On our last full day in Paris, we stumbled into what became the most French experience of our trip: a late lunch at L'Îlot Vache. I ordered oeufs meurette--poached eggs Burgundy style--wanting one final meal that felt unmistakably French. My husband went all in with foie gras, duck confit, and cheese. While we waited, the beautiful owner appeared from across the street, her arms piled with fresh baguettes. It was perfectly Parisian. I'm from Texas so this seemed straight out of a movie. We lingered over two bottles of wine and a long, unhurried afternoon. I'm writing this months later, flipping through a French cookbook, and came across the recipe for eggs in red wine. It pulled me right back to that table. Our last day in Paris couldn't have been better spent. When we return, L'Îlot Vache will be one of the first places we go. read more

Very simple restaurant situated on the beautiful ile de Saint Louis. Night we went, every single table was booked and I saw the waiter had to keep turning people away. Simple menu with the French classics, we ordered the pan seared foie gras (poêlé), escargot and beef bourguignon. All were excellent. Definitely recommend for a easy going night with typical French classics. read more

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This spot in Paris was a real treat for authentic French dining. The service was warm and attentive, and everything ran smoothly. My wife and I enjoyed a set menu that included wine, soup, steak, and bone marrow, absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be coming back on my next visit! Food, Service, Ambiance read more

This is a classic French restaurant, with menu items like escargot, soupe a l'oignon, boeuf bourguignon, foie gras, mousse au chocolat, etc. If this is your first trip to France and want to experience authentic French food, this is the place to go. I had the soupe a l'oignon, risotto with scallops, and mousse au chocolat -- all were decent. For me, when I go to a restaurant, I want to order things that I cannot make myself. I feel like I can make most of the things here, so would only return if I am craving something traditional and too lazy to cook (1 star off). Service was excellent. We had a large table, and the waiter/manager remembered each of our orders (food and drinks) without writing anything down -- very impressive! read more

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Great service from history sharing to conversations in a nice ambiance. Delicious chocolate mousse avec wines.

We had been there many years ago on one of our early trips to Paris Honestly it's gotten even better. The food was absolutely wonderful and the staff was exceptional. We would come back here anytime we are in Paris without a doubt!!! read more

We've been coming to this restaurant for more than 20 years and the steak with peppercorn sauce has always been a favorite. Three times in the past few months we've brought friends here and each time had wonderful meals. Tonight it felt like a different restaurant. The steak was beige and nearly flavorless, as was the peppercorn sauce. I asked our waitress if there was a new chef and she said no, so perhaps the restaurant is buying cheaper meat? Hard to know, but at these prices we expect much better. I think we've had our last meal here. read more

Sweet little place in Ile Saint Louis. Huge portions! The wait staff was very attentive and kind.

Excellent. J'ai passé un très bon moment avec ma compagne venue d'Allemagne. Merci. Le service était très chaleureux, avec de l'expérience et de la jeunesse. On y mange très bien. Allez y. Go for it. read more

I stumbled across this place on a solo walk one evening, on the hunt for a decent dinner that wasn't too expensive. It was a bit early and quiet inside and their fixed price menu seemed almost like a steal on an expensive little island in the middle of the city. They gladly took my walk-in request and sat me in the corner of the charming, old style restaurant. Two guys were working and seemed effortlessly tag team the entire place for service. They were helpful with suggestions, efficient and incredibly friendly. The meal was exceptional and left me absolutely stuffed (it was 4 courses after all). The main was surprisingly my least favorite item, but still very tasty. I consider myself a bit lucky at finding this place. I was feeling a bit disappointed with the options, crowds and prices in the area. This almost seemed too good to be true and I will definitely be back. read more

Been twice in last week- food is consistently good and service is warm (French standards). Really nice local place steps from our apartment - will be back soon. read more

My cousin highly recommended this gem of a restaurant. The service, food and overall French ambiance were perfect. After dinner crossed the bridge from the island and took a wonderful evening stroll down the Seine River. read more

Gem of a place! Beautiful, rustic, charming and French. Servers were kind and fun - amazing. Music was en pointe! Escargot, beef Bourgogne, chateaubriand and do not skip the chocolate mousse!! Bon Apetit! read more

We made reservations. Comfortable and nicely appointed. No need to dress up, but you can. Nice bottle of wine to start, and all three of us went with the set menu selections. Seared salmon with lemon butter was good, my friend had the boeuf bourguignon which was also excellent. They are known for their chocolate mousse - it is very good, and very sweet. Excellent and friendly service. They also speak excellent English (in case that is important to you). read more

Tiny little gem in Paris. Service was awesome food was delicious and the presentation was perfect.

So this is my favorite place in all of Paris. The lamb is esquite to the point to which lamb can be fantastic. I can't say anything higher about this main course. My Dad, brother, and I all ordered it and we didn't get off a single picture before they were gone. The cocktails were plentiful and flowing rather rapidly. Excellent precision in the drink making, even my mother was satisfied, that's a hard yes lol. My parents also ordered the house wine that flowed plentifully and had enough for two. Their own personal carafe, thank you. The ravioli with sage was and always has been simply magnificent. The foie gras was magnificent as well coupled with berries that fit the dish perfectly. It was perfect. The only mistake was that I ordered something off menu and it wasn't questioned so it was replaced with frogs legs, which I never have had, taste like chicken lol. My mother's scallop dish was also excellent and cooked to the perfect texture and consistency. It ended up being a rather strange culinary experience of a night but everything positive and forward. read more

For three weeks my Parisian apartment was half a block away from L'llot Vache. The restaurant is located on Île Saint-Louis. The restaurant is true to the islands history, which is reflected in its decor. This island was formerly used for the grazing of market cattle and stocking wood. Absolutely beautiful arrangement of flowers are perfect placed all over the space. I had my first and last dinner there. The staff is wonderful, very helpful and kind. The food is delicious, as you expect in Paris. But truly, very tasty, fresh, delicious and traditional food. Fantastic selection of wine. Wonderful experience and highly recommended place to stop by. I definitely will come by again. read more

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The food was OK. The escargot was chewy and flavorless. The salmon was amazing but the waiter was really rude. it was our first night in Paris, and we wanted to go to a yummy French restaurant. This restaurant was highly recommended. from the moment we walked in we felt hostility from the owner/waiter. He was rude, unfriendly, and offensive. My friend ordered chocolate mousse which apparently comes in a very large bowl - this lovely waiter/owner put the entire vat in front of my friends place setting and left it there for 10 minutes before spooning it onto her plate. Not a great way to start our vacation. read more

I came here with my mother on our last day in Paris. The website allowed me to book at 6 pm reservation and I had the email confirmation and everything. When we arrived, we told them about the reservation and we proceeded to get yelled/screamed at by someone there insisting it wasn't the fight restaurant reservation. It was the right restaurant but it obviously there was a glitch with the time which would have been no problem, had it been explained in a kinder manner. read more

Michelin restaurant that offers a 3 course meal 36 euro/pp? Sign me up! Formerly farm land hundreds and hundreds of years ago fast foward to the charming Île de la Cité, a medieval island in the middle of Paris which looks as if it hasn't been touched in years gives you a taste of old school Paris. L'Ilot Vache is just as charming from the first friendly greeting, the murano glass inspired mismatched dish and glassware and floral arrangements that all somehow harmoniously go together to be this cozy, warm and enchanting candlelit restaurant. HOLY COW there are cows EVERYWHERE! I started with 6 Escargots de Bourgogne au beurre persillé. Delish. Snails were hot, tender and succulent with garlic oil and herb goodness. I then chose the Boeuf Bourguignon au Chocolat Noir because you know cows. Out came an individual ceramic serving dish with beef and veggies. Meat was a bit tough, gravy soupy and is that cilantro? It was good but not the best I've had. Good thing dessert offered redemption aka Ile Flottante MY GOD how is something so light this addicting and blissfully sinful? Like heaven on a cloud in your mouth. Great wine selection. Chef peered out into the restaurant a few times so I wasn't sure if he wanted us to be finished or wanted to see if we enjoyed our food which I hoped was the latter. Overall a good place to have dinner especially if you are with someone you love. read more

L'Ilot Vache - Escargots - French Near Me - Paris, 75

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So glad we stumbled upon this gem! We were initially going to some highly reviewed restaurant around the corner but it was closed, so I consider this find destiny. We even got the last table available for the night. All my French foodie dreams came true here. We got a bottle of wine, foie gras, and the prix fixe menu. Foie gras: buttery goodness that just melted in my mouth. The strawberries were sauteed and you didn't even realize it was a fruit. Somehow strawberries and duck liver go together on this plate. Escargot: buttery/herby/garlicy delight. They weren't too chewy and you can even use the extra butter to dunk your bread in. I'll admit, I'm not sure if this is customary but I LOVE butter so I did it anyways ;) Duck confit: all my duck dreams came true. Crispy skin, flavorful fat layer that I indulged in eating, the most tender meat Creme brulee: it's larger than expected which means even more to enjoy! A deliciously caramelized sugar layer followed by a creamy body. Service: like all European restaurants they won't give you the check until you ask for it. They want you to take your time and enjoy the meal. It's not just food, it's an experience. The ladies here are very friendly and helpful. They speak English too. We felt comfortable enough to test out our French. Try saying Boeuf Bourguignon lol - which FYI is also a must try. It's delicious. read more

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I have never had such an incredible meal and we tried a LOT of places over 10 days last summer !!! - it was one of our most favorite ever- and we felt sooo cared for - The setting is dear and the food is beyond ! ANd each and every one of our foursome raved about their courses and we ALL got different things - which tells you how wonderful it can be - read more

Some of the comments I'm about to make may make you wonder why I'd rate it 5, but it is truly that good. First up, the service level is fantastic! Friendly staff, who speak english without making you feel guilty (though I can order from a French menu without issue). There are two dishes on their menu that I cannot recommend, the Confit de Canard is just average, good but average, and there are a number of better renditions of this dish in the area, not to mention in Paris. Second, the Beef Bourguignon is subpar. If you avoid these two, you will be thrilled. The lamb is fantastic! I ordered it on two occasions. My wife really enjoyed her chicken dish and her fish dish the two times she ordered the daily special. We went here three times over the course of a month. Lastly, but not least, the chocolate mousse is fabulous! read more

Lovely and quiet in candle light. If you are looking for romantic place for dinner , this is your place. The service was very nice and they do speak English if needed. I had the rack of lamb , but it was more like a rack of lamb fat. Every restaurant can have a bad cut of meat, I just so happen to get that this nite. The potatoes that came with the rack of lamb well made up for the overall dinner. Wines were great, atmosphere was great and service was kind and friendly . Would I go back ? Yes I think I would go back and give it another go . Hey! It's Paris and this place screams Paris so go enjoy a lovely evening read more

L'Ilot Vache - This was my rack of lamb fat but what meat was on this was lovely and the scalloped potatoes were amazing . - French Near Me - Paris, 75

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Husband and I came here for our anniversary dinner. We don't speak French but the staff spoke English very well. We ordered the pre fixe menu, I had the duck which was incredible. My husband had the lamb, it was delicious but I think he preferred my dish. They were very sweet and brought us a candle in our dessert for our anniversary. read more

L'Ilot Vache - Lamb - French Near Me - Paris, 75

Spent a week in Paris and explored many restaurants during our visit. This was the best dining experience of the trip. Service was excellent. Presentation was very good. Food was excellent. Small restaurant on Isle St Louis which is a wonderful place to stay while visiting Paris. About 10 tables. The restaurant has been updated with modern windows (which meant no drafts on the chilly evening) and it is well decorated. Small touches like candle lit tables and the waiter hanging up our coats make it a special treat. Food was excellent. Warm goat cheese salad and risotto appetizers hit the spot and serving sizes were larger than expected. Beef Borgonion and Scallops for our main dishes. Again excellent flavors and and preparations. Asked the waiter for his advice on a desert to split and he suggested the chocolate black and white mousse which prepared table side and was delicious. Service was triply 5-Star with two waiter making sure we had a wonderful time. We enjoy fine dining and next time we are in Paris we will definitely visit again. read more

Tiny and wonderful!!! The fillet with fois gras was indescribably delicious! Wonderful service! Love! Love! Love! read more

We ordered the lamb and the salmon. The lamb was raw. The salmon was bland. We sent them back and left. The atmosphere was also very claustrophobic. Awful experience. The fried foie gras was ok though. read more

Amazing. I had the escargot which was exquis, especially if you love garlic. I had the fish soup, which was magnifique. And the the poached pear bread pudding was incroyable!!! read more

Best meal in Paris so far. True French Cuisine: Superb Rack of Lamb, perfectly cooked Sea Bass, wonderful Onion Soup. We started with Foie Gras which was delicious. The atmosphere had an old, authentic Ile St. Louis feel. The service was exceptional and friendly. Not a false note! We will definitely return. read more

Great for both the adventurous and not so adventurous. Had grand meres beef borginon - was delicious! Prix fix selection makes this restaurant affordable. Everything I had was delightful and the waitstaff speaks English. Would wholeheartedly recommend! read more

L'Ilot Vache - The creme brûlée was delicious as was the mousse, bread pudding... yum! - French Near Me - Paris, 75

It took so long to write this because I was debating on sharing this hidden gem, but its definitely so good. This was probably the best meal we had and that says ALOT. The duck was simply amazing. They have a pre fix menu that covers all the bases but I would definitely loved to have tried more. Everything we ordered was divine! read more

We stayed the week on I'le St. Louis and wanted to end the trip with an authentic French meal for our teens. The restaurant is quaint and the service was very pleasant. Staff were able to speak English and were patient with our attempts to try to speak some French anyway. Portions were very filling! 3 of us chose the 4 course option for 36 euros..a bargain for all of the food we had! We chose filet, duck confit, salmon and poulet...all were cooked perfectly and came with carrot purée. The bread basket was never empty. The cheese course contained 3 selections. Our creme brûlée was yummy and my son was beaming when his apple tartin came with a pitcher of homemade whipped cream! The kids were adventurous and sampled even the escargot! It was a great way to end the most magical family vacation. read more

Had the four course meal with the duck. Will say that the duck is the best I've ever had. The skin was incredibly crispy, and fatty in the right places. The potatoes that came with the meal was also the best I've ever had. It was very creamy, and was cut in a way where you could taste each slice. The server was also very friendly. Would most definitely recommend this place. read more

Cute restaurant on one of this islands on the Seine River with stone walls and wood beams on the ceiling. We did the pre-fix menu for dinner which includes an appetizer, entree, cheese plate, and dessert. One​ note is that the whole group has to choose the pre-fix, or no one could get it. The restaurant has a nice wine selection and the food was great. The servers and hostess were very friendly and we enjoyed our dinner. I'd recommend going here. read more

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A real gem in a city of jewels. Shared a number of dishes. Beef bourgingon was absolutely fantastic. Fish stew special was light and excellent. Grilled beef was seared and cooked to perfection. Great place to go if you're looking to top off a fabulous day. Service was attentive and helpful - I know, right? read more

One of those meals that you remember for years to come. Dimly lit, romantic, fabulous food, cute cows all over the place (restaurant is named for "Island of the cows" which is used to sorta be hundreds of years ago). In typical Parisian fashion, the owners let us stay way too long but never said a word. We closed this place down that evening...simply a fabulous place. I remember having duck confit and a chocolate mouse to die for. We left sated. I'm really sad to read L.P.'s review and hope that this isn't true. My review is a few years old and theirs is much more recent but I passed by just last year and it appeared the same and I regretted not stopping in. read more

Situated at Ill Saint-Louise in one of Paris' most ancient neighbourhoods, the restaurant offers everything your heart desires. The atmosphere: Corner restaurant with large windows, romantic setting combining stones, beams, candles and floral decoration, and pretty china cows in the windows (Ilot vache = Island of cows). The food: very tasty, traditional French cooking. One four-course menu offering different choices. A-la-carte choices that will make it very hard for you to choose. Ingredients are fresh, Choices of Wine very good (and as always, the wine is more expensive than the food) Exemples for Entrées: Soup the poisson, Douze Escargots de Bourgogne au Beurre persillé, Foie Gras Poêlé aux Fruits de Saison Exemples for Meat dishes : Filet de Bœuf Grillé aux 3 Sauces, Carré d'Agneau aux Senteurs de Provence, Confit de Canard, Pommes de terre Sautées à l'ail persillé Exemples for Fish : Noix de Saint-Jacques à la Provençale, Médaillon de Lotte au x Agrumes Exemples for Desserts : Profiteroles au Chocolat, Sorbets, Ile Flottante The prices: Entrees 14-22EUR, Meat dishes 24-35EUR, Fish 27-45EUR, Dessert 7-15EUR, Menue : 37EUR This is a lovely, romantic place; I can highly recommend it and will definitely return! read more

I first stumbled on this restaurant in 1985, with a friend, and had one of the most delightful dinners of my very first trip to Europe. Over the years I have returned with friends and my husband, each time to a wonderful meal, a great ambiance, and a special memory. When I was planning my 60th birthday, where I would be joined by 18 friends and family in Paris, there was only one place to have the meal. L'Ilot Vache! The staff was incredibly accommodating, kind, patient and I couldn't have asked for a better, more special experience. The restaurant's ambiance is warm, inviting, embodies the Danish concept of "hygge". The prix fixe menu of 39€ gives wonderful choices for an appetizer, main cheese, and dessert. We increased it to 50€ for the event, and they included wine, water, and coffee. Each course was delicious, and all of our guests were excited for the experience and the food. We had picky eaters, we had adventurous eaters; everyone enjoyed their meal, and talked about when they could return. My lamb (Carré d'Agneau aux herbes de Provence) was perfectly grilled and outstanding. I am still dreaming of it! With that many people, we ordered just about everything on the menu. Each person talked about how great their choice was. I am so grateful to L'Ilot Vache for one of my top lifetime memories, looking out at all these people who had flown to Paris for this meal (from Denmark, Amsterdam, and across the U.S.) in my favorite restaurant, the way the staff made us feel, and the excellent food. Merci beaucoup, L'Ilot Vache! read more

This restaurant was so charming we chose to eat here twice during our brief Paris visit. The food, service and ambiance were great. The value was superb. I enjoyed the lamb chops, and the molten chocolate cake was the best version I've had yet. Give this authentic, friendly restaurant a try! read more