Le Bon Georges Review: A True Parisian Bistro That Lives Up to Its Name (2024)

When people ask me for a restaurant that captures the true essence of a Parisian bistro while delivering exceptional quality, Le Bon Georges instantly comes to mind.

Nestled in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, this gem offers everything you'd want in a neighborhood bistro - with some delightful surprises.

Quick Facts

Location: 45 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009 Paris
Metro: Saint-Georges (Line 12)
Price Range: €€-€€€ (Main courses €28-42)
Style: Traditional French bistro
Reservations: Essential, especially for dinner
Best For: Lunch or dinner, date nights, small groups

The Atmosphere

Walking into Le Bon Georges feels like stepping into the Paris of your dreams.

The classic zinc bar, vintage mirrors, and red leather banquettes set the perfect bistro mood without feeling touristy or contrived.

The space manages to be both intimate and lively, with a wonderful mix of locals and visitors creating that perfect Parisian buzz.

What Sets It Apart:

Genuine neighborhood feel
Professional yet warm service
Open kitchen
Handwritten daily specials

The Food

Here's where Le Bon Georges truly shines. The menu changes regularly based on market availability, but certain standout dishes have become classics for good reason.

Must-Try Dishes

Starters:

Œufs mayonnaise (Their version won awards)
Terrine de campagne maison
Seasonal soup (especially in winter)

Main Courses:

Steak-frites (Their signature dish)
Fish of the day
Seasonal vegetables with perfect butter sauce

Desserts:

Paris-Brest
Chocolate mousse
Seasonal fruit tarts

What Makes It Special

The quality of ingredients here is exceptional:

Beef sourced from award-winning butcher
Vegetables from small local producers
House-made butter
Artisanal bread delivered twice daily
Carefully curated wine list

Best Times to Visit

Lunch:

Weekday lunch for business crowd atmosphere
Less crowded than dinner
Great value lunch menu
Natural light through large windows

Dinner:

Romantic evening ambiance
Full menu available
Livelier atmosphere
Beautiful evening lighting

Insider Tips

Reservations:

Book at least 2 weeks ahead for dinner
Last-minute lunch spots sometimes available
Call rather than use online booking
Mention special occasions

Seating Preferences:

Request table 12 for corner banquette
Bar seating perfect for solo diners
Avoid tables near entrance in winter
Small groups (4-6) book early for round tables

Menu Navigation:

Daily specials often best value
Ask about wine pairings
Trust the server's recommendations
Save room for dessert

Value for Money

Price Analysis:

Starters: €12-18
Main Courses: €28-42
Desserts: €10-14
Wine: From €7/glass, bottles from €35
Lunch Menu: €29-35

Quality Justification:

Premium ingredients
Generous portions
Expert preparation
Professional service
Authentic experience

Who Should Go

Perfect For:

Food enthusiasts
Date nights
Small groups (2-6)
Business lunches
Special occasions

Maybe Skip If:

Seeking very modern cuisine
On a tight budget
With very large groups
In a hurry
Want very late dining

The Verdict

Rating: 9/10

Strengths:

Exceptional food quality
Professional service
Authentic atmosphere
Fair prices for quality
Consistent excellence

Minor Considerations:

Can be noisy when full
Tight seating
Limited vegetarian options
Books up quickly
No late dining

Final Thoughts

Le Bon Georges represents everything a modern Parisian bistro should be - respectful of tradition while maintaining high standards of quality and service. It's a place where both locals and visitors can enjoy authentic French cuisine in an atmosphere that feels genuinely Parisian.

The attention to detail - from the sourcing of ingredients to the way each dish is prepared and presented - shows a real commitment to excellence without pretension. While it may not be the cheapest bistro in Paris, the value for money is exceptional given the quality of both food and experience.

Pro Tip: Sign up for their newsletter for special wine events and seasonal menus!

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