Best Dishes at Chez René
Chocolate Mousse
DessertA legendary bistro dessert — intensely chocolatey, smooth, and deeply satisfying in a modest portion. Reviews describe this mousse as what chocolate mousse should taste like, with no added cream or air. It's intensely flavored and leaves a lasting chocolate aftertaste.
Marrow Bone on Toast
StartersA classic French bistro starter: the long bone is roasted until the marrow is warm and spreadable. Served with warm toasted bread and fleur de sel. You scoop the marrow onto bread and season with salt. Rich and deeply savory. Reviews note this is how bone marrow should be prepared.
Beef Bourguignon
MainsThe signature dish — beef cubes braised for hours in red wine until the meat breaks apart at the touch of a fork. Served in its own deep pot, the sauce is rich from the beef and wine reduction. Pearl onions and mushrooms add sweetness and earthy texture. Food critic Patricia Wells and multiple sources recommend this as a definitive version. Reviewers consistently request it served pink.
Salade d'Harengs
StartersA classic cold appetizer combining smoked or pickled herring with warm boiled potatoes, beets, and a sharp vinaigrette. The acidity from the vinegar plays against the richness of herring. This is traditional French bistro food, simple but expertly executed.
Steak Tartare
StartersHand-chopped (not ground) raw beef mixed with traditional tartare elements — anchovy, capers, Dijon, raw egg yolk, and finely minced shallots. Each element can be added to taste. This requires exceptional meat quality, which the restaurant maintains.
About Chez René
Operating since 1957, Chez René feels like stepping into a time capsule of Parisian bistro culture. The kitchen specializes in traditional dishes that demand technique: beef bourguignon simmered until the meat shreds, generous bone marrow on toast, herring salad with potatoes, and perfectly executed steak tartare. The wine list is thoughtfully curated. Reservations are essential — this place is always full.
Top 5 dishes at Chez René:
- Chocolate Mousse – 88% recommended(Signature)
- Marrow Bone on Toast – 92% recommended(Signature)
- Beef Bourguignon – 96% recommended(Signature)
- Salade d'Harengs – 78% recommended
- Steak Tartare – 85% recommended
Details
- Cuisine:
- French
- Price Range:
- €€€
- Phone:
- +33143543023
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Reservations, Wine List
Hours
- Friday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Monday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Tuesday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
This restaurant is perpetually booked. Make reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for dinner. Call +33 1 43 54 30 23.
Lunch is easier to book than dinner and offers better value. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
The wine list is well-curated with good selections at reasonable markups. Ask the staff for recommendations in your budget — they're knowledgeable.
The decor is unchanged since 1957 — mirrors, dark wood, white tablecloths. You're dining in a piece of Paris history.
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