Polpo is the perfect little winter getaway. A sunny stopover in the tropics on the outskirts of Paris in Levallois-Perret (no, it’s not the end of the world!) and super easy to reach via metro line 3. This seafood brasserie, housed in a large barge, takes us on a seaside cruise without ever leaving the Seine, where it is moored.
I first discovered this wonderful spot at the beginning of 2017, and I recently returned in October 2020, as well as in January 2022 and during the summer of that same year. What’s great is that the place hasn’t changed much, and I found the same laid-back atmosphere that I loved so much years ago.
The decor, designed by Laura Gonzalez in a “seaside bohemian” spirit, is a total change of scenery and truly successful. This floating restaurant is cleverly adorned with natural materials, ceramic lamps, rattan chairs, and lush greenery, all in a bright and cozy setting.
On the food side, seafood is obviously the star, and the venue also boasts a magnificent bar where you can simply pull up a chair and have a signature cocktail.
What to try on the Polpo menu (which changes regularly, so some dishes may no longer be available at the time of your visit):
- As a starter to get our appetites going, we shared a small sea bream ceviche with lime (€10.50), super fresh and fragrant. Another light starter was the crispy prawns with their tartar sauce (€9.80), perfect for whetting the appetite while leaving room for the rest. And finally, I also recommend the sweet potato accras (€8), served with Kari Gosse mayonnaise.
- Ephemeral dish for December 2021 and January 2022: the Lobster Mac & Cheese (€24.50), half a grilled lobster topped with a macaroni and cheddar gratin—seafood and cheesy comfort food on the menu!
- In 2022 we also tried the polpo zarzuela (€25.50), a type of paella with prawns, cockles, mussels, octopus, and Spanish-style rice.
- For my main course, I succumbed to the octopus risotto with porcini mushroom sauce (€21), which I highly recommend; it was absolutely divine and very tender (and I’m picky when it comes to risotto).
- The photographer opted for the traditional bouchot mussels (the best according to my dad) à la plancha (the classic preparation with olive oil, garlic, parsley, tomatoes), accompanied obviously by homemade fries, but they were all in all fairly classic (€18.50). The fun little extra: they give you a large bib with lovely drawings of tentacles to protect your clothes while eating (which is well thought out), and it’s truly international class! Obviously, you have to immortalize this (
ridiculous) grand moment with a photo (I have one of my favorite photographer in the outfit, but I don’t have permission to show it… sigh…).
- I highly recommend trying one of the house specialties, the Polpo Roll (€19), the octopus version of the famous Lobster Roll. I think it’s a real success, and the sauce inside is absolutely addictive!
- The pan-seared scallops with mushroom cream risotto, summer truffle, and 24-month aged parmesan (€27) are perfect during scallop season.
- For desserts, here are the ones I’ve tried during my various visits: If you are looking for a light dessert, I recommend the floating island with salted butter caramel and pecans (€6.50), simple but tasty. Another indulgent dessert tested during our lunch in 2020, the chocolate lava cake with a scoop of ice cream (€8), which is really to die for! In 2022, we tasted the orange and lemon meringue tart, which is very good (€7.50).
The extra touch: the bread is of good quality, and as it is something I place importance on, I’m highlighting it.
Wine: choice of wines by the glass between €5 and €9.50.
Note: There is a ping-pong table with free access to paddles and balls at the back of the restaurant, a cool idea!
The tip: the establishment offers a lunch menu at €19.50 from Monday to Friday with starter + main or main + dessert.
47 Quai Charles Pasqua, 92300 Levallois-Perret
Metro Pont de Levallois (Line 3)
Open every day from 12 pm to 11 pm
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ My restaurant reviews in Paris
⇒ My addresses for eating seafood in Paris
MY FAVORITE FISH / SEAFOOD ADDRESSES IN PARIS
⇒ La Reine Mer, fishmonger and seafood restaurant
⇒ Polpo, the Brasserie on the water
⇒ La Marée Jeanne
⇒ Sea Bar Paris Pêche
⇒ Istr, oyster bar
⇒ Autour du Saumon
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MAP OF MY FAVORITE FOOD SPOTS IN PARIS AND THE ILE-DE-FRANCE REGION
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use
