We spent last weekend in Paris – it was a much needed break from work though it did feel like we traded one city full of tourists for another. That said, I love the change of culture, of language, of scenery. On Friday evening, we caught a Eurostar train to Paris, checked into our hotel in the 11eme and then headed straight out to find the nearby Les Niçois, a bar/restaurant that brings the French Riviera to Paris.
It was crowded on that Friday night but we just managed to find the last two seats in the place. We also managed to order food just before the kitchen closed and we dined on an Assiette Nissard, featuring a variety of Niçoise specialties: pissaladiere, pizza nissarde, panisses, tapenades noire et verte, anchoiade. With a basket of bread, this was a perfectly sized sampler of fantastic treats from the south for one person.
But we were two and we needed a couple other light dishes. Croquettes were filled with a vegetable mixture similar to ratatouille, the flavour of which was very reminiscent of the south of France.
I couldn’t leave without an order of grilled sardines. These little oily fish were perfect. Just perfect.
As it was close by to our hotel, we even dropped by for a drink on our last day, prior to picking up our luggage and heading to the train station. It was quiet on a Sunday afternoon and they were preparing for the barbecue they hold every Sunday evening.
I’m leaving what’s possibly the best for last! They have a games room in the basement, complete with a petanque court!
It’s a seriously fun place!
Les Niçois
7 Rue Lacharrière
75011 Paris
France
Mon, 10 Aug, 2015 at 11:43
Hi Su-Lin, we are looking for a place to eat within 10 minutes walk of the Barbican Centre. We love your blog and your taste seems similar to ours. Any recommendations? W&Rx
Fri, 25 Sep, 2015 at 18:41
I’ll be honest with you – it’s an area I know very well. Duck and Waffle is nearby but that requires booking well in advance. St John is good and I’ve heard good things about Sedap!
Sat, 26 Sep, 2015 at 08:18
We have already booked lunch at the new Tom Oldroyd restaurant in Islington but, we really like the look of Duck & Waffle, so we may see if they have any tables. Thanks so much for your advice. W&R
Tue, 11 Aug, 2015 at 05:01
what a nice getaway!