Perched on the Butte Montmartre, it's one of those curious places, typical of Montmartre folklore, that attracts the curious glances of passers-by and the flashes of smartphones. Located on rue Lepic, Le Moulin de la Galette is a mythical address that has marked thehistory of this village district. In addition to its atypical appearance, it is a symbol of theart of living in the Montmartre of yesteryear. In the 19th century, it was the meeting place of the Tout-Paris, who came in particular for its popular ball. It was immortalized by Impressionist painters such as Van Gogh and Auguste Renoir.
Today, it's the only working windmill in Montmartre, and since the 1980s it has been home to a restaurant with a half-ginguette, half-chic bistro feel, serving mainly comforting dishes typical of traditional French cuisine, as well as more modern recipes in a timeless setting marked by a few references to the history of the site, which is listed as a historic monument. On sunny days, you can also meet on the terrace, either on the courtyard side to enjoy a bucolic spot hidden within the grounds, or in front for a meal with a view of this historic mill.
Here, everything is homemade, with a starter + main course or main course + dessert menu at €34, and a starter + main course + dessert menu at €44. For starters, we offer our homemade duckfoie gras with onion chutney, a classic dish served with toasted bread.
Also popular are frog legs, a specialty that often attracts the curiosity of tourists. Here, they are cooked Provençal-style, simmered with tomatoes and parsley. Finally, at the time of our visit, there was also a ceviche of sea bream with citrus fruits, topped with lemon ice cream: a refreshing and versatile starter, suitable for those with a small appetite.
As for the main course, we get down to the heart of the matter with comforting, fairly hearty plates. For those whose eyes are bigger than their stomachs, be strategic. This is where you'll find an endangered specialty: coq au vin. This slow-cooked dish, based on rooster marinated in wine and garnished with mushrooms, carrots, onions and bacon, is accompanied by tagliatelle and is the standard-bearer of a traditional cuisine determined not to be forgotten.
A sin mignon that should unite Parisians of all ages? Lean duck leg confit with pommes grenailles. A dish synonymous with generosity that should delight lovers of dishes with character. Less distinctive, but no less gourmet, is the creamy risotto with marbled prawns, with its juicy shellfish. Nor can we resist the call of the brandade, suggested as a dish of the day during our visit, beautifully presented with its melting potato flesh generously garnished with cod and spiced up with a good dose of parsley.
Right through to dessert, the Moulin de la Galette will be showcasing French classics. Among the stars of the sweet tooth's day are crêpes Suzette, flambéed in Grand Marnier, served in trio, with a citrus perfume. Chocolate mousse, served by the ladle, will tempt chocovores with its airy texture. Neither too sweet nor too cocoa-flavored, it approaches the regressive side without saturating the palate.
The day also featured a lemon meringue tart, rightly praised by the various team members. This classic, once again made to the highest standards, unveiled a tangy lemon cream under its melting meringue shell, again not too sweet, to bring out the full flavour of the citrus fruit. And for those who don't know what to choose... there's always the café gourmand with its three sweet treats.
Le Moulin de la Galette is an opportunity to enjoy a gourmet stopover in a place that is emblematic of Montmartre folklore, and to contribute to the continuing history of a place symbolic of a bon vivant art de vivre that is the soul of the capital. Although it's a tourist attraction, it's no less driven by a desire to do the right thing and make Paris shine for its residents and visitors alike.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 17, 2024
Location
Le Moulin de la Galette
83 Rue Lepic
75018 Paris 18
Prices
Menu enfant (moins de 10 ans): €10
Entrée + plat ou Plat + dessert: €34
Entrée + Plat + dessert: €44
Official website
www.moulindelagaletteparis.com
More information
Services: 12h-14h30 then 19h-22h30 from Tuesday to Saturday, 12h-15h on Sunday