Cloche: the Parisian bistro reinvented by chef Robert Mendoza
Cloche, an emblematic address in the Les Halles district, reopens with a new menu designed by Robert Mendoza. A successful renaissance, combining Parisian heritage and Mexican flavors.
There are places in Paris that resonate like a living memory. Cloche, nestled at 28 rue Coquillère in the 1st arrondissement, is one of them. Formerly the Cloche des Halles, this brasserie was long the haunt of workers at the capital’s largest market. Today, the establishment is reborn with the ambition of combining the bistro spirit with modern tastes, without denying its roots.
Behind this transformation: a visionary team led by Victor and Arthur Cohen, accompanied by artistic director Olivier Leone (Odds Studio), and a chef with a brilliant career path, Robert Mendoza. All this in a setting designed by the Hypnos architectural studio, where every detail tells a story between Parisian authenticity and modern touches.
An address with a Parisian soul, in the heart of the “Ventre de Paris”.
Cloche is more than just a trendy place to eat. It’s an establishment deeply rooted in the history of Paris, just a stone’s throw from the Louvre and the Palais Royal. The façade retains its original 18th-century bell, a sonorous vestige of the days when the tinkle marked the opening at dawn. The interior, meanwhile, strikes a subtle balance between dark wood panelling, checked tablecloths and vintage crockery, creating a warm, almost cinematic decor.
In Paris, where restaurant openings are multiplying in step with trends, Cloche stands out for its ability to bridge the gap between past and present. This is no mere nostalgic homage to the brasserie, but a contemporary, carefully crafted reinterpretation of the genre.
Robert Mendoza: the audacity of a chef between two cultures
Trained in the kitchens of Verjus, The Willows Inn, Hertog Jan and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Robert Mendoza has established himself as a leading name in Parisian bistronomy, with notable stints at Le Saint Sébastien and Vivant Deux.
At Cloche, he has created a short, seasonal menu built around the product, with a style that weaves subtle links between classic French cuisine and Mexican reminiscences. An audacious proposal, without folklore, where technique serves emotion, not the other way around.
A map that’s both legible and vibrant
The experience begins with an aperitif of potato croquettes with pecorino or Cecina de León, an Iberian charcuterie with smoky accents. Then come the starters: trout crudo with lemon vinaigrette, or Burgundy snails with a delicate twist. Here again, classicism is revisited without losing its legibility.
On the main course, the chef proposes a filet of sea bass with butter-dashi, trout roe (or caviar for the deluxe version), or a roasted cockerel with frisée salad and Dijon vinaigrette. TheBlack Angus onglet, with a three-pepper sauce, is for meat lovers, with impeccable execution.
Desserts round off the meal with a personal touch: crème caramel with orange and mezcal, or creamy chocolate with olive oil and fleur de sel. Combinations that are both precise and generous, in keeping with a cuisine designed to be shared.
Paris rediscovers a bistro that makes sense
In a capital where “concept” restaurants saturate the offer, Cloche doesn’t overplay its image. Here, the atmosphere speaks as much as the plate: kraft paper for doodling, pencils available, tables open to sketching or spontaneous poetry. Far from the rigidity of a gourmet restaurant, but also far from the superficiality of overly “Instagrammable” places.
Cloche finds its balance in the coherence of its project: a committed chef, a creative team, a place steeped in history. For Parisians in search of meaning as much as for curious visitors, this is an address to be discovered and experienced.
Practical information
📍 Address: Cloche, 28 rue Coquillère / 1 rue Coq Héron, 75001 Paris
🕐 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, lunch & dinner
📱 Instagram: @clochecloche
🌐 Site: cloche-paris.com
☎️ Reservations: +33 1 42 36 03 63
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