Cafes and Restaurants
Right in the heart of the city there is no better
place to enjoy the authentic Parisian cuisine and the
cafe culture that has made Paris famous around the
world. Packed into the small space are a wide range of
choices from fine dining to authentic ethnic fast foods
to fresh produce.
Stalls
The market stalls which operate at the southern end
of the street outside the church are a way for Paris to
connect to the great fresh fruits, vegetables and
produce of the agriculture of the country. There
are always some stalls open but different parts operate
on different days and it is most busy on Sunday morning,
and least on Monday when most shops are closed.
Rue Mouffetard stalls sell a range of fresh goods but
mostly find items such as melons, peaches, oranges, and
all types of fruit from the small stalls. Produce is in
season and varies according to when you are visiting.
Although mainly catering to the local residents who
wish to stock their kitchens with the freshest of
ingredients, as well as the many local university
students who need to cater for themselves, the stalls do
of course have prefect picnic materials for any visitor
to the city.
Whether you wish to eat fruit, bread and wine while
sitting in the garden of the church, or whether you will
walk to the river to watch the Bateaux Mouches, this is
a great place to stock up and then eat later.
Cafes
While our street is not that long it does contain not
just plenty of cafes but also a wide range of varieties
in styles, budget and atmosphere. At the northern end
nearer the pantheon there are of course more
establishments that provide for visitors, tourists and
travelers to Paris with both traditional foods and
English menus.
While at the southern end of the road you will find
more choices that are oriented towards the local
residents, particularly the student population who of
course enjoy a vibrant nightlife and cafe society..
Restaurants
There are many full restaurants along our street,
here are a selection of a few to choose from starting
with the more traditional French for which we are famed,
but then also including some international choices which
reflect the multi-cultural atmosphere of
the 5th.
Cafe Le Papillon - There are many "Butterfly"
restaurants and Cafes in Paris, indeed in France, but
the one at 129 rue Mouffetard is one of the few family
run restaurants still in the street. Get an authentic
French experience with a set menu for dinner in this
tiny establishment packed close together with other
diners. With ingredients freshly sourced from the
market stalls just outside, and the bakers and other
shops just along the street, you won't find fresher
restaurant food anywhere. Dine as you would in a
locals house.
Le Jardin d'Artemis - A rural cafe set in the
midst of the city this charming dark red paneled cafe
has no garden despite the name, though it faces the
garden of a pre-school creche over the road, but focuses
on a small menu of fine French cuisine served.
Exceptional efficient and friendly personal service from
the small staff means you can enjoy a real Parisian
experience like a warm home. Try the Escargot with a
unique selection of fine herbs, not overwhelmed with
butter as is too common. And conclude your meal with
their famed creme brûlée. Call 01.45.35.17.47 for
reservations or walk downhill from Place de la
Contrescarpe and it is on your right.
L'assiette aux Fromages - literally "The
Cheese Plate", while specializing in French cheese based
dishes you will also find a full menu of options
including sea trout and chocolate ice cream that have no
Cheese in them! But of course to get the best from this
restaurant try their signature dishes such as Cheese
fondu with plenty of bread and dried meats to dip, but
also don't miss the crispy duck leg or the eggplant with
goats cheese.
website
Jardin d'Ivy - There are great delicious apple
tart and profiterole drenched in soft creme in this cozy
restaurant, but don't miss the King Prawn Entree and the
ravioles aux epinards, a very traditional
specialty.
website
Place de la Contrescarpe
Made famous in the Hemingway novel A Movable Feast
this square near the end of rue Mouffetard is today a
collection of little cafes as it was in his day, though
the names have changed and the standards have improved
the authentic paresian atmosphere does not differ at
all. Look out for #74 on rue Mouffetard
where Hemmingway lived during his time on the road.
It is the second building on your left as you leave the
place de la Contrescarpe, there is a bookshop on the
ground floor of the building. There is a small
white plaque up on the wall put up by the Association la
Memorie des Liux to commemorate his inhabitation in 1922
to 1923.
Rue du Pot de Fer
This side street is packed with restaurants. Find all
types from Indian to traditional French in this very
very narrow Romanesque street with high 4 story
buildings going down towards residential areas.
Square Saint Medard
A small green square, a perfect place to sit and eat
the picnic lunch you have bought in our market! Situated
outside the church it has a small children's climbing
area out of wood, and some park benches under the shade
of green trees.
Rue Mouffetard - Definitive Guide -
Market -
Getting to -
Hotels -Food
