Chez Lili et Marcel - 13th

For a change, a French brunch place that was based just next to Quai de la gare in the 13th. If we were to judge this place based on how busy it was, then on first impression only we would have given it 5 stars.

The restaurant is nicely laid out with long tables and plenty of space. They have a brunch menu which is not too pricey, as well as a standard menu which means that each person pays 15 / 20 € max.

Half of us went for the immense burgers, that looked absolutely fantastic on the plates next to us and came with potatoes / fries and salad. The burgers were huge and definitely good value for money.

The other half of us had the brunch menu which was fairly standard for brunch in Paris; starter of coffee, fruit juice and bread with jam, nutella and honey. This is followed by a choice of egg (boiled, scrambled or fried) with salad, potato and bacon. This is finished off with a yoghurt (plain or vanilla) and is very filling.

Overall for the food it was fantastic, however, the service was possibly the worst I have ever experienced. Our waitress made us wait 20 minutes before she took our order (there were 8 of us). After this, we then waited over an hour to get our food and despite remaining patient, when we asked if she could chase up our food she became very rude and unhelpful. The poor Parisien service really ruined the experience and if we had based the place just on food we would have been a lot more positive.

I give this place 2 out of 5 and that's a generous 2.

En Attendant l'or - 11th

On the corner of rue Faidherbe, not far from the metro station, 'En Attendant L'or' has a slightly unconventional look to it, but this should not put people off.

Once inside (or even outside on the terrace in the sun) you are greeted by a small bar, long table in the middle for big groups, and small tables (2 / 4 people) around the outside.

The overall concept is very simple and perfectly suited to the bar : One option for brunch @ 21.50€. For this you get one freshly pressed fruit juice, unlimited hot drinks, unlimited access to the buffet and one starting plate.

The opening plate was formidable, with scrambled egg, salad, chicken leg, salmon, and bread. Considering this was the same plate delivered to everyone else this was very filling and well prepared.

Afterwards we proceeded to the 'buffet area' where there was plenty of choice. Pasta, Couscous, Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Fried squid, and plenty of other options. One plate of this was filling but some of us helped ourself to a second!

For dessert there were small brownies, chocolate mousse, mini creme brulee and pastries. All delicious !!

The service was good (so rare in Paris) and the atmosphere was good, with quite a young crowd of people (mainly in their 20s early 30s).

I would give this place a solid 4 out of 5 and this is definitely one of the best and most filling brunches I have had in Paris.