La Petite Hostellerie
35 rue de la Harpe 75005 (St Michel area)
01 43 54 47 12
The narrow pedestrianized, but busy, streets around the St Michel area are teeming with so many places to eat and drink, all vying for one’s patronage. Many look good and/or have good prices posted on their outside menu boards, so how to choose? We happened on La Petite Hostellerie a couple of years ago when in a group and chose it based on the menu and the unusual ‘decorations’ upstairs (stuffed animal trophy heads). We sat downstairs—a small area, the walls decorated with painted Montmartre scenes, and tables spilling out onto the pavement—and we were very satisfied.
So, this time around we decided to try there again, and again the menu was one of the more competitive, in terms of price, and the ambience and service were good, so I’d definitely recommend it. This time, Rod and I were alone and we sat upstairs, which has stone walls and huge wooden roof and support beams, and is adorned with stuffed animal heads. Peering down at us was a kudu and a large deer; over the door to the kitchen was a wild boar; and on the other side another deer and a sable antelope, plus a whole pheasant. Interesting concept, which does fit in with the old walls and wood, but we wondered about the African animals. Large open windows look down on the street and let in fresh air (in summer).
Two set menus of 3 courses are available: one for €11.90 and one for €14.90, very similar, but slightly less choice for the cheaper one. We opted for the €14.90 menu and were very happy. Each plate was quite large, nicely served, and tasty.
Rod had French onion soup, then cotes d’agneau (a little rare) and a fromage plate. I had salade de saumon, magret de canard in sauce (black pepper, cream, wine, mushrooms), and a fromage plate. The main dishes come with green beans and frites. We had a pichet of rose wine for €8, the carafe from Slovakia.
Smoking was allowed upstairs before the general smoking ban in France. Service quick and good (Indians maybe?).
I remember this—great! Actually, that whole street had many good places to eat.