Le Relais de Venise
Write A Review
"Timeless"
We may wait an hour before getting a table, but once inside, everything is exactly as expected — and that’s exactly what we love! Orders are taken quickly and served promptly. The meat is always succulent, the fries are delicious, and the desserts are excellent… when there’s still room! Like it or not, it’s a place we truly adore.
"Unfortunately Not Like It Used to Be"
We arrived early, but by 6 PM a line had already formed for the 6:45 PM opening on a Sunday night. Unlike in the past, seating seemed to depend on tables freeing up as previous diners left. The restaurant closed at 11 PM. The entrecôte was slightly tougher and chewier than we remembered, while the fries remained very good but not quite the excellent standard of our previous visits. The secret sauce was flawless, as always. Portions were generous, and the salad was very good. While the price remains reasonable and the experience still enjoyable, the changes in preparation and seating mean this beloved spot may no longer warrant a daily visit. Sadly, we may not return on future trips to Paris.
"Disappointing"
Always a great experience, except for the fries! They weren’t the usual quality — different potatoes and oil seemed to have been used. Hopefully, they’ll maintain their usual standards, as the rest of the meal is consistently excellent.
"Not as usually good…"
Always one of my must-visit stops in Paris. On this visit, the meat on the second serving was tougher than expected and not cooked to the requested doneness. The fries remain the best in Paris, and the salad is consistently good. Getting a quiet table for two can be challenging, as most spots are reserved for parties of four—something of a minor frustration. Overall, still a worthwhile experience, but some small disappointments this time around.
"Double portion, remains expensive"
The recipe hasn’t changed, and it’s just as good as ever. There was a brief wait for a couple of dishes mid-service, but the speed of service overall was incredible — dishes arrived quickly without ever feeling rushed. Portions were generous, and the lively noise and close seating add to the classic bistro charm. At €60 for two, it’s still a bit pricey, but the experience is worth it.
"Delicious steak dinner."
This place doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early or expect a line down the street. We visited on a weeknight and waited about 25 minutes for a table for two. Some reviewers complain about unfriendly staff, but we didn’t experience that—the servers are simply hustling to keep up with the fast pace. The dinner menu is famously simple: steak and fries, cooked to your preferred doneness. The secret sauce is a flavorful green herb sauce, served hot and fresh, and seconds are encouraged. I managed about halfway through my second plate—dessert looked amazing, but there was no room! The only downside was the stifling heat inside, as the packed dining room has no AC. Despite that, the meal was so enjoyable that it didn’t affect my rating.
"Simplicity and consistency equals excellence"
Six years ago, I fell in love with Le Relais de l’Entrecôte in Paris, and returning this time to the original restaurant only reinforced why it’s so beloved. The line stretches around the block, and with no reservations, it’s first-come, first-served — a testament to how good this place really is. The concept is delightfully simple: a fresh green salad with walnut and mustard vinaigrette to start, followed by generous portions of perfectly cooked Ribeye smothered in their secret sauce and crisp fries. They even offer seconds if you desire more, which we happily accepted. We shared a bottle of house wine, and for dessert, I indulged in chocolate profiteroles while my daughters enjoyed fresh berries with whipped cream and slivered almonds — all exquisite. While the steak felt slightly thinner than my previous visit, it remained delicious, and the overall experience was fantastic. With a few global locations, including New York City and Mexico City, the charm and concept remain consistent across the board. If you’re in Paris, willing to wait in line, this is a must-visit destination — a timeless culinary treat I’ll return to every time I’m in the city.
"Fameuse Sauce"
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (often confused with Le Relais de Venise) is widely believed to trace back to the same founder, Paul Gineste, but this original Paris location from 1959 is where it all started. Recognizable by its notoriously long queues, this restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving on time is key. Note: there appears to be a dress code prohibiting shorts. The menu is brilliantly simple: the legendary grilled beef fillet Porte Maillot, served with crispy matchstick potatoes, their secret herb butter sauce, and a crisp walnut salad. While the dessert selection is larger, most diners come for the steak and fries rather than sweets. Service is traditional yet efficient, handled by waitresses in black-and-white uniforms who manage the bustling crowd with friendly precision. You’re first asked how you’d like your steak cooked and your drink preference. A simple but delicious salad with a sharp mustard note arrives first, followed by the main dish. The star is unquestionably the famous sauce — a top-secret butter and herb blend known only to Gineste’s descendants. The steak is pre-sliced, the fries perfectly thin and crisp, and the portions are generous enough that everyone leaves satisfied. Does it taste good? Absolutely. Is it worth the wait? Yes, though patience is required. Recommendation: Grilled beef fillet Porte Maillot with golden matchstick potatoes, famous sauce, and crunchy walnut salad. This is a must-visit for anyone wanting the quintessential Parisian steak frites experience.
"Stellar entryecôte"
This restaurant offers a unique formula: entrecôte with fries, accompanied by a fresh salad while you wait. Since reservations are not accepted, be prepared to queue—but it’s worth it. The meat is truly delicious and cooked to perfection. While the dessert I tried did not particularly excite me, the dessert menu is extensive, offering plenty of tempting choices.
Le Relais de Venise
Dating back to 1959, this restaurant is known for serving one main dish: steak-frites, in a simple but beloved format. But don’t let the simplicity fool you — it’s a Paris institution with loyal devotees.
Address
271 Bd Pereire, 75017 Paris, France
Website
http://www.relaisdevenise.com/
Email
https://www.facebook.com/people/Le-Relais-De-Venise-lEntrecote/100089514588208/#
Telephone
+33145742797