Comptoir de la Gastronomie — Restaurant in Paris

To put it simply, this seems to be a restaurant popular with Chinese tourists. I went there because I’ve been craving a good pan-seared foie gras ever since the few decent places in London disappeared.

Firstly, the portion of foie gras was large, but the quality was poor. Although the dish was described as pan-seared foie gras, it was more like a pudding in texture — nothing like what proper pan-fried foie gras should be.

Secondly, I ordered wine, and while the menu didn’t mention any bottle size or prices based on size, the bill showed a surprisingly high price. When I asked about it, I was told the price I had in mind was for a smaller bottle. I had already consumed it, so I paid what they asked and left.

However, if other customers have had the same experience, it does feel intentional. At the very least, the menu should clearly state the wine sizes and corresponding prices.

In the end, it was a disappointing meal — tasteless, far below expectations, and overpriced. Definitely a bad experience.

Ah yes, one more thing — the chair was tilted towards the street side (India Street), which made it really uncomfortable to sit throughout the meal. It honestly felt like I paid to be uncomfortable.

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I posted a review, and all I got in response was excuse after excuse from beginning to end.

From restaurant

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and we are truly sorry that your experience did not fully meet your expectations.

Regarding our pan-seared foie gras, it is always cooked to order following our precise culinary standards, and we would have been happy to adjust the sear to your preference if you had mentioned it during your meal.As you probably know, foie gras is an exceptionnal delicacy which naturally reflects in its price.

As for the position of your chair, our team is always available to make sure our guests are comfortable and would gladly have accommodated any request.

Lastly, please note that the size of our wine bottles is clearly indicated on our menu, in accordance with regulations.

We sincerely hope to welcome you again to offer you the high‑quality experience that our establishment is known for.

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All of your responses seem to say, “We would have helped if you had mentioned it.” Well, that’s easy for you to say — you work there and know what’s possible. As a first-time guest, I had no idea I needed to make a special request just to be comfortable. So unless I specifically ask, you do nothing? That’s an interesting attitude.

I didn’t want to sit in that seat from the start — so why wasn’t I offered a different one? You say you would have accommodated a request, yet didn’t do anything when it was clear I wasn’t happy.

As for the wine, if the bottle size was clearly indicated, why didn’t anyone ask what size I wanted when I ordered? Instead, you just went ahead and served the most expensive option — and now offer a flimsy excuse.

And the foie gras — if the level of sear can be adjusted, why wasn’t I asked how I’d like it cooked?

Your response is full of contradictions, which only makes me more upset. But it’s fine — we simply won’t be returning. You can carry on making excuses while continuing to run your business this way. Good...

My wife and I stopped by here after seeing the reviews that this is the place to dine if you wish to try foie gras as they are known for it here. I arrived without a reservation (knowing they were fully booked via their online site) I still went and was happily seated right away by one of the waiters so that was very much appreciated.

The place isn't quite big nor are the tables outside but we were seated outside on a small table with very small surface area (doesn't help if you plan to order a lot of food).

Food we ordered

Foie gras carpaccio - 5/5 This was very good; however my wife mixed up my order while I was in the washroom (my mistake 😭) as I asked her to order the seared foie gras. By the time it arrived, I let it go not to cause issues as we sat without a reservation. It was my first time eating a cold foie gras but it provides a much firmer texture similar to eating cold softened whipped butter with a hint of nuttiness. The portion is also quite big so it can easily be shared. It comes with a balsamic glaze which helps provide some sweet acidic balance to the foie gras as too much can be quite heavy. Overall still a very good dish and would recommend if you don't like hot, ooeygooey, divine smelling seared foie gras :p

*I WILL SAY, the table to our left ordered the seared foie gras and I was borderline depressed from the smell that was coming over from there. After they left, a pair of friends sat down at their table and striking up a conversation I recommended they get the seared foie gras instead of what they were recommended by the waiter (also the carpaccio) and I was floored a second time when they cut into it. They also enjoyed it so much they wiped the plate clean. So do what you will with that information.

Escargot - 3/5 I was quite disappointed with these as when they came out, they looked quite massive but the meat itself was very small. Eavesdropped the table to our right and they were discussing the same. Not the restos fault as its a snail and who can determine the size. The taste itself was okay but I found it to be too overpowered by whatever herb was roasted with it as well as most of the butter or sauce had bubbled out leaving a pile of herbs sitting on a dry snail. Maybe its the Parisian way to have it more plain but I'm just used to my escargot overflowing with garlic butter and herbs.

French onion soup - 5/5 Very very good while loaded with lots of cheese. It's not as sweet as other french onion soups and is almost creamier (I think with how much cheese they load in there) which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Peanut mille feuille - 5/5 This was surprisingly very decadent and delicious. I thought it would be quite light but with the peanut and mousse they use, I found myself struggling to finish a whole portion. Tasted delicious with the pastry not sweet at all while matched with the peanut mousse that really just tasted like a reeses peanut butter cup. Together it made for a delicious dessert.

Sorbet - 4/5 Sorbet was very good, wife ordered lemon, raspberry, and mango. Very refreshing and the lemon one will wake anyone from the dead. 4/5 just because its not the best sorbet, but its also...

Before we get into their amazing food here is little history about this gem: Located in the 1st Arrdt. from Paris, near Saint-Eustache, the magnificent façade of the Comptoir de la Gastronomie indicates this unique place dedicated to gourmandise. Formerly the heart of Les Halles beat rue Montmartre and around, the stalls, the ball carioles and market gardeners. Émile Zola wrote in Le Ventre de Paris this naturalistic description of the now forgotten neighborhood. "The luminous dial of St. Eustache was growing pale, agonized, like a night-light caught in the morning. At the wine merchants, at the end of the neighboring streets, the gas lamps were extinguished one by one, like stars falling in the light. And Florent watched the big halls emerge from the shadows, come out of the dream, where he had seen them, extending their palaces to infinity. They solidified, of a greenish gray, still more gigantic, with their prodigious masts, supporting the endless sheets of their roofs. They piled up their geometrical masses; and when all the inner brightnesses were extinguished, that they bathed in the rising day, square, uniform, they appeared like a modern machine, out of any measure, some steam engine, some boiler intended for the digestion of a people , gigantic metal belly, buttoned, riveted, made of wood, glass and cast iron, of elegance and power of a mechanical engine, working there, with the heat of the heating, the dizziness, the furious waving of wheels. At the beginning of this magnificent house, there is a certain "Gastronomes Club", which met to honor the best recipes of French gastronomy.

Of these meetings, no trace remains, but the Comptoir de la Gastronomie honors each day this distant origin by proposing to the gourmets, curious and accustomed, carefully selected products and a welcoming table of traditional recipes. The place more than centenaire makes, from 1894, the joy of the gourmands of the "belly of Paris". A time dedicated to professionals and wholesale, the shop, under the leadership of Dominique Loï, opens to individuals and retail. Today, in a setting that has retained the charm of the time, you will find a wide selection of the best of gastronomy, the authenticity of the good things of the soil. All you need to make your party meals unforgettable. Not to mention the wines, spirits and champagnes handpicked that will delight the finest palates.

Food: They really know how to showcase the full beauty of a duck. We even order the pork rib confit and that was also mind blowing.

Brew: They offer 2 local French biers and they are both a blonde and delicious. They have a great menu of wines and champagne.

Reservations are a must for a table inside. First come first served for the bar and lunch outside. CALL AHAED WEEKS...