Best Bistro in Paris? – Au Vieux Comptoir – Paris Restaurant of the month – May 2024

Every month, Paris Top Tips introduces you to one of Paris’ best “signature” restaurants, those where you really feel part of the Parisian life.

I usually only feature here restaurants I like. For this month, it’s a restaurant I adore: Au Vieux Comptoir, to me is one of the best bistro in Paris!

Au Vieux Comptoir
17 rue des Lavandières Sainte Opportune75001 PARIS

#auvieuxcomptoir #bestbistro #paris

Previous “Restaurant of the Month” videos:
Chez Léon: https://youtu.be/PhU4J-gsNmU
Au Pied de Cochon: https://youtu.be/o9SQbeJhOVc
Bofinger: https://youtu.be/kSlwRCv7AN4
Le Procope: https://youtu.be/VzqUE7m5BmM
Bus Toqué: https://youtu.be/sXBMSYLs2ds
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: https://youtu.be/WmRas4n3kCo
Bouillon Pigalle: https://youtu.be/_IydxLBwWJ4
Le Mesturet: https://youtu.be/J8O0RA-4zMg
Le Petit Vendôme: https://youtu.be/3PDUfEi6TOs
Bouillon Racine: https://youtu.be/QfJcy0Sk62Q
Maison Cluny: https://youtu.be/iM-BPMRywYM
Bouillon Chartier: https://youtu.be/GAuxrZsqrl8
Vaudeville: https://youtu.be/5TNKGDmtLvI

My Food & Restaurants playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlgjce_AjJgcDpEUSUedz7a0iSt1EhCIV

Timeline:
00:00 – Intro
00:41 – Au Vieux Comptoir
01:46 – The Menu
02:55 – Starter: Pâté en Croute with Foie Gras
03:55 – Starter: Pan Fried Razor Clams
04:10 – Main: Homemade Sausage with Aligot
04:25 – Main: Boeuf Bourguignon
05:24 – Wine: Ménetou-Salon 2022
05:47 – Dessert: Organic Rice Pudding with Salted Butter Caramel – Wow!
06:13 – The bill for two: 134,00€

Paris! World capital of gastronomy. 125 Michelin-starred restaurants. But if you want to have a bite to eat in a typical Parisian restaurant, it’s in a brasserie, a bistro, a "bouillon", that you have to go! On Paris Top Tips, every month, I take you to one of those places where you can enjoy the great classics of French cuisine, for not too much money… I’ve previously shared reviews of several outstanding Parisian restaurants, … and you can access them through the link provided in the description below. Additionally, you’ll discover more culinary experiences in my Food & Restaurants playlist. Nestled just 20 meters from Metro Châtelet, "Au Vieux Comptoir" epitomizes the essence of Parisian dining—a hidden treasure one would be eager to introduce to close friends. And today, I’m thrilled to introduce it to you, my growing audience of Paris enthusiasts on Paris Top Tips. For over two decades, this establishment, born from the passion of a bon vivant couple, has delighted gastronomes in the heart of Paris. To me, it stands as the perfect traditional Parisian bistro, a testament to culinary pleasure and timeless charm. Excellence without pretension – that’s what a great bistro should aim at, and that’s the guiding principle of my hosts tonight In the kitchen, Chef Cyril Bourlois crafts dishes with devotion using the freshest seasonal ingredients, …while in the dining room, Anne Bourlois takes care of guests with a warmth that feels like a personal invitation into her own home. It’s a cozy ambiance, reminiscent of an intimate gathering, albeit with the delightful buzz of a bustling bistro adding to its enchantment. The menu at "Au Vieux Comptoir" follows the rhythm of the seasons, offering an array of delectable dishes that reflect the natural cycle. When I went there, end of April, I could indulge in truly French delights such as a homemade sausage served with creamy aligot, … a whole veal kidney with mustard cream, or a shoulder of lamb for 2 paired with coconut beans. As for dessert, let me tell you, the one I had was truly unparalleled—a masterpiece among Parisian restaurants. And, as befits a good bistro, the wine list is extensive, boasting over a hundred references, including some prestigious selections. Yet, the true joy often lies in the simple pleasure of sharing delightful carafes of wine … be it white, rosé, or red, with our cherished friends. This napkin neatly tucked into a napkin ring truly adds a touch of home to the dining experience! Undoubtedly, the ambiance in a bistro is lively and bustling, yet it’s a noise we quickly acclimate to, becoming an integral part of the venue’s charm. And when the owner serves you with a smile, it elevates the entire experience! So, let’s talk about the experience! Don’t you find this pâté en croute with foie gras extremely appetizing? It’s served with pickles that are so yummy, you’ll find yourself reaching for them in the jar again and again. Absolutely delightful! My friend took pan fried razor clams with cherry tomatoes, garlic, chilies and smoked ham, and she said it was excellent too! Not much left! And it’ll soon disappear… For main, she treated herself to the famous homemade sausage of "Au Vieux Comptoir," … crafted from a blend of pork and cheddar, and served alongside delectable aligot—a flavorful combination of mashed potatoes and cheese. Served by the owner herself, I indulged in the Boeuf Bourguignon … a classic dish of tender beef stewed in Burgundy red wine, complemented by a medley of mushrooms, pearl onions, and savory bacon. And while it may seem unconventional to request grainy mustard alongside a dish already enhanced with wine sauce, don’t hesitate to do so. The addition of mustard can work wonders, especially when paired with this kind of meat, tantalizing your taste buds with a delightful burst of flavor! Despite the Burgundy wine-enriched sauce of my dish, I opted for a lighter red wine from the Loire, specifically a Ménetou-Salon, to accompany both of our meals. Yes, I know. My dessert doesn’t seem appealing at first glance! Yet, even before I started tasting it, I knew it would be delicious! This organic rice pudding topped with salted butter caramel is absolutely divine! One of the best I’ve ever eaten in a Parisian restaurant! And the little fruit pastes that came with the bill, too. Let’s face it, the bill at Au Vieux Comptoir may be a bit higher compared to other Parisian bistros. However, it’s the cost of impeccable, flavorful, and soul-refreshing cuisine… Along with the most charming service you’ll find! So, yes, my dear friends, I strongly recommend this restaurant