SFDink

Hi all,

I'm looking for recommendations for reasonably priced (under 40E per person not including wine) bistros close to the 6e that serves inventive/nouveau cuisine. On my last trip to Paris, although I enjoyed Petit Prince de Paris, I much preferred the style of food at L'Epi Dupin.

In researching previous posts, I was had narrowed the list to:

Florimond
Clos des Gourmets
Chez Maitre Paul
Les Bookinistes
Reminet
Maupertu
Allard
Fontaine de Mars

Can someone tell me which ones are more similar to L'Epi Dupin? Or recommend any that are not on the list?

Also, I would travel outside the area for dinner one night if worth it and was looking at Astier or La Regalade. Are either it worth the extra travel?

StCirq

Neither Le Florimond nor La Fontaine de Mars serves what I'd call inventive/nouveau cuisine. Florimond's chef's favorite recipe is his grandmother's stuffed cabbage.

StCirq

Neither Le Florimond nor La Fontaine de Mars sersves what I would call inventive/nouveau cuisine. Florimond's chef's favorite recipe is his grandmother's stuffed cabbage!

awbaker

La Regalade is definitely worth the trip. It was our favorite restaurant of our visit to Paris last year. I believe the cuisine is considered rustic southwestern french. And a bargain at 30 Euros for 3 courses. However, the chef, Yves Camdeborde, recently left, and the new chef is Bruno Doucet (2nd in command at 3 star Apicius). I was so happy that chef Yves came out of the kitchen & shook my hand, until I found out that he did that to almost everyone. It still was an endearing touch. If you go, make sure you make a reservation ahead of time (ask your hotel to make it.)

We also went to Les Bookinistes & La Fountaine de Mars and I was happy with both of these -- probably more so with Fountaine because I was in the mood for bistro food (very good!). I haven't been to L'Epi Dupin so I cannot compare them for you - sorry. But of the two, Les Bookinistes is probably the more innovative. The service there was very also very friendly & relaxed.

francophile03

I haven't eaten here but my hotels had mentioned a place called Ze Kitchen Galerie.

jody

I'd eliminate Allard and Chez Maitre Paul if you are looking for innovative.

Le Bookinistre or Ze kitchen Galerie would be more in keeping with your needs. We've eaten in both , I prefer Bookinistres and my DH prefers Ze kitchen. They are right next door tp each other, check out their menus and then book.

shellio

If you're looking for innovative, drop Florimond, Chez Maitre Paul, Allard and Fontaine de Mars from your list. They're all in the traditional camp. Ze Kitchen Galerie is very new-style and the chef, William Deuil, used to cook at Les Bookinistes, next door. His new place allows him even greater latitude and it is quite Asian-influenced. You might try Café des Delices on rue d'Assas. Excellent, interesting food at a good price. Christian Constant of Violon d'Ingres has recently opened a small Café Constant on rue St-Dominique in the 7eme, not far from Fontaine de Mars. He's also opened a seafood resto, the name of which I can't remember.

BTilke

I would also drop Maupertu...again it's very traditional food. Except for Les Bookinistes, your list seems mostly traditional, at odds with your preference. Another possibility is Cafe d'Esplanade, overlooking the Esplanade des Invalides. Part of the Costes group, its menu is more modern and fusion in style. I think you could manage there pretty well with your budget.

SuzieC

My boss and his wife adored Le Bookinistes. When I was there, I was so busy, I forgot to go!! Foolish!? Yes. But next time, next time... they raved and they are foodies and "budget" isn't in their vocabulary

SuzieC

something was niggling at my brain and I ran across this message on a forum on egullet (which I will be investigating further...those were FOODIES!)

Les Bookinistes is now Les Bouquinistes, and has had a little restyling lately...

SFDink

Thanks for the responses.

Can anyone comment on the food at Reminet or Clos des Gourmets?

shellio

Dined at Le Reminet last fall for the first time. It was fine, but not spectacular. It's bistro food, but with a modern tilt. As for Clos des Gourmets, I have loved all of my half-dozen meals there over the last several years, except for last fall, when the food and service were not what they had been in the past. I know they were short a server that night and everyone's entitled to an off day, so I'll be trying them again.

elle

You might also want to consider Atelier Joel Robuchon. It's in the 7eme, I believe, but not too far from the 6eme. We didn't make it there, so I can't offer a first hand report, but I think it would fit your needs.

mamc

Each time we have eaten at Bouquinistes, I have been struck by the innovative food. The same is true of Ze Kitchen Gallerie. I really love L'Epi Dupin but these two are even more innovative IMHO - but no more delicious.

SFDink

I've heard great things about Atelier Joel Robuchon but they don't take reservations. Has anyone been there recently and know what the wait times are like? I imagine it's awful during peak dining but what if I went earlier, say around 7PM?

awbaker

Does anyone know what the prices are (approx.) at Atelier Joel Robuchon?

kurmelbel

Our experience at Bookinistes (however it is currently spelled) was not good: poor service, OK food. Given that we were living in Paris at the time, we felt that the restaurant provided a different/ lower level of service because of all the Americans (i.e. they could get away with doing less because the clientele was not French).

Last visit to L'Epi Dupin turned us off. Server was rushed and forgetful, similar to the Bookinistes experience.

Ze Kitchen Gallerie is pretty hip, serving fusion food. Better experience than at Book.

Have eaten several good meals at Clos des Gourmets. Other restos to consider: Le Timbre (French for postage stamp; an apt name because it is a very small space); Au Bon Accueil (with its new decor) and Le Pre Verre (5eme).

grandmere

awbaker, the May issue of Conde Nast Traveler mentions the cost of Atelier Joel Robuchon; I am at work now, and 'zine is at home. I will post it tonight if someone doesn't answer in meantime.

awbaker

Thanks grandmere. I haven't received the May issue yet.

grandmere

Ok, here's the skinny on L'Atelier Joel Robuchon, according to Conde Nast, paraphrased: Unless you want to eat very early, expect a two hour wait at this 37 seat restaurant with no-reservations policy, but you'll be glad you waited! Robuchon and his talented chefs "fuse French techniques with Mediterranean ease". Entrees, $12-$25.

Also mentioned as "hot tables" are L'Atelier Maitre Albert (Guy Savoy), across river from Notre Dame (Entrees,$24-$29) and Stella, a brasserie that was closed for many years and now opened again in the 16e (entrees, $16-$44)

Hope someone will report back us about these places!