Café Le Nazir — Restaurant in Paris

UPDATE: Le Nazir has been go-to place for nice brunch/lunch for years, when visiting Paris, until last February when we had a pretty terrible experience. However, in early March, we went back to Paris and we decided to give it another chance. We can definitely say, we very happy we did.

We were gladly surprised that everything seemed back to normal. The service was excellent and the food was amazing, just as it used to be. We had escargots, croque madam and a steak tartar and it did not disappoint! The vibe inside was also how we remembered—we felt very welcome and at home. We didn't had to wait long for our order. The server was very attentive and saw everything that was going on in his section. Everything was fantastic!

We're glad we gave Le Nazir another try like Arnaud asked us. We can say for sure we will come back again, and we cannot wait to see the renovations!

PREVIOUS REVIEW: Living in Amsterdam we travel to Paris multiple times a year and this was our place to go on Montmartre for the past 6+ years. We always felt welcome and taken good care of by Arnaud—food and service were always EXCELLENT! We always recommend everyone that was traveling to Paris to go there.

Unfortunately today we had two other waiters and put all their effort in avoiding costumers. Even after making eye contact and letting them know you want to order more they won't come to your table. They are more interested in having fun together inside, behind the bar. Prices skyrocketed (coffee is now €5,20!), and even the clientele seems different—it was always filled with happy locals, now it was empty, and locals were nowhere to be found. Everything felt off, and service was beyond mediocre.

Sadly, the experience was so bad, we won't be coming back, and we won't be recommending the place to...

Late afternoon on a hot August Saturday, the streets of Montmartre are teeming with locals and tourists. Tired and thirsty, we sit down at a small table on the porch built out onto the street, protected from the sun first by the umbrellas, then as the sun crept westward, by the buildings' shadows. All of what must be 40 tables of this restaurant are being attended by a lone waiter, Pierre, who is helped by a sole food runner. He's one of the best waiters I've ever encountered -- charming, friendly, efficient, and hard-working. His fluent English gave us the courage to experiment with rudimentary French -- till we gave up and accepted the proffered English menu. We drank many ice cold beers and perfectly crafted Moscow Mules. We ate broiled cod, french fries, and for the first time, escargot. All were served fresh and hot. We finished it off with a delicate creme brulee and a fine iced pastis. We paid our moderate check and sadly took our leave, after a final appreciative nod toward Pierre....

There was a server here that blatantly treated us differently because we were not locals. We didn’t get water or glasses upon sitting down. Once ordered drinks (after flagging him down for 20 minutes) our menus were taken away and we were never asked if we wanted food. We finally flagged him down again to order food. We were not given utensils, napkins, condiments or salt and pepper. We were never checked on to see if our food was okay. When we finished, we stacked our plates (a universal symbol for I’m done) it took more than 30 minutes for it to be cleared or for us to be checked on.

All the while, we noticed other tables be greeted with water, glassware and cutlery, napkins, salt and pepper, being checked on regularly, got multiple rounds of drinks, and even sweet treats upon receiving their checks unsolicited. None of which we got the courtesy of receiving, for no other reason than we were tourists. I would never return here and never recommend if you are not...