Les Arlots is a tiny, cosy and extremely intimate bistro up at Barbès – Rochechouart, reservation is a must, especially if there is going to be more than two of you dining. We were perhaps one of the first lunch time diners to arrive but it very swiftly filled up, leaving barely any room to move between the tables, but with the smells that were wafting out of the kitchen it was easy to forgive them for having such a small dining room.
We kept it simple this lunch and ordered the chef’s recommendation twice (€25, beef with red wine gravy and mashed potatoes), with a recommended glass of red each (€5.50). In short it was fantastic. The mashed potatoes were not merely a dollop of mash, but flavoured with fresh herbs, cream and a subtle cheese making it even more indulgent. The meat was cooked to both of our tastes wonderfully and was suitably tender. My only complaint (and it barely constitutes a complaint) was that we were so full afterwards we could not possibly eat a single bite more after, and were quite relieved we had foregone starters.
I am waiting for a suitable amount of time to elapse before I go back, the menu changes daily as all the food is seasonal and homemade. I think a week is a suitable interval, right? Or is that too long?!?
This is certainly one that is going in the mental book of places to take friends.
And in case you were wondering, the name is the French for Harlequins.
Address: 136 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75010 Paris
Metro: M2 and M4, Barbès – Rochechouart
Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 12.00 to 14.30 and 18.00 to 22.30.
Phone: 01 42 82 92 01
