Restaurant Paul — Restaurant in Paris

To the Owner and Management

I’m writing to share a very disappointing experience my family and I had at your restaurant — one that caused us to leave before even being seated, and that has unfortunately ensured we won’t be returning.

Earlier today, I arrived with a group of 8 — friends and family — planning to enjoy drinks and a nice dinner. Upon arrival, we began checking the menu displayed at the entrance. As we were looking, we politely asked a staff member, Sabry, if it was okay for us to check the menu. Rather than responding in a courteous or professional manner, he looked at us in a rude and dismissive way and said, “Why are you asking me? You’re already checking it.” His tone was harsh, unwelcoming, and completely out of line — especially for someone in hospitality.

This behavior was shocking. In a city filled with high-quality restaurants, what sets a place apart is the service and the warmth of its staff. In this case, we were made to feel like a burden rather than potential customers. As a result, we left immediately and walked into a nearby restaurant, where we were welcomed warmly and treated with genuine kindness — exactly how it should be.

To make things worse, as we were leaving, another staff member with blonde curly hair sarcastically said “bye bye” and even followed us to the door, closing it behind us in a mocking way. It felt hostile and disrespectful.

I truly feel sorry for you as the owner, because your business is clearly being harmed by people like Sabry and others who lack basic customer service skills. Today, you lost 8 guests. Tomorrow, we’ll be celebrating my birthday with 16 people — at another venue where we’re treated with the respect and hospitality every guest deserves.

I’ve taken a photo for reference and documentation.

This kind of experience is unacceptable, and while I don’t normally write complaints, I felt it was important to share this. I will not be coming back, and I will not recommend your restaurant to...

One of the best meals I have ever had. I ordered the beef fillet and potatoes, which was fantastic. My wife ordered the veal fillets wrapped in bacon with vegetables, which was downright amazing. Small detail, but the carrots with the veal were truly delicious and unlike anything I have ever tasted. We ordered the brioche as well as the cheesecake for dessert. The vanilla ice cream on my wifes brioche was unbelievable, truly the best I've had (and I've had all sorts of gourmet and "fancy" ice cream, frozen custard and gelato, this stuff was truly the most delicious).

The service was unparalleled, everyone was very polite and attentive. They spoke a little English, and we spoke a tiny bit of French, so it worked out great. The total for both of us (Two full entries, two desserts, two alcoholic drinks and a bottle of water) was €97, before tip. Not inexpensive, but not much more than typical "tourist prices" in downtown Paris.

Not just the wonderful service and delicious food made this such a great experience, the atmosphere and location we're also key. This restaurant is located only a few minutes walk west of Notre Dame along the Seines river, and about the same distance from the Louvre. It's just a very short walk East (about a minute) from Pont Nouf, and its located in a sort of courtyard between streets, making it a quiet and peaceful retreat in an otherwise loud, busy and crowded city. While we dined in the very clean and romantic sidewalk seating area, we were surrounded by locals chatting away and meeting with friends and colleagues. The only tourists in the area were my wife and I, which lead to a much more enjoyable (and I believe, genuine) French dining experience. I think casual attire (presentable/respectful of course) is fine, I wasn't the only person there in jeans.

This restaurant is #1 on my list of places to visit next time we are in Paris, it is...

Do not come here or if you have food sensitivity issues. I was served nuts despite alerting them of my allergy.

At the beginning of my meal, I told the waitress that I was allergic to all types of dots. She told me that nothing I ordered had nuts in it. I reiterated the nut allergy and just asked that she told the kitchen as well, so as to prevent any issues, as I am always very proactive with this as it’s a serious allergy. She said she would let them know and “not to worry” - the last part which is ludicrous given what followed.

We ordered the beef carpaccio, and after taking some bites noticed thin slices of what appeared to be almonds. We flagged down an employee and asked if they were almonds to which they responded yes. Now in a rush against time we informed that employee our waitress knew there was an allergy to all nuts and said there were none, and that we’d need the check to leave immediately. The male employee said he would go inside to check, despite the urgency of the situation minutes went by and I went inside to try and tackle my symptoms. When returning from the bathroom another ten or so minutes later the check had still not been prepared and I was asked again if I wanted it - I needed to leave in order to not die, why would they question giving us the check so we could leave?? At this point I ran into our waitress who informed me she had only told the waitress I was allergic to cacahouète or peanuts - the word peanut NEVER left my mouth. I specified I was allergic to all nuts - and I said that I avoid issues like this. The waitress clear disregard for what I said and my safety is incredibly concerning.

The fact they nearly killed me and then had me pay for the near death experience, especially when they were made aware of the allergy speaks volumes to the service, quality, and care at...