It’s a wonderful piece of Franglais but Le Fooding is desperately serious. French haute cuisine (actually created by Catherine de Medici when she arrived in Paris to marry Francois II, as we explain in our Mp3 tour of Florence) is one of the things that the French are most proud of.
And yet…anyone who has tried to find a good bistro during a city break in Paris knows how difficult it can be to get good food. Of course, if you’ve got the money, the interest in food and the foresight to book months in advance you can eat some of the best food in the world in Michelin starred restaurants. We’ve included some good suggestions from our Paris city guide – see below.
Le Fooding is about breaking the rules of haute cuisine – fusion food, good quality fast food or new, young chefs are all part of the new food movement. One of the founders of this movement said: “French cuisine was caught in a museum culture.” Fighting talk but I for one wish them luck.
Here are some good places to eat in Paris from our Paris Printed Guide:

Restaurants in Central and the Marais:

Mon Vieil Ami Situated on the Isle Saint Louis, this cosy little restaurant offers an imaginative take on traditional bistro food. Open: Tuesday to Sunday lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate.
69 Rue St Louis en l’Ile. M: Pont Marie. T: + 33 (0) 1 40 46 01 35

Au Pied de Cochon Well known and loved restaurant with decidedly meaty menu and nice mix of locals and visitors. Open: Twenty four hours a day (really!). Price: Moderate.
6 Rue Coquilliere. M: Les Halles T: + 33 (0) 1 40 13 77 00

Le Repaire de Cartouche Unpretentious but popular restaurant specialising in food from
Normandy – so look out for apples, truffles, wild boar and Camembert amongst other things.
Open: Daily lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate.
8 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire. M: Saint Sébastien-Frossart. T: + 33 (0) 1 47 00 25 86
e-mail

Restaurants in Northern Paris and Montmartre:

Casa Olympe This tiny restaurant (booking is essential) in Pigalle specialises in food from
Corsica so expect French cuisine with Italian and North African influences. Open: Monday to
Friday lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate.
48 Rue Saint Georges. M: Saint Georges. T: + 33 (0) 1 42 85 26 01

Astier A traditional, well loved Parisian eatery with classic dishes that has recently been revamped. Known for its cheeses. Open: Daily lunch and dinner. Price: Budget/Moderate.
44 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud. M: Parmentier/Oberkampf. T: 33 (0) 1 43 57 16 35

Restaurants around Charles de Gaulle and Etoile:

Spring One of the most remarkable restaurants in town. Daniel Rose came from Chicago to
Paris and is now chef and waiter at this tiny Michelin approved restaurant. There is one sitting, no
menu and room for just 16 customers but the food is sublime.
Open: Tuesday to Friday at 8pm. Price: Moderate
28 rue de la Tour d’Auvergne. M: Anvers/Cadet. T: + 33 (0)1 45 96 05 72
www.springparis.blogspot.com