With only a handful or so of tables, Chez Germaine really packs in the charm, offering autumnal comfort food in what has to be one of the smallest bistros in Paris.
Curiously one side of the not very big room is a lot more traditional looking than the other, with the ceiling on the far side being painted with hot air balloons and a tangle of bulbs on cords suspended above our heads.
As such it is quite hard to pin down the exact feeling Chez Germaine is going for, cosy comfort or a little bit eclectic, I am not too sure. But enough of the décor.
Due to its size, it got busy quick and with most people having reservations we were lucky to get a table. The menu proudly announces that they do not know what a freezer is and that all their food is homemade, seasonal and fresh.
The staff are charming and the prices appear to be reasonable, all the qualities needed for a promising meal. We order the foie gras to start (€16), squid ink and calamari risotto for me (€18) with a glass of chardonnay (€5) and steak and chips for my friend (€18), of course with a glass of red (€4.50).
Everything, from the starter to the mains was delicious, indulgent and the kind of comforting that is welcome in the chillier autumn days. The risotto especially hit the spot, creamy, the right about of parmesan, and as long as its jet black colour doesn’t put you off, absolutely delicious. The calamari on top was perhaps a little on the chewy side, but this was my only reservation.
For dessert I decided to try the locally homemade sorbet, lime and raspberry (€6), which was a tart and refreshing end to the meal. There were plenty of other more traditional desserts on offer but something light was really what was needed.
I would definitely go back, take a few more friends, but remember next time to book a table.
Address: 30 Rue Pierre Leroux, 75007 Paris
Metro: M10, Vaneau
Phone: 09 80 84 38 12
Hours: For lunch, Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 14:00
For dinner, Tuesday to Saturday, 19:00 to 22:00