It's a mostly self-service buffet, in which you clear your own plates and bowls, in between courses. This makes this place pretty unique in Paris. Everything is communal here. From the seating/tables, to the food.
I'm not quite sure if the quality of food went a bit downhill or something... but, I was really dismayed at my experience here.
The first course is already placed on the tables. Rilette, pate, blood sausage, raw vegetable platter, different types of slaws (cabbage, carrot), roasted whole artichokes (with the choke still on). Make sure to eat the rillete, pate, blood sausage with the mustard and cornichons (located in crocks in the middle of the table). Other types of charcuterie is no longer included in this course (ie: the sliced hams, sausages, etc). This was clearly the best course of the restaurant.
The vegetable soup was super salty... Everyone in the restaurant from different parties could not finish the soup, so full bowls were sitting on the shelf.
The main entree the day we went was veal in a cream sauce/stew and a rice pilaf. It was pretty standard fare. Nothing stunning about it, but completely edible and piping hot. The cheese course is located in the mesh cabinet over the desserts.
The desserts are located in the buffet island along the wall. There are a variety of desserts to try. Though it is clear, that not all of the food is fresh. The cherry claufoutis was already half-eaten, so it was most likely leftovers from the lunch service (I hope). There are various pot de cremes, creme caramels and baked custards, but be wary. Although very good... some of these desserts were not cooked properly (didn't set, still completely liquid in the middle). I was sad to not see a tarte tatin, but I did try the floating islands, baked custard, and rice pudding.
This place has some serious pest control issues as there were flies, moths, mosquitoes, every flying insect possible in here. The walls were dotted with them. The other tables were still empty when I sat down, but over time, they were littered with insects too. Since the first course food isn't covered at all, I'm kinda happy we got here so early when they were first placing some of the food on the table. A lot of the food would be better served at certain temperatures and this place doesn't have the space to do that.
I was really disappointed... I had read so many glowing reviews of this place and was looking forward towards a delicious sampling of everyday French foods at one place. However, the quality of the food, food safety, and flying insects swarming around my head was very distracting and unpleasant. Also, they tried to charge for tap water here which was ridiculous and trying to take advantage of tourists. Tap water in a carafe is free... bottled water is not.
There is a 3-5 Euro difference between lunch and dinner. They will take reservations if you call ahead. read more