L’Altro
16 Rue du Dragon, 6th
Tel 01 45 48 49 49
This is a newcomer, opened in early 2006, but the team are experienced (and run another of my favorite local trattoria’s, Les Cailloux, on the Butte aux Cailles). It’s an Italian bistro with a retro New York loft decor of black floors and tables and white metro-tiled walls. Large glass windows overlook the kitchen. I love the grilled zucchini and smoked mozzarella starter, and my favorite main dish is the penne pasta with peas and bacon. If you see the lemon cream dessert on the menu, don’t miss it! It’s a small place, so be sure to reserve. All of the downstairs is good, but upstairs try to get a table near the window, not the bathroom.
My daughter took me to Paris for an important birthday in October 2007. We stumbled upon Altro and managed to get a table by revealing the exactly how important a birthday it was! What a treat! Highly recommended. But definitely book ahead.