Alright, I’m spilling the beans, I’m revealing my summer spot! For some, this might not be a discovery, but it is an address that I really love, especially during the summer season! I actually discovered this establishment in 2015 and I obviously told you about it on the blog back then.
The Chalet des îles Daumesnil is nestled in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, on the Île de Reuilly, just a few minutes from Porte Dorée and the new Zoological Park. It is truly the place to recharge your batteries for a brunch, a lunch, tea time, or an evening away (but not that far) from the Parisian bustle.
For those interested in the backstory, the Chalet building dates back to the 1864 Universal Exhibition. The city of Paris had acquired the Swiss pavilion and installed it on the Île de Reuilly.
At the time, this refreshment bar welcomed park strollers. Scoops of ice cream were sold there, and customers played mini-golf to the sound of the orchestra playing under the kiosk (it was so picturesque, you’d almost believe you were there!).
Starting in the 60s, the Chalet was transformed into a restaurant, and since 2005, Chef Stéphane Paulet and his team have been offering seasonal, market-fresh cuisine in this magnificent bucolic setting.
Of course, I won’t hide the fact that for sunny days, this is THE terrace of the summer (a subject I plan to develop in a future article to track down the best terraces for this summer, in fact), with several outdoor spaces that are just magical. For my part, I have a small preference for the Pergola which overlooks the lake, and that is where we had lunch.
The chef offers cuisine based on fresh and seasonal products, with some exotic notes and very beautiful plating.
Must try:
- Detox waters, cucumber, basil, and lime, or watermelon, strawberry, and mint (€5.80)
- As a starter, we shared smoked salmon and goat cheese cannelloni with a beetroot cream (€15); it was fresh and perfect to start during a heatwave, even if I must admit I was expecting a heartier starter…
- For the main course, my photographer tried the roasted yellow poultry supreme with lemongrass and yuzu with a risotto (€22)
- For my part, I gave in, and I didn’t regret it at all, for the salmon bobun (€22), an original variation of the traditional Vietnamese dish, but one that I found very successful!
- For dessert, I absolutely couldn’t resist the coffee tiramisu (€10), while the man in the hat tested the Breton shortbread with a pinch of salt, passion fruit cream, and coconut mousse (€10).
A little tip: if you are coming by public transport, the easiest way is to take line 8, Porte Dorée stop (Place Edouard Renard exit), then come on foot (about a 10/15 min walk).
Plus, the walk along the lake to get to the Chalet will immediately put you in the bucolic atmosphere of the place and will lead you calmly to this cocoon of relaxation.
Thanks to the Chalet des Iles Daumesnil for this invitation.
Le Chalet des îles Daumesnil île de Reuilly – Bois de Vincennes 75012 Paris
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ All my restaurant reviews in Paris
MAP OF MY GOOD FOOD ADDRESSES IN PARIS AND THE ILE-DE-FRANCE
Restaurant 
Bar 
Patisserie / Bakery 
Tea Room / Coffee Shop
Brunch 
Ice Cream Shop
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use
