Les Philosophes
Les Philosophes is what you picture when you think of French bistros in the 1930s. A room full of the hustle and bustle; loud, huge menus; cheap wine. It’s intoxicatingly wonderful. Please note: do not come here for a quiet meal. It’s organized chaos at its best. And it’s fabulous.
Far from a tourist trap
Located in Marais, Les Philosophes is known for its high-quality, fresh ingredients. From the outside, you might expect it to be a tourist trap, but it’s far from this. The food is excellent, and a bonus – they have English versions of the menu. Thank goodness you know what you’re ordering.
World-class baguettes
The bread comes from the Boulangerie Moderne and is my favorite baguette in the city. It features a crispy exterior crust and a beautifully light yet chewy interior. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
French onion soup from the pros
Les Philosophes is known for French onion soup, and it’s no accident. One of the best versions in the city, it features a hearty, soul-comforting broth, perfectly tender onions. It’s not too oily, which can be a problem with a lot of French onion soups. They finish the bowl with broth-soaked bread, where somehow the edges remain crispy, and a thick layer of hot, melty cheese covering it all. YUUUUUM.
Home cookin’
The steak frites is super flavorful and served with an excellent bearnaise sauce. It’s always cooked to perfection. Many restaurants in Paris have a reputation with Americans for undercooking the beef – I find this restaurant prepares it to a true standard (at least when you order it medium-rare).
Must-try
Don’t overlook the duck confit. It has a crispy exterior, a moist interior, and it’s not gamey like the duck can be at most restaurants. It’s served with a nice light salad for a perfect lunchtime pairing.
Picture this. You're strolling around Paris with your loved one on your arm, looking to make a memory. You stumble upon Les Philosophes and BAM! Forever will you remember the sacred meal with the one that you love.
