Well-known to local residents, Le Petit Chatelet is one of the delights of Paris. Its location across the quay from Notre Dame and next door to Shakespeare & Co. bookstore puts the restaurant at risk of being mistaken for one of those centime-a-douze places with mediocre food catering to tourists. But it's the locals that fill Le Petit Chatelet for its superb cuisine, impeccable service and charm.
Many an evening we've had the pleasure of dining here, most recently Tuesday night with friends from London. If you're visiting Paris, phone ahead for reservations. It's simply impossible to have a bad meal. After dinner, you might enjoy taking a moonlit walk along the Seine, stroll around Notre Dame or cross the bridge to Ile Saint Louis. If you skipped dessert, you may want to indulge in Berthillon ice cream. You'll find a mix of locals and tourists lined up, waiting their turn for the famous treat.
We ate at Le Petit Châtelet for dinner on the 2nd of June. Earlier that morning I had proposed to my fiancee in the jardins des tuleries. For our engagement dinner we went to Le Petit Châtelet, and absolutely loved it. I had gotten a couple digital photos taken of the restaurant to remember our night. Unfortunately my digital camera was stolen after we arrived in Venice from Paris. I have yet to get it back. I was wondering if anyone has any high resolution photos of the restaurant, preferably at night, or if someone is going there soon, could take some shots of it and email me the photos. We're still pretty sad about losing our 300+ photos of Paris, especially the ones that relate to our engagement. We'd be so thankful. my email is paul@onesummer.net. When I took the photos, I was standing off to the left, right across the little scooter road, in front of the restaurant, facing it. It won't be quite the same since it won't be the actual picture I took, but it would be so great if someone could help. Thanks.
Posted by: Paul | 13 June 2007 at 18:16
I am so hoping to visist Shakespeare and Co one day -
I love this photo and your banner -
your new banner is wonderful!
Posted by: maddie | 31 May 2007 at 16:46
A lovely building; if I were the owner - and rich beyond imagination - I would buff that wood until is shone (sp: "shined?")
Wishing I could pull together lines of poetry on my own and I would add to your above poem
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 31 May 2007 at 15:48
I'm there, if only in my dreams. lol XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 30 May 2007 at 23:08
How charming!
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 30 May 2007 at 21:30
Some day I hope I'll have the opportunity to visit - and taste - first hand - meanwhile, thank you for taking us along with you!
Posted by: tinker | 30 May 2007 at 20:34
I only wish I were dining there tonight! What a charming place :)
Posted by: Becca | 30 May 2007 at 19:57
Be still my heart. Someday.
Posted by: kristen | 30 May 2007 at 19:23
I will try it. I have passed it numerous times and missed it. I know Shakespeare and Co but where was this little gem?
I have just experienced writers block in your poetry post. I will be back when my brain is in gear again.
Posted by: Di Overton | 30 May 2007 at 18:41
At least, I *think* it was here...It was a long time ago now.
:(
:)
Posted by: Amber | 30 May 2007 at 17:53
Yes! We had ice-cream from here, and ate it outside Notre Dame. A local told us we should. ;) I just remember the day being wonderful.
:)
Posted by: Amber | 30 May 2007 at 17:45
We were right there, but missed this treat last time (will have to rectify that next time!) xx, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 30 May 2007 at 17:01
Oh, very good to know - thanks Tara! I'm always looking for good restaurants and that's such a great area, too. BTW are you going to the blogger picnic on the 9th?
Posted by: The Bold Soul | 30 May 2007 at 16:56
Hmmm....Might have to put this one on my list for September. Must have walked by it so many times....but never stopped in. Do they have a terrasse in the nice weather?
Tara responds:
Mais oui!
Posted by: My Melange | 30 May 2007 at 14:45
What a charming little place. If I ever make it to Paris, I will make sure to visit here.
Posted by: bella | 30 May 2007 at 14:09
Ohhh! I can't wait to dine there! hee he! It loooks so darling ! What is their specialty? What is your favorite? Merci!
Posted by: pam aries | 30 May 2007 at 13:31
I love all that you share of your life........Your photographs are so beautiful!
Blessings to you and your enchanted life............
Embrace every ounce of joy!
Posted by: Jeanne | 30 May 2007 at 12:14
Tara,
OO-la-la, can't wait to try it!!
rel
Posted by: rel | 30 May 2007 at 11:07