Gekko

I'm searching for the absolute <i>best</i> croque madame in central Paris.

Why? Because my beautiful wife would like to have it on her birthday.

Thank you!

nukesafe

Not trying to be cute just because I don't like raw eggs, but is Salmonella not a problem in France? Seriously, one seldom sees under cooked eggs in American restaurants these days, and I wonder if eggs are handled/treated differently in Europe to minimize the danger of gastric upsets.

AnthonyGA

No, salmonella is not a problem in France. Salmonella is a problem when food is contaminated at some point during its handling; it's not an intrinsic problem with raw foods.

madamtrashheap

In the last few years there have been reports on salmonella in eggs in Spain, hence the widespreaad use of powdered eggs in tortilla production now. There have been quite a few documented cases, particularly 2009 and 2010, of Spainish-origin eggs having the salmonella pathogen and causing issues, but this seems to point to the strage/transport of eggs during Summer particularly. France seems to have no such problem.

Back to the original question! A delightful Croque Madame (and Croque Monsieur for that matter) can be found at:
Le Vauban - just opposite the Eglise du Dome; great decor, great food.
Cafe Marly - on the terrace at Musee du Louvre; great views and a very swish way to enjoy a Croque Madame
Le Solferino - on corner of Blvd St-Germain and Rue de Solferino; simple bisto with unfussy but good food.
Esmeralda - opposite the flying butresses of the Notre Dame, at the end of Rue du Cloitre Notre Dame; small bistro with good view and solid food, but nothing fancy.
And just about any little bistro tucked away in Paris will do a decent Croque Madame - just follow your nose.
I hope you take your wife somewhere lovely for a lunch of Croque Madame and champagne!

ruedebuci

Another vote for Cafe Marly.

ira

Hi G,

I'm sure that if you arranged in advance any of the following restaurants would make your wife a memorable Croque Madam.

http://www.paris-best-restaurants.co...estaurants.php

Be sure to consult the sommelier ahead of time about the proper wines.

adrienne

<< I don't like raw eggs >>

The egg is cooked sunny side up. I've had eggs like this on salads and it was delicious.

I second the Esmeralda suggestion. I was surprised that the food was surprisingly good being so close to Notre Dame and all the souvenir shops.

Another place is at the bottom of Rue Mouffetard - the Cave de Bourgogne.

oakglen

Chez Flottes has four kinds, my favorite is the Croque Imperial, and M.E. favors the Croque Provencal (no meat). A side of fries and pichet of vin; a fine and cheap repast.

nwtraveler

Bookmarking

Scootoir

Also bookmarking. Don't usually seek out specific restaurants while traveling but I do love Croque M.

danon

I was also surprised how good Croque Monsieur ( my preferred Croque) was at Esmeralda . We almost did not stop there ..a "touristy location". Well, I am still to find better.

spaarne

Not bad at Cafe du Metro at Place Maubert. I really don't see how any chef could screw this up.

A very similar item is available in many Dutch bars. It is called an uitsmijter up there. It's a cheap high protein lunch.

Gekko

Thank you everyone! So many great suggestions despite the misplaced worry about eggs.

StCirq

How lucky for you that your DW wants nothing fancier than a Croque Madame for her birthday. Personally, I'd want foie de canard and a good glass of Cahors or St-Emilion!

It's basically a grilled cheese with some béchamel and an egg. I don't think I've had a bad one anywhere in Paris, so maybe you should concentrate on finding a place that serves one that also has some ambiance. Or maybe have one and then take her to someplace a little romantic??

Gekko

The croque madame is for breakfast. We're dining with friends at <b>Spring</b> in the evening!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/tr...es-spring.html

spaarne

The NYT is pretty much debased. I suggest that you get a second opinion.

madamtrashheap

<i>The croque madame is for breakfast.</i>
Well then, I'd say a leisurely and glam breakfast with a view from the terrace at Cafe Marly would be a great way to start a birthday!

TPaxe

I love a croque Madame or Monsieur on Polaine bread! These are usually not eaten for breakfast but for lunch with a salad or fries.

Café Marly version uses soft white bread which I don't like.

Scootoir

TPaxe,

Do you know the names of places that use Polaine bread on their Croques?

denisea

You could try Bar Cuisine right next door to Poilane...to get a Croque M on their bread