Food
Le Petit Pontoise occupies a small, old-fashioned dining room on the rue de Pontoise, near the Seine in the 5th arrondissement. Run by two brothers who continue a family legacy, it serves traditional French dishes made on-site with carefully sourced ingredients, from escargots and foie gras to seven-hour lamb shoulder and sole meunière. The atmosphere is authentic and unpretentious, evoking an older era of Parisian bistros.
✨ Reasons to go
💡 Good to know
⏱️ Typical visit
1h15
🕰️ Best time
lunchtime or evening
🚶 Walking intensity
Easy pace
Hours
Booking
What people say
"We were there in the heatwave a week ago. For dinner we asked to sit outside as it was cooler that inside, but unfortunately was told it was too late, so that was my only disappointment. The waitress we had was new but was very kind. The waitress who was working outside came back in once the tables were done outside and she spoke with us several times. Very pleasant. The food was delicious. I even tried the escargot and loved it! The garlic butter sauce it was soaked in was perfect! We were so full from the starter and entree that we did not get to try any dessert, but I can imagine it would be great as well! It is very cozy as several people have mentioned, but that seems to be a norm in Paris for the most part. Keep in mind that once you get to your table, you will probably be unable to move until time to leave. Overall, amazing little hidden gem not too far from Notre Dame and the cane store, with terrific food and good service. English is spoken by several staff members, if you need that."
— Amber Walker
