Little Black Book - Les Cocottes

It was almost a year to the day that I first met Les Cocottes and last weekend we celebrated our anniversary in Paris.

It is without doubt my favourite place to have lunch in the city. Despite being in the shadow of hustle and bustle of the Eiffel Tower, it’s a real hidden gem. Tucked away on la Rue Saint-Dominique and veiled behind drawn curtains, Les Cocottes is unnoticeable to passers by not in the know which is part of the attraction.

Les Cocottes, which is one of three Christian Constant restaurants on la Rue Saint-Dominique, takes its name from a small cast iron bowl, ‘cocotte’, in which most dishes on the menu are cooked and served. Inside the restaurant there is a warm and convivial feel with diners sitting side by side on backed stools either at the bar counter that runs the length of the restaurant or on high tables positioned adjacent to the bar.

This set up usually sparks conversations between sets of guests and gives the whole place a great atmosphere which even spills over to the waiting staff who are helpful and friendly; a refreshing change for a restaurant in Paris.

Having said this, I’m sure I’m not the only person who derives some perverse enjoyment in the irreverent way the typical Parisian waiter treats their clientele. However, given the quality of the food and the surroundings I was happy to forgo my guilty pleasure on this occasion.

As a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll stop waffling now and let some of the action shots do the talking.

Langoustine ravioli in shellfish cream served in a classic cocotte.

Roasted pigoen breast and confit legs.

'Birds-Eye' view.

Scallops served with braised endives in a seafood broth.

To mark this inclusion into our Little Black Book, we have created a 'Parisian Look' for him and for her to ensure you not only eat like to the French but dress like them on your next visit.