Huitrerie Régis — Restaurant in Paris

For my wife's 40th birthday celebration, we sought out an experience that would encapsulate the essence of Parisian dining at its finest. Our choice led us to the renowned Huitrerie Régis, a gem nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Known for its exquisite selection of oysters and its intimate, convivial atmosphere, Régis promised a lunch that would not only delight our palates but also create a memorable chapter in our Parisian journey.

As we stepped into Huitrerie Régis, we were immediately enveloped by the warm, welcoming ambiance of the restaurant. The decor was elegant yet understated, creating a perfect backdrop for what was to be an exceptional culinary experience. We were greeted with smiles and shown to our table, where the anticipation of the meal ahead added an extra layer of excitement to the celebration.

The menu at Huitrerie Régis was a testament to the art of simplicity, focusing on showcasing the natural flavors of the sea. The star of the show, of course, was the oysters. We opted for a selection that included some of the finest varieties, each promising a distinct taste and texture. As we sipped on a perfectly chilled bottle of white wine, recommended by our knowledgeable host to complement the oysters, the first platter arrived, beautifully presented and inviting.

Tasting the oysters was an experience in itself. Each variety offered a unique flavor profile, from the briny freshness of the Belons to the creamy richness of the Gillardeaus. It was a sensory journey that took us through the diverse seascapes of France, without ever leaving the heart of Paris. The oysters were accompanied by traditional condiments—shallot vinegar, rye bread, and butter—which enhanced the natural flavors without overshadowing them.

What made the lunch truly special was the attentive, personalized service we received. The staff went out of their way to ensure that the occasion was celebrated with the reverence it deserved. Their recommendations, from the wine to the selection of oysters, were spot-on, making our dining experience seamless and thoroughly enjoyable.

As we lingered over our meal, enjoying the last of our wine and the ambiance of the restaurant, it was clear that Huitrerie Régis had been the perfect choice for celebrating such a significant milestone. The meal was not just about indulging in some of the finest oysters Paris had to offer; it was about creating a moment in time that would be cherished forever.

The experience at Huitrerie Régis was a reminder of the joy that comes from celebrating life's milestones with good food, fine wine, and the company of my love. It was a birthday lunch that epitomized the essence of Parisian chic and the timeless tradition of gathering around the table to celebrate the moments that matter most. As we stepped out of the restaurant, back into the bustling streets of Paris, we carried with us the memory of a lunch that was as much a feast for the soul as it was...

I have been coming to this small place for the last 15 years or so, no trip to Paris is ever without a visit here. It had a few renovations in that time, and the latest allows 4 extra covers, and 3 tables x 2 outside. The interior tables closer to the window also can feel like one is dining alfresco, as the windows can open completely, into the street. The prices keep climbing up by euro or two every year, but it still represents amazing value for the quality one gets here. I always go for special selections of Les Marinnes, now at €39, which includes dozen large plump freshest oysters, nice bread, Brittany butter, glass of Sancerre, and a coffee. As I didn't have breakfast, I also opted for a starter of scallope pate. It was so tasty, the nicest seafood pate I have ever had. Please keep in mind dozen oysters is treated as a set for one person, and that's a minimum order, one cannot share, or have 18 say, I don't know why, it has just always been like that here. If you are not a huge oyster lover, you can have the best looking Madagascar prawns instead. I think they also have a mix to share for 2 persons, which includes oysters, prawns, sea urchins and clams too, though I have never tried only seen others order. I note other reviewers' comments from time to time on service, but I have never had bad service here, even when it was ran by the madame & Mr who dont fancy the English language as much as we may do, but who have now for most part handed over the reigns to the younger generation. The young lady front-of-house speaks excellent English, is super helpful and courteous. I cannot wait to get back to this old favourite...

Don’t be fooled by the undeservingly high rating this place has. The waiters there were rude and unpleasant. My father and I arrived 20 minutes prior to its opening time, eager to try out the oysters here that netizens were raving about. Some bloke walked out of the establishment and rudely gestured us to move out of his way, so he can start his miserable day. We politely obliged and walked over to the other side of the street and waited patiently till its opening time.

We walked in, this other lady said disdainfully with such scornful look “We’re actually not open yet. I don’t understand your rush. No rushing ok?” But we kept telling ourselves the oysters will be worth it, so we put up with it.

The menu came and the first thing I read was “minimum 12 pieces per person.” I love oysters, but even the sound of that sounds upsetting.

I’ve typed a lot, so I’m gonna end it with the next statement.

The oysters sucked. It was fresh, but it did not match to its description at all. We took care not to choose the salty ones, but the ones we got were so salty that we had to drown the oyster in the vinegar sauce.

Tl;dr: bad service, inaccurate description, over priced and a whole lot of disappointment.

P.S. I’m from New York, and the dollar oysters at the Mermaid Inn in the Upper West side can outdo...