10th - 16th
L’Européen - Brasserie
Originally, the best restaurants in Paris were always situated ‘à côte de gare’. Only the rich could afford regular train travel. Today, opposite the Gare de Lyon lies a traditional restaurant. Expect classic french dishes; ‘magret de canard’, an oyster starter, fresh ‘catch of the day’. Best of all, it is continual service. This is one in a chain of restaurants across paris known for authentic bistro decor and menus.
Open from 6.30 am for petit déjeune, then 11am until 1am.
www.brasserie-leuropeen.fr
21 bis, Bd Diderot 75012 t : 01 43 43 99 70
Cristal Room
Who else could call themselves the 'Cristal' room but Baccarat. They once did breakfast but now only lunch and dinner with the finest of Crystal glasses to accompany your meal. Philippe Starck designed this comfortable space, (yet again) and chef Thierry Burlot concocts a few surprises. Its a great way to 'try before your buy'! Allow 50-70 pp for lunch
www.baccarat.com
11 place des Etats-Unis t: 01 40 22 1110
Osmose
Very modern, all white leather and ambient lighting and space-age features. There's a mixture of good healthy vegetarian dishes done with flair. Prices are good at less than €25 for a formula or -- la carte -- allow between €25-50.
www.osmose-paris.com
31, avenue de Versailles - 75016 t: 01 45 20 74 12
Trëma
Near the canal St. Martin Trëma offers a selection of tapas in a modern french environment. The cuisine is Scandinavian and, as you would expect great choices of fish and crab dishes, ravioli haddock. A fine 'carte' of champagne at reasonable prices.
8, rue de Marseille - 75010 t: 01 42 49 27 67
Le chalet des Iles Daumesnil - Terrasse Bar
This is an ununsual dining experience in Paris as there so much space, no crowded little round tables. The restaurant is set is a large park, deep within the Bois De Vincennes. Its a nouvelle cuisine, afterwards a relaxing walk around the lake and park. Open all year round from 9am to midnight.
Metro: Porte Doree. Close by is the 'Musee Des Art D'Afrique et D'Oceanie', if you need to squeeze in some culture.
www.lechaletdesiles.com
Lac Daumesnil - Bois de Vincennes 75012 t: 01 43 01 00 10
La Train bleu
What a way to start a journey. Lunch or dinner at Le Train Bleu...certainly beats a 'TGV' sandwich....this is a restaurant from ‘La Belle Epoque’, built to impress all those arriving in the early 1900s. Those who travelled had money so great restaurants were built around the stations and many have disappeared. A very traditional French menu; "Duck foie gras red onion marmalade" or "Breast of veal-forgotten in the oven" and caramelised à la plancha" plus lots of seafood choices. If you have ever watched Mr Bean this is the restaurant with the famous 'Oysters scene'.
Expect to pay 49€ for 3 courses with wine.
www.le-train-bleu.com
1er étage Gare de Lyon - Place Louis Armand - 75012 t: 01 44 75 76 76