Even with its formidable summer crowds, Montmartre’s charms are undeniable--the village-atmosphere, the hilltop-views over Paris...But when it comes to dinnertime, finding a ‘Parisian’ restaurant can be a challenge here. No one wants to have a mediocre meal in Paris, but many of the restaurants in this neighborhood--especially around the famed Place du Tertre--are so overwhelmed with visitors from all over the world that their offerings are often ‘standard’ at best. If you want to find a restaurant crowded with Parisians instead of simply being ‘crowded,’ go down the hill a bit. Just beneath the Moulin de la Galette windmill, on a quiet curve of the Rue Lepic, is “Chez Pommette.” A step up from a steak-frites joint, but still unpretentious, this restaurant is what Parisians describe as “convivial” with a “bon rapport qualité-prix"--a tastier way of saying a ‘good value.’ Remember that “entrée” in France is an appetizer--and then the asparagus with ricotta and prosciutto won’t seem like a meager portion...For the “plat principal” a hearty “gigot d’agneau” (leg of lamb) or perfectly succulent scallops might be on hand. Dine inside under whimsical bird-houses or at a sidewalk table, with views down a steep street to the city below...The scene is classy-but-no-tablecloth, the cuisine trendy yet anchored in trusted techniques. (If you read French, check out lafourchette.com for local restaurant reviews and special offers; it even comes as an app for your smartphone.)
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Dinner on a corner in Montmartre: Chez Pommette
Even with its formidable summer crowds, Montmartre’s charms are undeniable--the village-atmosphere, the hilltop-views over Paris...But when it comes to dinnertime, finding a ‘Parisian’ restaurant can be a challenge here. No one wants to have a mediocre meal in Paris, but many of the restaurants in this neighborhood--especially around the famed Place du Tertre--are so overwhelmed with visitors from all over the world that their offerings are often ‘standard’ at best. If you want to find a restaurant crowded with Parisians instead of simply being ‘crowded,’ go down the hill a bit. Just beneath the Moulin de la Galette windmill, on a quiet curve of the Rue Lepic, is “Chez Pommette.” A step up from a steak-frites joint, but still unpretentious, this restaurant is what Parisians describe as “convivial” with a “bon rapport qualité-prix"--a tastier way of saying a ‘good value.’ Remember that “entrée” in France is an appetizer--and then the asparagus with ricotta and prosciutto won’t seem like a meager portion...For the “plat principal” a hearty “gigot d’agneau” (leg of lamb) or perfectly succulent scallops might be on hand. Dine inside under whimsical bird-houses or at a sidewalk table, with views down a steep street to the city below...The scene is classy-but-no-tablecloth, the cuisine trendy yet anchored in trusted techniques. (If you read French, check out lafourchette.com for local restaurant reviews and special offers; it even comes as an app for your smartphone.)
