Picks by Messinger Guides in Paris

10 places Messinger Guides went to in Paris — what they said, and what to watch out for.

• Du Pain et des Idées — Messinger Guides
  Judged to fully live up to its reputation as a world-class boulangerie.
  Heads up: Noted the long line, recommending another bakery two minutes away instead.
• Caractère de Cochon — Messinger Guides
  Raved that the combination of a crisp golden baguette, generous butter, and top-quality Parisian ham adds up to far more than the sum of its parts.
  Heads up: Noted that purists don't add cheese to a jambon-beurre, so adding cheese is a matter of personal taste.
• Marché couvert des Enfants Rouges — Messinger Guides
  Described as a place hailed as a shrine of Parisian street food.
  Heads up: The video put more emphasis on the jambon-beurre sold at a shop just outside the market than on anything inside it.
• Joséphine Chez Dumonet — Messinger Guides
  Highly praised for its century-old classic bistro atmosphere with a zinc counter and Baumann chairs, plus treasure-like dishes like a rare tournedos Rossini generously topped with truffle.
  Heads up: Noted it falls in the fine-dining price bracket with high prices and tight seating, and stressed booking ahead at the end of the video.
• Chez Michel — Messinger Guides
  Praised as a place where the plates speak for themselves without lengthy explanations, with chef Masahiro Kawai pouring his whole soul into a weekly menu that balances French tradition with raw creativity.
  Heads up: Noted that many bistronomy restaurants are self-indulgent, over-explaining even a single radish on the plate, but said this place is the exception.
• Le Quincy — Messinger Guides
  Concluded that 'the blanquette is superb,' with veal so tender it falls apart in the blanquette de veau, also calling it the perfect address to try boeuf bourguignon.
  Heads up: Noted there are no small plates or natural wines here, and not to expect a modern style.
• La Fontaine — Messinger Guides
  Praised as a quiet neighborhood café that won't rush you to give up your table, calling it a more memorable and rewarding experience than seeing the Mona Lisa.
  Heads up: Noted that this is a place to spend time rather than eat, suggesting an œuf mouillette if you get hungry.
• Vaudeville — Messinger Guides
  Praised the lively 'organized chaos' created by the clatter of cutlery and efficient waiters instead of music, the ornate decor, and reliable French classics, singling out the île flottante served in crème anglaise for special praise.
  Heads up: Noted it's so popular it was fully booked even on a Tuesday evening in February, making reservations essential, and warned not to expect red-carpet service.
• Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond — Messinger Guides
  Praised for letting simplicity on the plate speak for itself rather than relying on decor, with food described as humble but delicious and consistent.
  Heads up: Warned that anyone expecting a minimalist designer restaurant, shared plates, matcha lattes, or natural wine will be disappointed.
• Cedric Grolet Café — Messinger Guides
  Heads up: Warned that tourists line up for a 20-euro croissant, and that this isn't a truly authentic Parisian experience.

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