Paris: Where to Eat [II]

To attempt to confine restaurant recommendations to one post would be ridiculous- there are simply too many wonderful places to eat in Paris. This is part two in my Parisian food series.

When in Paris, you must also eat at...

Cat Café - 13, boulevard de Ménilmontant      (M) Philippe-Auguste

A trendy little café in an otherwise gritty, working-class neighbourhood. Located directly across the street from Cimétière Père-Lachaise, the café has relatively little competition in the neighbourhood. Even so, the space is quiet and relaxed, the staff attentive, and the food delicious.

Restaurant Gap - 38, rue de Clignancourt      (M) Château Rouge

If you love garlic, this Turkish restaurant is sure to delight. Gap serves the usual kebabs, shawarma and frites alongside less common dishes. I highly recommend anything in their tomato-based yogurt sauce. Portions are generous, and the complimentary bread basket is bottomless.

Restaurant Kifak - 87, rue Ordener       (M) Mercadet-Poissoniers

This small falafel shop offers a plethora of pita choices a low prices. You can eat-in, or take your food wrapped in wax paper to go, like many locals do.

Restaurant Maïmouna et Mandela - 48, rue de Clignancourt      (M) Château Rouge

This North African restaurant offers dishes you won't find outside of Montmartre. The staff will bend over backwards to be friendly, and daily specials are steal at 5€.

Salon de thé l'Orient d'or - 22, rue Trévise      (M) Cadet

Asian restaurants have a lacklustre reputation in France as many offer only fastfood- you choose your meat, and the proprietors microwave it before your eyes. Salon de thé de l'Orient d'or is different. This family establishment serves fresh, delicious and authentic Hunan-style cuisine in a tranquil environment. You won't find better Chinese food anywhere in Paris.

Pomme de Pain - Multiple locations in Paris

Sometimes you need to eat a quick lunch on the run. It happens to all of us. If there isn't a crêpe vendor or sandwich shop nearby, chances are there is a McDonald's or a Quick (a Belgian fastfood chain.) Don't settle for these inferior restaurants. Where there is a McDonald's, there is also a Pomme de Pain. The sandwich shop is a fastfood restaurant, there's no denying it. But, as fastfood goes, Pomme de Pain is the best of a bad lot.

Once again, if you know of any great Parisian restaurants that didn't appear on my list, let me know!