This little bar and newsagent looks decidedly out of place, squeezed between the flashy luxury boutiques on the Rue Saint-Honoré: it seems to hail from another era. Dedicated to Jean Nicot – the French ambassador to Portugal who brought tobacco to France in the 15th century, hence for a long time it was known as ‘Nicot’s herb’ – the bar has kept the patina of nicotine on its walls, its Belle Epoque lamps, its copper bar and foldaway seats rescued from a doomed provincial cinema. The owner, his wife and son are exceptionally welcoming and friendly – it’s the sort of place you can come for a coffee and to read the paper, and attracts actors, journalists and intellectuals. It’s also the best place in the neighbourhood to eat and drink affordably. All dishes are between €10 and €13: cheese and charcuterie boards, the great salads like the Italian (sun-dried tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, country ham and basil) and classic dishes like beef or salmon tartare. Wine comes from an honourable list of vintages by the glass, carafe or bottle.
A Jean Nicot
Time Out says
Details
- Address:
- 173 rue Saint-Honoré
- 1er
- Paris
- Contact:
- 01 42 60 49 77
- Transport:
- Métro : Palais Royal ou Tuileries
- Price:
- 10 à 13 euros les plats, 3,5 euros le demi
- Opening hours:
- Du lundi au samedi jusqu'à 21h
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