Bread to die for
A little jewel of a boulangerie, run by a husband and wife team. She is Japanese; he is French and used to work for the celebrated pastry chef, Hermé, during his Fauchon days. Simply breathing in the warm, yeasty aromas is bliss - but you won't want to leave empty handed. From baguettes tradition (baked all day in batches of 8, no more), rye and poppyseed-coated ficelles to round boules de campagne, and the yummiest mini kougelhopf in Paris, you're spoilt for choice.
Bio-tastic
The decor is minimalist, the concept is novel. The Rose Bakery is a canteen, delicatessen and tea room all rolled into one. It's the sort of place where you can shop, lunch or just take tea with friends. Owners Jean-Charles and Rose (an English Rose, in fact) have made it their mission to prove that organic food doesn't have to be bland, and that broccoli quiche really can taste out of this world. People come from near and far to enjoy their rabbit and polenta with olives, their carrot and pecan nut cake. Tempting British specialities - cheesecake, scones and pies - also figure on the menu.
On the rooves of Paris.
When it comes to restaurants with panoramic views, they don't come much better than this. Pamper your tastebuds while you admire the Eiffel Tower or watch Paris hurry by. The menu, from Japanese chef Fumiko Kono and patissier Pierre Hermé, has a style all of its own - and the result is a feast for the senses. Pleasure guaranteed. Open from May to the end of October.
Chocolate heaven
Luxury chocolate, made by France's finest chocolatiers, in an elegant and relaxed setting. Dominique Leterrier is crazy about chocolate in all its forms - as long as they're imaginative and exceptional. That's certainly the case here. Ganache à la violette (or rose, or ginger), almonds in chocolate, chocolat fourré aux grains de raisins confits au sauternes, jellied fruit, calissons… The choice is every bit as delicious it looks.
A 1960s legend, the Bus has only recently re-opened, and already it's the coolest night spot in Pigalle. Funky 1970s wallpaper, old books, apothecary jars stacked along the walls and a cabinet of maritime curiosities behind the bar. The food is American (nachos and melted cheddar) with Argentinian overtones. There's a mini stage for guests who want to rustle up some after-dinner impro on guitar and piano.
Tea in the country
At the bottom of the cobbled lane leading to the Musée de la Vie Romantique, a courtyard garden is set out with tables. Open between mid-April and mid-October, it's a pleasant spot to drink tea on a sunny day, relaxing among the old roses, campanulas and clematis. Hot food is also served under the glass patio, along with the famous Bertrand Cakes, quiches, salads, and home made gateaux. It's a "secret" address, but we're sure we can trust you not to tell...
