It's small, it's unassuming, it's just how we like it. With its retro formica tables and faux-leather red banquettes, Aux Deux Amis is housed in a typical 70s style French bistro setting, and if you were to walk past at 7pm of an evening you'd probably not even bat an eyelid. But once the kitchens open, the tables, bar and every available space gets packed out with a buzzing crowd all hankering after the delicious fare and the select wine list. Food is served in small-plate sized portions, much like tapas, and the idea is that you order for the table and all tuck in together with your companions. On our last visit our selection included divine sardines (which were so good, we ordered a second serving), wagyu beef served with salsify, an exquisite raw mushroom and smoked mozzarella medley served with fine slices of black radish, home-made pate and chorizo, all washed down with a great bottle or two of Brouilly recommended by the charming waiter. Expect to pay about €30 a head at dinner if you're as greedy as we are, and make sure you book ahead.
Aux Deux Amis
45 rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris
01 58 30 38 13
Metro: Parmentier or Oberkampf
Open Tues-Sat, lunch and dinner
Photos copyright Kim Laidlaw. All rights reserved.
This is definitely in my stomping grounds! I've lived in this area for 5 years and I remember when that place was inhabited by old alcoholics who would start hitting the bottle at 9am! I'm glad to see it's been turned into something useful all the while maintaining the old bistro style. They really just switched the clientèle but the rest looks the same!
ReplyDeleteGreat new find! And normally I wouldn’t say “new find” on a spot that’s a familiar name to many of us obsessed with finding the latest interesting food spots in Paris. But, considering what appears to be a complete revamp in their approach as well as the food and wine menu, you've discovered something that I thought I already knew.
ReplyDelete“It” arrondissments come and go, but I’m glad to see a revived wave of interest in this area. Years ago everyone was buzzing about the 11th but that ran its natural course and it’s since become a somewhat has-been part of town ready for some rejuvenation and renewed interest. And, this looks like a spot that’s indicative of just that. So, thanks for doing the recon and reminding me that a place doesn’t have to be “new” to be a destination spot & sometimes a renewed oldie can be an even better discovery.
Lindsey - it's a really great place, but more than just the clientele has changed - so has the chef, the food, the manager, the staff, the wine list...It's just the decor that's remained the same.
ReplyDeleteForest - I agree. After the first wave of Oberkampf cool ten years or so ago, this part of town became really quite has-been. But thanks to a couple of new great places over the last 2 years or so around here, the 11th has certainly become a place of interest again.
I love this area, too, and it's wonderful seeing that the area is offering a range of great places to eat - and shop, too. My hairdresser's on rue Oberkampf, and every time I visit (not often enough, I'm afraid), I always end up spending part of the afternoon, wandering around and looking at all that's new.
ReplyDeleteI am so going there on my next visit. I was just telling my mom about my crazy love for sardines since living in Paris... miam!
ReplyDeleteCowgirl Chef - I agree, there's a great range of fun stuff around the area. Another new place round here I just checked out is L'Echapee - a spa and restaurant on Rue de la Folie Mericourt. Try to pop into Aux Deux Amis on your next jaunt around this area - they have a great value lunch menu if you're there in the day time.
ReplyDeleteAmy - Something tells me you'd like this place! And if you need a dinner date to help you sample the fare, I'm always happy to oblige...
We recently reviewed this place and have only one regret: not living next door so it could be our local! ps: great photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
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