Benoit

To immerse yourself in the vibe of a genuine Parisian bistro, venture over the threshold of N°20 Rue St Martin. The establishment first saw the light of day in 1912 and the cheerful banter of the old Paris market hall seems to echo still. Initially a Lyon-styled bistro, it was run by three generations of the Petit family, who nurtured its vintage charm and its woodwork, copper pots, mirrors, velvet banquettes and closely packed tables all reek of Belle Époque Paris. Everything down to the plates bears the B monogram, further adding to the authenticity of this bistro that is light years from the trendy boltholes of today. When the business changed hands and became part of the Ducasse Group in 2005, it lost none of its old-fashioned atmosphere. Proudly and heartily traditional, the recipes feature country produce that is expertly and generously cooked. The menu reads like a turn-of-the-20C cookbook, rich in perennial favourites that you practically never get to taste anymore… except here!