Champotes

Champotes's cuisine represents the evolution of Parisian bistronomic dining—a style that brings Michelin-starred technique and precision to approachable, comfort-focused dishes built around exceptional ingredients. The chefs, trained in top-tier kitchens, apply their refined skills not to create elaborate, showy plates but to elevate straightforward preparations that let quality products shine. This philosophy results in food that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying, technical yet never fussy.

The menu demonstrates this approach beautifully across its offerings. The tartare de bar showcases the kitchen's respect for pristine ingredients—impeccably fresh sea bass prepared with just enough intervention to highlight its delicate flavor and silky texture. It's the kind of dish that appears simple but requires real skill and judgment to execute perfectly. The saucisse au piment d'Espelette takes humble sausage and transforms it through quality sourcing and the judicious use of Basque pepper, creating something that honors bistro tradition while elevating it with refinement and care.

The filet de boeuf Chateaubriand represents the kitchen's mastery of classic French technique. This is a preparation that demands precision—proper sourcing of excellent beef, careful cooking to achieve the ideal texture, and thoughtful accompaniment to complement the meat's richness. That Champotes offers this level of execution at their price point speaks to their commitment to delivering genuine value alongside quality.

Beyond these signature dishes, the menu reflects a broader philosophy of simple, comforting cuisine focused on good products. You'll find dishes that feel familiar and reassuring—the kind of food you want to eat regularly rather than save for special occasions—but prepared with a level of care and technique that elevates them beyond ordinary bistro fare. The kitchen clearly understands that refinement doesn't require complexity; sometimes the most sophisticated cooking is knowing when to step back and let great ingredients speak for themselves.

The restaurant's selection of carefully aged cheeses deserves special mention as it reflects the same attention to sourcing and quality evident throughout the menu. Rather than offering a perfunctory cheese course, Champotes treats fromage with the respect it deserves in French gastronomy, providing properly matured selections that offer a satisfying conclusion to your meal.

With lunch menus starting at €25 and dinner menus from €27, Champotes delivers remarkable value for this level of cooking. These prices make bistronomic-quality cuisine accessible for regular dining rather than reserving it for special occasions—a democratic approach that has clearly resonated with the neighborhood, as evidenced by the restaurant's stellar ratings and the recommendation to book ahead. The kitchen also accommodates vegetarian diners with several thoughtful options, ensuring that the focus on quality ingredients and refined preparation extends across dietary preferences.