La Fontaine de Mars

Excellent restaurant, que je recommande vivement aux amateurs de bonne gastronomie.
Tout d’abord, il est très bien situé, facile d’accès en transports en commun, dans un quartier tout à fait charmant.
Ensuite, le restaurant en lui même respire l’Histoire, on sent qu’il a un passé, un vécu, ce qui compte beaucoup pour l’ambiance du repas.
La nourriture y est excellente, quel que soit votre choix, je doute que vous soyez déçus. J’y ai déjà été plusieurs fois et systématiquement, tout était délicieux.
Enfin, le personnel est très aimable, serviable, et réagit même positivement aux piques d’humour, ce qui rend l’expérience encore plus agréable.
Bref, un très bon endroit, un de mes favoris à Paris parmi les restaurants de ce standing.

Obama y est allé durant sa visite, alors j’ai voulu essayé .Autant vous dire tout de suite vaut mieux réserve à l’avance, pour ma part je n ai pas pris de réservation et on nous a installé en 1 mn (2 personnes) .
Les produits sont de qualité mais j’ai été un peu déçu par mon plat (poulet fermier pour ma compagne et moi steak tartares) par contre l’entrée artichauts très bien préparé .
Ensuite le cadre est super, les serveurs très gentils, une bonne cuisine traditionnelle mais pas exceptionnelle.

What a fantastic dinner experience!
I went here with my boyfriend after a visit to the Eiffel Tower. We walked along the streets and ended up here because of a previous Unilocal review. There were other places that were nearby that seemed much more lively, but we were not disappointed by the experience at all.
We arrived for dinner around 10 PM and the staff were more than accommodating. You could almost count the teeth of each staff because their smiles were so big and welcoming. We shared the Charcuterie plate to start with, had an excellent bottle of wine from Provence which was recommended, and each had the Filet de boeuf with béarnaise sauce and fries. The chef cooked the meat perfectly (rare for him, medium for me), allowing be meat to rest. We rounded out the meal with a couple glasses of dessert wine (sauterne and Muscat) and the crème brûlée. Honestly, the best service we experienced in Paris.

We had visited La Fontaine de Mars about 10 years ago, and had fond memories, so we went back. Once again, we had a fantastic experience. The food, service and atmosphere were very good. Sitting outside on the patio with heaters, and watching the Paris life go by felt like something out of a movie, very lovely, very romantic.
We really enjoyed the presentation of the snails (escargot), «sans» shell. My wife actually preferred it to the usual in-​shell presentation. I thought the snails were better than most, but prefer a more buttery, garlicky preparation.
My steak a poivre (choice de boucher) was supposed to be medium at the waiter’s recommendation, but came out more rare — not even medium rare! — I still enjoyed it, and ate it as served, but parts of it were chewy and gristly, which detracted from my enjoyment. The sauce was great.
We had a lovely sauterne for dessert. It’s amazing to me that the French can do such a thick, syrupy wine, and yet not let it get too sweet. It was the perfect end to a very nice meal.
If we go back to Paris soon, I wouldn’t run back to La Fontaine, but if there is another long interval, I would seek it out again.

Solid traditional French bistro that appeals to locals and visitors.
Food: 4, Service: 3, Atmosphere: 4
Cost to worth it rating: 3
Return worthiness: yes
Highlights:
— Duck confit: lovely piece of duck with crispy skin and tender meat. Just what I was dreaming of when planning a French dinner. 4 stars
— French fries: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect pure potato flavor. Fry connosuier hub was happy. 5 stars
— Coffee: their signature came with armagnac and it was heavenly. Parisian version of the SF Irish coffee.
— Chocolate mousse: dark and airy served in a tall sundae glass. Came with a little cone filled with whipped cream.
— Cool décor: old French posters for plays and comedy shows
— Tart tatin: classic version of the sweet apple pie
— Steak: well cooked and lightly seasoned: 4 stars
— Bread and salami to start: nice touch
— Had an English menu
Lowlights:
— Due to its popularity there was a wait even late on a Sunday night
— Didn’t quite get the huge pile of frisse salad
Had the French meal I was looking for here on our last night in Paris.

A busy, and adorable place to eat at in Paris. Had an amazing al fresco experience. The cooked egg appetizer blew my mind! And it was an egg! Lol so good! The potatoes are of an interesting consistency. But everything was delicious and unique compared to my normal meals!

Great true French bistro! We had the cassoulet and it was really good!!! The garçon was very helpful and great service!

The husband and I had just arrived to Paris by train. We were hot, tired and hungry, and of course our room wasn’t going to be ready for another hour. We dropped our luggage off and went out to find some food.
We wondered a few blocks down from our hotel and found La Fontaine de Mars. There were a few tables open and I asked the mâitre d’ if we could sit outside. He asked if we spoke French, sadly I’m not fluent enough, so I said no and he promptly grabbed an English speaking waiter. Our waiter was very kind. I was always making sure to say «merci» and «sil’vou plaît» and even tried out some of my other basic French. The waiter found this really funny and giggled every time I said anything in French (in a good way, he was not mocking me at all) and would pat me on my shoulder.
The menus were in English. We ordered a pot of red wine to share. We were brought out fresh bread with the richest, creamiest salty butter. I had the free range chicken with mushroom cream sauce and rice. Husband had the duck confit with roasted potatoes. The food was excellent. Although a bit pricey, it was everything I expected from a French bistro!
I was very impressed with the service. This being my 1^st meal in France, I was prepared for said snobby French service. I do recommend making a reservation if planning on eating here for dinner. Also: The Obamas ate here in 2009 definitely putting it on the radar for visiting Americans.

A month of June, tourists are in full swing including myself. I didn’t have a reservation since I traveled to Paris by myself and thought that it would be easy to get a seat for one person. Well. I was wrong. I got turned away from a restaurant that I originally planned on going that night because the tables were all booked. So I roamed the streets. needing food. There were many restaurants on that streets, but they were all very busy.
I decided to stop here at La Fontaine de Mars. The wait was about 30 minutes. The host was really friendly. I finally got a table sitting outside on a beautiful warm night. And thank god. there were no smokers in sight!!! I just couldn’t stand how much people smoking outside at a restaurant.
I ordered escargot and dish of the day. Escargot was boiling hot when served at the table. I could see that butter was bubbling. It was good, but could be a bit better… lacked of salt slightly. Dish of the day was pork leg stew with black lentils. Wow. that was delicious. Meat was so tender. fell off the bone tender. Food was on a pricey side, but if you are on a budget … check their dish of the day. It was about 20 – 22 euros or so.
Try getting a table outside if it’s nice out as inside can feel somewhat tight when they are busy.

Paris in June is difficult. The tourists (of which we were three) outnumber the birds, and the lines are long. We started this particular morning with a lovely cruise on the Seine. Any of the many long boats are fine, they mostly start near the Eiffel Tower and move past and around the island on which Notre Dame lives, and then head back. So after this we trekked over to the Tower but had no interest in waiting to walk or ride up for a view, so after you experience the marvel of the structure and wait for 20 minutes to use a bathroom, then what? We started walking, and found La Fontaine de Mars. As we experienced often, they look at you and say, ‘no reservation?’ but then, let us have a table, and we settled into one of the best meals we had in Paris.
The people here are very polite, kind, and don’t act superior. That’s my sense most of the time. If you show interest and smile, people smile back and treat you like a human being. All of us had great good — my wife went salad, my son went steak, and I went — I am in love — with beef tartare. Essentially good quality hamburger prepared from here to there differently but … I have always loved this dish, and here is was simply excellent. I wanted to come back the next day and even made a reservation, but after fumbling entry and exit from the Museo Rodin the next day, we were lost and ran out of time.
But the tartare was amazing. And they were pouring a light rose from Provence that was really good. Everything in Paris is over-​priced so that’s never really a huge issue, you just have to live with it. I was impressed with the menu and suspect it moves seasonally (the cassoulet lovers should probably come back in the winter). I will definitely return the next time in Paris (which won’t ever again be in June).

Two colleagues and I were in Paris in February for business. One colleague had been to this establishment during prior visits and highly recommended it. Walking away, we felt it was a bit overpriced, however the preparation of the food was quite good.
Reservations — We called less than 30 minutes minutes in advance with our fingers crossed for a table. As luck would have it, they said they have one table left upstairs, so we took it.
Arrival — The maitre d’ was quite welcoming and showed us to our table straight away. Looking around the lower lever dining area, the place seemed to be quite busy. Our upstairs table was nicely positions. As unfortunate as it sounds, what others have written about segregation appears to be true in that the patrons seated upstairs were all foreign travelers (Americans, Brits, Swedes, and Germans).
The Food — Everyone was quite happy with their various preparations. The starters included the cream of mushroom soup featuring a hefty medallion of fois gras floating on top, a head cheese dish, and a salad. The mains included the Cassoulet, duck confit, and their special chicken dish for the night. All flavorful and met expectations.
The Service — Our server was friendly and chatty, although certainly didn’t linger. He checked on us occasionally, however left us alone for the most part, which we were happy with.

This was my favourite restaurant at university, it is changing slightly in all these years but the memory is always there. Food are always good, however the potato with the duck confit is no longer same as the past, it is only simply sliced roast potato now. Pig cheek is no longer here, I miss it. Deserts are lovely. And I am proud of the wine list though it is much shorter now.

There’s a few great restaurant on this street that are frequented by tourist and locals alike, and fountains de mar is one of them. The service was impeccable, although it was hard to get seated, the food was also excellent. The restaurant was booked and the calls for reservations kept coming in, luckily we went early without a reservation and get seated.
The food was deliciously prepared french cuisine, main course was excellent, the dessert was average. I had the sea bass very fresh, and my husband had grill fois gras that melted like butter in his mouth. You can try this place or le coquette, café constant down the street, they were all very good and very friendly to English speaking Tourist.

Really amazing!!! I loved everything about this café. Very Parisian! The exterior and interior is so welcoming. The staff is wonderful. Friendly, hospitable and patient with Americans who don’t quiet know what to order. We decided to sit on the patio. It was a beautiful night and our last evening in Paris.
As I observe the style of service and how everything is presented I am in awe at this adorable café. That is what you will enjoy in Paris is to sit outside and people watch. With the small round chairs and tables it makes it absolutely romantic.
We started with a raw stuffed Raw Salmon appetizer then Escargot. Not over kill with garlic yet flavorful with herbs and butter. Served on a hot, hot dish. Be careful not to eat right away. Let it cool for a couple of minutes. Entrée dishes were baked Seabass over mashed potatoes. This was cooked perfectly. It was juicy, tender and flavorful. The other was a seared filet served with fries. Very common with most entrees to serve with fries. Great dessert options but we stuck to the traditional Crème Brûlée. Oooohhhh so good. The service was excellent. Our server was very funny and the manager was also very funny. The whole staff was great. They have a great sense of humor. It made our dining experience memorable. Could use more days with great food in Paris.

Nous sommes allés à la Fontaine de mars pour fêter une occasion spéciale. Nous habitons juste à côté, donc nous avons appelé pour réserver, on nous a dit de passer et nous avons attendu au final une petite demi-​heure, d’abord dans l’entrée, puis ensuite carrément dans la rue. Il y a beaucoup d’attente en général.
Nous étions prêts à vraiment dépenser plus que d’habitude, pour une expérience mieux que la moyenne. Nous avons été déçus.
Mise à part l’attente, le serveur a eu l’air d’halluciner quand nous n’avons pas commandé d’entrée, mais directement un plat. Je voulais tester le boudin noir, il se trouve que c’était le plat le moins cher de la carte, ce qui m’a valu un autre regard noir du serveur (ou alors j’ai vraiment très mal interprété).
Le plus décévant, c’était la quantité: nous avons choisi un restaurant de cuisine de Sud-​ouest car nous nous attendions à des plats généreux… là le boudin noir tenait dans ma main (et j’ai des petites mains) et pour tout accompagnement une feuille de salade… Je me suis demandée si c’était une plaisanterie lorsqu’on me l’a amené.
Nous avons pris des desserts (pour moi île flottante) qui étaient très bons et beaucoup plus copieux.
Je recommande également le vin rouge du restaurant.
In fine, une déception… pour le restaurant des Obama en visite à Paris, pas assez copieux, et service pas à la hauteur. L’offre n’est pas adéquate au prix.

This was hands down our best meal in Paris. It was a Sunday evening and the place was packed! We waited for about 45 minutes before being seated upstairs. It was not as noisy as the bar area and we were grateful for this.
Between the four of us, we had perfectly cooked filet, roasted chicken, roasted duck and the most amazing Fish Risotto! The wine pairings were not perfect as we ordered one bottle for the table but that was our fault.
The crème brûlée was perfectly cartelized and served with a complimentary pear liqueur.
I recommend this meal for any traveling couples looking for good food in a relaxed atmosphere. I also recommend this for men who did not make a reservation near the Eiffel Tower and are looking to save their own tale with a quality dining experience!

Cuisine traditionnelle française un peu médiocre. Beaucoup de touristes y vont pour cela mais la qualité, si elle n’est pas mauvaise, n’est pas à la hauteur de la réputation du lieu.

Habituée! Très bon, cadre agréable et personnel serviable. J y ai emmené la famille des USA, et c est sans aucun doute leur meilleur expérience a paris !

Très bon cassoulet
Ce restaurant est devenu célèbre avec la visite du Président Obama qui y a mangé en famille (vous pouvez même demander à avoir la même table), mais assurément la maison à d’autres qualité que cet Auguste hôte. Tout d’abord, le décor: une véritable et vénérable brasserie parisienne; l’accueil: professionnel, efficace et de bon conseil; la carte: des plats français de nos régions très bien préparés. Pour ma part, j’ai pris un cassoulet qui était délicieux. Évidemment, ce n’est pas premier prix, mais le rapport qualité/​prix est excellent

Came here twice during my visit to Paris, because yes, it quickly became a favorite after our first visit.
Our first visit we came for a dinner on a Saturday night, and sat inside. The space was tight, as if we were sharing our table with another random couple, but that didn’t really matter.
We started off with two of their specials: the fresh goat cheese sautéed mushrooms. I’m not the biggest fan of goat cheese, but this was amazing and could be eaten as is off a spoon. The sautéed mushrooms were cooked perfectly and had lots of flavor.
As an entrée I had the steak, and it was perfect. I ordered it medium-​rare, which to them is quite «bloody», but it was exactly what I wanted. The steak was super juicy and the béarnaise sauce just added that extra level of flavor. It was also a plus to be able to dip my extra fries in the sauce.
For dessert I had the Floating Meringue Island, which was so light. I felt like I was eating air almost, but it was sweet delicious air, =P.
On my second visit a couple days later for lunch we had the melon with ham appetizer special, which was a combination I never had before visiting Paris, but goes so well together. It was so simple and so delicious. I, again had the steak for my main course, but for dessert decided to try the Pistachio and Vanilla ice creams with fresh strawberries — soooooo good!
When I go back to Paris, this will definitely be one of the restaurants I always visit.

J’ai tout simplement adoré ma soirée passee a la fontaine de Mars. L’endroit est tres beau, la nourriture est simple et délicieuse et le service est excellent. Que demander de plus? J’y retournerai des que possible.

genial!!!
nourriture excellente
super accueil
deco tres parigo!

Un resto extrêmement traditionnel tant dans la nourriture que dans la décoration. Les plats sont très bien fournis et très bons. (plats axés sur les spécialités du Sud Ouest)
Les serveurs sont adorables, bref on y est très bien, quoiqu’un peu serré au dernier étage.
PS: c’est ici qu’Obama et Michèle ont mangé.

Succulent, aussi bien le tartare que le boudin du sud ouest aux pommes. On sent que les produits ont été sélectionné avec grand soin, et on apprécie. Le service est top, à l’écoute, avec beaucoup d’humour. Rare à Paris.
Une étoile en moins pour le tarif elevé, boudin du sud ouest (23), baba au vieux rhum (13).
L’adresse est parfaite pour un déjeuner professionnelle, ou un repas entre bons amis. Si vous souhaitez être en terrasse, demandez à être du coté de la place piétonne et non pas du coté de la rue non piétonne.

Très bonne maison. Très bon accueil. Cadre si charmant

Le cassoulet est super bon
Acceuil sympa service rapide c est des pros
Une adresse incontournable

superbe cadre très bistrot d avant salles très calmes au premier étage. les plats sont excellents et les prix corrects pour le lieu. la patronne est très gentille et le personnel très disponible et efficace.

Obama a raison
J’y ai été invité et me demandais pourquoi le nom me disait quelque chose; et bien Obama avait raison d’y aller ! Le cadre est classique pour une Brasserie. Le service très bien; on nous a spontanément poposé un menu spécial enfants. Les vins à un prix raisonnable (Crozes Hermitage 24 €) Mon turbot était un peu décevamt (probablement laissé trop longtemps sous les lampes .) mais l’andouillete de mon épouse était parfaite (dit elle) …et le baba au Rhum … un des meileurs qu’il m’ait été donné de manger. Les portions de fraises des bois sont TRES généreuses

La Fontaine de Mars existe desde el año 1908 en la mísma dirección y es uno de los restaurantes más antíguos de París. En 1991, Christiane y Jacques Boudon dieron un cambio radical al lugar pero conservando su atmósfera. Es el clásico bistrot parisino con especialidades como el foie gras, el pato ó el cassoulet.
Es conveniente reservar con antelación, el presidente de los EE.UU., Obama cenó en este restaurante junto con su família cuando fué a Francia con motivo de la conmemoración de los 65 años del Desembarco de Normandía, desde entonces, todo americano que visita París quiere conocer este restaurante.
Según explican los camareros de la Fontaine de Mars, un catador de los servicios secretos del presidente americano probó antes los platos que luego le serían servidos, una práctica muy común en cualquier lugar del mundo que hacen ciertas personalidades.

Un restaurant à recommander vivement! C’est vrai qu’il est un peu cher Ceci dit on se régale, les plats sont d’une grande qualité. Mention spéciale pour le magret de canard et son mélange de condiments (olives, câpres) ainsi qu’à l’énOOOrme millefeuille maison en dessert!
Service très efficace et rapide.
Allez y les yeux fermés!

Superbe adresse, un fooie gras maison à tomber par terre, des vins de grande qualité (bien que très classiques), et un tartare au couteau délicieux, fondant, enfin tout ça quoi !

Mein absoluter Favorit in Paris! Hervorragendes Essen + Wein zu angemessenen Preisen — Das Ganze in huebscher, rotkarrierter Atmosphaere :)

Voilà une adresse qui n’est pas toute neuve. Mais le zinc brille de mille feux et les serveurs sont des anges!
La cuisine est franchouillarde dans ce qu’il y a de meilleur!
A part les escargots qui né m’ont pas impressionné pour le prix (faut dire que c’est une adresse assez chère), tout le reste était parfait.
La salade de tête de veau avec sa sauce ravigotte… Un délice!
Le magret de canard juteux et le rôti de veau à se taper la tête contre le carrelage! Argh! C’est divin.
Oui, je sais, c’est assez cher. 28 euros le magret, 15 euros la salade de tête de veau. Mais la fraicheur des produits et le goût authentique de la cuisine de bistrot dans un cadre chaleureux font oublier que la carte bleue vire au rouge.
On est dans le 7ème et c’est une adresse qui réunit aussi bien la bourgeoisie du quartier que les touristes aisés. Et cependant, l’ambiance reste conviviale et simple.
Une réussite! Amenez vos amis étrangers ou allez-​y vous même, tiens!

un restaurant sympas qui représente bien le Sud Ouest, les foie gras, magret, cassoulet et autres Madiran à l’honneur.
L’ambiance était excellente et élégance discrète, une cuisine délicieuse et simplement parfait sur le service. C’est un peu cher, mais ça vaut vraiment le coup. Toujours faire une réservation.

Nettes, traditionelles Restaurant. Gute Speisen zu allerdings nicht geringen Preisen.
Unten ist ein hektisches Bistro, oben gibt es eine ruhigere und elegantere Dining Area.
Empfehlung: die besondere Dessertkarte!
Zur Abrundung bietet sich nach dem Essen ein Verdauungsspaziergang an der Seine zum Eiffelturm an.

Une petite terrasse sous les arcades dresse ses tables devant la Fontaine de Mars. Ce bistrot est, il est vrai, une institution parisienne où l’on se presse dans un millieu formidable.
Dans un cadre des années trente on se régale des spécialités du Sud-​Ouest arrosées de vins de pays dans une ambiance joyeuse et turbulente.
Les œufs au Madiran façon meurette, le filet de bœuf béarnaise et ses frites maison, ou le fromage blanc à la compotée d’abricots font plaisir aux gourmands. Les parisiens et les touristes adorent cette adresse so frenchy.

Loved it here! The food was delicious! The servers were very friendly & helpful! We were seated right away. They offered an English language menu but graciously accepted me ordering in my halting French. Lively & cozy interior space. Get the Floating Island dessert. Fabulous.