Le Chateaubriand



If you only go to one restaurant in Paris, make it Le Chateaubriand. Young Basque chef Inake Aizpitarte's Parisian bistro has been much lauded (it repeatedly features on the 50 Best Restaurants of the World List, ranking number 9 for 2011) and yet it's not what you'd necessarily expect from a feted restaurant in the capital of the country of Michelin stars, snooty waiters and a national gastronomy that has been awarded UNESCO world heritage status.







Here the chef is self-taught and the cuisine is inventive - ingredients are transformed into different textures and combined with surprising flavours and there's not a French classic to be seen. The waiters are young, amiable and often a little rough around the edges (in a good way) - but very knowledgeable about the cuisine and wine list nevertheless. The setting is unassuming - it looks like an old Parisian bistro with lots of charm but no airs and graces, and certainly no white tablecloths. The wine is from independent producers, not big name estates. And the prices - rather than being more than a return ticket on Eurostar - are thoroughly democratic, with the 5-course set menu coming in at under €50 (a wine-pairing menu is also available, which is slightly more expensive, but it still wont break the bank). 




The no-choice menu is seasonal and changes daily. Any specific dietary requirements are generally catered to, and without any death stares being issued from the waiters. On our last visit, highlights included sweet breads, and melon jelly, but our entire table flapped around and widened their eyes  in sheer amazement throughout all five courses.  Make sure you reserve in advance, as we're not the only ones who love Le Chateaubriand and tables get snapped up, unsurprisingly, very quickly. 




Le Chateaubriand
129 avenue Parmentier
Paris 75011
Tel: 01 43 57 45 95
Open Tues-Sat for dinner only. 

Thank you to the fantastic Jacky for such a great evening. 

All photos copyright Kim Laidlaw


8 comments:

  1. Hi Kim,
    Do you recommend a ceratin way to get reservatiosn here. I am visiting Paris in December and would like to go either on Dec 2nd or Dec 3rd for dinner. I tried to use the website but have not received a response back. Also tried to call but there was no answer? Do you know the best way to get a reservation. Thanks! Chi

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  2. Hi Chi, thanks for your comment. I'd suggest calling at around 6.30/ 7pm French time. Let me know how you get on! - Kim x

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  3. You can make reservations no more than 2 weeks in advance. Call between 15:00-17:00 CET.

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  4. Thank you for the help/suggestions. I was able to call today and get a reservation. I'm so excited to be able to go - Thanks again!

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  5. I'm off to Paris for in March and this sounds like the perfect place for dinner on my birthday! Thanks for the recommendation.

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  6. Hope you enjoy it! Make sure you reserve in advance and let us know what you think!
    --Kim x

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  7. We reserved for next week... can't wait!

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  8. Simply the best restaurant we've been to in Paris

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