Cafe Constant (Le), Paris

I actually was looking for this restaurant to make a reservation when I go to Paris in April. I ate at this restaurant last year and it was marvelous. The owner is a gem also. I bought his cookbook and he graciously signed it. I plan to go back! Stacy

We've been in France for over a week and have eaten in this area for several nights now. We were really looking forward to tonight's dinner given the outstanding reviews from others and from our hosts. The service was rushed, the quantities much smaller than others in the area, and the ravioli languistino (sp?) was only lukewarm. We also had no water with dinner even though we ordered such. When given our bill, we were charged an additional 12 euro which was taken off our bill when we questioned it. We'll go back to the other restaurants in the area where we've received quality service and excellent food. Perhaps this restaurant is relying on it's past reputation................

This was the first dinner of a three day trip and it was by far the best. My wife and I shared a small table on the sidewalk on a warm September evening. Our young waiter was French but his perfect English made ordering stress free. We started with the house pate for me and an incredible tomato salad for her. Perfect flavors. I followed with duck breast in a delightful sauce and she had quenelles in an even better sauce. We had a bottle of Sancerre with dinner and ended things by sharing a chocolate desert. It was all delightful and beautifully presented. As I recall the bill was about $80 USD and was easily worth twice that, if not more.

I was there two nights ago and had a different experience. Surprisingly rude service to match the dank decor and our rather unexceptional meal. This may have been an exception, however, given the other experiences described here.

As a foodie who has hit up some of Paris's key michelin rated restaurants (Guy Savoy, Joel Robuchon, Alain Ducasse, William Ledeuil etc.) I brought my value conscious parents to Constant's places (all three!) and they could not find a reason to eat anywhere else... and neither could I! For American's used to talking to waiters (who were not just men, but included women as well), who love to comment, who tend to laugh loudly, or who want to feel welcome into a different culinary culture, Constant's place is the best. The food and staff invite you to try new things -- Pigeon stuffed with foie gras for instance, which is strange to the American tastebuds, but positively delicious. Kid friendly generally at the Cafe and the Cocotte place, its an amazing dining experience, for a price that allows you to eat there twice a day if you want....

For around 30 euros (dinner menu) some of the best, most beautiful and often creative food in my Parisian dining experience. The lobster & green bean salad is our favorite starter but the tomato, mozzarella mille feuill is also very good. The sea bass and palenta or the steak is a good main dish and the riz au lait or the chocolate "quenelles" are the best desserts.