Bistrot Paul Bert

"Everyone from your dog walker to Ina Garten (to Ina Garten’s dog walker) has proclaimed Bistrot Paul Bert the city’s best. And it’s not hard to see why. This place in the 11th ticks all the classic bistro boxes. Service is efficient and resolutely Francophone, no matter how many Americans occupy the wooden tables. There are tiled floors and a wraparound bar. The complimentary gougères are creamy puffs of cheesy bliss, and the steak au poivre is downright luxurious, blanketed in a black peppercorn-rich sauce that’ll clear your sinuses. Yes, some dishes miss the mark, like the overcooked egg-mayo or bland chocolate soufflé. And, yes, the truffle-studded everything and branded sweatshirts feel like a money grab. But look past them. This place is an institution for a reason—there’s just no need to give up your firstborn for a reservation. " - emily monaco

"There’s no escaping a food coma following a meal here. This is a gut-busting traditional French meal at its finest—from the seasonal plump white asparagus and the Côte de Boeuf for two (served medium-rare only with the most perfect French fries) to their signature praline-buttercream-filled Paris-Brest pastry or big-as-your-head steaming-hot soufflé. There’s tartare, too, of course, plus a yellow-as-the-sun egg served with shaved black truffles. During lunch, the $25 two-course prix fixe is a steal; you can do a formule at dinner, too, or order a là carte." - Lindsey Tramuta, Sara Lieberman

"Bistro Paul Bert is one of Paris’s most beloved restaurants, and for good reason. Tightly packed tables, moody lighting, and an open-door breeze make it the quintessential Parisian dining experience. The husband-wife team Bertrand Auboyneau and Gwenaëlle Cadoret opened the restaurant in 1997, intent on serving traditional French food made with the very best ingredients. Since then, its popularity has exploded. Reservations are only available via phone, which amounts to a wait that’s so consistent you should set aside 30 minutes for redialing. Popularity has done little to diminish the experience, and each dish still hits like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. Expertly prepared plates celebrate Paris’ seasonal bounty and are free of fancy garnishes, including rosy-pink roast beef with velvety mashed potatoes and a glossy boeuf bourguignon with hunks of tender vegetables." - ByThe Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors

"The article paragraph does not provide a complete review for Bistrot Paul Bert, hence the 'excerpt' property is left blank." - Sophie Dodd

"Everyone from your dog walker to Ina Garten (to Ina Garten's dog walker) has proclaimed Bistrot Paul Bert the city's best. And it's not hard to see why. This place ticks all the classic bistro boxes. Service is efficient and resolutely Francophone, no matter how many Americans occupy the wooden tables. There are tiled floors and a wraparound bar. The complimentary gougères are creamy puffs of cheesy bliss, and the steak au poivre is downright luxurious, blanketed in a black peppercorn-rich sauce that'll clear your sinuses. (The frites that go with it are crispy enough to hold their texture even after you drag them through the sauce.) Yes, some dishes miss the mark, like the overcooked egg-mayo or bland chocolate soufflé. And, yes, the truffle-studded everything and branded sweatshirts feel like a money grab. But look past them. This place is an institution for a reason—there's just no need to give up your firstborn for a reservation." - Emily Monaco