The Smiths Bakery — Restaurant in Paris

The Smith’s has been a Paris staple of mine for several years. As a frequent visitor of the city - I come about twice a year for 4-5 days - and a croissant officianado - I’ve tried every bakery in New York City and have officially given up the search for even a mediocre version - I would consider this to be one of the best bakeries in Paris.

It also happens to be located in one of the best neighborhoods in the city, and sits on one of the most quaint, Parisian streets you could imagine. Enjoying their delicious quiche Lorraine and cappuccino at the street side tables is nothing short of a perfect French experience.

So why the 2 stars? One word - Service. With a deep understanding that European table service is very, very different to what Americans have come to expect, the women behind the counter at this haunt are as rude as it gets, and consistently. They slam things around, ignore you, ring you up while you’re half way through ordering, and roll their eyes when you ask questions. Now, I hail from Manhattan where on any given day of the week there are life ruiners just waiting to be nasty for no reason. So consider me relatively desensitized to this sort of behavior.

What really rubs me the wrong way is that despite speaking enough French to easily get by in this city without needing to speak English, the employees here refuse to acknowledge me in French. In fact, they speak to me in English only, even as I continue en français, all the way through to saying goodbye as I leave the store.

After this morning’s visit, I probably won’t go back. The woman had the audacity to tell me that she’d rather speak to me in English, despite her being native French and my strong speaking skills, because she was still asleep! I said, in French, that I was learning and would appreciate if we could speak in French, and she still refused. Then, she proceeded to make fun of me to her coworker - in a language I’ve just told her I understand! For a country with a reputation for treating foreigners who don’t make any attempt to speak the language with contempt, this was par for the course. My typical experiences don’t substantiate that stereotype, however, this experience left me questioning whether there was truth to it after all. I was shocked, completely disheartened and nearly walked out on the spot.

In summary: Would recommend the food any day of the week, however, the service standards have worn me down to a point where I won’t be returning. I hate to say ‘Americans, beware’, but the staff has certainly left me...

Step into a world of delectable delights at this charming bakery that left an indelible mark on my palate. The lemon tart was an absolute highlight – a perfect blend of zesty freshness and sweetness that danced on my taste buds. But the surprises didn't stop there; the award-winning quiche was a revelation, confirming its reputation with each scrumptious bite.

Nestled in a cozy setting, the atmosphere exudes warmth and comfort, making every visit feel like a treat. The attentive staff greeted me with genuine smiles, and their friendliness was a welcome touch, especially for someone navigating the language barrier.

From bagels to croissants, cakes to coffee, every item I sampled was a testament to the bakery's dedication to quality. The generous portion of coffee in their distinctive brown paper cups was a testament to their commitment to satisfying customers.

The intimate interior offers a limited seating space, but that only adds to the bakery's charm. Whether indulging in an oversized, flaky croissant or savoring a mouthwatering bagel topped with salmon and avocado, each visit was a culinary adventure.

Their reputation is well-deserved, and I found myself returning to this gem multiple times during my stay. This bakery is a testament to the authenticity of French pastries and the warmth of their hospitality. Don't hesitate to immerse yourself in their flavors, and make sure to take a piece of their magic...

I am very disappointed with the person that served me today, 27 August. I ordered a "croissant" and a "pain au chocolat" as the ones they had close to the counter looked delicious. The person behind the counter almost served me those, but when he was reaching for those, from nowhere, like he had an idea, he stopped and went to pick up those that were in the sun, in the showcase in the front of store. Since it was far I couldn't see what he put in the bag, but I trusted it was the same. Well, they weren't, when I get home, I opened the bag and realize that this ones looked very bad and they were not fresh. I find this to be extremely rude and unfair. If you have old croissants and wish to sell it, at least sell it for a cheaper price, it's not fair that a customer is paying for a very expensive croissant and get an old one that has been in the sun all day. Please be fair and treat all your clients...