Do you love the atmosphere of Parisian bouillons? The cheeky bosses, the cheap and tasty dishes that parade across the tables of large groups of friends? Then you've got to check out Petit Bouillon Pharamond, just off Les Halles!
If you're familiar with the name Pharamond, you should be. Le Pharamond was opened in 1832 by Pierre Heutte, grandfather of Alexandre Pharamond, who wanted to introduce Parisians to Norman cuisine, and more specifically tripe à la mode de Caen. Clémenceau, Oscar Wilde, Hemingway and later Mitterrand were all regulars.
Today, the restaurant has changed hands. Nevertheless, it retains its fine Norman half-timbered style. Inside, the decor is listed as a historic monument. Upstairs, the 4 beautifully appointed lounges are available for private dining. Outside, a 55-seat terrace welcomes the hungry.
The à la carte menu features typical Parisian bouillon dishes, at mini-mini prices, for maximum pleasure and discovery. Starters range from €1.90 for a top-quality mimosa egg to €7.90 for a slice of foie gras with onion compote.
We were also tempted by the avocado and shrimp mousse with cocktail sauce (4.80€) and the slice of pâté en croute (4.50€). Other dishes included leeks with vinaigrette (3.30€), herring fillet in oil (4.40€), roast Camembert with honey (6.90€), Burgundy snails (6.90€) and pea velouté with mint and hazelnut oil (5.50€).
For us, that's for another time, and we'd rather concentrate on the dishes. Again, classic Parisian bouillons as we like them: boeuf bourguignon and coquillettes (10.20€), beef tartar and French fries (10.50€), braised ham and mashed potatoes (9€), haddock brandade (9.90€), the famous Caen-style tripe (8.80€)...
It's a tough choice, but we end up settling on theandouillette with mustard sauce and fries (8.80€) and the frankfurter and mashed potato (8.40€). Good products, simple but effective and well-executed recipes, and prices that encourage you to discover a menu that's just right for you - that's a big yes for us!
Before leaving the premises, we jump at the Calva-scented Paris-Caen (5€) and the tarte tatin (4.50€), knowing full well that we'll be back with pleasure to sample the rest of the menu!
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Petit Bouillon Pharamond
24 Rue de la Grande Truanderie
75001 Paris 1
Prices
Desserts: €1.5 - €5
Entrées: €1.9 - €7
Sides: €2.8
Plats: €7.5 - €12
Official website
www.petitbouillonpharamond.com
More information
Open 7 days a week with continuous service from 12 noon to midnight
