Gilou

The heights of Buttes Chaumont, the 19th arrondissement, a small street, a stone's throw from the park which could have remained a secret, a former butcher's shop... This is where Dan Humphris and Chris Woolard set up their bistro. A yellow door that slams shut and catches the eye, checkered tablecloths, a cleverly hidden terrace on the first floor, 70's friezes, natural wines, and, on the plate, honest offerings from the neck up. At Gilou's, the approach is generous and sincere, without being overly pretentious, playing it classic with just the right twist ma non troppo, having fun with a few classics (in fine weather, the pan con tomate, Cantabrian anchovies was a must) and distracting with a few surprising trips back and forth between Spain, Italy, Great Britain and France without ever falling into the trap of fusion cuisine. A cool bistro, equally suited to lunch for two or dinner with the tribe.