BysairaFOOD & DRINKSNovember, 2026

A CHARMINGLY FRENCH LUNCH AT LE GRATIN PARIS

An old-school Parisian bistro serving French classics in the 1st arrondissement.

Le Gratin is tucked away in the quintessentially Parisian square of Place de Valois, close to the bustle of Palais-Royal and the Louvre. With its red awning, rattan chairs and white tablecloths spilling onto the square, it has all the nostalgic details we adore about Parisian cafés.

We were drawn to the understated charm of the glass-covered veranda, with its red gingham seating, snug little tables and relaxed, unpretentious feel.

The menu is unapologetically French, and you’ll find all the classics here such as escargots, cordon bleu, gratin dauphinois and chocolate mousse.

The French onion soup arrived in a rustic white ceramic bowl, crowned with a golden dome of puff pastry spilling over the edges. Beneath the flaky crust was a rich, savoury broth packed with sweet, slow-cooked onions and generous amounts of melted cheese. Deliciously messy, with flakes of pastry scattered across the table.

As we were after what the regulars prefer we picked the lobster gratin, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, featuring sweet, tender lobster in a buttery, creamy sauce with a golden finish from the oven. We ordered a side of mashed potatoes, making it a very indulgent lunch, and for once, we had no room for dessert.

There’s something rather endearing about Le Gratin, from its quaint interiors to a menu filled with classic French favourites. The food is comforting, the setting full of character, and it was just the sort of Parisian lunch we were after.