In The MICHELIN Guide France's 2024 selection, Paris has had an excellent showing – including five Parisian restaurants being awarded a well-deserved Bib Gourmand, an award for restaurants which offer excellent value for money. From elevated bistronomic cuisine to 'bistro canaille', our Inspectors have been unearthing gems across Paris – including on the outskirts of the city. Read on to discover five of Île-de-France's latest Bib Gourmand restaurants.
Le Bistrot du 11 (78): a few yards away from the Château de Versailles
Duck-blue walls, cement tiles on the floor and comfortable banquettes can all be found at this bistro located on a pedestrianised street not far from the Château de Versailles. The team behind the Michelin-Starred La Table du 11, led by the young Jean-Baptiste Lavergne-Morazzani, who trained at the neighbouring Gordon Ramsay au Trianon and the Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris. The menu features seasonal, bistronomic dishes, such as baked egg salad and coconut; beef, potato and garlic; and Paris-Brest with pecan nuts. Vegetables come straight from the Chef's garden in Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche!
Aux 2 K (9ème): two female chefs at the top of their game
The two K's refer to Kagy (Samantha, Chef) and Kinoshita (Kimiko, Pastry Chef), a pair who joined forces after gaining a wealth of experience in some prestigious establishments (Violon d'Ingres, L'Ours, Atelier Joël Robuchon, Taillevent). Their abundant technical skill is clearly demonstrated in dishes that are as delicious as their names are enticing, in particular the speciality of roasted pigeon, smoked eel and shallot finished with a salmis sauce. A few nods to the South-West of France are a reminder of the influence on the cooking of Christian Constant. Aux 2 K is a culinary triumph, pulled off with great care and finesse – and at lunchtime, offers a set menu at an unbeatable price.
Rosette, Clichy (92): a Lyonnais 'bouchon' on the outskirts of Paris
Pâté en croûte, sweetbreads, chocolate cake – just a few of the mouth-watering dishes that have already sealed the reputation of this popular bistro. Opened by a young couple who have worked in some prestigious establishments, it is named in a nod to their Lyonnais roots. They make good use of top-notch ingredients, including organic vegetables from Essonne. At lunchtime, they serve a menu du jour and five-course set menu (no options, also available in the evening) that evolve with the seasons. The fantastic décor is a contemporary take on a bouchon, allying modern elements and well-chosen antiques. It's a small restaurant with an open kitchen and a few seats at the counter. The excellent wine list includes pots lyonnais.
Rosemarie (7ème): a friendly bistro near the Eiffel Tower
Cream, butter, a zinc-topped counter and imitation leather are a recipe for happiness at this bistro opened by two seasoned professionals. Nina and Philippe Cadeau worked at Le Beurre Noisette and Christian Constant's Cocottes respectively, and named this restaurant after their mothers. Their expertise is still going strong: Nina's enthusiasm continues to shine on the restaurant floor and Philippe turns out delicious traditional and seasonal dishes. Examples could include: leek vinaigrette, country terrine, salmon tartare, pollack, scallops, entrecote and shoulder of lamb for two, custard pie or chocolate mousse. A blackboard menu changes daily (around €30 at lunchtime and €40 in the evening) and sits alongside an à la carte.
Baca'v Boulogne-Billancourt (92): a place for 'bons vivants'
Chef Émile Cotte has opened a sister restaurant to his Parisian establishment. In a modern bistro setting illuminated by large picture windows (and divided into several areas, including a table d'hôte), he serves up the cuisine he loves: generous bistro classics with a modern twist, and a focus on simplicity and indulgence. For example, see his gridouille (andouille de Vire with a piece of lean pork belly), served with oh-so-buttery mashed potatoes. Dishes often pay tribute to Limousin, the birthplace of the Chef, and his tempting menu includes pâté en croûte, vol-au-vent, sweetbreads, millefeuille and chocolate soufflé.
