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Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Europe

France

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Paris at 1 rue Thouin, Le Descartes offers a quintessential French bistro experience that combines authentic cuisine with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This charming spot is renowned for its friendly service, hearty dishes, and a genuine local vibe that transports diners straight to the soul of Parisian life. Whether you're seeking a warm refuge from the cold or a delightful place to indulge in traditional French fare, Le Descartes promises a memorable culinary journey.

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While strolling through the Fifth, on an Arctic cold day in December, we needed a respite and dove into Le Descartes.  I was concerned, because this part of the 5th Arrondissement is filled with tourist traps charging ludicrous amounts of money for lousy food and drink.  How pleasantly surprised I was that not a word of English was heard except from us.  Le Descartes was a local joint, filled with neighbors enjoying the lunchtime offerings.  We ordered hot chocolate and a terrine.  Both met our needs, and we spent a leisurely 45 minutes relaxing at the bar.  Treated well, our English tolerated with a smile, Le Descartes is where to go when in the neighborhood of Place Contrascape and Rue Mouffetard.

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Service was great, timely and in English if you asked.   The steak tartare was interesting.   The same beef served with different sauce blends. A Parmesan, a caper Version and a standard tartare.   Beef was soft and cold as it should be.   Oddly no bread or crackers to eat it with.   
My wife's steak was terrible.  The toughest piece of meat I have ever chewed.   Not cooked right.  Pepper sauce was good.    I think there were problems with the chef that day as someone sent back a salad.   Yes.  A salad.   The chef sent it back to the table.  .   
If i was back there I would give them another shot but there are others in the area.

38ccf913-af3d-4033-98b9-56a7ce596f27

Great find! Our party of seven all enjoyed the food and the friendly staff. Can recommend the salads, sandwiches and burgers without hesitation. The atmosphere was very pleasant as well and the waiter/owner (I think?) was so friendly and patient with the kids trying out their school French.

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We decided on this restaurant because two others were full across the street. We were glad we did. I ordered the pecheur crocque monsieur. A crocque monsieur with smoked salmon instead of ham. My daughter had a delicious grilled chicken Caesar salad and my partner had the Anouilhette sausage (made in house). The sausage was pretty 'rustic' and not to my partners liking. I had limon presse which was exactly that. I got a carafe of water to mix it with but no glass for portions. Kinda weird. 

Total bill came to €43.80. The server was new and very earnest. 

The only strange thing is there is a beggar woman who lives across the street on the second floor on the east side. She 'fishes' for money. She hangs a tin can on a string from her balcony and cackles at anyone and everyone who goes by. If you look up she gets louder. Not the restaurants fault but didn't add to our dinner.

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What makes a great bistro?  Convenience, a chance to relax, good food and drink, and friendly servers.  This place meets all the requirements.  Our room was on the same street, so I would say to my companions, "I'll meet you downstairs, at the cafe, where I'll have a coffee while waiting for you."  Later, they would all join me and, instead of taking off, we would all sit and enjoy a beverage, and watch the street scene and chat.
The waitresses and waiters were like friends, and the menu (while small) was quite adequate.  I had a delightful steak tartare, and a totally delicious purée of celery root and potatoes.  I had never tried celery root before, although it is usually available in my home market.  I will be cooking it now.

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Delightful staff, cozy authentic atmosphere. Yummy hearty servings, we both had the steak frites and after nothing but plane food for 30 hours it was exactly the delicious, filling meal we needed. We are students and it was a comfortable price for us, and our waiter was very encouraging of us practicing our French which was lovely.

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Went in for a light evening meal. Note that my receipt said 70 Rue Cardinal Le Moine, but it fronts on to both streets, Rue Thouin being at an acute angle. 
Snack was alright, but pint (50 cl actually, so 0.88 pint!) at 10.00 Euro each! 
Rip Off.

Le Descartes: Cozy French Bistro Near Rue Mouffetard & Place Contrascape in Paris 75005

Nestled in the charming streets of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Le Descartes offers a quintessential French bistro experience that combines authentic flavors with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This spot is perfect for food lovers seeking a genuine taste of local cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Homemade terrine served with fresh baguette

Classic French steak frites with a choice of sauces

French wines, local beers, and classic spirits

Chef's special seasonal dish crafted with fresh local ingredients

Discover Le Descartes in Paris for exquisite French cuisine in a charming setting. Indulge your senses and book your table now for a memorable dining experience.

Le Descartes Restaurant in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage | French Cuisine

Paris Municipality

Le Descartes

Experience the authentic charm of Le Descartes, a cozy French bistro located at 1 rue Thouin in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter. This hidden gem offers a genuine taste of local life away from the tourist traps, providing a warm, authentic atmosphere perfect for both casual lunches and relaxed dinners.

At Le Descartes, indulge in hearty, traditional French dishes like steak tartare, croque monsieur with smoked salmon, and homemade sausages, complemented by excellent local wines and warm service. The bistro's approachable prices, averaging €€, make it a fantastic choice for both locals and travelers seeking authentic Parisian flavors.

Guests praise Le Descartes for its authentic ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious, filling meals. From a cozy lunch to an evening meal after exploring the historic Latin Quarter, this bistro provides a true taste of Parisian hospitality and cuisine.

Perfectly situated in the Latin Quarter, Le Descartes invites food lovers, history buffs, and casual diners alike to immerse themselves in a genuine Parisian culinary experience. Whether you're seeking a relaxed lunch or a cozy dinner, this charming bistro is a must-visit for an authentic taste of France.

Le Descartes: Cozy French Bistro Near Rue Mouffetard & Place Contrascape in Paris 75005

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