A sunny, immaculately decorated terrace, with vintage plates on the tables, the Italian-inspired Viola sits half-way up rue Lemercier. It announces on the door that it is ‘proud to collaborate with independent craftsmen who are keen to showcase the best of their produce.’ As bobo as that may be, it’s pleasant to see such an effort to help the little guys.
On the menu is six starters, five mains and just as many desserts. Fans of Italian food will rejoice (think burrata, carpaccio, risotto, panna cotta) but perhaps less so when they see the prices: starters and desserts are around €10, with mains at €23. However, the €36 set menu is much better value.
At weekends, Viola throws itself into brunch mode: €26 for a sweet and savoury buffet spread, two mains, one hot and one cold drink. At first, we’re a little disappointed by the lack of choice – but don’t let that deceive you. Cheese and charcuterie is of excellent quality and the antipasti is just as good, including salads, gazpacho and pizza. As mains we go for swordfish with aubergine and choose between scrambled eggs with gravlax or eggs Benedict. Both are excellent.
As for the dessert buffet, everything is homemade: cake, French toast and jams. The tiramisu is the jewel in the crown of this lovely spread. Just one suggestion to the owners: add some padding to the chair legs – the sound of metal scraping on concrete is not the best accompaniment to a lazy Sunday morning. Especially when it’s a serve-yourself buffet…
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE