La Muraille de Jade

La Muraille de Jade restaurant in the heart of Paris’ St Germain quarter is a meeting of two worlds and two eras. The 17th century building with its Norman half-timbered walls and exposed is decorated with modern Asian seating and objects – somehow it just works beautifully. The menu here says it’s Vietnamese and so it is, but there are terrific additions from China and Thailand and that adds up to a winner, too. The set menus are excellent value in this part of town. A la carte dishes include the ‘Plateau de Bonheur’ starter with crab claws, spring rolls and sesame prawns, bo bun Saigon-style crepe, pork au caramel, Vietnamese shrimp. Lunch can be quick as you please but diners tend to linger over dinner in the elegant dining rooms.