We often stay at the edge of the Butte aux Cailles and when we stay there, we fill our water for household use at the artesian well at Place Verlaine -- it is said to be the best water in Paris (don't know if that is true and Paris tap water is pretty good, but the water from the well is notably excellent). You can see people filling containers there any time -- there are 4 or 5 taps.
The bakeries on Tolbiac including Brun have really excellent bread -- both have won the top baguette award in recent years --
Chez Gladines has big plates of messy pretty good basque food. Les Temps des Cerise has standard cafe fare -- decent enough - nothing special. However there is an excellent small restaurant down Tolbiac past the church which is worth a visit -- small menu, always a vegetarian option, good food. Le Verbelon.
Find a good walking map for the area which will lay out the various architectural sites. The area south of Tolbiac is full of interesting architecture as well. There is also a villa known as the village of flowers. The last time or two we have strolled there it has been a bit disappointing compared to years ago when we first encountered it and the residents seemed committed to floral beauty.
