Chez Mamane

The cuisine at Chez Mamane represents North African cooking at its most authentic and satisfying. Under Fawzi's stewardship, the restaurant continues the culinary traditions passed down from his father, maintaining the exacting standards that have made this establishment a reference point for Algerian food in Paris. Couscous reigns supreme on the menu, and rightfully so—this is where Chez Mamane truly excels. The semolina achieves that ideal texture that separates exceptional couscous from the ordinary: light, fluffy, and perfectly separated, never gummy or clumped. Each grain seems to have been individually blessed with just the right amount of moisture and butter, creating a foundation that's simultaneously delicate and substantial. The broth deserves its reputation as potentially the best in Paris. Rich, aromatic, and deeply flavorful, it's the result of slow cooking and careful seasoning, with layers of spice that warm without overwhelming. This isn't a one-note broth; it's complex, nuanced, and utterly comforting—the kind that makes you understand why couscous has sustained families and communities for generations. The protein options showcase quality and variety. The couscous poulet (€11) features tender, well-seasoned chicken that falls off the bone. The lamb in the couscous royal (€17) is succulent and flavorful, while the merguez sausages deliver the perfect amount of spice and snap. Vegetables—typically including carrots, turnips, zucchini, and chickpeas—are cooked to ideal tenderness, absorbing the broth's flavors while maintaining their integrity. Beyond couscous, the menu features other North African specialties, all prepared with the same attention to authenticity and quality. The meal concludes beautifully with traditional Maghrebi pastries—honey-soaked delicacies that provide the perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory main courses—accompanied by fragrant mint tea served in the traditional manner. Every element of the menu reflects a commitment to preserving and celebrating the genuine flavors of Algeria, executed with skill and served with pride.