Lunch near the Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen

[Barbara Moss]

I am going to try to brave the crowds next week but I have never tried to eat lunch near the market. Anyone have any suggestions for a not too fancy lunch? I might also wander over to the Marche de la Porte de Vanves so if you have any suggestions for that market I would love them.

[Margaret Pilgrim]

At St. Ouen there is a tiny counter in Marche Serpente called Le Petit Salon au Manger. They offer a quite decent plat du jour and, what we order, excellent salads, quiches (the seafood quiche is loaded with succulent scallops and shrimp!), pate, cold meats. Lunch for two consisting of a plate with three portions of salad, quiche or pate plus beverage (soda, wine or coffee) usually runs between 20 and 25€ for two people. We like the flavors here a lot. I wish other deli kitchens did as well.

Here is a map of the market area.

In terms of "sit-down" lunch, the best known is Le Soleil. In addition, there are several bistrots on the back street, rue Jules Valles, as well as several on the main street, rue des Rosiers. Any of these will not only cost you considerably more but require a sizable chunk of your shopping time.

The Vanves market gets going around 7am and is pretty much over by 1pm. We are never around late enough to consider eating there, although we have been known to split a sandwich (jambon et fromage or Greek/frites) for breakfast.

[John Talbott]

In terms of "sit-down" lunch, the best known is Le Soleil.

←

Since I live within walking distance I've been to almost every place around. I'd be interested in when Margaret went to Le Soleil last because I've been three times between 2001-2004 and had two bad expensive meals and one great one (in the middle of course.) Now with M. Vannucci splitting his time with the downtown place of the same name, who knows?

I would strongly suggest you get away from the market a few blocks into the 18th where we have three good places - Le Winch, Le Truc + 2 Pieces Cuisine. All are searchable using my name.

[Margaret Pilgrim]

John, I have never eaten at Le Soleil, nor most of the other bistrots on the streets adjacent to the market. We found our little Salon on one of our first visits years ago, and for us it is a destination. For the convenient location and the price, it is quite good! It is composed of an order counter and a little enclosed A/C dining room where your order is brought to you. Someone will take your order if you don't want to stand at the counter. But for me, half the fun is looking at his assortment for the day and making my choices, rather than from a menu.

Most people I know, and granted that they are serious treasure hunters, would not consider taking an hour or more from their Saturday or Sunday at the market. Lunch for them/us is a short break for sustenance and a sit-down break.

[John Talbott]

Thanks Margaret. For Barbara, tho', there also is an Iberian place somewhere on the Western edge that wasn't bad.

[Barbara Moss]

Actually, the Salon sounds perfect. I don't want to miss anything and we are going out to dinner as well. I will find it and do that. Thanks for the great thought! I knew one of you would have the perfect solution.