Brasserie La Lorraine
Paris
Avis
Solo dinner here while the wife was at a work conference. It might be me, but I'm not sure why the greetings at many restaurants is so curt. Perhaps it coincides with when I do not have a reservation? If so, just turn me away in a friendly manner, that's fine. This happened here... I walked up without a reservation for dinner, but it was early by Parisian dinner standards so I thought it would be fine. Rude welcome interaction but I was given a table. The server was more affable, thankfully. Food and drink were good. Mussels were plentiful! A bit expensive.
“A charming and very traditional French restaurant with a long history and a beautifully classic atmosphere. One can easily imagine how exceptional and glamorous this place must have been in its prime. While it may no longer feel quite as refined as it once did, the authentic Parisian character and quality cuisine still make it a very enjoyable experience. At times, however, the atmosphere was slightly affected by some rather loud and casual tourist crowds, which took away a little from the elegant Parisian ambiance the restaurant clearly strives to preserve.”
1. French Oysters: Distinctive and bold, with a stronger metallic finish and subtle earthy notes compared to American varieties. 2. Skate Wings in Brown Butter Sauce: Perfectly cooked—tender, buttery, and absolutely delicious. 3. Sea Bream: The skin was remarkably crispy while the flesh remained tender. A standout dish. 4. Sea Bass Carpaccio: A pleasant surprise with a hint of sesame oil, giving it a delicate Japanese-inspired twist. 5. Beef Tartare: A classic I've always wanted to try. This version had a touch of vinegar that made it very palatable, though I’ve realized I still personally prefer my beef cooked. 6. Hot Chocolate Profiteroles: The contrast between the cold ice cream and the steaming hot chocolate was the perfect finale to the evening.
The food was excellent—nothing to complain about there. Unfortunately, the service really let it down. There weren’t enough staff to properly follow up on orders, so some dishes arrived very quickly while others were quite delayed. The waitstaff seemed overwhelmed and often missed our requests unless we really tried to get their attention.
