Chez Janou Photos
Chez Janou Popular Desserts
CHEZ JANOU ATMOSPHERE
Recommended Reviews - Chez Janou
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Paris has a talent for making lunch feel accidental in the best possible way. Chez Janou sits quietly in the Marais, just close enough to Place des Vosges that the entire experience spills naturally into wandering afterward. No real plans. Just walking. Cigarette smoke in the air, scooters passing narrow streets, old stone buildings glowing under soft afternoon light. Online, this place feels impossible to book. But show up 10-15 minutes before opening and suddenly you're seated like you knew the secret all along. Inside, the room hums. Tight tables. Warm walls. Loud enough to feel alive without becoming chaotic. Nobody rushing. Nobody flipping tables. Just the rhythm of Paris doing what it's always done. The menu is entirely in French which, honestly, makes the experience better. You stop ordering with certainty and start ordering with curiosity. My wife had the risotto d'épeautre aux St. Jacques. I ordered the Magret de Canard au Romarin. The duck was solid. A 3.5/5 kind of dish. Rich, savory, comforting after a long day walking through the city. But the risotto surprised me more. The scallops were delicate, the spelt added this earthy texture that made the dish feel substantial without ever becoming heavy. And then there's the mousse au chocolat. The famous one. Served from an oversized bowl with this almost excessive "all you can eat" energy that somehow still feels elegant instead of gimmicky. We only needed a few bites. Soft, luxurious, lightly bitter chocolate balanced perfectly against just enough sweetness. The kind of dessert that doesn't ask for attention. It quietly earns it.
my favourite dish were the escargot and mussels lol the duck breast flavor was awesome but a lil too raw/chewy for my liking. we didn't try the famous chocolate mousse because we knew it'd be really sweet and heavy lolol side note: it's chaotic af even if you have a reservation; we waited 15 more minutes despite having one. and another asian girl trio took our spot because they were mistaken xD
Super cute bistro with Parisian vibes! It's a tiny space with both indoor and outdoor seating. Though we had made reservations for our party of 8, it still took awhile to get seated. It's really not made for large groups. Their complimentary garlic marinated olives held us over and were really delicious. Also enjoyed their escargot, duck, and everything else we tried!
My brother was accompanying me on my first trip to Paris, so when looking at places to check out I partly relied on him since he had been to the city before. He had been to Chez Janou before, and had good things to say. After consulting a few other sources that echoed the sentiment, I thought this would be a good place to check out for lunch our first day in the city, so off we went. As we approached, I got the feeling that Chez Janou was either super popular in it's own right or became popular via social media - or both. I say that because there was a line of people waiting to get in that hugged the exterior - not seen in any other bistro I passed. Since we had reservations, I was able to skip the line and we were seated right away. You have to be forthcoming though, as there is one person manning both the walk-in queue and seating patrons. We were seated inside - it's a decently sized restaurant but was packed with people. Even still, there was coziness in the chaos. Decor was simple - bright colors with subtle art on the walls. The menu was a decent size, and consisted of more traditional French dishes. We decided to start with two apps - the first was panisse (chickpea fries) that came with two sauces. They had a subtle flavor (complimentary) with the two sauces being great complements. They were also soft enough to break up if needed while still maintaining their integrity. We also opted for one of their special apps - this was a puff pastry tart that was accompanied by shrimp and mussels in a sauce. This was great - the seafood was fresh, the sauce was flavorful, and all the textures really worked together. For my main I ordered the swordfish. I really enjoyed this - the fish was served with a chopped salad and complemented with tomato and lemon. The dish was super fresh and a good balance with the relative richness of the apps. We couldn't leave without dessert, so we went with the chocolate mousse. This was served simply, from a large pot where they spooned out some for us. The presentation left something to be desired, but the flavor and consistency were great. Super chocolately and thick (without being too thick, you know?). Service was good - everyone was super friendly and food came out at an appropriate pace. Overall, I had a great experience at Chez Janou. Yes, there's risk that it's overhyped, but I found the food to be fresh and tasty - it was a great start to our food explorations in Paris.
Yea... we got influenced. Chez Janou is a cute bistro spot... cute green & white stripe entrance decor, crowds of ppl waiting to grab a spot inside. Well - we did reservations 2 weeks before our arrival to Paris and grabbed a lunch slot. Glad we did bc there were like a crowd of 20 ppl deep when we left. So why the 3 stars? Ambience: While the bistro looks like such a cute eatery, the entire dining experience left much to be desired. The space - super small, jammed... every inch of space filled with tables and chairs. It's awful... BC the waiter dropped a damn olive oil stained spoon on my head & jacket!!! Ugh. So, when you stack your patrons on top of each other like cattle; feels like profit over comfort. Food: we got the famous duck, added escargot and a prawn dish. Duck was good (but not amazing, wine jus was good), the prawn was ok, drown in onion& garlic, wine wasn't cooked off so the sauce is a tad bitter. The infamous chocolate mousse... unless you LOVE chocolate, don't get it... we didn't love it... too rich, too sweet... left half on the plate. Hate wasting food but not gonna sacrifice my stomach space for mediocrity. Service: it was ok, nothing spectacular - gave us menu, took our order, gave us a bottle of tap water, brought us our food, gave us bread. Didn't come back to check on us, probably no time - it was super crowded. So.. why would we give a TIP?!?! It's a no-tipping culture in Europe... my 4th time in Paris - BUT first time seeing the tip being asked in our check. BC of all the tourists... guess they felt it was ok to ask... BUT wow. Please stop learning the bad culture from Americans
My sole request was to be able to try the Chez Janou chocolate mousse on our trip to Paris, and this spot did not disappoint. The servers are incredibly personable and friendly- this level of hospitality must be remarked upon! My boyfriend and I arrived right as the doors opened at 5 PM and we were the first ones to have our name on the walk in list. We were able to be seated at around approximately 7:30-8 PM at an outdoor table. We ordered the ratatouille, duck breast with rosemary, and chocolate mousse. This seems to be the standard fare for most people, and they did not disappoint! The ratatouille was perfectly acidic- I wasn't expecting it to pair so well with the crostini at all. The house made complementary home breads are perfectly baked and have a very fluffy texture to them. The duck breast was so juicy and flavorful, and the roasted potatoes had an excellent texture to them- not too tough and hard, yet not too grainy. Everything had a delightful herb/spice undertone to it. Our server was a joy to have, he even joked that if we finished our chocolate mousse he would provide us seconds on the house. I wish I could've taken him up on this incredibly generous offer, but I was already stuffed. Definitely a highlight of our trip.
Overall we had a lovely dinner at Chez Janou. It definitely has the vibes or you get what you get and you don't get upset! We got seated inside and you are basically on the lap of the person next to you and they have to completely move the table out for you to get out of your seat. So as long as you are okay with that, then this is spot is definitely worth a go. They run a tight ship getting you in and out and you definitely want to follow the rules and wait for the waitress/hostess to take your name. The appetizers were the big win for us. The mussels and ravioli were incredibly delicious. The steak was good, but it wasn't wildly memorable. They are also known for their huge vat of chocolate mouse that they serve you and it was quite delicious as well. The house wine was tasty, highly recommend for a very affordable bottle!
Expected to get a very, I dunno, Parisian experience so to speak. After eating at random patisseries, boulangeries and the gimmicky dinner at Moulin Rouge, it was nice to have a just regular meal at a French Bistro. It was a cute little spot with plenty of seating and a small bar right up front. The problem was that it's so cramped in there. They fully pack that place pretty tight in there. While they take walk-ins, they were so busy that had we not had a reservations we likely wouldn't have gotten a table in a reasonable timeframe. I think we waited about 15-20 minutes outside until our table was ready. As for service, while they weren't exactly rude, they for sure weren't exactly friendly either. This was also a spot that didn't cater too much to tourists by having English on the menu. I don't fault them for that though, it's their country. I would recommend having a translator app at the ready though with French downloaded. As for the food it was a bit of a letdown for me. We had a number of items to share with each other. Without having reliable signal in Paris, it was hard to use the translator app so I'll do my best with the foods. We ordered a ratatouille (don't think it was a traditional one though), a shrimp dish, white sauce pasta, escargot, duck breast and the chocolate mousse. The ratatouille was OK but was just like a roughly chopped cooked vegetable dish. The shrimp dish was fine as well but nothing standoutish. Our favorite dish was my friend's white sauce pasta; it was flavorful, rich and decadent but somehow not overpowering. The escargot, as expected was not good for me, but "When in Rome" (or Paris haha). It was just a weird chewy Thing that just tasted like oil and garlic with whatever herbs they used. I especially was off put by the little grains of sand or broken shell that was a part of each bite. The duck breast was a little bland if not for the sauce and it was also a tad tough as well. I will say the chocolate mousse was super rich and sweet; I couldn't eat that whole order by myself but it's nice to share for a little end of meal treat.
Amazing warm welcome and lovely hosts. The place is sold out though we had to wait about 15 mins and wasn't bad at all (walked about 40 minutes to get to the cafe :)). We ordered the Avocado Tartare and the Mussels along with their amazing chocolate mousse to round up the lunch. The mussels were nicely done and the spices on the shell were simply overflowing with juices of the oil and lemon. The tartare was very very refreshing and had a taste to itself. The mousse could have been served a bit colder though it tasted perfect with some salt sprinkled on it. Impressed every bit and recommend it even if you have to come all the way out and wait for ever to make it happen!!!
Wow, what can I say about Chez Janou? We came for lunch without a reservation and quickly realized most people book ahead. The owner told us we could join the waitlist, which was over an hour, and although she didn't take our number she promised us a table if we returned. She kept her word. At first I was worried this place might just be social media hype, but it turned out to be absolutely worth it. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, the kind of spot that makes you want to sit and enjoy your meal. The duck steak was cooked perfectly and full of flavor, and the prawns were delicious, especially with the complimentary bread. Overall, it was a great experience and one I'd recommend to anyone visiting. If you go, try to make a reservation, but even if you end up waiting it's worth it
This was hands down my favorite meal I had during my trip to Paris. We went during their dinner opening at 7pm and were able to put our name down on the waiting list. After a 1.5 hour wait, we were seated outside and given menus. The inside from what I saw was very cute and vintage and the outside sitting area was peaceful since the place was located on a side street. We ordered the cold ratatouille with olive tapenade, the duck breast, and chocolate mousse. Despite the busy night, the service was prompt and the waiters were kind. The ratatouille was tasty and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the cooked down veggies and tomatoes. The dips went well with baguette. The duck breast was divine! The fat and skin were crisped up to perfection and the garlicky potatoes went well with the spicy mustard on the side. The star of the show though was the chocolate mousse of course! It was super rich and chocolatey and perfect to share among two people. Overall a MUST go when in Paris but prepared for a long wait!!
This was such a parisian experience eating here, the good and the bad. The bistro is super cute but also super tiny so everyone is packed in. You literally have to pull the table completely out while you slide into the booth and they push the table back in. It's elbow to elbow seatings so not great if you have claustrophobia. The food was ok. We tried their famous duck which was pretty good. The prawns in wine sauce with onion and garlic was ok. The wine didn't cook off enough so it had a bitter taste to it. The escargot was good. We finished the meal with their chocolate mousse and they bring over this huge bowl and just scoop and plop it onto your plate. It's super rich and sweet so only get this if you are a chocolate lover. Service was ok but not overly friendly. They sat us and gave us menus and took our order. Didn't really check on us for the rest of the meal and when they cleared the table, they dropped a dirty spoon on my sister's head. A brusque sorry and off she went. Maybe that's just how Paris rolls?
2 months ago
My #1 fav classic French dinner we had in Paris. The food and the atmosphere were all great. This place seems to be a certified, capital 'e' Establishment here in Paris. Vibey 30 somethings and those of us tourists that have begrudgingly figured it out. It is close quarters inside, but when in Rome. My bestie from middle school and I shared the escargot (bless you) pasta, which was delicious, and the duck, which was exceptional. We split a very fairly priced bottle of wine and ended the night with the scoop of mousse. If they could figure out how to do that intravenously, that'd be great. The mousse reminded me of a great guilty pleasure, which is eating straight out of the can of Duncan Hines chocolate frosting (ask me how I know, I do this often, going to rebrand it to me being European). Loved it here. read more
14 days ago
I'd say 3.5 stars but Yelp won't let me! Chez Janou is a very popular spot - we arrived an hour before open on Sunday evening and were able to get an outside table no problem. The menu features French classics and there are vegetarian options. To be honest, maybe I'm not the best to right this review because French food isn't my favorite - regardless, my main complaint is just that the food lacked the extra flavor I was hoping for but it was still solid. The Ravioli Dauphine was perfectly cheesy, just needed some extra salt. The Chickpea Fries and Warm Goat Cheese were nice starters, and I liked the bread basket that was given freely - especially the inclusion of a walnut raisin bread. NOW, the star of the show and the reason you're probably here: the Chocolate Mousse. Yes it is worth the hype. Only complaint - we had some leftover and they refused to box it for us. read more
Visiting Paris for a weekend, Chez Janou was certainly on the top of my list of must-eats. They originally gained a lot of attention for their "famous" decadent chocolate mousse. If you plan on eating here I HIGHLY recommend getting a reservation. You may have to make one a month or more in advance as well via their website. I was unable to snag one in time, but arrived right when they opened at 12pm and got a walk-in spot. Walk-ins are accepted, but there will most likely be a line when you arrive. We waited shortly before we were lucky enough to get a seat inside. Loved the inside of the restaurant and found it to be a fun vibe. Service was good and server did a good job checking in on us. My one issue was regarding their menu and nut allergies. Someone in my party had a more severe nut allergy. Our server wrote down all the menu items that were supposed to be safe and have no cross-contamination. My friend ordered the ribeye steak and unfortunately started having a reaction to the food. This prompted us to leave our meal early, missing out on the mousse. This was very frustrating and scary. I'm not sure where the communication went wrong, but our server did have a menu with all the listed allergens in the food. Each table is given green olives when you're seated, which are great to snack on. I ended up ordering the Magtet de cavard au romarin which was a duck breast with rosemary, served with potatoes. Food arrived within 10-15 minutes of ordering alongside a basket of French bread. My duck breast was great, full of tons of flavor, and cooked perfectly. I thought it seemed a little colder on the bottom side, but not concerningly so. The au jus to dip the duck meat in was absolutely amazing. It paired so well with the tender duck and really amplified the flavors of the dish. The potatoes that accompanied the duck were phenomenal. Cooked with olive oil, they were soft and just delicious. Not many complaints about my entree! Overall, I thought Chex Janou delivered a lovely meal for me. As for my friend, not so much. Her allergic reaction was unexpected and her food did allegedly contain some sort of nut. This was very disappointing as it caused us to leave early and miss the famous chocolate mousse. So if you have nut allergies, be weary and really double check with the kitchen on what you can/can't order. Otherwise, the meal was fabulous and I loved my duck breast. I will be returning my next trip to Paris as I have to try the mousse! read more
Paris has a talent for making lunch feel accidental in the best possible way. Chez Janou sits quietly in the Marais, just close enough to Place des Vosges that the entire experience spills naturally into wandering afterward. No real plans. Just walking. Cigarette smoke in the air, scooters passing narrow streets, old stone buildings glowing under soft afternoon light. Online, this place feels impossible to book. But show up 10-15 minutes before opening and suddenly you're seated like you knew the secret all along. Inside, the room hums. Tight tables. Warm walls. Loud enough to feel alive without becoming chaotic. Nobody rushing. Nobody flipping tables. Just the rhythm of Paris doing what it's always done. The menu is entirely in French which, honestly, makes the experience better. You stop ordering with certainty and start ordering with curiosity. My wife had the risotto d'épeautre aux St. Jacques. I ordered the Magret de Canard au Romarin. The duck was solid. A 3.5/5 kind of dish. Rich, savory, comforting after a long day walking through the city. But the risotto surprised me more. The scallops were delicate, the spelt added this earthy texture that made the dish feel substantial without ever becoming heavy. And then there's the mousse au chocolat. The famous one. Served from an oversized bowl with this almost excessive "all you can eat" energy that somehow still feels elegant instead of gimmicky. We only needed a few bites. Soft, luxurious, lightly bitter chocolate balanced perfectly against just enough sweetness. The kind of dessert that doesn't ask for attention. It quietly earns it. read more
my favourite dish were the escargot and mussels lol the duck breast flavor was awesome but a lil too raw/chewy for my liking. we didn't try the famous chocolate mousse because we knew it'd be really sweet and heavy lolol side note: it's chaotic af even if you have a reservation; we waited 15 more minutes despite having one. and another asian girl trio took our spot because they were mistaken xD read more
Super cute bistro with Parisian vibes! It's a tiny space with both indoor and outdoor seating. Though we had made reservations for our party of 8, it still took awhile to get seated. It's really not made for large groups. Their complimentary garlic marinated olives held us over and were really delicious. Also enjoyed their escargot, duck, and everything else we tried! read more
My brother was accompanying me on my first trip to Paris, so when looking at places to check out I partly relied on him since he had been to the city before. He had been to Chez Janou before, and had good things to say. After consulting a few other sources that echoed the sentiment, I thought this would be a good place to check out for lunch our first day in the city, so off we went. As we approached, I got the feeling that Chez Janou was either super popular in it's own right or became popular via social media - or both. I say that because there was a line of people waiting to get in that hugged the exterior - not seen in any other bistro I passed. Since we had reservations, I was able to skip the line and we were seated right away. You have to be forthcoming though, as there is one person manning both the walk-in queue and seating patrons. We were seated inside - it's a decently sized restaurant but was packed with people. Even still, there was coziness in the chaos. Decor was simple - bright colors with subtle art on the walls. The menu was a decent size, and consisted of more traditional French dishes. We decided to start with two apps - the first was panisse (chickpea fries) that came with two sauces. They had a subtle flavor (complimentary) with the two sauces being great complements. They were also soft enough to break up if needed while still maintaining their integrity. We also opted for one of their special apps - this was a puff pastry tart that was accompanied by shrimp and mussels in a sauce. This was great - the seafood was fresh, the sauce was flavorful, and all the textures really worked together. For my main I ordered the swordfish. I really enjoyed this - the fish was served with a chopped salad and complemented with tomato and lemon. The dish was super fresh and a good balance with the relative richness of the apps. We couldn't leave without dessert, so we went with the chocolate mousse. This was served simply, from a large pot where they spooned out some for us. The presentation left something to be desired, but the flavor and consistency were great. Super chocolately and thick (without being too thick, you know?). Service was good - everyone was super friendly and food came out at an appropriate pace. Overall, I had a great experience at Chez Janou. Yes, there's risk that it's overhyped, but I found the food to be fresh and tasty - it was a great start to our food explorations in Paris. read more
Yea... we got influenced. Chez Janou is a cute bistro spot... cute green & white stripe entrance decor, crowds of ppl waiting to grab a spot inside. Well - we did reservations 2 weeks before our arrival to Paris and grabbed a lunch slot. Glad we did bc there were like a crowd of 20 ppl deep when we left. So why the 3 stars? Ambience: While the bistro looks like such a cute eatery, the entire dining experience left much to be desired. The space - super small, jammed... every inch of space filled with tables and chairs. It's awful... BC the waiter dropped a damn olive oil stained spoon on my head & jacket!!! Ugh. So, when you stack your patrons on top of each other like cattle; feels like profit over comfort. Food: we got the famous duck, added escargot and a prawn dish. Duck was good (but not amazing, wine jus was good), the prawn was ok, drown in onion& garlic, wine wasn't cooked off so the sauce is a tad bitter. The infamous chocolate mousse... unless you LOVE chocolate, don't get it... we didn't love it... too rich, too sweet... left half on the plate. Hate wasting food but not gonna sacrifice my stomach space for mediocrity. Service: it was ok, nothing spectacular - gave us menu, took our order, gave us a bottle of tap water, brought us our food, gave us bread. Didn't come back to check on us, probably no time - it was super crowded. So.. why would we give a TIP?!?! It's a no-tipping culture in Europe... my 4th time in Paris - BUT first time seeing the tip being asked in our check. BC of all the tourists... guess they felt it was ok to ask... BUT wow. Please stop learning the bad culture from Americans read more
My sole request was to be able to try the Chez Janou chocolate mousse on our trip to Paris, and this spot did not disappoint. The servers are incredibly personable and friendly- this level of hospitality must be remarked upon! My boyfriend and I arrived right as the doors opened at 5 PM and we were the first ones to have our name on the walk in list. We were able to be seated at around approximately 7:30-8 PM at an outdoor table. We ordered the ratatouille, duck breast with rosemary, and chocolate mousse. This seems to be the standard fare for most people, and they did not disappoint! The ratatouille was perfectly acidic- I wasn't expecting it to pair so well with the crostini at all. The house made complementary home breads are perfectly baked and have a very fluffy texture to them. The duck breast was so juicy and flavorful, and the roasted potatoes had an excellent texture to them- not too tough and hard, yet not too grainy. Everything had a delightful herb/spice undertone to it. Our server was a joy to have, he even joked that if we finished our chocolate mousse he would provide us seconds on the house. I wish I could've taken him up on this incredibly generous offer, but I was already stuffed. Definitely a highlight of our trip. read more
Overall we had a lovely dinner at Chez Janou. It definitely has the vibes or you get what you get and you don't get upset! We got seated inside and you are basically on the lap of the person next to you and they have to completely move the table out for you to get out of your seat. So as long as you are okay with that, then this is spot is definitely worth a go. They run a tight ship getting you in and out and you definitely want to follow the rules and wait for the waitress/hostess to take your name. The appetizers were the big win for us. The mussels and ravioli were incredibly delicious. The steak was good, but it wasn't wildly memorable. They are also known for their huge vat of chocolate mouse that they serve you and it was quite delicious as well. The house wine was tasty, highly recommend for a very affordable bottle! read more
12 days ago
All foods are really good!! The dish was even better than any fancy restaurant I tried in Paris. The staff were very friendly, and I highly recommend their house wine. read more
Expected to get a very, I dunno, Parisian experience so to speak. After eating at random patisseries, boulangeries and the gimmicky dinner at Moulin Rouge, it was nice to have a just regular meal at a French Bistro. It was a cute little spot with plenty of seating and a small bar right up front. The problem was that it's so cramped in there. They fully pack that place pretty tight in there. While they take walk-ins, they were so busy that had we not had a reservations we likely wouldn't have gotten a table in a reasonable timeframe. I think we waited about 15-20 minutes outside until our table was ready. As for service, while they weren't exactly rude, they for sure weren't exactly friendly either. This was also a spot that didn't cater too much to tourists by having English on the menu. I don't fault them for that though, it's their country. I would recommend having a translator app at the ready though with French downloaded. As for the food it was a bit of a letdown for me. We had a number of items to share with each other. Without having reliable signal in Paris, it was hard to use the translator app so I'll do my best with the foods. We ordered a ratatouille (don't think it was a traditional one though), a shrimp dish, white sauce pasta, escargot, duck breast and the chocolate mousse. The ratatouille was OK but was just like a roughly chopped cooked vegetable dish. The shrimp dish was fine as well but nothing standoutish. Our favorite dish was my friend's white sauce pasta; it was flavorful, rich and decadent but somehow not overpowering. The escargot, as expected was not good for me, but "When in Rome" (or Paris haha). It was just a weird chewy Thing that just tasted like oil and garlic with whatever herbs they used. I especially was off put by the little grains of sand or broken shell that was a part of each bite. The duck breast was a little bland if not for the sauce and it was also a tad tough as well. I will say the chocolate mousse was super rich and sweet; I couldn't eat that whole order by myself but it's nice to share for a little end of meal treat. read more
Amazing warm welcome and lovely hosts. The place is sold out though we had to wait about 15 mins and wasn't bad at all (walked about 40 minutes to get to the cafe :)). We ordered the Avocado Tartare and the Mussels along with their amazing chocolate mousse to round up the lunch. The mussels were nicely done and the spices on the shell were simply overflowing with juices of the oil and lemon. The tartare was very very refreshing and had a taste to itself. The mousse could have been served a bit colder though it tasted perfect with some salt sprinkled on it. Impressed every bit and recommend it even if you have to come all the way out and wait for ever to make it happen!!! read more
Wow, what can I say about Chez Janou? We came for lunch without a reservation and quickly realized most people book ahead. The owner told us we could join the waitlist, which was over an hour, and although she didn't take our number she promised us a table if we returned. She kept her word. At first I was worried this place might just be social media hype, but it turned out to be absolutely worth it. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, the kind of spot that makes you want to sit and enjoy your meal. The duck steak was cooked perfectly and full of flavor, and the prawns were delicious, especially with the complimentary bread. Overall, it was a great experience and one I'd recommend to anyone visiting. If you go, try to make a reservation, but even if you end up waiting it's worth it read more
1 year ago
This was hands down my favorite meal I had during my trip to Paris. We went during their dinner opening at 7pm and were able to put our name down on the waiting list. After a 1.5 hour wait, we were seated outside and given menus. The inside from what I saw was very cute and vintage and the outside sitting area was peaceful since the place was located on a side street. We ordered the cold ratatouille with olive tapenade, the duck breast, and chocolate mousse. Despite the busy night, the service was prompt and the waiters were kind. The ratatouille was tasty and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the cooked down veggies and tomatoes. The dips went well with baguette. The duck breast was divine! The fat and skin were crisped up to perfection and the garlicky potatoes went well with the spicy mustard on the side. The star of the show though was the chocolate mousse of course! It was super rich and chocolatey and perfect to share among two people. Overall a MUST go when in Paris but prepared for a long wait!! read more
This was such a parisian experience eating here, the good and the bad. The bistro is super cute but also super tiny so everyone is packed in. You literally have to pull the table completely out while you slide into the booth and they push the table back in. It's elbow to elbow seatings so not great if you have claustrophobia. The food was ok. We tried their famous duck which was pretty good. The prawns in wine sauce with onion and garlic was ok. The wine didn't cook off enough so it had a bitter taste to it. The escargot was good. We finished the meal with their chocolate mousse and they bring over this huge bowl and just scoop and plop it onto your plate. It's super rich and sweet so only get this if you are a chocolate lover. Service was ok but not overly friendly. They sat us and gave us menus and took our order. Didn't really check on us for the rest of the meal and when they cleared the table, they dropped a dirty spoon on my sister's head. A brusque sorry and off she went. Maybe that's just how Paris rolls? read more
7 months ago
This was my first nice dinner after I arrived in Paris. They provide complimentary olives, which were so good! I ordered fish, and my friend ordered shrimp and rice. Dinner was great, but the dessert was TO DIE FOR! My friend has eaten here several times and warned me that the chocolate mousse would not be presented in a pretty little dish. Thank God she warned me! The chocolate mousse is brought to the table in a big tureen, and a huge scoop is plopped onto a plate. My eyes were rolling back in my head. LOL! It's all you can eat! I really enjoyed my dinner here! read more
Cool/trendy spot with good food and drinks. I'd recommend reserving as far in advance as possible. It's absolutely packed, cramped, and lots of Americans. Fun experience and while not the best food I've had in Paris, still very good and affordable read more
Chez Janou is an icon. Everyone knows about the legendary chocolate mousse. And yes you have to get it. I thought it would be a bit fluffier though. Making a reservation was easy to do online. Our table was ready when we arrived. Staff were so nice and English was no issue. The menu has some fun things on it. We got the cheesy ravioli situation and a steak. The steak came very rare when I asked for medium rare. They kindly took it back and cooked it more. It was definitely lacking salt but I think it's my American taste that wants more salt. Outdoor seating was beautiful. The little tables feel very delicate. I'm scared to kick it over. All in all, definitely worth a visit. read more
8 months ago
This restaurant is super popular on social media for good reason! We came for lunch which was perfect as the wait wasn't long - I know it gets packed during dinner service. Our server was wonderful and recommended the risotto, which to this day, I still dream about! The food was delicious and I cannot recommend it enough! Can't wait for the day I can visit Paris again just for Chez Janou! read more
The hype is real. Was able to get a walk-in seat at the bar after a short 20 min wait. My only prewarning is they do not allow you to order just drinks and dessert. It wasn't hard to twist my arm to add the mussels gratin which were so tender and full of flavor. The chocolate mousse is the best I've eaten in my life. Please make your way here. read more
Poor service! STAY AWAY! We came to this restaurant this afternoon and asked for a reservation for the evening. The staff person said she would give us a table outside at 6:30pm. Shockingly, when we arrived at 6:30pm the hostess told us there was no availability. She did not care of the written promise/booking. I then asked for a reservation for the next day (Monday) and she said nothing was available until 10:00pm. What a disappointment for us. read more
10 months ago
We loved our Chez Janou experience. The restaurant is very charming with a beautiful outdoor area and a quaint inside area. We started our meal with the mussels and those are totally a must! Their olives are probably the best we have ever had too! Then we got the duck and my boyfriend hasn't stopped thinking about it. That sauce... so incredible. I got the scallops and the flavor was great but the scallops themselves were cold and the risotto was cool like it had been sitting for. while. I asked kindly and the waitress said that's normal and asked if i wanted it reheated. I had it heated up and it was much better. Chocolate mousse is a must too! That's my favorite and I would definitely come here again. read more
5 months ago
8 months ago
Came here on my first night in Paris -- it was super busy, so I decided to come back another day. Returned on my last day without a reservation and got seated within 20 minutes! The appetizers were delicious -- we had the lobster with avocado tartare and the escargot (10/10). For the mains, we ordered the duck and a shrimp dish that came with a side of rice. The duck was flavorful and very filling (8/10). The shrimp dish was buttery, with a strong onion flavor, though the rice was a bit bland for my taste(7/10). For dessert, we had to get the chocolate mousse -- and it did not disappoint! Highly recommend ordering it even if you're already full. The vibes were great, the atmosphere cozy, and the staff were super friendly. I really enjoyed my time here! read more
10 months ago
This charming spot was an early highlight of our Paris trip. We lucked out with perfect timing--walked in and were seated within 5 minutes. By the time we left, there was a line out the door. The setting is gorgeous and full of character. My wife ordered the duck, and I had the entrecôte--both dishes were cooked to perfection. The staff were warm and welcoming, even with our broken French, and helped guide us through the experience with patience and smiles. A truly memorable first meal in Paris. read more
One of the highlights of our trip to Paris was discovering Chez Janou, a charming restaurant specializing in the cuisine of the south of France. It was only a short walk from our hotel near Place de la Bastille, and both our hotel's staff and our own research had pointed us there--especially because my wife was on a mission to find the perfect French ratatouille. We arrived about 20 minutes before the kitchen opened at 7 p.m.--without a reservation--and for a moment, it seemed we might not get a table. Though I spoke French, I have to admit, my French is a little rusty. The waiter quickly switched to English: "I appreciate that you're speaking French, but it's more important to me that I'm completely understood than that you speak French." He reassured us that we could sit at a small table in the bar, enjoy an apéro, and order from the full menu once the kitchen opened. My wife had a cappuccino, and I had a verre of Marselan. For dinner, my wife, of course, had the ratatouille, which our waiter enthusiastically endorsed: *"You can get steak frites as good as ours many places in Paris, but we have the best ratatouille in all of Paris,by far."* We didn't try ratatouille anywhere else, but after tasting this one--rich, perfectly seasoned, and deeply satisfying--it's hard to imagine a better version. I ordered the ravioles du Dauphiné, expecting small cheese ravioli. Instead, I was served a dish of melted cheese with a golden-broiled crust. A bit of a surprise, but an absolutely delicious one. The portions were generous--so much so that I couldn't imagine following my dish with a 300g steak, which was one of the choices for the main course. We went straight to dessert. My wife had pain perdu (French toast), and I had a tarte tatin aux poires (pear tart). Both were exceptional, the perfect sweet finish to an already fantastic meal. Throughout the evening, we were taken care of by three different members of the wait staff, all friendly, attentive, and happy to offer recommendations. The atmosphere was lively but welcoming, and the service was as generous as the portions. Next time we're in Paris, we'll absolutely be coming back to Chez Janou. read more
1 year ago
Went for a late lunch with a friend (3pm) and thankfully there was no crazy line, we waited about 5 mins and were given a seat. They started us off with a delicious bread basket. For our entrees we enjoyed the ratatouille and pan fried mushrooms... WOW it was an amazing way to start 10/10 for both entrees. We enjoyed a pitcher of their red house wine (it was good). My friend ordered the sea bass fillet with tapenade and we both thought it was great when the two were paired. I ordered Bistrot Entrecôte (steak and potatoes). It was delicious!! Only downside to this meal was that I asked for it medium well, but it was a bit bloody and that the font used on the menus is quite illegible - so if you don't know french the difficulty will be double. For dessert we had the salted caramel french toast and the famous chocolate mousse, I will be thinking about this french toast for at least another 2 days haha The environment is great, it was a full house up until 6 pm, the staff was all friendly as well. I cant wait to come back :) read more
This was my favorite restaurant in Paris! Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time as it gets extremely busy during dinner. I wasn't able to make one online, so I asked the concierge at our hotel for some help. He ended up calling them and was able to snag an 8:30pm reservation for us on our last day in Paris. I was beyond excited as this place was on my list and it did not disappoint. We arrived over an hour early, and they were already packed. We ended up walking around the neighborhood and then came back around 8pm to be seated. We sat outside and felt a bit crammed. They do have more tables inside. The server took a while to take our order but it was understandable given the amount of customers. We ordered sea bass, ratatouille, and baked mussels. Omg the mussels were the best that I've ever had. They were seasoned extremely well, especially with a squeeze of lemon. I also really enjoyed the sea-bass especially the quiche on the side. It was my first time trying the ratatouille and it was tasty. I wasn't aware that it was a cold dish so that was surprising. I think it would've been even better if it was warm. A must try for those visiting Paris. It's located in a quaint neighborhood and a block away from Place Des Vosges. There are a few restaurants in the plaza, but Chez Janou is on its own. read more
Nothing better than finding this gem just minutes from your Paris apartment, then to score a cute, cozy table on Valentines with no wait! As luck and the special stars that only Paris can combine, you find Cafe Janou! Very friendly atmosphere and staff, the mussels where so amazing. This meal was truly a great combination of value and excellent quality, even a fresh rose as a parting gift, made for a memorable night! (Finally posting this long overdue review) read more
2 years ago
Absolutely amazing experience at Chez Janou! Highly recommend this cute corner bistro if in the Marais area. Enjoyed a delicious meal of duck, ratatouille, and mussels, along with a bottle of wine. Service was so kind and accommodating and our food came out quickly. Would absolutely come back! read more
This was our first meal in Paris and it wa great! It was highly recommended and of course my daughter saw it on TikTok for their chocolate mousse. We didn't have a reservation so we waited a little (it was midafternoon). The host was funny but nice. The ravioli (not what you would expect) was delicious. The ratatouille was ok, maybe a bit bland. But the mousse was soooooo good. I'll be dreaming of it. The lady sitting next to us said it was the best in Paris. The servers there were so nice and friendly and helpful. read more
2 years ago
We checked into our hotel and looked for a French restaurant for lunch. Chez Janou had a high rating and was open on Sunday. Noticed a number places are closed on Sundays in Paris. We arrived around noon and place was pretty busy. Luckily, somebody just left and we were able to be seated right away. We started with escargots . They were fresh and the sauce was delicious. It does come with the shell on but it wasn't hard to get them out and you will get the full experience. My wife had the shrimps and the sauce was amazing. We lapped up the sauce with the bread provided. Duck magret, one of the iconic French dishes. The duck was tender and the skin was crispy. There were some sinewy pieces bit the rest was amazing. Highly recommended! We also had our first Crème brûlée and I yummy and perfect way to end the meal. The restaurant was rustic and guess that how French cafes look like. They spoke enough English that we were able to get by... hehehe. We would come back whenever we are in the area and try their other dishes. read more
4 months ago
I think this is a must if you're in the area! Amazing food and staff. The decor on the inside and out is gorgeous. read more
9 months ago
This restaurant was one of the highlights of my first time in Paris - it checks off my 3 must haves of a great dining experience - good food, good service and good vibes. We had a reservation for 4 on a weeknight. There are a pretty big crowd waiting outside so we were sat late for the res but the staff was super nice and apologetic so we didn't mind. The mussels and the mousse are must orders! Our server Paul was the best! Will definitely recommend to any friends visiting Paris. read more
You came here or not Sunday afternoon around 2:00 p.m. and the person outside told us we would have to wait around 45 minutes for a table but barely were there for like 5 minutes. They were calling names very quickly and someone was not there. Their name was being canceled so we were actually there for only 5 minutes. Definitely glad we waited. Place was completely fact but the food actually came so so quick, we were surprised! Chocolate Mousse - UNBELIEVABLE! Like for real unbelievable! So rich and creamy and smooth, it's hard to stop eating! Best part is it's unlimited so you can have as much as you want! I actually asked for extra bread on the table and had it with the bread - so good! Goat Cheese (chevre) - AMAZING! Definitely the best item we ordered to the table. The Jesus really creamy and soft and went so well with that tomato sauce. Kind of a thing on the side. Perfect with a baguette on the table! Mussels - Not sure what they did here but it was actually really really good! Probably the #2 item of the savory things we ordered. Have to add that lemon juice on top because it changes it and takes it up to a whole other level? Ratatouille - This was cold but somehow it actually worked! Game with some crusty bread on the side but actually went much better with the baguette slices they brought on the table. Also came with some tarpendne, and glad we could try some of that. Ahi Tuna Steak - Really good perfectly with nice charring and perfect flavor. And appreciate the vegetables on the side as well. Duck Breast - Will not recommend. The one item we actually did not like. The meat was too fatty and chewy and we could not eat a piece without leaving that extra chewy ending off on the plate. read more
Page 1 of 18
More info about Chez Janou
2 rue Roger Verlomme
75003 Paris
France
Bastille, Marais, 3ème
Directions
01 42 72 28 41
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.chezjanou.fr
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
Chez Janou Reviews in Other Languages
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
30 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
16 years ago
11 months ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
9 years ago
14 years ago
13 years ago
10 years ago
2 years ago
11 years ago
10 years ago
9 years ago
2 years ago
9 years ago
26 years ago
2 years ago
3 days ago
1 year ago
Chez Janou - bistros - Updated June 2026
Browse Brands
Browse Articles
People who viewed Chez Janou also viewed
Les Antiquaires
564 reviews
Musée d'Orsay, 7ème
€€€
Le Bon Georges
115 reviews
9ème, Saint-Georges
€€€
Bistrot Paul Bert
335 reviews
Ledru-Rollin, Nation/Vincennes, 11ème
€€€
Brasserie Bellanger
89 reviews
Gare du Nord/La Chapelle, Strasbourg-St Denis/Bonne Nouvelle, 10ème
La Fontaine de Mars
386 reviews
Tour Eiffel/Champ de Mars, 7ème
€€€
Chez Fernand
296 reviews
Saint-Michel/Odéon, Saint-Germain-Des-Prés, 6ème
€€€
Les Cocottes
582 reviews
Tour Eiffel/Champ de Mars, 7ème
€€€
Le Petit Cler
449 reviews
7ème, Tour Eiffel/Champ de Mars
€€
Le Bistrot des Campagnes
151 reviews
Montparnasse, 14ème
€€
Le Bistro du Périgord
403 reviews
Saint-Michel/Odéon, 5ème
€€€