With all the buzz about new concepts and the latest trends, we can easily forget one of Paris’s main advantages - its cheerful bistros. Authentic, laid-back and a place to socialize and meet people, bistros in the city are often a kind of sanctuary, preserving a certain je-ne-sais-quoi from another era that still lives on.
Brasserie Napoléon III is proof of that, and a loyal neighbor to the Buttes-Chaumont park. The menu has been recently updated to include a number of new surprises, and the interior also completely renovated, now with a nice decor that is perfect for taking a break from the park for drinks.
When we tasted the cocktail of the day, it was marvelously subtle, blending a cassis liqueur with fresh strawberries and raspberries. Moving onto the starters, after much deliberation we opted for the raw salmon ceviche (as tender as you can imagine) and delicious raviolis from Royan in a coral rose curry sauce.
The main course dishes were just as mouthwatering as the starters – a large range of fish and quality cooked meats, burgers, toasted open-faced sandwiches, omelets, pasta, salad, and more sandwiches. We gave in to the traditionally prepared beef tartare, served with fries and salad (perfectly seasoned), as well as the round lamb steak, served with a traditional bistro ratatouille.
As a side, make sure to ask your server’s advice for food and wine pairings! They know how to bring out the flavors in their dishes by pairing them with excellent small-production French wines.
After our delicious and copious meal, we were almost too full to have dessert, but then we saw the “Carambar floating island” (île flottante au Carambar). It was so light, not too sweet and surpassed even our highest expectations.
There’s no doubt about it, next time we’re in the neighborhood, we’ll make a stop at the Napoléon III, maybe before going dancing at Rosa Bonheur or strolling around the beautiful Buttes-Chaumont park. And did we mention that the brasserie plans on showing sports games on its screens, and that we’re dying to try out their beautiful booths for our next date?
Useful Information:
Brasserie Napoléon III, 1 Place Armand Carrel, 19th arrondissement
Open every day from 7:30am to midnight
Prices: Set menus midday express 11,5€ (main course), duo 15,5€ (starter + main course + dessert), starter + main course +dessert 19,5€, All included day and night 45€ (apéritif, starter, main course, dessert, 2 glasses of wine, coffee, or tea), 36€ without the drinks.
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Brasserie Napoléon III
1 Place Armand Carrel
75019 Paris 19
Access
Laumière
Prices
Formules midi: €11 - €20
Formule tout compris (midi et soir): €45
