On Rue Montorgueil, there aren't really any rules. Well, except one: live. Fruit and vegetable vendors, terraces crowded with young women in fringed tops and boots, booksellers, and sushi shops. The 2nd arrondissement has found its most beautiful atmosphere here. Sometimes you might bump into vaguely familiar faces, such as Marianne James or Christophe Willem. A mecca for true Parisianism, you could spend your whole life here. A stone's throw from Etienne Marcel, Arts et Métiers, and La Gaité Lyrique, Rue Montorgueil is somewhat the center of unapologetic Parisian bohemianism.
At any time of the day or night, Rue Montorgueil can meet your expectations. If only from a culinary point of view. Here, there is something for every budget and every taste.
With Italian grandparents, I have become quite demanding when it comes to food from Italy, especially pizza (my ultimate guilty pleasure). Three places on Rue Montorgueil are worth a visit... Find out more on the following pages!
Rue Montorgueil also offers an impressive number of trendy cafés. The ideal place to meet up with friends over a beer and a handful of peanuts, we've chosen our favorites, namely Depur and Marie Stuart (see following pages).
Le Marie Stuart–My favorite of all. Recently renovated, the interior decor is lovely (we love the red sofas), the outdoor terrace is pleasant, and offers a view of everyday life, which can be a real pastime. We love its Sunday morning brunch for €20 (after a wild night at the Social Club, for example?). 49, rue de Montorgueil.
Le Depur –An institution, this quirky meeting place is always packed, especially in summer, when its terrace doesn't stay empty for long. A real haven for the neighborhood's youth, you can choose from around twenty different types of herbal tea. You can also make your own protein cocktail by choosing your fruit, protein (lactose or soy), and dosage. Create your own energy drink based on your goals! 4 bis rue St Sauveur Brunch on weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 0140 26 69 66
For those on a budget, head to Caldo Freddo: a veritable institution, this little shop selling pizza by the slice and homemade sandwiches has something for everyone. We would make a detour from Canal Saint-Martin to the Marais just to taste one of their pepperoni pizzas. Their tiramisu is to die for, and eating on the terrace on Rue Montorgueil on a warm weekday afternoon is priceless. Caldo Freddo – 34, 36 rue Montorgueil
For those on a moderate budget, Little Italy is a bit like finding yourself in New York in the blink of an eye. It's crowded, the music is loud, but the food is good, the atmosphere is warm, and we definitely love the old-fashioned gingham tablecloths, just like at my grandmother's house! And the pesto is to die for! Little Italy – 92, rue Montorgueil
For the more sophisticated, La Perla will meet your expectations. Inspired by Sicilian cuisine, the food served is refined and the dishes are relatively generous. We love the large heated terrace in winter, the cool and trendy interior decor, the prawn risotto, and the strawberry and kiwi tiramisu! La Perla – 5, rue Montorgueil.
