Friends and I have rented an apt. In 12th arr. of Paris this October.
I am not familiar with this area, and am trying to put together a list of recommended restaurants nearby.
We are looking for moderately priced bistros, perhaps with a view?
Any suggestions are welcome

Where in the 12th? Near the 11th, near Bercy, etc.? Near Gare de Lyon, I can recommend A la Biche Au Bois. For pastries, Sucre Bleu. WIne Bar: Le Baron Rouge.

Try looking at John Talbott's paris bistro reviews......in the 12th:
http://johntalbottsparis.typepad.com..._the_12th_arr/



He gives menus and prices and pics........enjoy your stay in Paris........

Paris by Mouth is also a good resource, with some recs around the Place d'Aligre market -

http://parisbymouth.com/aligre-market-guide/

le Cotte roti, 1 Rue de Cotte, 75012 Paris, France

https://eatintuition.com/

are the two restaurants we would recommend from out last trip to Paris in May.

http://www.letintilou.fr/
Le Tintilou is in the 11th, but it's the southeast side of that arrondisment so close enough to the 12 that it might suit you. It is also perhaps too aggressively inventive to satisfy the classic "bistro" description. I've made the trip from several different areas of the city and was always satisfied. It has different set meals, sometimes offering a chef's surprise menu too. Lunch and dinner; not cheap but good value.

What is a classic 'bistro' ?
Being frenchspeaking a bistro is a bar.
Close by Bastille you have Santa carne an Argentinian with superb meat.

I speak French and a bistro isn't a bar to me. I'm sure you mean someone who is native to some particular geographic area, if that is true for you (I don't know where you grew up). And if I recall, you were the one eating in Elmer in Paris which l'Express, a local Parisian magazine referred to as a "bistro" in its review. Was Elmer a bar? Or is L'Express not French-speaking?

You know what the OP means by that, anyway. They mean a small, casual restaurant.

I don't stay in that area very often, but suggest Le Square Trousseau, not too far from Gare de Lyon. I thought it was good but haven't been there in some years. One could call it a bistro or brasserie or a restaurant, I suppose. http://www.squaretrousseau.com/

Their website is a bit too clever to be useful. This gives some photos and better info http://www.paris-bistro.com/choisir/...uare-trousseau

Thanks everyone for your prompt replies!
I will begin researching the recommendations right away.
An acquaintance also recommended L’Amarante, which is nearby our apartment (Rue De Jules Cesar)

There is a good crepe rue in your street I think it is called les embruns.

L'Amarante is fantastic. No view and no bells or whistles, but the finest ingredients and most delicious, skilled preparation of French food. Reservations a must.