✨✨Places We Visited in Paris!✨✨
Day 1:
We arrived in Paris early in the morning around 7:30 am local time, we headed straight to the hotel via metro located within the 12th ARR to drop our bags before going to brunch.
1. CLINT
Modern looking cafe serving mainly breakfast and brunch items with barista coffee and matcha. We decided on pancakes 1 savory (bason& egg) and other sweet (mixed berries). They came out light and fluffy but syrup was already poured on before serving which we preferred lesser, but none the less great pancakes.
2. Le Carré Élysée
Beautiful bistro decorated with floral highlighting summer in Paris with a very friendly staff serving traditional french cuisine. We got their escargots, it had a slightly stronger parsley sauce, homemade garlic bread (off-menu, we saw the other table ordering it and followed), creamy salmon pasta(wife was craving pasta) and Beef Tartare (✨Best we had so far)
- They take reservations via Phone or Instagram(which we did)@le_carre_elysee
Day 2:
1. Le P'tit Train Vert Boulangerie
local boulangerie and patisserie near our hotel that was opened during the summer. we got their daily special cheesy sausage roll and pistachio and chocolate escargot, both were amazing if you are a pistachio lover would recommend it.
2. Le Petit Samaritain
A pretty good rated bistro located next to a shopping mall alley provided really good shade during the summer. Staff were friendly and recommended the french onion soup (which we found the best so far for this trip). We also ordered the escargots part of the starters to see how it compared with the other places (less sauce than the place the day before). Mains we got the grilled tiger prawn pasta and the steak with fries. both were good but what stood out were the tiger prawns.
Day 3:
Bouillon République
An affordable dining experience in Paris, sat close to other diners. They served affordable wines and Sparkling water in huge bottles. We had their foie gra terrine that came with toast it was fatty and rich but too much for single piece of toast to go along with it. Next were chilled prawns with mayo and simple leek soup, both were delicious light and flavorful. As for the mains we went with salmon tartare with dill cream sauce and steak with frites. Most crowded place we have ever been and definitely need to make a reservation before coming down.
Day 4:
Pink Mama
One of the best meals we had, make sure to make a reservation at least a month in advance we only managed to get a lunch seating. We got their famous creamy truffle pasta, margherita pizza and beef tartare(first one that served with creamy dill sauce), all of which were delicious and pretty much the rest of the diners got similar orders.
If you're exploring the culinary scene around Gare de Lyon, you'll find that the boulangeries and cafes offer more than just a quick snack—they present an authentic taste of Parisian life. For instance, I remember visiting a local boulangerie near the Gare de Lyon that served amazing pistachio and chocolate pastries; their flavors were fresh and vibrant, perfect for a morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up. Planning ahead can make a huge difference, especially for popular spots like Pink Mamma, where reservations must be made a month in advance to secure a seat. It's worth the wait, though, as their creamy truffle pasta and margherita pizza are truly memorable. Moreover, for brunch lovers interested in places like Clint Gare de Lyon, keep in mind their pancakes come pre-syruped, which was a small preference I noticed. But their matcha coffee was a refreshing complement. Also, don't hesitate to ask the staff for off-menu items like homemade garlic bread; sometimes these little surprises make your meal extra special. Paris dining is not complete without trying traditional French onion soup and escargots. At Le Petit Samaritain, the onion soup was the best I had during my trip—rich, flavorful, and comforting, a perfect dish for warmer days in the city. One tip I found helpful: many Parisian bistros, such as Bouillon République, offer affordable wines and sparkling waters in generous servings, which made the dining experience pleasant and budget-friendly. Lastly, when you visit these locations, blend your visits with some sightseeing around the neighborhoods. The 12th arrondissement near Gare de Lyon offers charming metro rides and a local vibe that enhances the meal experience. Exploring local forums or food review apps can uncover up-to-date tips on the best dishes and reservation details, enhancing your Paris foodie adventure.