Where to Eat, Oyster Club Paris
In my early days of exploring Bretagne (Brittany, France), I discovered the Oyster Club's first location in Dinard.
Steps from the beach and the magnificent Les Halles, with over 300 vendors every Saturday, I found a home while slurping fresh local oysters and snacking on bulots.
The Oyster Club is authentically Breton, with picnic tables outside and fresh, simple decor on the inside. The menu is basic, always featuring the latest catch and seasonal seafood straight from the sea to your table.
I'm sitting in Paris pining for moules frites; it's one of my favorite French dishes that I crave year-round.
To be quite honest with you, I used to not be a fan of mussels. But the moules here are very different than the ones I had back in the States, and if you enjoy seafood, I highly encourage you to try mussels from France. My previous experience with this delicacy found them too large, meaty, and sometimes a bit chalky. In France? The moules are much smaller, sweet, and perfectly tender. My two favorites are from the bays of Mont-Saint-Michel and Ile de Brehat.
A quick Google search for moules frites in Paris turned up a huge surprise: the Oyster Club had opened a second location! And it was just a five-minute walk from my apartment—a match made in briny heaven.
Located down a side street in the Marais with very little traffic and two blocks from the river Seine, the cheery blue tables of the Oyster Club dot the sidewalk and terrace in the sunshine. Inside, I was so pleased to find that the decor remained similar to the original location in Dinard, with historic photos of Breton family members on the wall and a comfortable, cozy environment.
Come hungry and without plans for the next couple of hours - the restaurant is minimally staffed but always worth the wait.
The day's offerings are scribbled onto a chalkboard - show up early for moules frites as the dish can sell out. I adore the crusty bread and butter infused with the famous Guerande sea salt. And the wine list is expertly curated, do not hesitate to ask for a recommendation. My new favorite white wine is the muscadet, thanks to the Oyster Club. After snacking on all of the fruits de mer, try to save room for dessert - the chocolate mousse is, no joke, the best I have ever had (sorry, Grandmother!).
