L’Étincelle — Restaurant in Paris

This was a stop on the way back to our hotel & it was dinner time so of course I didn't bother with reviews. The only reason this restaurant gets 2 stars is for the atmosphere. Very cozy, romantique & Gatsby-like. Our waiter (pictured) was nice until I ordered water. My husband took his suggestion on this horrible beer, but we didnt say anything. The food was ok. We had a dry croque monsieur & fr onion soup...which was good (Not Au Pied du Cuchon level, but decent). Their prices were decent as well. However, the waiter did it in for us. We were sitting right by the ext door when he had another table outside & slammed it open hitting the wall just behind me. It was extremely rude. Then, he had nerve to insist we tip! His tip was alrdy included and he did just the opposite of deserving a tip. Look, we dont speak french but tried. I cant have carbonation, so yes, water. We're at the end of our trip & this is the 1st rude waiter. I think waiters like this shouldnt be in the srvc industry, especially in 1 of the largest tourist capitals of the world. Sounds like management should get...

I had an incredibly disappointing experience at L'Étincelle in Paris during today's Christmas lunch. Despite the friendly and attentive young waiter, the cheeseburger I ordered arrived within 10 minutes, but it was ice-cold! While the meat inside was slightly warm, the burger bun was downright frigid, making it inedible. Politely expressing my concern to the waiter, he assured me, "No problem, I'll send the burger back." I expected to receive a new one, as one would assume. However, something very disrespectful occurred.

They reheated the burger on the pan and brought the same one back to me. You can see it in the photo I took; I thought it was some kind of joke. It's unimaginable that a restaurant in the heart of Paris could be so disrespectful to its customers. I have no words for this experience. Of course, I didn't eat any part of that burger and left it untouched. Shame...

On our first evening we were greeted and seated by a lovely young woman (Char) who from the very start made us feel like we were guests of honor. She took us to her favorite table in the cafe, a charming half table in the window that looks out onto the plaza It was so romantic as the table was embellished with a tall, single brass candlestick.

Char convinced me to try the escargot, something I had a bad first impression with many years ago, along with another delicious recommendation of the Ravioli with foie gras, and local vineyard wine. Magnifique! I was hooked! Best escargot ever!

It was so wonderful we returned on our last evening to have it again. We had the pleasure of being taken care of by Gabon who was just as attentive as Char.

Thank you for your outstanding service and exquisite delicacies! We look forward to returning...