Langousta — Restaurant in Paris

Thank you for your reply, but I need to clarify a few things. I never asked for a children’s menu, and what I was told at the door was simply “no children,” in English — not “we are full,” and certainly nothing about a menu. So there was absolutely no language barrier to misunderstand. Yes, I spoke English because I haven’t yet had the chance to learn French, but I understood perfectly well what was said.

One of my children is already over 145 cm tall, hardly a toddler, so your explanation about “tables being too high for children” doesn’t really apply. And by the way, deciding whether a table is too high or safe enough for my child should be my responsibility as a parent, not something you assume for me. If safety was truly the issue, you could have simply explained that. But what I was told at the door was only “no children” — nothing about high tables or safety. That is why your reply feels dishonest.

And yes, you also told me to try the restaurant across the street. But honestly, I was worried they might also say “no children,” just like you did, so I simply went home.

If you had just told me the restaurant was full, I would have understood and come back another time with a reservation, no problem. I only wish the explanation I was given had been clear and honest from the beginning.

Since you mentioned a “language barrier,” I should also share what I learned from this experience: we had to move suddenly from the UK, so I never had the chance to learn French before. But this situation made me realize that I need to study French much more seriously. So in that sense, thank you — at least I gained some motivation, even if in a rather unfortunate way.

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Merci pour votre réponse, mais je dois clarifier certains points. Je n’ai jamais demandé de menu enfant, et ce qu’on m’a dit à l’entrée était simplement « no children », en anglais — pas « complet », et certainement rien sur un menu. Il n’y avait donc absolument aucune barrière de langue possible. Oui, j’ai parlé anglais car je n’ai pas encore eu l’occasion d’apprendre le français, mais j’ai parfaitement compris ce qui a été dit.

Mon aîné mesure déjà plus de 145 cm, ce n’est donc pas un tout-petit, et votre explication concernant les tables trop hautes pour des enfants ne s’applique pas vraiment. Et d’ailleurs, savoir si une table est trop haute ou suffisamment sûre pour mon enfant devrait être ma responsabilité en tant que parent, pas quelque chose que vous décidez à ma place. Si la sécurité était vraiment le problème, vous auriez pu simplement l’expliquer. Mais ce qu’on m’a dit à l’entrée était seulement « no children » — rien sur des tables hautes ou la sécurité. C’est pour cela que votre réponse me paraît malhonnête.

Et oui, vous m’avez aussi dit d’essayer le restaurant d’en face. Mais franchement, j’avais peur qu’on me dise encore « no children », comme vous l’avez fait, alors je suis simplement rentrée chez moi.

Si vous m’aviez simplement dit que le restaurant était complet, j’aurais compris et je serais revenue plus tard avec une réservation, sans aucun problème. J’aurais simplement souhaité que l’explication donnée dès le départ soit claire et honnête.

Puisque vous avez évoqué une « barrière de langue », je dois aussi dire ce que cette expérience m’a appris : nous avons dû déménager soudainement du Royaume-Uni, donc je n’ai pas eu l’occasion d’apprendre le français avant. Mais cette situation m’a fait comprendre que je dois vraiment l’apprendre beaucoup plus sérieusement. Donc, en un sens, merci — au moins j’ai gagné une motivation, même si c’est d’une manière assez regrettable.

Apparemment, réserver fait apparaître un menu enfant qui n’existe pas…...

In all my years living in and visiting Paris (10+ years), the Langousta restaurant is arguably my best find. I met up with an old Norwegian friend and the Langousta delights were worthy of the almost 50 years since we last saw one another. We had a plateau de fruits de mer (their speciality, of course) fit for a king (seeing is believing!) but at a price even a commoner could afford! The owner treated us to delicious appetizers before the plateau arrived to accompany our bottle of Chablis (again, reasonably priced). Surprisingly, the desserts were also astounding. At the end of our banquet, the owner offered us a couple of shots of eau de vie (water of life, indeed)! As a Canadian, I always ask the same question: why is Paris cheaper than anywhere in Canada? And for those who may be unfamiliar with France, the listed prices always include tax and tip (in Canada, you must add on 30% or more to the...

My boyfriend and I were visiting from the United States and came here for dinner. The seafood was absolutely amazing; some of the most fresh seafood we have ever had. The oysters were ginormous for the price and so delicious! We got the seafood tower for two people (the one that comes with half a crab). This was our first time with a seafood tower and we had no idea how to properly remove the crab meat from the crab. The owner sat down with each of us and showed us not only how to do it, but also taught us so we know for next time. The owner and another helpful gentleman removed the crab meat from each of our half a crab and informed us what toppings to mix in for the best flavor. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. One of the best seafood places in Paris! Thank you so much again! See you the next...