La Palette

This old-time St. Germain bistro, on a quiet corner of the Rue de Seine, still draws a wonderful mix of locals and visitors for lunch or afternoon coffee, which is when you should go. The menu is simple but well prepared, with croque Monsieur and Madame sandwiches, large green salads, quiches and heaping plates of charcuterie and cheeses. The waiters are amusingly disgruntled, the diners expectedly stylish (the neighborhood is full of galleries and chic boutiques, so many owners come here for a quick bite), and in the warm months, sitting on the terrace and watching the La Palette scene unfold makes you feel like you are in a movie about Paris.