It is hard to describe but somehow this place is always SUNNY.  Great for first dates, small celebratory meals with friends and family. The menu has traditional hardy dishes for the guys and lighter dishes for the ladies. Great for aperitifs (try absinthe and champagne for example) and deserts, too. It’s better to reserve on busier nights!

Practical Information

Tel: 00 33 (0)1 43 72 31 24
Address: 108, Rue de la Roquette, 75011
Metro: Voltaire, Charonne
Restaurant hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00-02:00
Average price: 1 starter + 1 main course + 1 glass of wine =25 euros

First, a little literary trivia. Vigata is an imaginary Sicilan town in the novels by the great contemporary Italian writer,   Andrea Camilleri. His hero, Inspector Montalbano’s gift for solving the most mysterious of crimes is equal only to his gourmandise. And judging by the polenta appetizer, the stuffed calamar or the cannoli, our Inspector would not be left unsatisfied dining here. And although he’d probably be a regular with a table always ready, others should call and make a reservation as seating is limited.

Practical Information

Tel: 00 33 (0)1 43 56 38 66
Address: 44, rue Léon-Frot, 75011
M: Charonne
Average Price: 30 euros/person; lunch 12 euros
Opening Hours: Dinner: Wednesday-Saturday; Lunch: Saturday and Sunday

This is the quintessential Bastille resto. Open for more than a century now, renovated in 2007, the service is jovial, the crowd is unassuming. Great wine list, most menu items are hardy. Many can’t help but think that the food was better before the renovations but amongst the three restos at that intersection, Le Bistro du Peintre is the one to go for first.

Practical Information

Tel: 00 33 (0)1 47 00 34 39
Address: 116, Avenue Ledru-Rollin, 75011
M: Ledru Rollin, Voltaire
Opening hours: 7h-02h; Sundays 9h-01h
Average Price: Average 3 course meal 30 euros