Hidden Gems in Montmartre
The following addresses have been semi-reluctantly passed on to me from friends who live in the charming district of Montmartre at Paris’ northern tip. Known for its cobbled streets, never-ending steps and the Sacre Coeur, it’s also an area often visited by tourists who don’t know where to go, and who find themselves trapped in expensive, poor quality restaurants, an overpriced drink and unfriendly waiter, or standing in queues all day long. This is such a shame, because Montmartre is a truly gorgeous place, as long as you have a little black book of addresses to rely on.
With that in mind, here is a selection of restaurants, bars and alternative tourist venues to check out if you’re thinking about spending an afternoon wandering around Montmartre …
Restaurants
Mother’s favorite
La Mandigotte, 68 rue Lepic
I went here with my mother the last time she visited in the summer, and it was absolutely lovely! Instead of having a starter and a main course each, we decided to choose four starters to share. In many restaurants in Paris they don’t let you do this, so I was a little uneasy about asking the waiter. Luckily he was lovely, and took our order without hesitating. Food was fabulous, service was great, the restaurant’s dog (whose name I forget) is a gentle giant, and the decor is fresh and inviting.
Time for Wine
Vingt heure vin, 17 Rue Joseph de Maistre
The name of this wine bar/ restaurant was the cause of much confusion between myself and a friend when I misunderstood that she meant the name of the bar, not the meeting time: twenty past eight (vin actually means wine but sounds like vingt – twenty) being the translation. Luckily their delicious cheese plate and great selection of wine more than made up for it. Come before eight, or you’ll struggle to find a table.
A real *hidden* gem
Un Hotel Particulier, 23 Avenue Junot, 75018
You won’t even see this hotel/restaurant from the outside, but don’t be afraid. Press the buzzer, explain why you’re there (“pour manger”/”pour boire un verre”) and then walk down the cobbled private pathway and buzz a second time on your left. A well-dressed waiter will open the creaky iron gate, leading you into a private garden, complete with tea lights for when the sun sets, and a gorgeous old hotel. Food is good, cocktails are great, ambiance is magical.
Bars
Artisanal beers
Le Super Coin, 3 Rue Baudelique
Beer lovers, don’t despair, Paris doesn’t just cater for wine afficienados! There are more and more drinking holes in the city that specialize in craft beer, like Le Super Coin in Montmartre. If you’re a fan of pop culture and rock music, this is the place for you. From bottles to delicious draughts, you’ll not want to leave!
Service with a smile
Le Nouveau Carillon, 1 Rue des Abbesses
This is my friend’s favorite place to have a drink after work. Step off the metro at Abbesses, and you’ll find yourself almost opposite the Nouveau Carillon, known for friendly staff and devoted regulars. The outside seating is perfect for watching the bustling street, and you might just find yourself making friends with the locals.
Museums/Tourism
Art close up
Musée Gustave Moreau, 14 Rue de la Rochefoucauld
Visit the apartment and studios of the Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau. This museum is relatively unknown, which is a shame, but a real plus point for the lucky visitors who find out about it! See what an artist’s living space looked like in the mid 1800s, and browse through a lovely selection of his drawings, paintings, watercolours and sculptures.
Material Pleasures
Marché St. Pierre, 2 Rue Charles Nodier
This huge fabric market is a paradise for the fashionistas and crafters among you. Forget paying a hundred euro for a designer scarf from Paris’ designer stores, this is where you’ll browse thousands of rolls of fabrics, pick out your favorites for next to nothing, and have enough material to offer the entire extended family (plus neighbors) a chic neck scarf next Christmas! There’s also a great bookstore and coffee shop for tired shoppers.
Explore this beautiful neighborhood on our Montmartre walking tour.
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