L'Echaudé

This is one of those wonderful neighborhood restaurants where the owner and his staff welcomes regulars in the same way they do visitors—who will quickly feel like old timers. The environment is one of genuine bonhomie: warm and comforting with delicious food. The menu changes daily but at lunch there’s always a soup, omelet, salmon and steak tartar. Classic bistro food such as fish and mussel soup, goat cheese salad and steak tartar are excellent, as are more creative dishes such as duck breast filet with figs, braised endive and blue cheese or prosciutto-wrapped shrimp with celeriac ratatouille.

Be sure to save room for dessert because the sugar pie and profiteroles are exceptional. In the summer, there are tables set on the street outside, but it’s always wise to reserve in advance as this one of the city’s most popular spots.