I must have walked past Bistrot Valois dozens of times before actually sitting down there. Not because it’s on a busy street—quite the opposite—but simply because it’s located right next to my work in the 1st arrondissement of Paris.
So, it’s fair to say I know the place well, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Rue de Rivoli on a very discreet square, Place Valois, which also happens to be the “terrace spot” come summer for all the local connoisseurs.
For a bit of history (I love knowing the past of buildings), the restaurant is nestled in the former stables of Louis-Philippe and the Orléans family, whose apartments were located on the Place du Palais Royal.
Managing the establishment since 2013 is master-restaurateur Laurent Chainel, also the creator of Café Tournon and Verbalon.
Here, you are undeniably in a Parisian bistro; from the zinc bar to the two terraces heated in winter (with charming little blankets), and the photos of actors on the walls, it’s all there!
As for the food, the owner has opted for quality products and for that, he sources from producers he considers the best (Maison Laborie et Fils for the charcuterie, ice creams from Ardèche by Terre Adélice, Couleurs des blés for the bread, and finally, the meats are aged for 5 weeks).
On the plates, you’ll find typical French market cuisine developed from the start by Chef Sébastien Lescent.
Must-try:
- To whet your appetite, the homemade foie gras from the Landes, cooked in a cloth, is well worth the detour (about 60g for €21.90) for fans of this product, or otherwise, the starter of the day, the mushroom puff pastry (€9.50).
- A new dish on the menu, the stuffed poultry with caramelized onions and semolina.
- One of the dishes of the day, the lamb tajine with dried fruits and semolina (€22.10).
- You can also look at the chef’s suggestions which change regularly: the roasted lamb leg with thyme and sweet potato mash (€22.90) or the seared tuna steak with sesame and a vegetable wok (€23.90).
- For dessert, I can’t recommend the chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream enough (€9.20); it’s all molten inside, a real treat (ask for it at the start of the meal, preferably, because of the 10-minute baking time).
- The dessert of the day with the Cappuccino plate, chocolate mousse, coffee ice cream, and vanilla cream (€7.80), or the house’s famous Rum Baba with whipped cream (€9.20).
Regarding wines, the restaurant has a fine selection, but I let myself be tempted by a small glass of the house vintage, a nice little Cahors (prices for wines by the glass between €5.80 and €8.90).
A little extra: Laurent Chainel is an animal lover, so a dog bar is open from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM if you wish to come accompanied by man’s best friend.
Bistrot Valois 1 bis place valois, 75001 Paris Open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 11:45 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 11 PM Continuous service from 12 PM to 10:30 PM
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MAP OF MY GOOD FOOD SPOTS IN PARIS AND THE ILE-DE-FRANCE REGION
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Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use
