It's a fact. In the capital, authentic bistros are gradually disappearing, replaced by venues that often showcase street food. However, some have chosen to resist this trend and keep these historic spots alive. One such person is Alexandre. With a rich background and years of experience in the nightlife scene—particularly at the Globo—Alexandre decided to change course. Just over a year ago, he took over Le Petit Champerret, located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. To emphasize its status as a true Parisian bistro, Alexandre kept the iconic zinc bar, the red banquette, and the wooden tables and chairs. The restaurant offers 30 covers inside. But the owner is eagerly looking forward to sunnier days coming back, hoping to reopen the terrace on April 1st and watch the street come alive once more.
"I will only drink milk when cows start eating grapes," reads the phrase on the large mirror in the dining room. With this quote from Jean Gabin, the tone is set. This is a place to enjoy good times with friends or a loved one, sipping fine wines and indulging in hearty, rustic dishes that have made Parisian bistros famous. Think organic mayonnaise with eggs, head cheese in aspic, Charolais beef tartare prepared table-side, or veal stew à la Corsica cooked in a cocotte... Like its host, the menu packs a punch and highlights traditional French fare. The daily specials, now handwritten on the slate, change with the seasons and mood. Don’t expect to find flowers on your plate. At Petit Champerret, the focus isn’t on fancy plating, but on homemade ingredients, authentic flavors, and conviviality.
We kick off the tasting with two classic bistro starters: silky egg mimosa with truffles and a salmon gravlax, incredibly tender. Simple yet satisfying. We would only suggest adding a few leaves of fresh salad to complement the fish a bit more.
What’s next? The renowned troyes-style andouillette AAAAA, served with a grain mustard sauce and homemade fries. A house specialty, incredibly hearty and best suited for charcuterie lovers. Across the table, the confited duck leg with baby potatoes is equally tempting. Once again, the portions are generous, and the cooking is flawlessly executed.
The skin of the belly is already quite tight, but the temptation of desserts proves irresistible, with a decadent all-chocolate mousse and a generous slice of
With a menu celebrating hearty, traditional French dishes, Alexandre primarily caters to gourmets seeking generous recipes. At Le Petit Champerret, meat and charcuterie are king, while vegetables tend to take a backseat on the plate. However, it's worth noting that the bistro does offer a fish option—a fillet of sea bass. Meat lovers will be delighted and leave completely satisfied. Like any self-respecting bistro, Le Petit Champerret strives to keep its prices fair. Expect starters ranging from 6.50 to 12 euros, mains from 18 to 25 euros, and desserts between 7.50 and 9 euros.
In short, this is a no-fuss spot where warmth and hospitality take center stage. A little tip: if you're looking for a more secluded table, opt for the one tucked away in the back left corner of the room, close to the kitchen.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Location
Le Petit Champerret
30, rue Vernier
75017 Paris 17
Official website
lepetitchamperret.fr
