HolyBelly — Restaurant in Paris

I’d like to respond to the owner of the establishment by editing my original post as it doesn’t seem possible to reply directly.

I’m happy to provide a detailed recollection of events from last week. The fact that no one remembered a customer with Coeliac disease only proves my point that I wasn’t taken seriously.

We chose your establishment as it was close to the train stations, the online menu included gluten-free and vegan options, and the interior looked nice and cozy.

When the waiter arrived, I asked him whether there were only two options for milk as I was thinking to get a coffee (it was in the morning and I was travelling since 6.30). He responded quite condescendingly, implying that I should be grateful as two options should be enough. I proceeded with explaining that I, unfortunately, couldn’t have oat milk, unless certified gluten-free, because I had Coeliac disease, nor cow milk as I had cow-milk protein allergy. To this he responded with: “No coffee for you then.” - this can be easily interpreted as mockery. An appropriate response would have been suggesting alternatives, such as tea, smoothie, juice, or any other safe option. However, I let it go as I was mainly concerned about having something proper to eat.

When I asked if I could have the breakfast, with the listed gluten-free option - homemade cornbread, and vegan option - nut butter (they both seemed safe to me unlike traditional bread and butter), he immediately dismissed me and said it wouldn’t be possible, and suggested I took the chia pudding instead. I was not interested in this option as I had an entire day of travel in front of me and wouldn’t had the chance to eat until the evening. Then he mentioned I could have some sides, but I was already checked out as his attitude was very unaccomodating of someone with a chronic disease who needs a substantial meal. It’s okay to say if such options are not available, but it’s not okay to treat customers, who are just trying not to get sick while not starving themselves, with so much disrespect.

Original post:

I explained my dietary restrictions (Coeliac disease and cow milk protein allergy) and was dismissed twice - both when asking about drinks and food, even though the menu indicated that they had both gluten free and vegan options. This is not the way to treat customers who are not responsible for their medical issues and make them feel like a nuisance. Very...

I visited Holybelly Café in Paris with my sister and my baby. We ordered the savory pancakes with eggs and bacon, which were just average—not worth the hype. The matcha black sesame float and homemade soda were decent but nothing exceptional.

While the owner’s response was detailed, my experience remains unchanged. The table we were given was not spacious—I was bumped into twice by other guests. I did breastfeed, but it was uncomfortable due to the lack of space and suitable food options for the baby. I wore a cover—is that a crime? Or should my baby have gone hungry?

The handling of the pram situation was frustrating. Another guest was allowed to bring theirs inside, while I was told to leave mine at the entrance. I understand some tables have space for prams and others don’t, but this wasn’t clearly explained at the time, and it felt inconsistent and dismissive. Being told after the fact that I could have requested to wait for a table with pram space doesn’t help much in hindsight.

Our server was lovely and gave great recommendations, though we did have to wait a bit to order. However, we were not offered a high chair, and when I took my baby to the bathroom, I couldn’t locate the changing table.

Having to carry multiple heavy items without the pram made things unnecessarily difficult. I initially believed my baby’s headband was lost during this process—it had sentimental value. I rang the restaurant twice, emailed, and DM’ed before posting my review—only then did I get a response. To their credit, Holybelly later provided CCTV evidence showing the headband was on my baby when we left the restaurant, which I appreciate.

While the café may generally cater to families, based on my personal experience, I wouldn’t say it felt particularly welcoming. Others may have a different experience, but for me, it wasn’t worth the hype.

And frankly, the tone of the response I received felt unnecessarily defensive and rude—it...

I searched on google for the best pancakes in Paris and this place kept showing in each search. So I went there hoping for the best. And they did not disappoint me 😁

Time to be served: I came there to find people queued and a kind lady from the staff checking on each group waiting to know a table for how many is requested. I was lucky to be there alone, so I was offered a place on the bar after around 15 minutes of wait, so I skipped the line and went straight inside. Usually people will have to wait for around 30 minutes to get a table, depends on the number and how crowded it is.

Hygiene: The place i sat on the bar is just in front of the kitchen, so everything inside was visible. It was obvious they had good sanity and hygiene, kitchen looked clean, organized and staff were covering their hair and beards. AND THAT WAS REALLY PLEASING TO SEE!

Food: I ordered the "sweet stack" which is a bunch of pancakes with some fresh fruits, cream, roasted hazelnuts and topped with maple syrup. It was super warm, fluffy and mouthwatering. The fruits were fresh, and all the flavors mixed just perfectly. I noticed from this plate and all other plates that were being served that the portion is huge! So you will enjoy a good meal that will make you full properly.

Service: Staff is really friendly. From chefs to waiters, they are welcoming, and chatty and have simles of their faces. I also noticed most of them are very fluent in english.

Prices: Nothing too expensive, as I've been to many restos in paris, I can say prices here are very average and affordable. At least you are being served delicious food, good portions and welcomed with smiley faces. So the all in all experience...