Our love for bistros has been reignited upon discovering Le Minet Galant. Nestled in the Opera district, just a stone's throw away from the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens, this genuinely delightful restaurant caters to every appetite with grace and a touch of audacity. You're going to absolutely adore it!
Parisian Class
Le Minet Galant has gone big, enamored with a space spanning two floors and extending skyward with a cozy terrace for 20 guests. It has gone beautiful, particularly with its navy blue banquettes, marble tables, golden mirrors, and carefully curated decor. The ground floor warmly invites guests with a view of the lively bar; the upper floor, more intimate, is perfect for romantic dinners, with candlelight adding a touch of romance in the evening. For group gatherings, tables can be brought closer, signaling the beginning of a delightful shared experience.
A Hospitable Haven
At the helm is a duo: Jérôme Jeusselin, whose father, a caterer and butcher, instilled in him a love for traditional French cuisine and quality ingredients, accompanied by Adrien Briot, the establishment's owner. This chic bistro's DNA echoes the fundamentals of traditional French cuisine, where everything is homemade, including their mind-blowing terrines and pâtés en croûte! And for a bit of trivia, the name of this establishment refers to Feydeau's play "La Puce à l'Oreille," in which Le Minet Galant was a hotel serving as a love nest for a philandering husband. How cheeky!
A Seasonal Bistronomic Menu
This menu knows its classics, offering appetizers that awaken the palate: organic deviled eggs (€9.50), frisée salad with bacon, croutons, and poached egg (€13.50), Bourgogne snails (€13 for 6), or the refreshing carpaccio of artichoke hearts and Parmesan shavings that delighted us that afternoon (€15). For the main course, there's plenty to satisfy your hunger, including the delicious veal blanquette with chanterelle mushrooms (€30), braised beef cheek bourguignon-style (€28), or the beef tenderloin with Béarnaise sauce accompanied by a plate of crispy fries (€39).
Feeling like something lighter? The thin tart with caramelized endives, poached pears, and fresh goat cheese will be your best ally (€18.50). And for fish lovers, the Colbert-style sea bass with gribiche sauce and fresh green beans is among the venue's must-tries (€31). For desserts, the classics are once again present! The chocolate mousse is adorned here with a crispy praline and fleur de sel (€11), rice pudding comes alive under a hazelnut crunch and a generous layer of salted caramel (€11), and the floating island with toasted almonds melts in the mouth (€11).
Open Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Saturday from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. (Closed Sunday and Monday).
© @rochdebache
Also discover where to dine before and after a show in Paris and Le Boréal, an adorable neighborhood bistro.