Le Bistrot du 7eme
56 Blvd de La Tour Maubourg
Paris
Tel: 01-45-51-93-08
Open: 12:00 to 14:30 & 19:30 to 23:00, every day.
Average Price: €25 per person

Last night I took my group to one of my favorite Parisian bistros. I've been visiting Bistrot du 7eme for the past 10 or 12 years and, other than some slight price increases, I don't think it's changed a bit in all that time. I first happened upon the restaurant the way I find many of my recommendations: while out wandering around during lunch I passed by, and the place was packed. Not a single person seated at the tables was speaking English. I consider that a good sign in any local restaurant, so I made a note and came back to try it for dinner that night.

Bistrot du 7eme is a classic bistro, with red walls, black wooden accents, a few framed prints on the walls and one or two 19th century advertising posters. Plain wooden tables with low-backed chairs are packed tightly together, a few spilling out onto the sidewalk in front. They have a couple of a la carte items listed on the menu, but the bulk is occupied by the fixed price meal. Currently priced at €22, this gives you a three-course meal -- starter, main course and dessert -- with a list of a dozen or so options to choose from for each course. They have a modest selection of wines, all very fairly priced.

Starters include a variety of soups, salads and, of course, escargots. I especially like the Salad Auvergnate, a mix of greens, toasted walnuts, sliced apples and cubes of Roquefort cheese. Main courses range from steak and fries to duck confit. I'm fond of the veal, and have it from reliable sources that the salmon is excellent. For dessert: creme brulée, chocolate mousse, or a dozen other choices.

Tags: Paris