I have a secret. I know where to get one of the best brunches in Paris. No, it’s not a cafe in the trendy Le Marais nor is it a fine-dining establishment along the tourist-trodden Champs Elysses. It’s actually a converted warehouse / art exhibition space / jazz club called La Bellevilloise that serves an unlimited 2-hour brunch buffet every Sunday (complete with live jazz band and all) in the bohemian district of Belleville and Menilmotant. At €29/per person, it can be a bit pricey, but totally worth the cost when you consider the amount of food that’s available, and the experience. Read on to learn more about this great brunch spot in Paris.
Related Post: The Ultimate Paris Food Guide
Because of it’s location outside of the ‘heart’ of Paris (a 10-15 minute drive away), you won’t find La Bellevilloise gracing any pages of your tourist travel guides…this hidden gem is known mostly by the locals. Despite that, the Sunday brunch spot in Paris is in high demand and it’s best to book a reservation a few weeks in advance (they only offer two seatings for brunch, one at 11:30am and the other at 2:00pm).
The dining area is a sight to see – it’s a light and airy covered space with a few quirky olive trees planted in the middle. Customers also have the option of dining on the upper mezzanine, overlooking the main dining area. On warm summer days, the neighboring terrace is also open where customers can dine in the urban garden.
The brunch spread is a wonderful array of salty and sweet. There’s a station where you can take your pick of french cheeses and charcuterie, and another station where you can sample a variety of fresh seasonal salads. There’s a station for the classics (bacon, sausage, eggs), and another station where you can try a variety of roasted meats and veggies (try the roasted sun-dried tomatoes!).
Check out our cheese plate….when in France right?
You can also get your fill of unlimited morning beverages – whether you want juice (orange, grapefruit, strawberry banana, mango, apple, cranberry), hot chocolate, hot tea, or coffee. Those who need something a bit stronger can pay extra for mimosas or house cocktails.
And then there’s the dessert tree – a magical leafy set-up piled high with a variety of desserts and baked goods including fluffy meringue, chocolate pudding, crepes, waffles, creamy custard, fruit, croissants, brioche, and fruit tarts. For those with a major sweet tooth, this station is an absolute dream.
But the best part of La Bellevilloise is the atmosphere. Unlike many other Paris dining institutions, there’s no pretense or stuffiness about it. There’s a casual, laid-back vibe in the air. The service is friendly and unobtrusive. The room buzzes with noise as families and friends gather together on a weekend morning. A local jazz band plays in the corner, while children clap and dance at the foot of the stage as their parents catch up over crepes and coffee. It’s no Michelin-star restaurant, but the food tastes fresh, homemade, and wonderfully soulfully satisfying.
Related post: The Ultimate London Food Guide
Related Post: Where to Eat – La Bastide de Moustiers in France
Related Post: The Ultimate Paris Food Guide
Leave a Reply