Gido

A few doors down from his beloved neighborhood tearoom Colorova, Guillaume Gil (ex-Plaza Athénée, Maison Blanche and Terrass’ Hotel in Paris) opened this small blonde-wood-clad joint, where students and locals on their lunch break gaze out at the street as they savor their meal. Seated at the bar or around the sole table of this space with 1970s minimalist decor, you can devour the dish of the day – chickpea soup seasoned with lemongrass and Thai basil, served with vegetable makis, for example – or one of the five fusion sandwiches. For us, it was a lovely Crispy Chicken sandwich made on a plump sesame seed bun, filled with chicken marinated in mirin, soy sauce and sake and then breaded in corn flakes, plus harissa, pickled jalapeños, lettuce and cheddar; served with some crispy smashed potatoes dusted in smoked paprika. To end the meal on a sweet note, there’s a pistachio diplomate cake with a touch of strawberry jam and a praline-pistachio topping. FYI: some really delicious pastries get served in the morning, like airy croissants, praline chocolate croissants, cinnamon rolls and even some very indulgent brioche French toast or egg and bacon rolls if you’re craving something savory – even better with a chai latte, an espresso or a cup of tea. // Madeleine Proust

FEELING THIRSTY? Specialty coffee from the Fève roasters in Paris (€2.50 for an espresso, €3 for a cup of pour-over, €5.50 for a latte), tonka bean infused hot chocolate (€5.50) and café or matcha frappé (€5.50).
PRICE: Set menus €20-22 (lunch), sandwiches and dish of the day €13-14, sides €4, viennoiseries and desserts €1.50 to €5.