le Sens Unique is a charming French modern bistro nearby the Champs Elysse that offers fresh local food. We ordered off the specials.
The squid was cooked properly. The squid was tender yet the myriad of fresh vegetables that included red and green peppers, shallots, salmon roe and chives to just name a few, gave the dish contrasting textures and a depth that was pleasing.
The steak flank had great char and seasoning with its sauce topped with fresh arugula drizzled with sweet balsamic with fresh sauteed veggies.
The apple tart dessert can be complemented with great ice cream flavors to choose from that includes strawberry and mint, lemon basil, and red currant. Fresh flavors and reasonably priced food!
Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie
If you want to eat at Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie, do yourself a favor and make a reservation. They take walk-ins but be prepared for a long wait if you do.
For our starter, the snails are beautiful and lightly flavored with butter. The side greens are plenty to share and very sour and tangy. Too sour for people who are sensitive to sour like me.
They have foie gras multiple ways. I tried foie gras in a ravioli with cream sauce. As you keep eating, the sauce becomes more and more flavored with the foie gras as you keep cutting into each ravioli and its fat runs into the sauce. For a more authentic and straightforward approach to foie, go with it just pan-seared.
We also ordered the duck in medium and it was a bit tough to cut through, so it might be good to get it rarer if you like it more tender.
A great place to have dinner with wonderful service, but if you can’t get in, there are other places that are good alternatives.
Sweets…
Une Glace a Paris Montmartre
Une Glace a Paris at the Montmartre location may be a tiny shop, but it sure puts a gleam in my eye and we stop to check which flavors they have. Soon enough, a massive line forms behind us! Their flavors suggest that they are made in small batches and reflect what they claim their flavors deliver.
We got the passion fruit, grapefruit, tomato and basil, and smoked chocolate! Each scoop was packed with flavor and did not disappoint!
Great service and ask to try their flavors before you purchase!
Ladurée Paris Champs Elysées
Laduree at the Champs-Élysées location is my favorite out of all their locations and a must-visit if you are a macaron fan. Not only are the macarons and desserts so fresh and delicious with their fantastic flavors, but their restaurant may also be worth eating at for their impressive Parisian decor and food.
They also have a more laid-back outdoor seating.
The service is friendly and you can order the macarons to go.
There may be a wait if you go during peak times.
Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé is a French pastry chef and chocolatier. We visited the 86Champs – L’Occitane x Pierre Hermé location in conjunction with L’occitane at Champs Elysées. His signature flavor is the Isphahan, which is raspberry, lychee, and rose.
This location allows you to enjoy your food and desserts while people watching outside on the patio seats, or taking a break inside as you watch people shop. You can also order pastry to go.
While I hear other Pierre Hermé cafes may be better for food, this place is a relaxing place for a break without needing to wait in line. Prices can be more reasonable and service can be more attentive, but it doesn’t detract from the beauty of this place.
