Chez Janou
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"A wow experience – the food, the ambaiance, the staff – don’t miss"
Wow — everything about this restaurant is first class: the food, the atmosphere, and the service. The cuisine is traditional Provencal, hearty and cooked to perfection. The place is lively and often crowded with locals, so menus are only in French, adding to the authentic experience. The staff are friendly, professional, and impressively efficient, navigating the bustling space with elegance. Be sure to make a reservation, as there’s usually a long queue outside. We will definitely be coming back!
"A French Experience"
Loved Noisy as a classic French bistro — amazing food and true local charm! The duck was a perfect ten, full of flavor and beautifully prepared. There’s no English menu, so having a translator helps, but that only adds to the authentic experience. The atmosphere was lively and the location couldn’t be better, right in the heart of Le Marais. Service was average but the good mood and great food more than made up for it.
"Underwhelming and rushed"
Two of our group were eager to try Chez Janou, drawn by glowing recommendations and rave reviews — particularly for the chocolate mousse. Unable to secure a dinner reservation, we opted for lunch and were promptly seated by the friendly staff. The restaurant filled quickly, and the noise level rose considerably. The tables are very small, and sitting inches from a family of four felt quite claustrophobic. Our main courses arrived almost immediately, giving the impression that some dishes might be pre-prepared rather than fully cooked to order. My seabass with concassé of tomatoes, cucumber, and sweet peppers was fine and freshly cooked, served with a mild black olive tapenade and a delicate aubergine and red pepper soufflé — lovely texture but somewhat lacking in flavor. My friends’ risotto with scallops was less successful; the scallops were good, but the risotto had the consistency of porridge, leaving half uneaten. For dessert, one of us waited a long time for the chocolate mousse, which was ultimately delicious and seemingly prepared fresh. My cherry clafoutis, however, was disappointing — dense, with few cherries, and lacked the lightness one hopes for. Wine selection was enjoyable, and service, aside from being a bit invisible while waiting for the mousse, was pleasant. Overall, while some dishes shone, the cramped layout, noisy environment, and inconsistent quality left us unlikely to return. Other spots in Le Marais may offer a more relaxed and equally tasty experience.
"all round excellent !!"
We enjoyed a fantastic meal featuring pasta with snails, steak, chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, and cheese. The cheese was the best my partner has ever had, and everything else was excellent as well. The chocolate mousse was incredibly rich and indulgent — a real treat! Overall, a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.
"Bad service"
The food at this restaurant is undeniably good — the chocolate mousse, in particular, is absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately, the service was shockingly poor. Our server was curt, dismissive, and seemed genuinely annoyed when taking our order. Questions about the menu were met with sighs and eye-rolls, making us feel like a bother rather than valued guests. While the food shines, the rude service overshadowed the experience and left a sour impression.
"Worth a night out!"
Chez Janou, located in the 11th Arrondissement, is a very busy bistro, so making a reservation is definitely recommended. Popular with tourists like myself, the restaurant is lively and a bit chaotic, yet the staff remain impressively organized. There’s a solid selection of dishes and wines, all of decent quality and offered at very reasonable prices. The service has more of an industrial, efficient feel rather than a personal touch, so if you’re seeking intimate, attentive service, this might not be the spot — but the vibrant atmosphere and good food make it well worth a visit.
"Laye.lunch nearly dinner quiet neighborhood worth the trip."
Absolutely excellent! The ribeye portion was generous and cooked perfectly, while the ravioli was flawless. We also tried the roasted goat cheese, which was simply amazing. Coming from Chicago, where we’re used to great food, this experience truly impressed us.
"Delicious mousse au chocolat"
We returned because of the wonderful experience we had sitting outside last year, and once again the food did not disappoint. The mousse au chocolat was sensational, and the other dishes were equally enjoyable. This time, we sat inside, which was unfortunately quite loud and less relaxing. Service, however, was excellent — very friendly, attentive, and professional. Overall, still a highly recommended spot for great French cuisine.
"Wonderful experience"
Excellent experience! The restaurant had a lively buzz, the food was very good, and the value was impressive. We enjoyed it so much that we went twice during our short stay in Paris. On top of that, the staff were incredibly friendly, making the visits even more enjoyable.
"Go for appetizers andchocolate mousse, skip everything else"
This classic Parisian bistro is a must-visit, but it’s very much locked in time and crowded with tourists. Reservations are essential, or you risk waiting 0.5–1.5 days for a table. The mussels with garlic butter were an outstanding start, and the chocolate mousse was phenomenal — though enormous, so best shared with 2–5 people. The mains, however, were less impressive. The risotto with scallops was fine but not remarkable, and the duck was underwhelming, with a sauce that didn’t enhance the flavor. Given the menu’s traditional approach, I’d recommend focusing on appetizers — or simply enjoying more of the delicious mussels — for the best experience.
Chez Janou
Popular for its vibrant atmosphere, classic menu including rib steak and chocolate mousse, and a charming neighbourhood feel in the Marais. A fun choice for an enjoyable evening out rather than ultra-formal fine dining.
Address
2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris, France
Website
http://www.chezjanou.com/
Email
https://www.chezjanou.com/contact
Telephone
+33142722841