Le Café de l'Epoque — Restaurant in Paris

I had an awful experience. The waiter was shockingly rude and aggressive, creating a hostile atmosphere for no reason. My friend was having lunch—she ordered a starter and a main dish—so we politely asked for tap water, which is legally required to be provided in France when dining in a restaurant. Instead of simply bringing it, the waiter flat-out refused and became confrontational, aggressively saying it was not mandatory.

For reference, Article L. 541-15-10 of the French Environmental Code clearly states that restaurants must provide free drinking water in reusable containers for customers eating on-site. Despite this, the staff chose to be disrespectful and argumentative instead of following the law.

His behavior was so unprofessional that it ruined our meal. A restaurant should not treat paying customers with such hostility. Avoid this place unless you enjoy being disrespected. Plenty of better options in Paris where staff actually know how to...

One star — felt deliberately taken advantage of.

I stopped here for lunch with my elderly parents and my young son, looking for a casual, family-friendly meal. The waiter suggested a beef special that wasn’t on the menu. We agreed, assuming it would be a standard portion — instead, we were brought two huge steaks and fries, enough for a table of 4-6 adults.

No price was given in advance, and when the bill came, we were shocked: €260 for what could have easily been one shared dish. The charge was listed vaguely as “divers restaurant” with no item breakdown. It felt like we were seen coming and taken advantage of as tourists.

A hard and expensive lesson — always ask for prices if something isn’t on the menu. Would not recommend this place to families or anyone looking for an honest,...

Tonight I tried to sit outside to drink a glass of wine. I was told that I could not sit at one table, but was then ushered to another table where I was told I could order drinks. I ordered a glass of red wine, telling the waiter I was in a hurry. I waited 20 minutes and the glass of win did not arrive so I went inside to ask where it was and offered to pay directly in order get my glass of wine given I was in a hurry. I paid but still had to leave without a glass of wine. I would warn everyone against going to this restaurant if they want to be treated fairly. I basically ended up being treated rudely, paying for a glass of wine which I...