This one is a real gem. I am afraid to even let the secret get out. YOu don't need reservations (although recommend it high season) and it is frequented by the french. However, it is locally recommended as well. We sat next to a long term american professor from the Sorbonne. They specialize in Prix-fixe menu with many choices of combinations. It is located on ile-st louis which is the smaller island next larger one with the Notre dame. It is considered inexpensive and the food is traditional french. You can enjoy a full 4 courses with wine for about 30E. Main courses were about 12-15E.

Au gourmet de I'lle
42 rue st-louis-en-i'lle
phone 01-43-26-79-27

YOu won't be disappointed!

You CAN make reservations, but we did walk in (February) and had no problem.

wtggirl! what a hoot for us..a friend recommended this place to us..but on our last 3 trips we COULD NOT find it! I think we need to meet in Paris and you can lead us there!

My favorite virtually unknown...Chez Fernand..on Rue Christine.

But Elaine..we loved Chez Julien too

Jody, that is funny because I remember thinking "am I lost?" and feeling like I had walked too far down the road to nowhere and then there it was! It was on the main road on that tiny island, but not much there. pretty residential and small business oriented area. But, they asked not "not wellknown" and they got it! Worth the effort, believe me!

Don't know how "well known" it is but we enjoyed (with reservation that day)-
"Claude Sainlouis" at 27 rue du Dragon in the 6th.
We also (no reservations accepted) le Relais de l'Entrecote at 20 ruse Saint-Benoit (all steak menu) I agree with good.... many, many on every street!

Not sure about the "not-wellknown" part but one of our favorite is le Coupe Chou. You may have a look at the menu on the website: http://www.lecoupechou.com/

Au Gourmet de I'lle Is GONE. As of June 2006. Was there. Had the address. Nothing there, sign is gone, locals claim they never heard of it. Don't know what's going on. Anyone know anything?

The name was changed to Le Fin Gourmet..it is still at #42 Rue St Louis..don't know whether it is new ownership