L'Avant Comptoir

Run by Yves Camdeborde, who also owns the wildly successful—and still very good— Comptoir du Relais St. Germain next door, this is a stamp-sized hot spot for aperitifs and nibbles. There are no seats, just a counter where Parisians and plugged-in visitors crowd around to sample jambon, sauccison and small-plate dishes all washed down with whatever strikes the chef’s fancy that day. The place is so small that dishes are written on menu cards that are suspended from the ceiling, so it’s not a restaurant where you will linger. Up front, two crêpe pans are in overdrive, preparing gourmet crêpes sucrés (banana, chocolate, fresh fruit) and salé (Camembert, mushroom, artichoke). A great spot to come for take-away before heading to the Jardin du Luxembourg for a picnic.