2 Best Restaurants in St-Germain-en-Laye, Side Trips from Paris

In the center of town just a few minutes from the Musée Maurice Denis, this contemporary French-style bistro is popular for its bright decor and healthy Swedish-inflected recipes. Appetizers like toasts Skagen—tiny shrimps in homemade dilled mayonnaise on toast—and salmon gravlax or marinated herring are fresh, healthy, and delicious. There's also beautifully prepared dishes like veal and lamb for meat lovers. Homemade desserts are a must. Two- or three-course lunch menus are a good bet for dishes of this quality. Book ahead if possible, especially at dinnertime.

Founded in 1822, this renowned pâtissiere has served generations of local families and Parisians alike, who come here for seasonal specialties like fraise des bois tartlets with almond cream and delicious viennoiseries (croissants, pain au chocolat, etc.). Savory specialties are equally delicious and perfect for a picnic in the nearby gardens.