Since 2013, two women, Ludivine and Frédérique, have been running the Afaria restaurant, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, very close to the Convention metro station.

This venue, with its strong feminine touch (still too rare in the often male-dominated restaurant industry), offers traditional regional cuisine in a pleasant setting.

As a sign of this friendliness, you can enjoy some tapas accompanied by a glass of wine at the large communal table inside the restaurant or on the terrace during this summer period.

The restaurant’s setting combines wooden tables with shimmering fabrics that reminded me a lot of the household linens I discovered during my trip to the Basque Country.

If you want to sit down for a longer meal, the address offers refined traditional French cuisine, prepared by Chef Ludivine, who pays particular attention to the quality of the products used in her dishes.

Must try:

• Small homemade tapas accompanied by a homemade white sangria.

• Tomatoes and creamy Bufala mozzarella with basil as a starter.

• The artichoke terrine with smoked bacon and aged Comté (a house classic you absolutely must try!).

• Duck breast with vine shoots presented on a tile, bone-in and marinated with quince and balsamic vinegar, served with large hand-cut fries (for 2 people), one of the house specialties.

• Profiteroles with vanilla and salted butter caramel, very good but a bit heavy if you’ve already eaten well, and especially to be avoided during heatwaves…

• The Speculoos Bavarois and Gariguette strawberries, super beautiful, super delicious, and remains quite light for the end of a meal.

Also note that the wine list presents a nice selection of French vintages. As for the service, lots of attention and generosity that allow you to have a very pleasant time.

The little extra: the charming terrace, a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of cars.

Afaria
15 rue Desnouettes 75015 Paris

Open Tuesday to Saturday, from noon to 2:15 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM

Price: Weekday lunch specials appetizer + main course or main course + dessert €23 / appetizer + main course + dessert €27 / dish of the day €14 / à la carte expect between €11 and €15 for an appetizer,
between €19 and €24 for a main course, between €8 and €10 for a dessert

Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan
Photos not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use