Cartet - Paris 11e Arrondissement

Cartet is an unknown place. hidden behind the place of the republic. no sign, narrow facade, locked door, thick curtains, no web site. invisible. out of range. Out of time. And that's good. because cartet is a secret society, a mystery reserved for the initiates. I used... quality products.

Where to start? It was a memorable meal; good, pleasant, madly too expensive and completely unforgettable in its eccentricity. Cartet bears a legendary name, a bistro once famous held by women who changed hands 12 years ago. the current owner/leader/server/reserver/porter/sommelier/dishwasher took it back at that time, now most of the classic dishes. But the similarities stop there. There is a name on the awning, but in the windows flanking the door intended to contain menus, or anywhere else, there is evidence that it is a restaurant. including the locked door. While we were beginning to turn away despite a reserved table, it was unlocked for us, then relocked, lest an unreserved guest have the toughness to try a table. An older couple and a table set for two of us are reserved. The other 18 places are empty. When asked, the chief replied that he serves "the least possible." He was charming, friendly and everywhere at once, doing everything. the menu is wider than what we could expect for four covers, and everything was not available. It's not exactly a private chef, but it doesn't mean that an empty restaurant awaits guests. It was unusual, as never before, but fun. again? Probably to fry, but we saw the movie.FoodTerrine for each table. fresh and good. magret, minced with orange sauce, calf rib with cream bites. both served with a double portion of an irresistible potato cake. Inputs, bacon salad, morilles (yet) on toasted brioche with a different cream sauce.Desserts: all put on the table: chocolate mousse, lemon pie, milk rice, floating island, flan...ServiceGracious and personal pricesvery high. with two glasses of wine, a water (10€!) and two coffees, 232€.

This small restaurant near the place of the republic is perhaps one of the best bet finds. during our second visit today, we had the restaurant for ourselves. We were served by the chef/owner who also took care of the kitchen. If I hadn't called last week and asked for a reservation, he wouldn't have been there. He just opened for us. We had a great salad with nuts, my wife had orange duck magret and I had a lamb. all dishes were exceptional and accompanied by some good glasses of black pinot. the chief told us that hollande, the French president just elected, ate at the same table where we were sitting a little while ago. this place is a real finding and I suspect that very few tourists find it, or if they do, they will not enter. not in the bottom of the price range, but you have it for your money. the best food we had to bet and we had a lot of good food. And the chief is a very interesting guy.

Service was very good but the food was very cold , the hostess was very accommodating when we arrive

Cartet is a very small, wonderful restaurant. We had dinner with friends for a total of 5. The chef is amazing. Friendly, explains the dishes, and is very helpful. Traditional French dishes starting with smoked salmon, pork pate, chicken liver pate, and endive salad. And the wonders kept coming: duck, turnips with onions, potatoes au gratin, creme caramel, rice pudding, and pastries. Lovely wines accompanied. We were the only party in the room and it was like a private tasting of exceptional French traditional dishes. A very memorable experience!! Cannot recommend this amazing restaurant enough!!