Today on the blog, I’m introducing you to the restaurant Juste Le Zinc, located in the Europe district, in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, where Le Petit Turin used to be, for those who remember it.

Interestingly, the name of the establishment comes from the long zinc bar and its pewter counter, which merge into one over more than 7 meters, in the pure tradition of Parisian bistros.

The restaurant is laid out lengthwise around this zinc bar, in a space framed by mirrors with matching color tones, giving the whole area an elegant and comfortable atmosphere, with tufted banquettes and wide-plank parquet flooring.

At the back of the room, there is a “small lounge” area that is a bit cozier and more intimate (if you are coming as a couple, I recommend it), framed by wallpaper with metallic tulip patterns.

In terms of the menu, the watchword is freshness! The selection of products is done based on the market to offer tasty cuisine that often steps off the beaten path. In fact, there is only a limited number of “portions” for each dish on the menu, and when they run out in the kitchen, the chef moves on to another dish, which guarantees top-notch freshness and real variety for customers who visit regularly.

This ever-changing menu is based on seasonal products, offering the must-haves of the “Bistro” spirit and classic French repertoire dishes with the dexterity of Chef Alain Hacquard.

Ultimately, this results in a menu intentionally “limited” to 5 main courses, 5 starters, and 6 desserts, but we know very well that the length of some restaurant menus is often not a good sign…

To try:

• the sea bream carpaccio, magnificent visually and in taste
• the veal kidneys with mustard
• the semi-cooked tuna
• the duck heart fricassee (a dish I tested, because I must admit it intrigued me, especially since I had never eaten heart before… The result was really delicious, and it has a consistency similar to liver, without the taste)
• the floating island (île flottante)
• the rum baba (a house sweet specialty that is very generous with the rum)

As for the bar, the establishment has a fine collection of French beers like Saint Omer, Belzebuth rouge, or Goudale, to pair with the dishes offered on the menu.

Regarding the wines, the owner, Alain Leblanc, with his background as a sommelier, offers a selection of wines by the glass—classic or bolder choices—always in harmony with the dishes chosen (and you know how sensitive I am to an establishment that knows how to recommend a wine that goes perfectly with what you have chosen to eat; for me, that’s essential for a good spot).

In conclusion, a great spot for epicureans, with a spirit that blends conviviality and gastronomy. A small tip, however: this is a place where you take your time, so avoid it if you are in a massive rush, you wouldn’t have the time to savor the experience.

The hot tip: a lunch menu (Monday to Saturday) including the dish of the day + a glass of wine + a coffee for €15, and also at the bar, the Happy Hour starting at 5:00 PM.

Price: otherwise, expect between €8 and €14 for a starter; between €17 and €22 for a main course; dessert €7.

Juste Le Zinc
25 rue de Turin 75008 Paris

Open every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Metro: Rome, Liège or Europe

Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan
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