Gourmet foodies and dedicated locals sit elbow-to-elbow at this tiny Latin Quarter bistro, willing to wait up to six months in advance for a reservation to experience famed chef Yves Camdeborde’s brilliant modern take on traditional French bistro cuisine. Serving an outrageously affordable fixed-course gastronomic menu (€48), the tiny Art Deco bistro serves ever-changing creations such as porcini mushroom foie gras, marinated Coquilles St Jacques scallops with cream of caviar, and for dessert a chilled aromatic broth of wild strawberries and watermelon; or the devastatingly rich pot de creme with Valrhona chocolate. As a glimmer of hope for those without a booking, you can also arrive (very) early for the no-bookings Friday and Saturday night tables. Otherwise, the restaurant serves a delectable casual bistro-style menu during the day, where the outdoor terrace tables on the busy Carrefour de l'Odéon are superb for people-watching. The Relais du Comptoir team have also recently opened another casual wine & tapas bar just next door called L’Avant Comptoir, which is a fantastic place to stand and enjoy some exquisite charcuterie, snacks and an inexpensive glass of wine while waiting for a table next door.
