Chantefable

Chantefable is Paris bistro cooking done right. The room feels familiar, but the team stands out: warm, attentive, genuinely kind. The menu is classically French yet varied, with frog legs (which I had, delicious), bœuf bourguignon, tartare, and a neat mackerel carpaccio my partner enjoyed.

My main was the pierrade beef fillet, served raw on a scorching stone to cook at the table. Fun in theory, less so mid-meal, since you juggle eating with tending the meat while it smokes. Even so, the beef stayed tender and flavorful, though I probably pushed it past medium. The server’s wine choice, a glass of Régnié, paired nicely. Potatoes came with a light Béarnaise that leaned bland. Across the table, a well-executed magret de canard with its gratin dauphinois.

Desserts finished strong: profiteroles with warm chocolate and chantilly, though the vanilla ice cream was forgettable, and for my partner, a clean strawberry pavlova. €114.10 for two is on the higher side, but fair for a bistro with starters, mains, and dessert. A warm room, smiling staff, and plenty left on the menu to justify a return; cannot wait.