Bistro Paul Bert sits at 18 Rue Paul Bert in the 11th arrondissement — a residential street minutes from Septime and the Promenade Plantée. It is the kind of bistro locals and critics still cite as a classic reference: Belle Époque room with aged mirrors, chalkboard menus and tight tables with lively conversation. In 2026 Bertrand Auboyneau still focuses on product — Hugo Desnoyer beef, Bordier butter, Brittany fish — and a strong natural-wine list at reasonable prices. Regular orders: steak au poivre, côte de boeuf for two and Paris-Brest. Phone reservations only; set lunch from about €26–€32.
Bertrand Auboyneau and the house
Restaurateur Bertrand Auboyneau revived the essence of the Paris neighbourhood bistro in the 1990s: quality product, fair price, unpretentious atmosphere. Meat comes from Hugo Desnoyer; butter from Jean-Yves Bordier; fish and seafood from Brittany by season. The wine list focuses on natural and biodynamic producers — labels that cost double elsewhere. The menu changes daily on the chalkboard; the waiter recites options tableside, as in traditional bistros. No online booking or elaborate digital presence — just phone and occasional walk-in queue.
What to order
At lunch there is a set menu of starter + main + dessert (€26–€32). At dinner the menu is à la carte and changes with the market. Starters typically €12–€18; mains €24–€38; desserts about €9–€12.
Some dishes appear regularly and are worth ordering if on the day's menu:
Filet de Boeuf au Poivre — generous fillet, caramelised crust, pepper sauce with cream and cognac, hand-cut fries. One of the city's best — Desnoyer beef at the right doneness makes the difference.
Côte de Boeuf pour Deux — aged rib for two, bone marrow roasted in the bone and simple green salad. Generous portion; order "saignant" or "à point" — the meat loses texture if overcooked.
Steak Tartare — knife-cut veal, seasoned to order, with fries or salad. Classic preparation — a good test of the house's quality.
Paris-Brest — choux ring with hazelnut praline. Classic dessert, generous portion — often cited as one of Paris's best in this category.
Beyond these, the menu brings seasonal starters, boudin noir with mashed potato, fish of the day and soufflé au Grand Marnier — order at the start if available, as it takes about 25 minutes to bake. Ask your waiter what arrived fresh and for a natural-wine suggestion.
Practical information
| Item | Practical information (2026) |
|---|---|
| Address | 18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris, France. |
| How to get there (Metro) | Metro stations Charonne (Line 9) or Faidherbe-Chaligny (Line 8). Both less than 5 minutes' walk. |
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Saturday. Lunch 12:00–14:00; dinner 19:30–22:30. Closed Sunday and Monday and part of August. |
| Average price | Weekday set lunch from €26–€32. Dinner à la carte, full three-course meal typically €45–€65 per person (drinks extra). |
| How to book | No online or email reservations. Phone only at +33 (0)1 43 72 24 01. Call 1–2 weeks ahead on weekdays, 3–4 weeks for Friday and Saturday nights. |
Practical tips
Lively room, brisk service — plan ahead:
Phone booking: Call between 10:30–11:30 or 17:00–18:30 for best chance of answer. No reservation? Arrive at 19:15 for the dinner queue.
Dress code: Casual. Jeans, shirt, clean trainers — no dress code.
Soufflé au Grand Marnier: If on the menu, order at the start — about 25 minutes to bake.
Route tip: Minutes from Septime and the Promenade Plantée — combine all three in one day in the 11th.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I order the fillet well done?
The waiter may suggest "saignant" or "à point" — Desnoyer beef loses texture if overcooked.
2. Are international cards accepted?
Yes, Visa, Mastercard and Amex. Cash tip (5–10%) is appreciated.
3. Large groups?
Above 6 people, call weeks ahead for a long table.
Combine with guides on this site
To keep exploring on this site, these guides pair well with this article: Septime, Promenade Plantée and Hôtel Fabric.
Editorial note: prices, opening hours and booking conditions in this guide are references checked against official and institutional sources in July 2026. Confirm on the official website before your visit, as details may change.