Le Trait d'Union — Restaurant in Paris

TOURISTS: Do NOT frequent this establishment. The atmosphere is enticing, but the service is horrific. We saw people (locals) leave before ever being greeted, even after 20 minutes. Our waitress was beyond rude, would not provide her name. A hamburger was sent back twice because it was fully RAW. I ate a steak the night before medium. I don’t mind a little pink. This was RAW. When they returned it, it was on the same bun I had cut and put Mayo on, couldn’t be picked up… greasy. The server argued over and over again about me paying for a raw burger I couldn’t eat. Keep in mind, I did not have ONE bad service experience (even when the food wasn’t ideal in some places) over 9 days across the UK or France. This place is one to skip! We paid well over 100 euros for a meal most of us couldn’t eat, even with the raw burger being removed. The waitress also pretended not to speak English until she was angry and literally yelling at us. I speak polite French (have a degree minor in it) and made an effort the entire time. Go to Cafe Saint Placide....

One of the three delightful bistros at the intersection of Rue de Rennes and Rue Saint-Placide found near our hotel. It was so atmospheric to experience the true Parisian cafe-people watching experience and having some terrific food as well. The service was fabulous here and the food unexpectedly generous in portions and delicious in flavour. The FISH AND CHIPS (in PARIS !?!?!?REALLY??) was light and flavourful and almost better than what we had in London the next week. The STEAK TARTARE was a massive portion and melt-in-the-mouth. With the addictive fresh baguette bread basket and butter I spoiled my dinner and sadly couldn't finish the tartare. A real vacation treat and a...

There are literally hundreds of similar bistros on corners around Paris. We have been to a lot, but Trait d'Union is one of our favourites. Why? The food is just that little bit better than average at the other places. Better quality ingredients, better dressing on the salad, nicely cooked chicken, and good service. The restaurant itself is in a great neighbourhood and is on a triangular floor plan, so it is unusually bright and friendly, and has a large first floor as well. We particularly love their tarte tatin: easily one of the best in Paris. Prices are in line for Paris, and maybe even a few euros less than you would pay down the street nearer...