Café les Deux Gares

Cuisine

Seasonal French bistrot cuisine featuring locally sourced, organic ingredients and creative preparations from morning pastries to evening classics.

The Vibe

A relaxed yet refined neighborhood bistrot where locals and travelers mingle in a convivial atmosphere from morning coffee to midnight drinks.

Café les Deux Gares strikes that perfect balance between casual neighborhood hangout and destination dining spot. The atmosphere shifts naturally throughout the day—mornings bring a quieter, café-like ambiance with locals stopping in for breakfast, while lunch service buzzes with the energy of a proper Parisian bistrot. By evening, the space transforms into a more intimate setting where the warm lighting and Art Deco details create an inviting backdrop for leisurely dinners.

The proximity to two major train stations gives the place a cosmopolitan edge—you'll find a mix of neighborhood regulars, hotel guests from the adjacent Hôtel des Deux Gares, and travelers discovering the area. Yet despite this transient element, the restaurant maintains a distinctly local feel, functioning as a genuine neighborhood gathering spot rather than a tourist trap.

The service style reinforces this welcoming vibe—professional and knowledgeable without being stuffy, direct and informative in true Parisian fashion. The non-stop service means you're never rushed; whether you're lingering over a glass of natural wine at 4 PM or settling in for a late dinner, the space accommodates your pace. The sunny terrace adds another dimension during warmer months, offering prime people-watching opportunities and extending the convivial atmosphere outdoors.

Decoration

Luke Edward Hall's playful Art Deco design brings bold colors and sophisticated whimsy to this chic bistrot setting.

British designer Luke Edward Hall has created a space that feels both contemporary and timeless, drawing inspiration from Art Deco while adding his signature playful touch. The design features bold, vibrant colors that energize the space without overwhelming it—think rich jewel tones and striking contrasts that catch the eye while maintaining sophistication.

The Art Deco influences appear in the geometric patterns, elegant lines, and attention to decorative details that give the space its character. Hall's design sensibility brings a certain British eccentricity to the Parisian bistrot format, resulting in a look that feels fresh and distinctive without trying too hard to be trendy.

The space maintains the essential elements of bistrot design—comfortable seating, good lighting, and a layout that encourages both intimate conversations and lively group gatherings. The careful attention to detail extends throughout, from the tableware to the lighting fixtures, creating a cohesive aesthetic that enhances rather than distracts from the dining experience.

The sunny terrace offers a different aesthetic experience, opening the restaurant to the street life of the 10th arrondissement and providing a more casual, outdoor dining atmosphere that complements the interior's polished design.

Uniqueness

An all-day dining destination where Luke Edward Hall's distinctive design meets seasonal French cuisine and natural wines in the heart of the 10th arrondissement.

What distinguishes Café les Deux Gares from countless other Parisian bistrots is its successful integration of multiple elements that each could stand alone as selling points. The Luke Edward Hall design immediately sets it apart—his work is recognized internationally, and having him create a restaurant interior in Paris brings a fresh perspective to bistrot aesthetics. The bold Art Deco-inspired design creates an Instagram-worthy backdrop without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

The all-day service model represents a more progressive approach to restaurant operations than traditional Parisian establishments. Being able to order breakfast until 3 PM, enjoy grignotages between services, and settle in for drinks until midnight makes the restaurant genuinely useful to the neighborhood rather than just a twice-daily dining destination. This flexibility feels particularly relevant in a location near major train stations, where travelers and locals alike appreciate options beyond rigid meal times.

The commitment to natural wines, local sourcing, and organic ingredients positions the restaurant within contemporary food culture while maintaining bistrot accessibility. You're not paying gastronomic prices for this philosophy—lunch menus at 22-26 euros represent genuine value for this quality level in Paris.

The location itself, while not traditionally glamorous, has become increasingly dynamic. The 10th arrondissement has evolved into one of Paris's more interesting neighborhoods, and being near the Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est means the restaurant serves both a local community and an international clientele without catering exclusively to either.

The connection to the Hôtel des Deux Gares adds another layer—the restaurant functions independently but benefits from the hotel's four-star standards and guest traffic, creating a more stable business model that allows for consistent quality and service.

Insider Tips

Reserve ahead for lunch and dinner, but take advantage of the all-day service for spontaneous visits—breakfast until 3 PM and grignotages anytime offer flexibility most Parisian restaurants don't.

Reservations are strongly recommended for traditional lunch (12:15-14:00) and dinner (19:30-22:00) services, as the restaurant has built a solid local following. You can book through their Zenchef system online or call +33 1 85 73 11 83. However, one of the restaurant's best-kept secrets is its flexibility outside these peak times.

If you're a late riser or want a leisurely breakfast, take advantage of their à la carte breakfast service that runs until 3 PM—this is rare in Paris, where most cafés stop serving breakfast by 11 AM or noon. The house-made sandwiches available throughout the day make for an excellent light lunch if you've missed the formal service or prefer something simpler.

The grignotages menu (9-17 euros) offers excellent value for wine lovers who want to settle in for a glass or two without committing to a full meal. The anchois, rillettes, and charcuterie selections pair beautifully with the natural wine list and allow you to experience the kitchen's quality at a lower price point.

For the best terrace experience, aim for late afternoon or early evening when the sun hits the space perfectly and you can watch the neighborhood come alive. The terrace fills quickly during good weather, so arriving slightly before peak times increases your chances of securing an outdoor table.

Saturday opening is at 10 AM rather than 9 AM, so plan accordingly if you're hoping for an early weekend breakfast. The restaurant is closed Sundays—a traditional choice that's worth noting if you're planning a weekend visit.

The natural wine selection is a highlight, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations. The staff is knowledgeable and can guide you toward bottles that match your preferences and your meal.

Given the proximity to major train stations, the restaurant can be particularly useful if you're arriving in Paris by train and want a quality meal before checking into your accommodation, or if you need a civilized spot near the stations before departure.

Must-try Dishes

Moules de Groix, Cuisse de poulet croustillant, Crème brûlée, House-made sandwiches, Natural wine selection