Le Rennequin, a traditional-style bistro in the 17th arrondissement, where French terroir takes center stage

It's a place that feels almost timeless, evoking a warm, familiar atmosphere even on the very first visit. And no wonder — Le Rennequin is one of those spots that preserves the classic spirit of the bistrot, reminding us of the great traditions of Parisian dining. The menu celebrates French terroir with signature dishes like eggs mayonnaise, sausage with mashed potatoes… indulgent favorites that are sure to delight the city's bon vivants.

The concept here is to serve simply delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients—aiming to rekindle the authentic taste of tradition. For those who find comfort in classic flavors, this spot is a reliable choice. However, culinary explorers seeking bold, adventurous fare might find it somewhat predictable.

 

 

Although innovation isn't the restaurant's main focus, it still manages to surprise diners with a few more daring dishes, such as Jerusalem artichoke velouté topped with foie gras chantilly or a tender shredded skate wing.

 

The menu is deliberately kept simple and adapts with the seasons and the chef's inspirations: this is part of the concept here. As a result, expect regular updates and new surprises on each visit. Daily specials include a dish of the day and a dessert of the day; at Rennequin, there’s little room for routine to settle in.

 

 

The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Dauphine potatoes, served either as a starter or a side dish. With a nearly crispy exterior featuring delightful grilled notes, these potatoes hide a rich, creamy filling inside — no wonder they're so popular. Beyond this specialty, Le Rennequin also presents beautifully plated dishes, where the quality of the ingredients speaks volumes for themselves.

Soft, juicy leek hearts served as an appetizer allowed us to kick off this tasting with a touch of freshness. We also approve of the eggs mayonnaise, featuring a light mustard mayonnaise from Meaux and accompanied by peanuts. The portions are just right—not too much to leave us feeling stuffed, but enough to ensure we still have room to enjoy the main dishes.

 

That day, we couldn't resist the special of the day: a perfectly cooked fillet of pollock, seasoned just right to highlight the fish’s natural flavor. It rests on a subtly sweet leek flan, accompanied by mushrooms that add the much-needed texture to the dish. A generous crustacean-based sauce crowns everything without overpowering it!

 

A special mention goes to the butcher's cut, featuring a rumsteck that was perfectly cooked to a rare doneness, as it should be. It was served with the renowned dauphine potatoes and a flavorful pepper sauce that managed to be rich without overpowering the other flavors.



For dessert, it's hard to resist the molten chocolate cake with a runny core, topped with a lightly sweetened but intensely vanilla-flavored whipped cream. That day, by a fortunate twist of fate, the cream was enhanced with Tonka bean, usually reserved for crème brûlée: making it an even more indulgent treat!

For lunch, expect to pay around €25 for a starter/main course or main course/dessert combo (€32 for a complete starter/main/dessert). In the evening, the menu is à la carte, offering great value for money: both starters and desserts usually stay under €10, while main courses hover around the twenties. Additionally, the fixed price of €7 per glass makes choosing wine stress-free, allowing diners to confidently enjoy the restaurant’s recommended pairings.