Reviewer: Foodnut.com La Fontaine de Mars 129, Rue Saint-Dominique 75007 Paris, France, CA 01 47 05 46 44 01 47 05 11 13 (Fax) |
La Fontaine de Mars is the known as the famous bistro in the 7th Arrondissement where President Obama went. There is a fountain right outside the restaurant that helped name this place. It is not far from the Eiffel Tower, making this a good place for a meal before/after a visit. They have serve South western French Cuisine including foie gras, duck, and cassoulet since 1908.
Decor, Vibe – Old school oak paneled walls, simple chairs, little paintings, lots of lights everywhere. Downstairs is a busy, noisy bistro with lots of sidewalk seating. Upstairs is a quieter more rustic dining room. Lots of American tourists, some locals, many big groups.
Menu Pictures (Click to zoom into any picture)
Amuse Bouche – Saucisson or Salami
Picks:
Fricassou de légumes à l’huile d’olive (19) – Fresh vegetables sauteed in olive oil were good. Cucumbers, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms and more. On the expensive side for this dish though.
Poisson du jour à l’ardoise (29) – Fish of the day was monkfish served with a rice pilaf. On the smaller portion size side but well cooked and a nice white wine based sauce.
Haricot Verts (7) – Sauteed green beans were small but plentiful. Nicely done.
Dessert du jour (12.50) – Peach soup with sorbet was the special today. Lots of fresh peaches topped with an apricot sorbet. Refreshing during the hot summer.
Ile Flottante (9) – Traditional dessert of soft meringue island floating in a custard soup. It was very soft and airy, while the custard had a heavy vanilla flavor. A nice classic French dessert.
Roast Duck Breast
Aubergine Puree
Magret Canard, sauce olive, caviar d’aubergine (28) – Roast duck breast, olive sauce, and aubergine puree looked pretty unappetizing at first sight. One bite and our minds were changed. Excellent duck flavor and tenderness. Nice mushroom sauce to accent the medium rare duck. The eggplant puree almost tasted like mashed potatoes.
OK:
Blanc de poireaux ravigote d’herbes (10) – Steamed Leaks with Vinaigrette dressing were on the soggy side.
Pans:
Lundi Plat du Jour Tartare Maison (20) – Monday Special – Beef Tartare with a side salad was not very good. We recently had one in San Francisco at Chez Papa Resto that was far better. Meat quality was probably the main issue.
La Fontaine de Mars had waiters that spoke English and provided warm, professional service. The prices are typical for a Bistro and the food quality is very good. We have no problems recommending it but suggest you take in a less touristy place like Josephine Chez Dumonet.
They accept reservations by phone, speak English, and have an English menu. Metro: Ecole Militaire
Restaurant Map:
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