Edited to add more context, and I will keep this as brief as possible: after a fine meal, my friend and her boyfriend received a curdled crème brulée. When they realized this, they sent the dessert back, without harshness or ill will. My friends requested the check, and the dessert had not been comped. Their request to remove the dessert charge was promptly and rudely declined. They continued to try to pay for the remainder of the bill, but have the dessert justifiably removed, to no avail. There seems to have been a bit of the old "we don't speak English and don't understand what the problem you're having is" despite the fact at least three of the restaurant workers had proven they could very well communicate in English prior to this moment. Eventually my friends declared they were leaving since the manager was becoming more and more rude and uncooperative, and that is when multiple people tackled my friend's boyfriend. So, let it be clear, the people working in the restaurant initiated a physical attack because the kitchen produced a curdled crème brulée, and my friends had the gall to point this out, and to suggest they should not have to pay for it. My friend began shouting at them to get off her boyfriend, and struck one of the people assaulting him. As the workers backed off him, one of them roughly shoved my friend aside. I'd like to point out, as a French-American, that this so laughably fits in with the "haughty Parisian who pretends not to speak English and doesn't understand basic customer service" stereotype that I know it sounds made up. My friends have worked in the service industry in the USA for years, they are reasonable and kind people, and not the sort of folks who go around finding fault with restaurants or their workers, or looking for drama. I see this restaurant has great reviews, and I'm sure their food is almost always delicious, and their service almost always adequate or even very good. A single poorly-made dessert is obviously not the issue here; the issue is walking stereotypes refusing to account for the poor quality of the item by removing it from the bill and then assaulting people after they repeatedly attempt to pay for the remainder of said bill but are met with unreasonable aggression. If I could give this zero stars I would. My friend was very roughly and aggressively shoved by the manager of this place on Wednesday, September 13th, around 10pm. Extremely upsetting interaction. Thank you to this manager for ruining an otherwise lovely trip to Paris on her...
Read moreLe Petit Bouillon Pharamond is a budget-friendly restaurant located in the heart of the city. While it may attract diners with its affordable prices, there are a few aspects of the dining experience that leave much to be desired.
One of the main drawbacks of Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond is the quality and taste of the food. Although the prices are low, the flavors and overall execution of the dishes fall short of expectations. The ingredients used seem to lack freshness, and the dishes often lack the depth and complexity that one would hope for. While it is understandable that low prices come with some compromises, the underwhelming taste and quality detract from the overall dining experience.
Another downside is the busy and sometimes stressful atmosphere of the restaurant. Due to its popularity, Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond tends to be crowded, especially during peak hours. This can result in longer wait times and a lack of personal attention from the staff. The noise level can be high, making it difficult to have a relaxed conversation or enjoy a peaceful meal. If you prefer a quieter and more intimate dining experience, this may not be the ideal place for you.
On a positive note, Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond does offer affordability, making it a suitable option for those on a tight budget. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, providing a glimpse into French cuisine at an accessible price point. The portion sizes are generally generous, ensuring that you won't leave hungry.
In terms of service, while it may not be the most attentive, the staff at Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond do their best to accommodate the large number of diners. They are efficient in taking orders and delivering food promptly, but the overall lack of personal attention can be disappointing.
In conclusion, Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond is a budget-friendly restaurant with affordable prices. However, the quality and taste of the food, as well as the busy and sometimes stressful atmosphere, fall short of expectations. If you are looking for a more refined dining experience or a quiet ambiance, it may be worth exploring other options. However, if you are on a tight budget and simply looking for a quick and inexpensive meal, Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond could be a...
Read moreI found this restaurant by making a very profound research on the internet before visiting. I was searching for affordable local food, historic place and nice atmosphere. I was ready to eat fast and queue since it is mentioned in many reviews. It was our main destination in Paris while our trip from Lapland.
We visited Le Bouillon Pharamond, and our experience was quite mixed. The bill for two came to €91.60, and we ordered a variety of items (Evian, Brouilly wine, eggplant caviar, tripe, mashed potatoes, steak, crème brûlée, profiterole, cheese assortment, and coffee).
Starting with the atmosphere: it was interesting and felt very French, with tables placed so close together that they were only a few centimeters apart. While this added to the charm for some, it made the experience feel a bit cramped. Luckily, there was no queue when we arrived.
Now about the food. The biggest disappointment was the tripe, which I ordered without realizing what it was. Unfortunately, I couldn’t eat it at all. If you’re unfamiliar with certain dishes, I’d recommend asking for clarification. The cheese assortment, priced at €7.50, was another letdown. It included just four tiny pieces of cheese, and they didn’t seem fresh. As a fan of French cheeses, I found these both unpleasant in taste and smell.
On a more positive note, the profiterole was absolutely enormous and delicious. It was the highlight of the meal and a pleasant surprise.
However, the service left much to be desired. The waitstaff tried to take away our plates and bottles while we were still eating, which felt rushed and uncomfortable. They even stood next to our table, creating an atmosphere of pressure. This tension made us finish our meal and drinks hastily and leave quickly, even though the restaurant was half-empty and spread across three floors.
The final moment was especially odd. Instead of thanking us or saying goodbye, the waitress directly asked for a tip, which felt inappropriate and out of place.
Overall, it was an experience I wouldn’t want to repeat. While the restaurant has a unique French atmosphere and some notable dishes, the combination of rushed service, underwhelming food, and strange interactions made it less enjoyable...
Read more