La Piscine

When it opened on the corner of Rue du Poteau and Rue du Ruissea near Jules Joffrin Metro station in mid 2010, La Piscine raised the bar for trendy restaurants in Paris’ 18th arrondissement. Its traditional Parisian-style brasserie interior and bar fills with the chatter and laughter of a cool clientele, no small part thanks to La Piscine’s hip hosts Jean-Philippe, Richard and Ava who have a knack for attracting people just like them. It helps, too, that the classic French comfort food is as brilliantly priced as it is tasty. Bourgogne snails, cheese burger, grilled fillet steak; tarte tatin – it’s wonderful, earthy stuff. In summer, locals make a beeline for La Piscine’s large al fresco terrace, where they can dine in style.