La Petite Rose des Sables — Restaurant in Paris

So I did extensive research on all the platforms to try and find out more about this place. All I knew was that I HAD to experience eating here given all the unique and positive reviews. To avoid any disappointment, I actually came for lunch instead of dinner time, which can apparently happen anytime after 8pm or something. And good thing we did because when we got there around noon, there was a sign saying they were booked solid for dinner for the week because they were serving a nearby hotel's guests.

And by "they", I mean the one-woman show. I can't recall her name, but man she literally does everything from welcoming, seating, taking orders, cooking, cleaning up, and taking the time to snap photos with you! Keep in mind that she doesn't speak English - we were able to get by with the pictures on the menu, Google translate, and a friendly couple who were very fluent in French. Yes we felt silly with our blank stares, attempted French, and finger pointing...but that was all part of the beauty of the experience. Okay onto the food.

I did the 3 course meal that included a salad, main course, and dessert. My friend opted for the same. She starts off with giving you a dish of olives and slices some baguette right at your table. We got 2 mixed salads, where when I say mixed I mean it had a TON of toppings on it. For our mains we got the beef bourguignon. Wow, the beef was so so tender that it melted in our mouths. It was place on top of a bed of lettuce accompanied with boiled potatoes. For our dessert, we got the creme brulee and chocolate mousse, both very good. We washed it all down with her house wine, bottles of stella artois, and her closing liquor to wash it down. The pleasant surprise of souvenirs at the end were such a joy - it really embodied her wonderful nature of hosting and caring for her guests.

One of the best experiences during all my travels. We even tried to leave a tip for her, but she insisted that we donate into her church offering tin. What an angel. It may be difficult to get a table, but if you have the time to stake it out, do it! You...

This place was highly recommended across all review sites and, after visiting, I can see why! Imagine a cozy, authentic, traditional meal at your mother's/grandmother's kitchen table. The warmth of the owners was a very special and wonderful experience. Although we do not speak French, and they did not speak English -communication was fabulous and non-judgmental.

We were kindly seated even through the restaurant had not yet opened and were first welcomed with a small glass of sangria (you can switch lemon Fanta if you don't drink alcohol), along with olives, pistachios, baguette, and butter. We ordered beef bourguignon and canard. The beef bourguignon was traditional comfort food -seasoned and prepared well. The duck was cooked perfectly, very tender and moist, served with roasted prunes. We chose salad and potatoes as sides for both plates. The potatoes were delicious! I typically do not like potato wedges, but adore the way these were cooked -soft inside with a little chew on the outside. The salad was composed of beautiful crisp bib lettuce leaves, shredded carrot, cuke, radish, and tomato. Salad ingredients were incredibly fresh, colorful, and plump. Served on the side of the meal was a variety of mustards, aoli, and ketchup. After dinner we were served a small house-made fruit brandy and a few small chocolate malt candies. We certainly left incredibly full and happy. We were personally walked to the door and given a hug and kiss -such sweet people and such a fantastic experience. Because it was a holiday, we even received a hat, scarf, and Paris keychains (our sweet lady was very proud of her family and engaged us in a few guessing games for treats). Wow! I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I'm leaving Paris knowing I got an incredible experience bc I felt like a Parisian local dining with family. Bar raised, mic dropped, stick a fork in me -I'm done. And...

Mamie (the wonderful lady who waits on you, cooks your food, and serves you) is the reason you should dine here over every other restaurant in Paris. While the food is very good, it’s truly not the highlight of your time here.

When you go, Mamie’s attention to you, the customer, is the highlight. With only 4 tables in the restaurant, she makes sure you get your complimentary sangria glass, makes sure you never run out of baguettes, brings out free little pastries, tea, other alcohols, and maybe even a Paris souvenir!

She speaks very little English, I speak zero French; yet, that didn’t stop her from asking me to hang her flowers up for the evening, for her to tell us about her late husband, and for her to stop and take a picture with us. I don’t know what all she said in our 2 hours together, but what I do know is that you must come here.

I recommend you get here 15 minutes before it opens unless you want to wait until about 9 to dine again. She doesn’t rush anyone out, she’ll keep the service flowing, and many people (even Americans like me) will spend at least an hour and a half eating there. Go, you will not be...