There are the Parisian bistros whose names everyone already knows. And then there are those slightly more low-key spots that you end up recommending to friends. Paul Chêne clearly falls into the second category. At 123 Rue Lauriston in the 16th arrondissement, checkered tablecloths, a zinc bar, and French cuisine set the scene. But if there’s one thing that makes us want to come back, it’s the rib of beef to share, regularly cited as one of the dishes that leaves a lasting impression on regulars.
A true Parisian bistro, without going overboard
From the outside,… nothing spectacular. A traditional storefront, a few tables, and that feeling of having stumbled upon one of those neighborhood bistros that Paris still hides away.
Once you push open the door, the decor immediately sets the tone: checkered tablecloths, an old zinc bar, mirrors, bench seating, and a lively dining room. Critics describe the spot as a former 1950s bourgeois restaurant that has become a much livelier bistro, while retaining its vintage charm.
And that’s exactly what we love about this place. No need for a complicated concept or plates designed solely for Instagram. The restaurant prides itself on traditional, regional, homemade cuisine made with fresh ingredients. The restaurant’s spirit boils down to French classics, a few dishes that change with the seasons, and above all, an atmosphere where good cheer is almost as important as what’s on the plate.
Eggs with mayonnaise, kidneys, duck confit… Here, the menu speaks French
There’s no doubt about it when you open the menu: this is definitely a bistro.
Depending on the season, the menu features items such as terrine, andouillette, kidneys, duck confit, and the restaurant’s famous coquillettes. Gault&Millau ranks Paul Chêne among its top spots for traditional French cuisine. This same philosophy is reflected on the plates: dishes that are fairly simple on paper, served generously, without trying to completely transform them.
But for us, the real reason to come is hidden a little further down the menu.
And then the rib of beef arrives…
Served as a shared dish, the rib of beef is one of those dishes that can take up the entire table.
And we don’t seem to be the only ones to notice it. Over the years, several customers have cited it as one of the restaurant’s surefire favorites or as one of the standout dishes of their meal. One review specifically mentions a rib of beef that stands out among the other dishes served at the table, while another describes it as one of the restaurant’s surefire favorites.
As far as we’re concerned, this is clearly one of the favorite rib roasts among Parisian regulars. A beautiful cut to share, cooked to perfection, and of course, fries on the side: you don’t need much more than that. So, is it officially “the best rib of beef in Paris”? You’ll have to try it to decide. It’s the kind of spot you’d like to keep to yourself… before recommending it to everyone.
A neighborhood spot with its own regulars
Paul Chêne doesn’t try to be a trendy restaurant. And perhaps that’s exactly what gives it its charm.
The restaurant has been around for several decades and has retained its bistro identity, even after being taken over by the Dufour brothers. People come here as much to eat as to experience the lively, slightly noisy atmosphere of the dining room, where neighboring tables are never very far away.
And if you’re planning to try the rib of beef on a Saturday night, you’d probably be wise to plan ahead. The restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis and recommends making your reservation directly by phone.
Location: Bistrot Paul Chêne, 123 Rue Lauriston, 75016