In the heart of Paris’s 5th arrondissement, just steps from the Seine, Le Petit Pontoise invites you on a nostalgic journey. Founded by chef Philippe Tondeta, today it’s a family affair led by brothers Alexandre and Jonathan Cohen… 

Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by wood-paneled interiors, mirrors, wide bay windows, and chalkboard menus—a true homage to Parisian bistro heritage . With around forty covers, the atmosphere is intimate and warm, often accompanied by tasteful ambient music.

Chef François Récapet, trained under Guy Martin and Joël Robuchon, crafts seasonal, high-quality dishes daily, using Rungis market produce, local farmers, snails from Fontainebleau, and artisanal cheeses from Laurent Dubois.

The menu features classic French bistro fare: homemade foie gras with figs, roasted camembert, gratinated ravioles, old-fashioned veal kidneys, crusted rack of lamb, duck parmentier with foie gras, and vanilla sea bass. Desserts like tart tatin and Guanaja chocolate mousse will round off your meal delightfully.

Atmosphere: convivial bistronomy where locals, Seine book vendors, and curious travelers converge. A charming anecdote: a book vendor has been enjoying a personalized lunch here for over 20 years at an unchanged price.

Ideal for locals, tourists seeking authenticity, and lovers of refined traditional cuisine in an unpretentious setting.

Practical info: open Monday through Sunday (closed Tuesdays), service 12:00–14:30 and 18:30–22:30, reservation recommended. Maître Restaurateur certified. Lunch menus: €23 (starter+main or main+dessert), €29 (three courses).