Café Constant

39 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris, France

When in Paris, dining at a quintessential bistro is a must. Visit the 7th arrondissement to find tree-lined streets, a bourgeoisie vibe and the proverbial home of celebrity French chef Christian Constant. He runs three restaurants within a block on the chic Rue Saint- Dominque, and Café Constant is his take on casual, no-reservations bistro fare. Locals sit at the zinc bar sipping wine, waiters swerve the packed two levels to take orders and a blackboard spells out specials. Upstairs you’ll sit on red banquettes at wooden tables, while our favourite spot for two is at street level tucked under the stairs. The menu verges on retro with dishes such as veal cordon bleu, but all served with top ingredients and je ne sais quoi. Start with a tartare of oysters, sea bass and salmon laced with ginger. A terrine of foie gras is best smothered over toasted whole wheat bread and, for the main event, opt for the roast chicken made from AOC-status poulet de Bresse alongside bacon and potatoes in herb butter. Round it off with profiteroles, bursting with cream and swimming in chocolate sauce. A lunch here is the perfect pit stop and a bargain at £20 for three courses.