Rue Cler, a charming street in the heart of Paris, is a haven for food lovers. It’s a vibrant mix of traditional French charm and modern culinary trends, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re craving fresh produce, artisanal pastries, or a cozy café experience, Rue Cler has it all.
Let’s embark on a culinary journey, starting from the top of the street near the Ecole Militaire Metro stop.
A Culinary Stroll: Unveiling the Delights on the Left Side
The street starts with a grand post office, a testament to the history of this Parisian neighborhood. But before we dive in, a must-visit awaits: Lenôtre, a renowned gourmet food shop, just steps away from the metro.
After the post office, we’ll journey down the left side of Rue Cler, where a delightful array of culinary treasures awaits.
A classic French brasserie, recommended by the well-known travel expert Rick Steves, sets the scene for an authentic Parisian experience. A fruit and vegetable stand, one of the largest on Rue Cler, follows, overflowing with vibrant produce. The healthy competition among these vendors ensures affordable prices and exceptional quality.
A whimsical chocolatier next door tempts you with delectable treats. The large model chocolate eclair outside, serving as a playful bench, is a delight for children.
An Italian-style gelato café, a popular chain in Europe, beckons with artisanal ice cream. Order a cone and watch as they create a stunning “rose” with your chosen flavors.
A traditional French café with a spacious terrace offers the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink. The cozy interior, with its charming subway tile and back-lit bottles, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
As you continue down the street, you’ll reach the corner of Rue du champ du Mars and Rue Cler. Here, the Cafe du Marché is a neighborhood institution. Its covered outdoor area provides a comfortable space for people-watching and enjoying the Parisian ambiance, rain or shine.
A popular spot for locals, the Cafe du Marché is known for its lively atmosphere and tempting daily specials. Arrive early to snag a table, as it quickly fills up, especially with the chic residents of the neighborhood.
Another trendy café with excellent service welcomes you further down the street. This bustling spot is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering a perfect setting for a coffee break or a light lunch.
A large greengrocer, similar to the others, presents a wide variety of fresh produce at competitive prices.
The lines leading onto the street hint at one of the best shops on Rue Cler and in the entire neighborhood. This Italian delicatessen is a haven for gourmet delights, showcasing homemade specialties, from Italian sausages and meats to pasta, cheeses, and delicious side dishes like roasted peppers. The star of the show, however, is their legendary Choucroute. This Alsatian specialty, perfect for a cold day, is a hearty combination of sausages, sauerkraut, other meats, and often potatoes. Be sure to inform the salesperson how many you are feeding, and they will gladly provide the perfect amount. Enjoy it at home, reheated over low heat, and savor the rich flavors.
A charming and quirky café with imaginative cocktails and delicious burgers provides the perfect spot for a pre-dinner apèro.
A vibrant flower vendor spills its colorful blooms onto the street, offering a plethora of green plants and fresh flowers.
An organic cosmetic and skin care shop focused on wellness and sustainability invites you to explore natural beauty products.
A wine and spirit retailer built on the principle that wine should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite, embraces the French tradition of enjoying wine as part of everyday life. They strive to create a welcoming atmosphere, free of pretentiousness, for all who appreciate fine wine and spirits.
The reviews speak for themselves! “If you’re looking for a delicious street crepe, the Greek Ulysse at 28 Rue Cler is a must-visit. I’ve been going there for over a decade and it never disappoints! Their batter has a unique sweetness and a crisp texture, unlike any other crepe stand I’ve tried in France. I highly recommend their “speciale”, a unique combination of egg, Emmental cheese, feta, tomato, onion, and bell peppers – it’s a delightful surprise! They’re now only making it for seated customers, but they made an exception for me, which I appreciate.
Maddy, founder of Paris Perfect, shares her insights: “This is one of the finest fish merchants in Paris, with a vast selection of fresh seafood, from sea snails and crab to fresh fish from the Channel. The displays alone are mouthwatering! My father-in-law would always visit this shop when my in-laws came to visit, buying a fresh sole for our family. He’d meticulously choose two whole fish and insist on having the poissonnier skin and filet them in front of him, ensuring absolute freshness. My son won his grandmother’s heart when he told her, at the tender age of six, that she made the best sole in the world! The sole is breaded with egg and quickly fried in butter, a classic French delicacy.
Asian fast food shops are popping up all over Paris, catering to the growing demand for quick and flavorful meals. Their outdoor tables are always welcoming on warm days. The food is good, but it’s not quite the same as the Hunan in San Francisco. They do a roaring trade for lunch, as even the French are embracing shorter lunch breaks.
Maddy’s insights continue: “This large greengrocer has been a favorite of mine for 20 years. Located across the street from another greengrocer, there’s healthy competition, ensuring good quality and competitive prices. As with any market, look for their “specials,” the items displayed in large quantities, for the best flavors and prices. The country of origin is always clearly labeled, allowing you to compare and contrast, for example, the small French melons and those from Spain.
A Culinary Journey Awaits
Rue Cler is a culinary treasure trove, offering an eclectic mix of French charm and modern tastes. From traditional brasseries and gourmet shops to trendy cafes and fresh produce stands, this lively street has something to tempt every palate. So, embark on your own culinary adventure and discover the delicious delights of Rue Cler.
