Where to eat well in the 13th arrondissement? These 5 addresses are well worth a visit
The 13th arrondissement is full of pleasant surprises. Here are five restaurants you should know about, in neighborhoods that are changing fast.
Chez Trassoudaine: confidential bistro near Glacière
Place nationale, Chez Trassoudaine remains a discreet address, beloved by locals. The bistro cultivates the art of simplicity well done. You’ll eat fresh produce, worked without artifice. The perfect egg, fish of the day or simmered meats are seductive in their precision. Service is fast and friendly. The cosy dining room is an invitation to return. An excellent choice for a weekday lunch.
Chez Trassoudaine, 3 Pl. nationale, 75013 Paris
Lao Lane Xang 2: cult Laotian cuisine in the Tolbiac district
On Avenue d’Ivry, Lao Lane Xang 2 sets the standard. The restaurant serves Laotian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Dishes explode in the mouth: tom yum soup, bobun, Peking duck or green papaya salad. Regulars order with their eyes closed. The atmosphere is lively and always full. The decor may not look like much, but the experience is unique. A must in the 13th arrondissement’s Asian district.
Restaurant Lao Lane Xang, 102 Av. d’Ivry, 75013 Paris
L’Auberge du Roi Gradlon: Brittany in Paris, Maison Blanche district
Located on rue des Peupliers, L’Auberge du Roi Gradlon transports you to Brittany from the moment you enter. The galettes are crisp and generously garnished. Products come directly from Breton producers. You can also enjoy a melt-in-the-mouth kouign-amann and a bowl of dry cider. The dark wooden room smells of sea spray. A fine neighborhood address, true to its roots. Ideal for an exotic lunch in the southern 13th arrondissement.
L’Auberge du Roi Gradlon, 36 Bd Arago, 75013 Paris
Le Sarawan: a Tamil gem in the Olympiades district
Not far from the Olympiades, Le Sarawan offers a South Indian cuisine not often seen in Paris. The dosa is crisp, the thali hearty. The spices are present, without overpowering the flavors. The place attracts a loyal clientele. The value for money is remarkable. The welcome is discreet but friendly. For those looking for powerful flavors, without falling into tourist folklore, this is a real find.
Le Sarawan, 111-113 Av. d’Ivry, 75013 Paris
Au Petit Marguery: Parisian classics near Place d’Italie
Near Place d’Italie, Au Petit Marguery cultivates the art of the grand French restaurant. Thick carpets, wood panelling, white-gloved service. The cuisine follows suit: sweetbreads, royal hare, hot soufflé. The recipes are classic, but well mastered. The atmosphere is reminiscent of another era, in a good way. It’s the ideal place for an elegant Sunday lunch or formal dinner.
Au Petit Marguery, 9 Bd de Port-Royal, 75013 Paris
The 13th has more taste than you might think
Between popular tradition and inventive new addresses, the 13th arrondissement has established itself as a great place to eat. For other gourmet selections in Paris, visit parisselectbook.com.
