Chez Germaine — Restaurant in Paris

Our 2 years, we finally returned to Chez Germaine for some great sole meunière and it did not disappoint. This time all 3 of us in the family had the fish and thanks to Fred, at Chez Germaine, who took the time and effort in letting us know which day he will have the sole. We really appreciated that so we would not need to go all the way to the restaurant from La Defense in vain.

Our meal was great as usual….a glass of bubblies and a pitcher of house red followed by 3 sole menunieres at 37 euros each. Instead of the baked potatoes which we found dry on our last visit, this time, 2 of us asked for fries and my husband asked for mashed potatoes. The fries were crunchy and hot which is how we liked it and the puree was also very good. All 3 of us polished off the sole with only the skeleton and not a single drop of fish remaining.

As for dessert, 2 of us had the desert gourmandise at 12 euros each which consisted of a sampling of 3 different desserts and an espresso which was delicious. The mini creme brûlée was not the creamiest, but the rice pudding with little crunchy hazelnut pieces were a delight, but the warm chocolate lava cake with fresh whip cream was the hit.

We made our reservations on line because it is a small establishment and to avoid disappointment, I suggest you have a reso. Service was efficient and warm by one server, Fred. He definitely knew what he was doing and we appreciated his proficiency and efficiency.

We will definitely return to Chez Germaine on our next visit in Paris for more...

After a long journey to Paris, we were eager to dive into our first culinary experience, and Chez Germain did not disappoint. Recommended by locals and boasting high ratings, this charming restaurant was the perfect start to our Parisian adventure.

Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere. The restaurant offers cozy seating inside and a lovely patio with umbrellas, perfect for an evening meal. We chose to sit on the patio, where we were warmly greeted by our server. She was exceptionally friendly, making us feel right at home with her warm smile and welcoming demeanor. Fluent in both French and English, she guided us through the menu with ease, ensuring we made the best choices.

We began our meal with two appetizers: the foie gras and the French onion soup. Both were absolutely divine and set the tone for what was to come. For our main courses, we opted for the steak and fries and the duck entrée. The duck was incredibly tender and bursting with flavor, while the steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.

To round off this wonderful meal, we indulged in the crème brûlée, which was simply out of this world. Creamy, rich, and with the perfect crispy top, it was the ideal sweet note to end on.

Chez Germain is a must-visit for anyone in the area. The combination of excellent food, warm hospitality, and a charming ambiance makes this restaurant truly stand out. Highly...

I flew to Paris from my home in Barcelona with family for a culinary getaway, but unfortunately, Chez Germaine turned out to be the low point of an otherwise fantastic weekend. While the restaurant has a bright, colorful, and lively atmosphere, it felt more like a caricature of a French bistro than the real deal—charming on the surface but lacking authenticity. It’s the kind of place that caters to tourists who might not notice the difference. The crowd was predominantly Americans and Brits. The decor, while picturesque, felt a bit Disney-like, designed to look "French" in a way that might impress a first-time visitor but left me underwhelmed. Service was another disappointment. Despite the solo waiter being a genuinely nice guy, he was overwhelmed, which made the experience feel rushed yet inattentive at the same time. As for the food, it was unremarkable. We tried the beef bourguignon, duck confit, and onion soup—classic dishes that should have been highlights but instead felt uninspired and lacking in flavor. For a place that came so highly recommended, it didn’t live up to its reputation. Overall, Chez Germaine was the only disappointing meal of the weekend, and it stood in stark contrast to the high expectations I had before going. It might be an okay spot for tourists looking for a staged Parisian experience, but for those seeking genuine French cuisine and ambiance, it’s best to...