Bistrot Paul Bert

"Verdict: The steak au poivre is the most photographed dish of any Paris bistro, but there’s a reason. Also worth booking for the quality of the fish and seafood alone. Le Bistrot Paul Bert deserves the attention it gets. As bistros go, it meets all the prerequisites, from the chalkboard menu and mosaic tile floors to the pleasant but not overly joyful servers and good old-fashioned zinc bar. And when you imagine a French bistro meal, you’re definitely envisioning the dishes Bistrot Paul Bert serves, like the house signature steak au poivre, swimming in enough black peppercorn sauce to feed the entire table, sautéed scallops and whole catches brought in daily from Brittany, and even cervelle de veau, calf’s brains. Sure, not everything is a hit—for one, the soufflés are more flavorful elsewhere—and it’s notoriously difficult to reach anyone on the phone to make a reservation, the only way to book a table. But this classic Paris experience is worth any effort." - lindsey tramuta

"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

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