Dining in Paris with Affordable French Cuisine: La Table des Gourmets Marais

French cuisine is renowned worldwide, and I’ve always wanted to experience it firsthand. During my trip to Paris, I was invited by some friends I met on the flight to join them for a candlelit dinner at La Table des Gourmets Marais. Located on Rue de Rivoli, not far from the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, this hidden gem is part of the dining in Paris experience, nestled among the bustling bars and restaurants in the area, making it a bit tricky to find. Its minimalist yet elegant exterior seamlessly blends with the Parisian streetscape, sparking curiosity about the history of this century-old cellar.

Upon entering, the ground floor has only a few tables, as well as an antique cabinet from the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty and a fountain from the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan). The decor is somewhat disorganized, not quite matching the overall theme of the restaurant. However, once we descended to the dining area on the second basement floor, the setting transformed into a classic European castle-like atmosphere, truly embodying the charm of a historic cellar.

The restaurant, run by a Chinese owner, offers a Chinese menu, and the staff speaks Mandarin, making it an excellent choice for tourists unfamiliar with French. For only €18, you can enjoy a set menu that includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert—a great deal! Here are some of the dishes we tried:

Appetizers

1. Duck Cake Salad: The duck patty was savory and paired well with pickles and salad for a refreshing start.
2. Shrimp Salad: The shrimp was plump and chewy, complementing the crisp and light salad.
3. Onion Soup: Unlike traditional onion soup, this version was light and refreshing, perfect for those who prefer a less rich flavor.

Main Courses

1. Onion Steak: Though the beef was slightly overcooked, the onion sauce was flavorful and worth trying.
2. Steak: This steak was tender and juicy, cooked to perfection with a delightful texture.

Side Dish

French Escargot: A must-try in France! Served with a special tool to extract the snail meat, the escargot had a nice chewy texture, and though slightly gritty, the flavor was not compromised.

Desserts

1. Île Flottante (Floating Island): A meringue floating in sweet English custard, topped with caramel and almond slices. The custard was extremely sweet, but the meringue and almond crisp provided a nice balance. A popular dessert worth trying!
2. Chocolate Cake: A classic chocolate cake—nothing particularly special about it.
3. Coconut White Chocolate Mousse: Less sweet than the other desserts, but still just average in taste.

Overall, besides the unique ambiance of the century-old cellar, the appetizers and escargot stood out, while the main courses and desserts were decent but not exceptional. If you’re visiting Paris and want to try French cuisine without worrying about language barriers, this restaurant is a solid option. Plus, the price is unbeatable—our three-course meal, including shared escargot, only came to €26 per person, making it a very affordable dining experience!

📍La Table des Gourmets Marais
14 Rue des Lombards, 75004 Paris, France

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