La Rosace

A wet afternoon stroll around the Notre-Dame led to a lunchtime visit to La Rosace. La Rosace does not stand out from other restaurants along the street; with a red hood, outdoor + indoor seating, and a take-away stand for passer-by’s, we learnt to never judge a book by its cover…

A bustling café, situated opposite the Notre-Dame, we were quickly seated and our order taken. The menu covered a variety of cuisines, from typical Western to delicate French dishes – and everything in between. The option of full meals and lighter bites were pleasant and ideal for its location. Additionally, the separate takeaway counter was advantageous for customers who merely want to grab a bite on their way to the next attraction. Nevertheless, passer-by’s were still spoilt for choice: from crepes and ice cream to sandwiches and baguettes.

Opting for a hot dog with cheese, a traditional croque-monsieur, fries, two hot chocolates and concluding in crepes, we were ravenous and La Rosace did not disappoint. The hot dog was served in a crusty French baguette, with a generous handful of grated cheddar and a foot-long frankfurter sausage; it was filling and succulent. The croque-monsieur was gently toasted, topped liberally with grated cheese and full of mouth-watering ham and thick slices of cheese. A side of fries: a crispy coating and a soft and fluffy centre. Our chocolat chauds were rich, with frothing milk on the surface. A perfect accompaniment to crepes with a generous helping of luxurious chocolate spread and diced bananas. The perfect meal to set us up for our final evening in Paris.

Our servers were, admittedly, rushed off their feet with the buzzing atmosphere of tourists and locals alike. Nonetheless, our meals were provided swiftly and any additional orders we had were taken with a smile. Our bill was reasonably priced, and this was dealt with promptly.

Conclusively, La Rosace is definitely a café to return to – whether this be for an indulgent lunch or a quick chocolat chauds. Try to visit outside of peak times to obtain the best table, and most relaxing service, as unfortunately the café was cramped and this could spoil your visit if you’re seated undesirably.

Location: 4/5 Menu: 5/5 Food+Drink: 5/5 Servers: 4/5

Total: 18.5/20

Restaurant: La Rosace

8 Rue du Cloître-Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris, France