Paris (Part 1) : Fish La Boissonnerie, Le 6 Paul Bert and Le Bistro Paul Bert

Paris is one of my favourite city. Over the years I have been here many times and have had so many wonderful meals here but I have never written about them. I recently returned to this amazing city once again for a birthday trip and I thought I will take this opportunity to dedicate my next few posts to the food of this beautiful city of culinary delights, kind of like my little black book if you like. There are just too many places to write about in one go but I will try to squeeze in as much as I can. Bon Appetit!

Fish la Boissonnerie

Fish La Boissonnerie is a true hidden gem nestled amidst St Germain. Do not let the name fools you into thinking this is just a seafood restaurant. The name is merely a witty play on the expression - to drink like a fish. The venue used to be an old fish market - Poissonerrie and the owners decided to change the word to Boissonerie. Boisson means to drink' and Poisson mean 'Fish' and hence, the unique name is born.

This is a small establishment and table seatings are set on the cosy side. However, the counter by the bar is great for solo dining. For a spot of quick lunch, go for the daily 'Flying Fish' lunch special. Great value where you get a salad and an entrée for €14.50. The food on their regularly updated menu is consistently good quality and always imaginative. Superbly fresh produce are treated with the utmost respect. One of my favourite dishes from here was the roast pork belly - soft tender porky flesh with stonkily good crackling; perfectly seasoned lentils with just enough 'bite' and in-season huge white asparagus which was tender and sweet. No emulsion and no foam. Just simple good food. Dishes like the salmon tartare with tandoori spice showcased inventive flavours combination that actually works. The restaurant also offer an extensive wine list. Ask for recommendation from the knowledgeable bar staff if you are at lost on what to order.

 Interestingly, all the staff here speak English and most are from English -speaking country so if you re tired of struggling with the wonderful language of French, this premises provide a great refuge. Another plus point for this restaurant is that it is one of the rare few that opens on Sunday. Make sure you make a reservation as this place is always bustling.


Salade de Betteravves, Champignons de Paris, Sumac:

Tartare de Saumon,condinent Tandori et Corriandre:

Lieu Jaune avec, Choux de Pontoise, Ogre et Jus de Poulet:

Ventreche de Cochon, Lentilles, Asperges Blanches, Sucrine:

Carrot Cake, Nougatine de Noisette Fumèe, Glace Lait Reduit:

Fromages - Bleu des Causes, Tomme de Crayeuse, Coulommiers:

Fish la Boissonnerie, 69 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
Tel: 0143543469 
Metro: Mabillon or Odéon
Opens: Mon-Sun
Lunch: 12:30pm-3:00pm (A la carte, €14.50, €26.50)
Dinner: 7:00pm-12am (€31.50, €35) 


Le 6 Paul Bert

This modern bistro in the 11th arrondissement is just a stone throw away from it's brother restaurant, Bistro Paul Bert (see below) but food wise, they couldn't be more further apart. The food here is imaginative and vibrant. Like Fish La Boissonnerie, the focus is on good produce that is perfectly cooked using uncomplicated techniques. Another reliable establishment that have been consistently churning out good food the few times I was there. Some outstanding dishes include juicy and flavoursome roast chicken served with creamy, buttery parsnip mash; Succulent pork onglet with rich bean stew and charred Brussels sprouts. Their wine list too, is rather impressive and includes some excellent natural wine.

It is definitely advisable to make reservation as the bistro is always busy. However, if you were to be turned away due to no reservation, you can always console yourself with some freshly made sandwiches, charcuterie and cheeses from their epicerie located at the front of the bistro on your way out.

Bresse rôtie, persils tubéreux, héliantis:

Onglet de porc,haricots œil noir, immortal:

Tarte au chocolat armer, huile d'olive:

Le 6 Paul Bert 6, rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris
Tel: 01 43 79 14 32
Métro: Faidherbe-Chaligny
Opens: Mon-Fri (Monday dinner only)
Lunch: 12:00pm-2:30pm (A la carte, €15 for 2 courses, €18 for 3 courses)
Dinner: 7:30pm-11.30pm (€38 for 4 courses) 



Le Bistro Paul Bert

Bistro Paul Bert is just down the road from it's sister restaurant, Le 6 Paul Bert. This is a classic french bistro and the decor reflect this with it's many flea market procurement. The menu is written on a blackboard that changes daily according to season.

This is considered as an institution in Parisian Bistro circle. I have never been until this recent trip. In some ways, I'm beginning to wonder if that is a blessing in disguised.

I have heard many good things about this Bistro and some hailed it as a carnivores' heaven and in some way, it is. On the night I patron, my pork chop was incredibly generous. It occupied the entirety of my large plate and stood at about a couple of inches tall. And I did managed to sneak a peek at my neighbour's steak which was of equally impressively size. But beyond that, the meal were a tad ordinary. The crispy anchovies were decent enough and the fresh mayonnaise was good but the poached eggs in red wine sauce (Œufs en meurette) were a tad sharp and the sauce was way too smokey and thin, I have had some fantastic version of this in another famous Bistro, Chez Georges (I will talk more bout this in the next post) so this came as a disappointment. My pork chop was flavoursome but I did mourned at the missing crackling. Without which, that thick layer of fat was slightly insipid and uninviting. However, saving grace came in the form of their outstanding raw cheese board. Quite possibly the best I have ever had!

It might just be one of their off nights but I think I will stick to their better half down the road for now and come back just for the cheese board.

Friture d'anchois Prais, sauce tartare:

Œufs en meurette:

Sole du guilrinec au beurre citronné:

Côte de cochon permier et ses conchiglioni:

Bistro Paul Bert, 18 rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris
Tel: 01 43 79 14 32
Métro: Faidherbe-Chaligny
Opens: Tue-Sat 
Lunch: 12:00pm-2:00pm (A la carte, €18 for 2 courses,€36 for 3 courses)
Dinner: 7:30pm-11.30pm (A la carte, €36 for 3 courses) 

See also:
Paris (Part 2) : Chez Georges
Paris (Part 3) : La Régalade, St. Honoré and Carette
Paris (Part 4) : Café in Paris - 10 Belles and La Caféothèque