Where to Eat, Café les Deux Gares

If you have ever wanted your own "Midnight in Paris" moment where you step through a door and step back in time, then make a note to visit Café les Deux Gares.

Perched above Gare du Nord and situated directly across from the Hotel Deux Gares featured in this magazine, Café less Deux Gares' facade is everything you would want out of a French bistro photo. The front of the building sports historic signage, the red doors and windows with white linen coverings, the chalkboard menu, the petite terrace, even the red awning screams "THIS IS SO FRENCH." I would have stopped here regardless of the restaurant's connection to the hotel. She's adorable on the outside, beckoning you to come in for a rest.

I open the door with a goofy romantic grin plastered to my face, and I am immediately met with a fantastic aroma coming out of the kitchen. Taken aback at the unexpected quaint interior design, the café features Art Deco lighting, a stunning turquoise ceiling, and lovely tiled flooring. Every table was perfectly set, waiting for its guest.

The entire team was hard at work, and I sheepishly asked if they were serving lunch. And no, I did not have a reservation. With a gracious smile and broad sweep of his hand, the manager invited me to pick a table of my choice. Perched on the banquette, you have a view of people passing by to your right, an open scene of the kitchen to your left. It was perfect.

The handwritten menu changes daily and is remarkably well-priced. Come here if you are hungry for a house-made French meal - the portions are ample, and you can get an appetizer, entree, and dessert for 23 euros.

Sam Luevano was with me for this visit, and she picked up on something I couldn't quite put my finger on - every single person on the team vibrated with incredible positive energy.

Chef Jonathan Schweizer's Instagram feed is an ode to his work. His photos are a gorgeous collection of dishes and rather poetic Parisian moments captured at the restaurant. Schweizer is also passionate about natural wines, which are featured on the menu.

Even though the day is bright and sunny, I snuggle down into the comfy bench seat a bit more, happiness pouring out of me from head to toe. The dishes that come out of the kitchen are classics with a modern touch, comforting yet fresh and not too heavy.

I make a mental note to come back here on a romantic rainy Paris evening, so I can see the inside lit up at night, the period lighting working their magic as water drips off the awning outside. I could easily camp out here for a few hours over a bottle of wine, exploring the menu of the day.

While the location is not new, the ownership and name of the restaurant are, and word is starting to spread about this gem. If you are staying at the Hotel Deux Gares, go nowhere else for your meals. You and your pocketbook will be pleasantly happy as you wander back across the street and climb into bed. Ahhhhhhhhh, Paris. You are so perfect.

Address:

1 Rue des Deux Gares, 75010 Paris

Phone:

+33 01 40 38 17 05

Email:

reservations@cafedeuxgares.com

Website:

https://hoteldeuxgares.com/en/cafe-lesdeuxgares.html

Restaurant Hours:

Open: Tuesday to Saturday (9am-midnight)

Service times: 12:15pm-2:15pm and 7:15pm-10:30pm

Closed: Sunday and Monday

Pet Friendly?

Yes

Family-Friendly?

Yes

Reservation needed?

No

Reservation recommended?

Yes, especially for dinner

.Menu online?

No

Vegetarian options?

You could likely put together a meal from the appetizers but I suggest that you call ahead to confirm.