Restaurant La Halle aux Grains — Restaurant in Paris

Ah, La Halle aux Grains... or should I say ‘La Halle aux Soucis’? What an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, the kind that reminds you why staying at home with a pizza is sometimes the best option.

Let's start with the welcome. Fortunately, you'll be greeted with a smile. Make the most of it, because it's likely to be the last human touch you receive here. Once seated, the staff seem to have signed a pact of indifference. The waiters, especially the older ones, seem to have lost the use of a smile, if not any form of friendliness. Fortunately, the young students save the day with their freshness.

Let's talk about the meal. A marathon of three courses in 2hrs 15mins, worthy of an Olympic slowness contest. When the dishes finally arrived, the chef's surprise: a big piece of plastic as an accompaniment around the ballotine. You thought you'd ordered chicken? Wrong, it's a modern nod to plastic pollution. The dish is then taken back without apology, then returned without the ballotine, as if nothing had happened. A culinary sleight of hand as absurd as it is memorable. Fortunately, we were told that we would not be charged for this dish... but not so fast! We had to return the bill twice before the price was finally adjusted. Service as random as the dishes themselves!

And then there are the famous Laguiole knives. Here, we innovate. Instead of bringing you a clean knife, they clean it on your plate after your first course, before returning it to you. Charming, isn't it? Especially when you discover, far too late, that this is a ‘tradition’. The culture shock would have deserved a little explanation beforehand, but why keep it simple?

The taste of the food? As bland as the welcome. If you're looking for flavour, prepare yourself for a monumental disappointment. Only the dessert stands out. At last! A sweet note that, by contrast, seems almost divine. Maybe they should think about just doing desserts.

But let's be honest, the place is worth the diversions. Nestled in the grounds of the Musée Pinault, with a view of the museum and the church of Saint-Eustache, it's a superb setting. It's just a shame that the food doesn't match the view. An ideal outing... for those who prefer art to food.

In short, if you want a beautiful view and a good dessert, go for it. As for the rest, you've...

What a disappointment at the Bras restaurant.

Firstly, when we arrived at this special place, we had to wait to be seated as there were two groups ahead of us, and no one was at the reception. A guest of our party of four was in the bathroom, but they still served the champagne before she came back. We asked them to wait, but they still brought the amuses bouches (pre starters) before she was back. The waiter brought a bowl of consume (broth) to each guest, but left without telling us what the dish was. The waiters did not clean the crumbs of the crackers served for the guests at the middle of the table (delicious btw) which were all over the table, until the meat dish. We were served grains of Kasha, and when we asked what those were, the waitress tried to ramble and ended by saying it is a vegetable grain.. still trying to understand, she went to someone to ask what it was. It would have better to just say « let me check » straight away, or just to know the dish you serve to clients. No bread plate, no butter for the table to go with the yummy bread. You are asked to keep the same knife (special knife) for the whole dinner, but there isn’t anything to rest the knife on between courses. It was strange to use the same knife for all the dishes. I don’t know if they have a sommelier as the person who came to our table made a mistake on the grape in one of the wines on the list, and then had us taste the wrong bottle of wine. Beef was part of our 5 courses and it was very surprising that we were not asked how we liked our beef. Not ideal as knowing how the guest likes their meat is key for them to enjoy it. We were not told that the chef cooks it a certain way, and asked whether that was that ok for our table.

Yes, the setting is special, la Bourse du Commerce is outstanding. Food well executed, tasty, my favorite dish was probably the dessert. I expected a meal to remember as the chef were les Bras but it was not the case. They really have to work on their service which is clearly very average.

Overall, just be aware and if you are ok with the price and what you get, maybe a lunch or coffee and a cake in the afternoon is enough to discover the unique setting in La...

Went there for a very special occasion. And I was not disappointed at all.

Atmosphere : The place is absolutely stunning as it seats on top of the newly renovated museum Bourse du Commerce. The place was the former cereals stock exchange. The restaurants design is very modern, and minimalist. It feels truly privileged to be there.

Food : We went for the 7 courses with wine pairing. And it was a real discovery and promenade. Everything is well put, all the texture and tastes are amazing and fits with everything. Because of the history of the building, the chefs prepared a menu where you’ll have a fine taste of the cereals, different from dish to dish. And it was wonderful. I’ve enjoyed the sucrine (never had it this way), the fish and meat that were perfectly cooked, with their sauces and vegetables. I was expecting the “woah” effect, and I got it.

Service : The service is what you expect for that kind of restaurant and price. Perfect.

Bonus point with the sommelière, who was perfect. I’ve enjoyed how she delivered the message, explanation and described the wine we were getting at each courses, that allowed us to understand, and envision it with the meal. It truly changed how you taste it and enjoy it. And it changed from other sommelier using terms and sometimes tones that make you feel like an idiot (you’re not, you’re just never studied it). She was absolutely not like that. Very professional, which was clearly something that made my evening memorable.

I truly recommend for special occasion or if you fancy true fine Parisian restaurant.

Next question is : when is the Michelin...