© Félix Dol Maillot - Matteo Verzini
Who would have thought that a PMU would become the new place to be? Located at the intersection of Darboy and Goncourt streets, the vintage facade of Le Cornichon immediately evokes those classic neighborhood cafes where regulars gather for a beer between sports bets. Since its opening, this trendy restaurant has been bustling, offering a reliable weekday lunch menu and a delightful combo of cocktails and shareable finger food in the evening, all within a wildly Parisian bar-tabac atmosphere.
The PMU, Now Chic
Forget about worn-out leather chairs and uncomfortable plastic seats. Instead, admire the sleek design crafted by interior architecture firm Claves: a large, wavy green velvet banquette, stylish chrome armchairs in faux leather, mosaic flooring, and green-edged plates set the tone. Doodle with Crayola crayons on the paper tablecloths while waiting for your meal, or play a game of pinball if you're feeling nostalgic. Pure joy!
The result? A trendy refuge straight out of the '70s where you can spend the whole day: morning coffee at the counter while scratching lottery tickets, comforting dishes at lunch and dinner, and pushing the tables aside at night to dance between cocktails. Add the warm hospitality of the Southwest, the birthplace of the two owners, and you've got a winning formula!
Classic Dishes with a Cornichon Twist
At the helm is Bertrand Chauveau (formerly of Jean-François Piège's Grand Restaurant) in the kitchen, while Paul Henri oversees the dining area, reimagining classic PMU dishes with a modern twist. From breakfast to dinner, Le Cornichon delights and surprises.
Start your day at the counter with a generous bowl of granola and fresh fruit, accompanied by a hot cup of tea. Return at lunchtime for a weekly menu that’s worth a visit, featuring reinterpreted brasserie classics at an affordable price (starter, main, dessert for €22). On Fridays, for instance, enjoy an endive salad with parmesan and anchovy dressing, followed by hake fish & chips with addictive coleslaw. Don’t forget to order a heaping plate of freshly cooked fries dipped in homemade Algerian sauce: “No one leaves without trying them”, Paul assures us. And don’t skip the dessert of the day: peanut butter brownie with pecans and crème anglaise. Delicious! We’ll be back to try the famous Wednesday spaghetti and meatballs.
Night owls are not left out either. For dinner, set up a tapas table and savor the garlic butter snails (6 for €9), hard-boiled eggs with tartar sauce (€3), smoked chicken liver terrine (€12), or zucchini with pesto and ratatouille sauce (€9). You can also share a massive rib-eye steak with béarnaise sauce and fries (€38 per person). Indulge in a red fruit sundae with whipped cream and langue de chat biscuits (€11). As for cocktails, don’t miss the Espresso Martini, Bloody Mary, and Margarita (€11). Jackpot!
Open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 AM to 2 AM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 AM.
Discover also Comptoir de Crème, the new cool HQ in the 18th, and the Parisian brasseries to try at least once in your lifetime.
