Famed for its 1879 decor—think Art Nouveau stained glass and La Bohème-style street lamps hung with vintage hats—this Belle Époque dazzler in the up-and-coming neighborhood near Gare de l'Est certainly lives up to its oft-quoted moniker, "the poor man's Maxim's." Look for smoked salmon, stuffed roast lamb, cassoulet, and, to finish, profiteroles or the coupe Julien (ice cream with cherries). The crowd here is lots of fun, and the restaurant has a strong following with the fashion crowd, so it's mobbed during the biannual fashion and fabric shows. Food is served until midnight, and there are various prix-fixe menus that start at EUR 18.50 for a main course with café gourmand (coffee and sweets).
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