Dinner in St. Germaine area

This was a restaurant in Saint-Germain that I took my two grandkids to on our first night, and we loved it. When we were there, we heard a lot of French conversations. Here is a clip from my trip report about it:

AU PETITE SUISSE: This is a classic brasserie frequented mostly by locals that I read about here on the forum, and it was only a few blocks from the hotel. I was very excited to see an array of salads on the menu, and I ordered a wonderful salad with mixed greens, ham, roquefort cheese, walnuts, and pears. The kids each had the roast chicken special, which was served with fries and a mixed green salad. We really enjoyed the food and my granddaughter (who loves good bread) was thrilled to know that bread was served with most meals. After dinner, we couldn’t resist ordering some desserts we saw in the case. My granddaughter opted for the chocolate mousse served in a cute little glass canning jar, and my grandson and I both got the creme brulee, which just melted in my mouth.

We really enjoyed our meal and the atmosphere (felt like a local) at Cafe Varenne. Make a reservation.

IF it's your first night you might want something in the vicinity of your hotel if you will have arrived after an international flight. If you share at least your nearest metro stop or landmark the forum might be able to give you something close by!

I love Au Petit Suisse! I am vegan at home but not so much when I travel. I rarely eat meat or dairy but let me tell you the 1st big salad on the Au Petit Suisse menu with ham and Emmental cheese is delicious. Their salad dressing is even better than what I think of as the very delicious "standard French restaurant" salad dressing. I will have to leave room for the desserts Mardee describes, hahaha.

Le Pré Aux Clercs on Rue Jacob was close to our hotel & a great spot for our first night’s meal. Food and service both good. Pretty sure I had steak, no idea what my travel partner had. I think jet lag was hitting us :) We wound up going back for a nightcap a few more times. Love finding a local on vacation!

If this is the first dinner in Paris after an all night, transatlantic flight, I would stick to cafés where you can get in earlier than 19h. Café Varenne and Au Petit Suisse are great ideas, I might add:

Le Jardin St Germain at 9 Rue de l'Éperon (a restaurant that opens at 18h)

La Bobine on rue des Écoles.

Le Récamier on rue Juliette Récamier (opens at 18h)

Otiamo - on rue de Bièvre, Italian that is open all day until 23h.

Be sure to call ahead for any of these suggestions, particularly for 5.

If you are already in the EU, and assuming fatigue will not be a concern:

Brass, on blvd St Germain

Le Bon Saint Pourçain on rue Servandoni

Huguette, Bistro de la mer on rue de Seine

Aux Prés Cyril Lignac on rue du Dragon.

Reservations mandatory for any of these restaurants.

The suggestions of Au Petit Suisse will be great for our trip too.

It is one minute on food from our hotel, and we probably won't arrive until late so that will be perfect. We will only be coming from Caen though, so not a long flight thank goodness.

I read lots of great reviews of Le Jardin Saint-Germain too, so we'll have to try that as well.

We like to visit different restaurants on each visit to Paris and there are so many in this area.