B.O.U.L.O.M — Restaurant in Paris

Boulom is an interesting buffet restaurant with an understated front. What initially appears to be a quiet bakery (this was at 8.30pm), leads into a busy and atmospheric restaurant in the back which closes at midnight!

Most of the staff speak little English, but with my rudimentary French I managed to explain my reservation to the friendly waiter. He guided me into the restaurant, where I was greeted by a rustic set up with a lot of diners (the majority of whom were French) mostly sitting on large tables chatting noisily and eating well. I was seated at a table overlooking the main display with the cold foods, encompassing plates of cheese, cold meats, snails, seafood including oysters, salads and desserts.

Behind me stood the kitchen with a variety of tempting hot foods including the roast meats and vegetable gratins.

After the waitress explained the buffet concept, I ordered a glass of wine (drinks are priced separately) and grabbed a plate and went straight to the meats, which the kitchen staff sliced and served to me.

The rib of beef was melt in the mouth with a delicious signature sauce, the beef sausage was rustic and flavoursome, and the roast duck had a great plum sauce which worked well with the gamey flavour. I also had some very tender and delicious roast veal, some fatty, juicy and moreish roast pork, a heaped ladle of cheesy, rich cauliflower gratin and a portion of decadent and savoury potato gratin with bacon. Clearly not one for the faint hearted!

After a round two of these rich delights, I decided I needed to try some of the more healthier cold food options, which included a well balanced feta and green leaf salad, aromatic roasted cauliflower with herbs and a tasty ribboned butternut squash salad.

Onto dessert then! A fresh pistachio eclair (Paris-Palerme) started proceedings, complemented by a biscuit and some pecan cream. The pain perdu was a bit lukewarm and overdone (probably one of the only criticisms of the night), but the creamy panna cotta, deeply flavoured chocolate mousse and sweet tarte tatin more than made up for it. A palate cleansing fruit salad rounded off the event.

Whilst this restaurant is not centrally located, it is only a short taxi ride or a leisurely 30 minute walk from the centre. I shall certainly be returning -...

We’re locals and had heard a lot about this place. Before dropping the required €50–80 per head for the buffet or dinner, we thought we’d stop by for a coffee and one of their famous viennoiseries. Honestly, I can’t help but say we were distinctly underwhelmed.

The café and patisserie counter make up the first part of the restaurant. Past the ovens and toilets at the back lies a much more welcoming-looking dining area—but perhaps we didn’t spend enough to merit that kind of environment? We were invited to sit at a mismatched table with an equally mismatched yellow chair. Now, I love a bit of vintage—when it’s deliberate, and more to the point, well chosen. Here, it was clear little thought had been given to comfort. This is purely a holding space. The tables wobbled, and the chairs were simply functional, —you’re clearly not meant to linger here. Nothing felt vintage, just old and weathered and abandoned.

A sour-faced waitress brought us our coffee, which was pretty average and not especially hot. I went to the toilet and almost fell off—literally. The toilet seat was broken and slipped, providing an awkward surprise at a very unwelcome moment.

I hadn’t planned on returning, nor writing a review, to be honest—happy to chalk it up to just hype with no substance. But we gave it another try, hoping the first visit was a one-off. Sadly, we were again met by the same waitress at the counter, who greeted us coldly, at best.

This time, we bought a couple of pastries with coffee. When I asked for them to be boxed, the waitress openly acted as though she might not find one that would fit. Eventually, she did—a box with a smear of grease and a BOULOM sticker underneath. Not quite the gift I had in mind for a friend.

So no, I wouldn’t bother spending money here again—for coffee, let alone dinner. with so many excellent restaurants in the area it's not worth a future...

A Unique Culinary Experience at Boulom

Boulom is a hidden gem in the northern district of Paris, just 650 meters from the Guy Moquet metro station (Line 13). However, finding a parking spot nearby can be quite challenging, so public transport is recommended.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Boulom is its entrance. The dining area is concealed behind a bakery shop, and guests must pass through a hidden door to transition from the bakery to the restaurant—a surprise that sets the tone for the experience.

This is a self-service French gastronomy restaurant, offering homemade dishes crafted with fresh French ingredients. Upon arrival, the Chef de Salle welcomes you, explains the concept, and provides a basket of freshly sliced bread, featuring different varieties. Guests can request additional bread and even take some home.

The ambiance inside is reminiscent of a canteen, but there are still a few small tables available for more intimate seating. It’s highly recommended to book a table online or by phone for lunch or dinner, as the restaurant can get quite busy. Also, be mindful of the closing time indicated on Google, as the evening team begins clearing the food displays around 11:00 PM.

One small improvement could be the staff’s attire—an official uniform would enhance their presentation and align better with the restaurant’s ranking.

As for the value for money, there is absolutely nothing to complain about. Boulom delivers quality and authenticity at a fair price, making it a must-visit spot for lovers of...