Aux Lyonnais, Allard, Benoît, Alain Ducasse’s 100 % Parisian bistro galaxy

Aux Lyonnais: an authentic Parisian « bouchon » bistro

The timeless specialities from the capital of the Gauls have found their ideal setting in this culinary temple created in 1890. On two levels, this former coal and wood depository has maintained its marvellous retro decor that is so appealing. Features include pretty red checked tablecloths and white plates which brilliantly display the creations of chef Xavier Boireau. Service in the dining room is under the careful supervision of the very welcoming Michel Grégoire. The signature « cervelle de Canuts » (a Lyonnais cheese dip with herbs), pike quenelles in Nantua sauce, brioche sausage with pistachios and delightful île flottante (meringue floating on vanilla cream) achieve gourmet unanimity. Lunch menu : 34 €, à la carte: 70 €. 32, rue Saint Marc, 75002 Paris. Closed Saturday lunch, Sunday and Monday, service until 10 pm. Tel : 01 42 96 65 04 and www.auxlyonnais.com

Since its creation, this typical bistro has preserved its authenticity serving the very best from the Rhône embankments. © DR

Benoit : Homage to the bistro tradition

Multi-star chef Alain Ducasse has transformed this centennial address into the most popular “bouchon” bistro of the capital, where chef Fabienne Eymard welcomes guests wishing to enjoy traditional French cuisine. Amidst the red velvet banquettes, vintage tiling and stained glass, the Ducasse touch is everywhere : meat pie, coddled egg with morel mushrooms, veal tongue Lucullus, snails in their shells, sautéed sweet breads and the signature rum savarin delight. A true performance that takes place at every service ! Lunch menu : 39 €, à la carte : 100 €. 20, rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris. Open 7 days a week, service until 9:45 pm. Tel : 01 42 72 25 76 and www.benoit-paris.com

Benoit is so successful that Alain Ducasse duplicated it in New York. © DR

Allard : heritage of the « culinary mothers »

Between Saint-Michel and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this iconic bistro, acquired by Alain Ducasse, pays homage to the traditions of « culinary mothers ». Zinc counter, period tiling, everything is set up for the ongoing success story written by a woman, in 1932. Chef Fanny Herpin is totally up to par with this lineage, concocting top notch traditional dishes such as asparagus with yellow wine mousseline dressing, rabbit in mustard sauce, beef cheek with carrots and rhubarb clafoutis dessert. All served with a gregarious spirit… Menu : 34 €, à la carte : 100 €. 11, rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris. Open 7 days a week, service until 10pm. Tel : 01 43 26 48 23 and www.restaurant-allard.fr

Chez Allard, the past is in total harmony with its daily dishes. © Pierre Monetta