Le Fruit Défendu

It's a lovely little restaurant tucked away from the noise of the city. I speak little French, but the staff were very accommodating and gave me a menu translated into English. The translation wasn't great, so I had a few questions, but I could basically understand what I was ordering. I was glad they had an English menu option, since I didn't want to use Google Translate in the middle of a fine dining restaurant.

The setting on the banks of the Seine was lovely for a digestive stroll after a Sunday lunch of traditional autumn food. The restaurant was cosy and warm, with a central open fireplace. Our long cooked wild boar was delicious, and the caramel liegous dessert was to die for. The Ile Flottant was one of the prettiest we'd ever seen and tasted very good too. The staff were friendly and highly efficient. We had a 4 year old with us, who got top class attention. They served her main course first and quickly, which we were very grateful for.

I've traveled widely around the planet in my 65 years, and I'm from Chicago. Nothing compares to the French when it comes to cooking. Some time ago, I had the best meal of my life at this simple fine restaurant, and I mean anywhere in the world, before or since. The unbelievable bread started it off so well I wanted to bury my face in it. Every course after that made the earth move, and things just kept getting better. The food, location, ambiance, and service are all just right. I'm trying to come up with a fluff reason to return to France, but whatever I say will only be a cover story so I can eat here every night. Well done L'Auberge du Fruit Defendu.

This would be number 1 on my Joyce's choices for restaurants au bord de la Seine. I've been bringing friends here for years, and it's always excellent. Good chef. It's a bit more expensive because of Covid, but worth it. The menu is 58 euros. Make reservations and ask for a table au bord de l'eau.