Epi Dupin (L'), Paris

This bistro moderne is exactly what it should be. They are generally completely booked up, but as I was alone, they managed to fit me in on the table d'hote. The prix fixe menu is superb value for cooking of this quality - 34 Euros for 3 courses, or 25 for two with a glass of wine. After a very umami amuse bouche, my starter of fraicheur des crevettes with courgette chutney was a refreshing combination of French and Indian, that married two traditions harmoniously together. For my main course, I has fried scallops on a fresh orange risotto - which was simply wonderful, and has made me revisit the use of oranges, which I have always avoided, in my savoury dishes. I had a perfect accompanying glass of Muscadet recommended by the waiter - the service was nothing but helpful and polite - and went very happily indeed out into the autumn sunshine. What a great place!

I had looked forward to trying L'Epi but was extremely disappointed. The choices were not very exciting and the food basically tasteless with the meat dry and overcooked. But the worst was that we were rushed through the meal - the waiters trying to take away our plates before we had finished, and finally we were asked to leave because others were waiting for out tables. That is a first in Paris, where you can normally linger over your dinner. We left feeling angry and ripped-off.

First read about L'epi Dupin in Patricia Wells highly regarded book "The Food Lovers Guide to Paris." I immediately phoned and begged for a last minute resv, got one outdoors on the small patio and had an exceptionally fine 3-course prix fixe meal for around 30 euros. Been back 4 times in past 2 years. Each time we experienced outstanding meals ~ inovative food parings, flawless technique, small but interesting wine list full of hard-to-find treasures. The staff is helpful for those who do not speak French. Everyone I recommend it to raves. As does the food press in the U.S. Atmosphere: pal mal. Bottom line: my hard-to-please Parisian friends love it. GO!

I did not like anything at this reastraunt. The food was gross and the service was horrible! I would never ever go back to that restraunt again. And I sugesst you do the same.

Really excellent French food and decent size portions. Staff spoke good English and made us very welcome. On my 'must go again soon list'.

WE loved it and recommended it to all our friends and family

Excellent food, wine & bread (the name is a pun for "�pi du pain", the pain en �pi being a special type of baguette). Try the tatin d'endives au ch�vre for starters and the soupe au chocolat for desert!

We had been trying to dine at L'Epi Dupin for the last 3 visits. When, at last we did it was a huge disappointment. The food was close to tasteless. The wine tasted good (at the $50 price which was not disclosed when recommended as the chef's choice for the week) we were pretty sure it was not our taste buds having jet-lag. I am afraid the food has serious flavor-lag. Having read some negative reviews by others we were hoping to write a glowing one. C'est ne pas possible. Save your $150 lunch for almost anywhere else.