Chéri Bibi

Occupying a storefront space with folding doors that open up in good weather, Chéri Bibi is one of the hottest new bistrots in Paris. Not only is it located in a pretty Montmartre street with an edgy bohemian personality, but it’s serving what stylish young Parisians like eating these days—solid vieille France bistrot cuisine made with first-rate produce. Delicious serve-yourself starters include pork-and-prune terrine, marinated herring and sea snails with garlic mayonnaise. Among the generously served main dishes: grilled Auvergnat sausage, juicy bavette (skirt steak) in shallot sauce, and beef braised with cocoa and red peppers, all served with a choice of fries, mashed potatoes, salad or sautéed vegetables. Desserts include superb, all-you-can-eat chocolate mousse and fresh strawberries sprinkled with basil. “Bobos love comfort food,” says owner Yannig Sammot, who also runs the popular La Famille in Montmartre and Le Réfectoire near Bastille. The ambiance here is low key, the tables topped with Kraft paper place mats, the chairs 1960s-vintage flea market style, the service friendly and relaxed—sometimes to the point of carelessness. Overall, though, it’s an ideal address for a tasty good-value feed.

Open for dinner only. 15 rue André-del-Sarte, 18th, 01.42.54.88.96. €50 per person without wine

Originally published in the June 2007 issue of France Today

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