This place is oya-some.
Came here on a rainy day, trying to avoid the tourist standards as we'd been to Paris before. This was a great choice. It was busy but there was space for us. There were two guys running the place, both of whom spoke great English and were enthusiastic about recommending and explaining games. Their passion was infectious and enjoyable.
We selected one game after having told them what we liked and being recommended 4 to choose from. We started to set it up, but then were asked if another couple could join us. This was actually really pleasant as it was a good way to meet people without it being awkward or there being any pressure! I talked to one of the managers/owners(?) after and he said part of his job was making introductions and helping people to get on, which was really nice.
Anyway, we played Splendor, which occupied us for over 2 hours (we played it 3 times). This was good fun and a good recommendation. We then switched and played Spectaculum, which was also fun though we weren't as interested in playing it again. Considering that boardgames are actually pretty expensive, I thought this was a really good way to try a few out. Oya does sell games too, though they don't sell hard - my boyfriend only realised when he asked whether they knew where he could buy a copy of a different game (Gaia), which it turns out they had in the back!
A lot of the charm is in how relaxed this place feels - it feels like it is run for love, not money, and there is no pressure to hurry up or buy drinks. In the end, it was 9 euros each for 2 boardgames and 1 drink, and we were there almost 4 hours. If we'd stuck with one board game, it would have been 6 euros. Well worth it! read more