Aux Vieux Garçons — Restaurant in Paris

The name changed in January, but much of the kitchen is still the same as under the old name. Trip advisor should make the change.

I had an excellent lunch here with some specialties not found in other Paris Bistros. Some delicious specialties from the Auvergne region. The restaurant was packed at 1:30 with French clientele. I was the only non-French diner in the place, until an American living in Paris with her French husband arrived.

The food was impeccable. A duck and pork pate was brought in a giant terrine and sliced at the table, accompanied by a giant jar of cornichons and tongs to have as many as one wanted. The rillettes de poisson were an unusual and delicious preparation made with cod. We had a lamb sausage from the Auvergne that was filled with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, a lamb risotto with asparagus was superb, and there were several other lamb, beef and fish dishes that we couldn't try. The deserts were decadent with fresh fruit, and a spectacularly delicious creme brulee made with cream right off the farm.

The service was equally nice. The menu is written on a big black board that is carried around from table to table and changes daily. There is a 29 Euro prix fixe menu that is a great bargain. Wines by the glass are 2-3 Euros.

It would be hard to beat a meal of this quality for the price. I...

We came for a late lunch on a Thursday. I chose the plat du jour (côte de cochon) and my husband chose a main from the à la carte menu (poulpe grillées). The pork chop had a little too much gristle and fat for my liking and it was pretty tough. I chose the dish because I like a good Béarnaise sauce, but it was not as shallot-vinegared as I would have wanted. The octopus was so tender (like melt in your mouth tender)...

Thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The restaurant is quite small and when we arrived there were a few customers. It’s soon filled up to overflowing! Food was delicious, the service and the ambiance not to be faulted. Shame that we are on holiday so won’t be going again until next time in Paris. Medium price for food, wine relatively expensive but overall good value...