Le Café de la Loire

Facing the languorous Loire River, Clément Boutreux (who trained under Petter Nilsson and Simone Tondo) settled down in this adorable, old-fashioned bistro-café-antique shop where you can treasure hunt for good food and drinks. With help from his parents – two lovers of the Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market and owners of the space in question (who are often around, in both the kitchen and the dining room), Clément caters to vintage lovers seeking out curiosities, gourmet diners looking for satisfying meals and aesthetes dreaming about leisurely moments with a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other! The menu features the Loire in edible form: raw veggie salad made with produce grown in the village; perfectly grilled andouillette served with fries that crackle like an old record; seasonal fruit pavlova and chocolate mousse for dessert… And at apéro hour, let yourself be tempted by the eel toasts or the fried carp, while enjoying life’s little moments of happiness. All in all, it’s a café with plenty of character, where everyone leaves with delightful finds, either on their plate or in their shopping tote! // Henri Depecker

FEELING THIRSTY? : When it comes to the wines, the Loire runs freely with reliable natural options, like Attention Chenin Méchant by Nicolas Réau (€3.50 a glass), or Perfectly Drinkable by Fiona Beeston (€22 a bottle). Otherwise, there’s Loirette beer from the Brasserie de la Pigeonnette (€3.50 for a half-pint) that is guaranteed to quench your thirst.
PRICE: : Dish of the day €15-18 (FYI: there are mussels and fries every Friday), small plates €10-14, salads €8-12, desserts €8.