Julien, Paris

Went there in 2003 and have been thinking of returning ever since(which I will in one week's time). Found it by chance and loved every moment of the experience starting with the wonderful decór and ambiance and ending with the dessert (something with pears which I can still taste 6 years onwards!) Can's wait!

This restaurant is in a seedy part of Paris and I had doubts that I had found the right place. Summoning up my courage, I opened the heavy front door and was transformed into another century. It is understatedly beautiful, with stained glass in the belle époque style. The room itself is long and fairly narrow. Try and get a table in the thick of things for a better atmosphere. The dish of the day is always good. Excelent calves liver and bacon and the best gigot d'agneau I have ever eaten; pink, tender and full of flavour. Service is attentive, fast and full of humour. That makes a huge difference. If you want a formal evening you are in the wrong place. A friend of mine went on New Years Eve and each table was given straws and paper darts. A huge England .v. Belgium contest ensued and was intensified when the missiles were dipped in red wine first!! I usually go for Saturday lunch, which is always surprisingly empty. Not a great atmosphere in terms of buzz, but a wonderful chance to enjoy superb food wonder at the stained glass and attention to detail of the decor. The glass is not hugely colourful - mostly green, but still lovely. If you want buzz, go in the evening. You must book or stand in a queue outside after 2130 hrs and wait in hope!!

As if the Art Deco atmosphere were not enough, the food at Julien is simply to die for. The restrauant is known for its Cassoulet, but I had the pan seared foie gras which was better than excellent. Try the Grand Marnier crepe for dessert. You can even watch them prepare it. Another thing I really appreciated is that the rest rooms are on the main floor -- unlike most Parisian restaurants where you need to go down a narrow, winding staircase. Friendly, jovial waiters also helped make Julien a fun place.

This is how you imagine Paris ambiance. A little hectic, a little loud, a little narrow but absolutely true and beautiful. The decor, the personell, the clients - 100% authentic Paris...