Bistrot Des Tournelles — Restaurant in Paris

Terrible experience and very unprofessional establishment. Came in 9:45 PM. Was greeted by two dark haired waitresses. Since Google doesn’t have a zero star option, I’ll give my 1-star to these two as they were pleasant. I was seated at the tiny 4 seat bar as I had no reservation. That was fine. Unfortunately the two kind women got busy at the tables, and I was tended to by a very arrogant waiter, who looked like a 17 year old French boy. His impatient and unwelcoming (anti-tourist) demeanor was evident from the very start. He was annoyed when I asked him to explain the chicken dish as even in French (which I read well) the description was brief. Acting like I was keeping him as he had very important things to do at the tables in this teeny tiny restaurant. And by the way expect to sit with other diners as the tables are literally touching each other. Anyway, it was now 10:00 PM and the other 2 people at the bar left. I told one waitress I would like to order my meal but switch to the available corner seat, as there was so much traffic behind me as my seat essentially backed into the entrance/exit way. She said fine. As I started to move over, here comes this ridiculous little French boy flailing his arms at me that “I can’t move there, it’s held for 2 and he has a reservation” even though he was lying of course. It was after 10:15 now, they close at 11:00 and certainly the kitchen would close even sooner. I asked “what time was this reservation?”, he said “I don’t know, it could be anytime”. LOL, umm what??? He just has a disgusting attitude with foreigners which reflects very poorly on this place. He was hugging and laughing with his French customers as they arrived, even giving some walk in tables, as I’m sure he didn’t realize I understand French very well. I was being very patient but finally got annoyed and started being demonstrative with my hands like him. He deserved it. A grown up adult manager or one of the sensible waitresses should have intervened telling this little boy that the other waitress said it was fine to move, as the bar is empty anyway. Since I dared to object to his nonsense, he then told me they are not serving me 😂 LOL. First time I’ve experienced that and I’ve traveled the world in fine dining. I laughed at him, and walked out, as I would never spend my money in a dump like this. I’m assuming the food on the very limited menu is good by the reviews, but be aware this is not fine dining. It’s a harried cramped bistro that is a total joke when it comes to service. This bistro and waiter gives Paris a bad name, even though there are many professionally run restaurants I have experienced in all my prior trips here. Anyway, after I left, I made it to another highly rated restaurant down the street just before the kitchen closed, with wonderful service and food and had a great time. Bistrot Tournelles needs to get off of their power trip or they will quickly...

A Marais Gem Serving Up Classic Comfort at Bistrot Des Tournelles

In a city brimming with culinary treasures, Bistrot Des Tournelles, nestled discreetly in the Marais, stands out not for ostentatious innovation, but for its masterful dedication to the enduring joys of French bistro fare. It is a place that feels both timeless and vibrantly current, a testament to the idea that classic dishes, executed with precision and passion, will always find their appreciative audience.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance: a cozy warmth pervades the dining room, with its polished wood and inviting banquettes, yet there's an undeniable buzz that speaks to its popularity among discerning locals and visitors alike. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, guiding diners through a menu that is a love letter to French gastronomy.

Begin, perhaps, with the Asperges blanches & sauce hollandaise, a seasonal triumph. The white asparagus, plump and tender, arrived perfectly cooked, their delicate bitterness beautifully complemented by a rich, silken hollandaise that was a marvel of emulsification. It was a simple dish, elevated to an art form.

For mains, the choices are a celebration of hearty, comforting flavors. The Filet de boeuf, sauce au poivre is a robust and deeply satisfying plate. The beef, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, was fork-tender, its richness cut by a classic, impeccably balanced peppercorn sauce. Equally impressive was the Poulet fermier à la crème & aux morilles, a dish that transported one straight to the French countryside. The farm-raised chicken was succulent, its earthy flavor amplified by the creamy, intensely mushroom-laden sauce that begged to be sopped up with every last piece of bread. And for those seeking a playful yet indulgent classic, the Cordon bleu de volaille, comté & jambon delivered in spades. This was no ordinary cordon bleu; the chicken was impeccably tender, encasing a generous, gooey heart of melty Comté and savory ham, all encased in a crisp, golden crust that crackled with each bite.

Bistrot Des Tournelles is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It’s a reaffirmation that, in an ever-changing culinary landscape, the soul of French cooking, rooted in quality ingredients and traditional techniques, continues to thrive, offering genuine pleasure and a profound sense of culinary well-being. This is a bistro to bookmark, to return to,...

Booking: 21 July 2023 @ 10:15p

Online reservations were easy to book. Had heard excellent things and as a bonus, the restaurant was less than 10 minute walk from our hotel. We booked for our last evening in Paris, and this was by far our best dining experience amid a visit full of great food.

The food was wonderful. Honestly, everything was just amazing.

Starters: pork rillettes and eggs mayo— both delicious. Best rillettes we had during our stay and such a generous serving, we could have easily split it. As it was, I was lucky to snatch a few bites from my husband. Perfect with the cornichons and wonderful baguette. Eggs mayo were really excellent and served with a very generous amount of shaved truffles. Yum.

Mains: chicken cordon bleu with haricot verts and pepper steak with frites. The cordon bleu was an unexpected hit— the best version of that I’ve ever had (and I’m not a chicken person). Even the haricot verts were better than they had any right to be. Ordered at the suggestion of the darling hostess, they were fresh and flavorful. My steak was cooked perfectly (bleu) and the pepper sauce was a luxury— so flavorful and rich. Great frites as well (swiped through that sauce? Magnifique!). A wonderful and not-too-pricey bottle of red complimented both mains.

While my husband and I were both quite full already, ordering dessert to wrap our final dinner in Paris was impossible to resist. We decided on crème brûlée and it was just a perfect and classic version of the dish. Wrapped up with a minty digestif (gratis).

The staff were very friendly and thoughtful. Enjoyed chatting a bit with the hostess after dinner— we were the last guests of the night (I didn’t catch her name, but I hope she enjoys Marfa!). It was a perfect and memorable experience. Expensive but a good value for the food and service. We’ve paid more for worse service/food.

Will keep on my shortlist of recommendations for friends...