The old oak, when nature means you well!

"Le Vieux Chêne" could just as well have been called the Old Oak or el Viejo Roble, so many discerning enthusiasts from near and far cross paths here in search of the time-worn bistro where Parisian home cooking never needed a label to make it a religion!

Stéphane Chevassus, the ever-smiling maître restaurateur (and owner of the premises), and his skilled partner Daphné proudly showcase exclusively seasonal menus sourced from the finest French and neighbouring produce, with ultra-fresh vegetables, meats and fish: a sweet-and-savoury tart of spring onions and apricots to die for, wagyu beef of extraordinary tenderness, a beautiful rabbit saddle puff pastry, cheeses from the great affineur Alléosse, a financier and creamy homemade rosemary ice cream…

On the wine side, the list is remarkably deep and unusually moderately priced for Paris. The advice is most astute. The owner has personally chosen and tasted everything, and retains the memory of each, which he generously shares with every guest. Go for the finesse of Pascal Docquet's Champagne , the original Pineau d'Aunis by Eric Nicolas at Domaine de Belivière, the Mercurey wines of François Raquillet, or the grand crus classés of Bordeaux at prices far more reasonable than elsewhere.

Find among others on the wine list: - Champagne Jacquesson Brut 2000 at €110 - Champagne Selosse Version Originale at €150 - Champagne Bollinger Grande Année 2000 at €150 - Vincent Dauvissat Chablis 1er cru La Forest 2009 at €60 - Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Meursault Clos de la Barre 2007 at €98 - Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne Grand cru 1993 at €136 - La Chablisienne, Chablis Grand cru Grenouille 2005 at €89 - Domaine Barmès Buecher Alsace Grand cru Hengst Riesling 2002 at €53 - Trimbach Riesling "Frédéric Emile" 2001 at €90 - François Raquillet, Mercurey 1er cru Les Veleys 2011 at €48 - Chandon de Briailles Corton Grand cru 1999 at €116 - Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf du Pape 2011 at €52 - Vin de Pays de l'Hérault Mas Daumas Gassac 2006 at €65 - Domaine de Cauhapé Jurançon "Noblesse du temps" 2001 at €72 - Domaine de Bellivière, Coteaux du Loir "Vieilles Vignes Eparses" 2009 at €43

3-course menus, fresh and efficient, at under €20 at lunchtime. Unbeatable!

Menus and à la carte (lunch and dinner), even more elaborate, at approx. €35–50, depending on your wishes.

Address: 7 Rue du Dahomey, 75011 Paris - 01 43 71 67 69

Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner (12:00–1:45 pm / 8:00–10:00 pm). Closed on weekends.