Paris 17 · Traditional cuisine · Outdoor Seating
A neighborhood seafood haven serving impeccably fresh fish and shellfish with authentic French preparation in the heart of the 17th arrondissement.
Featured on
TheFork InsiderThe full story
Ocean-fresh seafood and fish prepared with French expertise, from delicate razor clams to impressive multi-tiered plateaux.
The cuisine at Chez Simon centers entirely on fruits de mer and fish, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to marine gastronomy. This is seafood-focused dining in the French tradition, where the quality of the raw ingredients and the precision of classic preparations create memorable meals. The restaurant's signature dish, couteaux à la persillade, demonstrates their approach perfectly. Razor clams—those elegant, elongated bivalves prized for their sweet, tender meat—are prepared with the classic French combination of parsley, garlic, and butter. It's a preparation that enhances without overwhelming, allowing the natural flavor of the shellfish to remain the star. This philosophy extends throughout the menu, where fresh fish receives expert treatment that respects the integrity of each species. The plateaux de fruits de mer represent another cornerstone of Chez Simon's offerings. These impressive arrangements bring together a variety of shellfish—oysters in their shells, clams, prawns, perhaps langoustines and crab—presented on ice in the grand French tradition. It's both a feast for the eyes and the palate, offering the pleasure of comparing different textures and flavors, the brininess of oysters against the sweetness of prawns, the delicate meat of clams alongside the richness of crab. Beyond these highlights, the menu features a selection of fish preparations that showcase seasonal catches and classic French techniques. The kitchen also accommodates vegetarian diners with dedicated options, though the heart of the menu remains firmly focused on what the ocean provides. Each dish reflects a respect for quality ingredients and time-tested preparation methods that have defined French seafood cuisine for generations.
A neighborhood seafood spot where the focus stays on the plate and the atmosphere remains unpretentious and welcoming.
Chez Simon cultivates the atmosphere of a genuine neighborhood seafood restaurant, where the emphasis remains on the quality of what you're eating rather than elaborate staging or trendy ambiance. The vibe here is straightforward and honest—this is a place that lets its seafood do the talking, creating an environment where diners can focus on the pleasure of fresh fish and shellfish without distraction. The restaurant attracts a mix of local regulars who appreciate having a reliable seafood address in their neighborhood and visitors seeking authentic fruits de mer in a less touristy setting. There's a convivial quality to the space, the kind of comfortable atmosphere that encourages you to take your time over a seafood platter, perhaps with a crisp white wine, enjoying the simple satisfaction of well-prepared marine cuisine. It's the sort of place where you can come for a special seafood craving or a casual dinner with equal comfort, where the staff's knowledge of their products creates confidence and the overall experience feels genuine rather than manufactured.
The décor keeps things simple and functional, allowing the colorful seafood platters to provide the visual interest.
While specific details about Chez Simon's interior design aren't extensively documented, the restaurant likely follows the practical aesthetic common to traditional French seafood establishments. These spaces typically prioritize functionality and cleanliness—essential qualities when serving fresh fish and shellfish—over elaborate decorative schemes. You can expect an environment that feels appropriate for seafood dining: clean lines, practical surfaces that can handle the realities of shellfish service, and a layout that accommodates the presentation of those impressive seafood platters. The décor likely takes a supporting role, creating a comfortable backdrop that doesn't compete with the visual appeal of glistening oysters, bright prawns, and artfully arranged shellfish. This approach is entirely intentional—in a good seafood restaurant, the most beautiful thing in the room should be what's on your plate.
A dedicated seafood specialist in the 17th arrondissement offering authentic fruits de mer at accessible prices.
What sets Chez Simon apart is its unwavering focus on seafood in a neighborhood setting, combined with pricing that makes quality marine cuisine more accessible. In a city where seafood restaurants often command premium prices, particularly in more central or tourist-heavy areas, Chez Simon offers an alternative: serious seafood expertise in the residential 17th arrondissement at an average price point of 39€. The restaurant's specialization in fruits de mer and fish means they've honed their expertise in this specific domain. Rather than spreading their attention across multiple cuisine types, they've concentrated on mastering seafood preparation, from the delicate handling of shellfish to the precise cooking of various fish species. This focused approach typically translates to better quality and more consistent execution. The availability of promotional pricing through TheFork—offering 20% off the menu—further distinguishes Chez Simon as a value-conscious option for seafood lovers. This combination of specialization, neighborhood location, and accessible pricing creates a unique proposition: authentic French seafood dining without the premium typically associated with such cuisine in Paris. For those who know their seafood and appreciate quality preparation without unnecessary frills, Chez Simon represents a find worth seeking out in the 17th arrondissement.
Book through TheFork for 20% off, and don't skip the signature razor clams.
To make the most of your experience at Chez Simon, start by making a reservation, which is recommended for securing your table. More importantly, book through TheFork to take advantage of the 20% discount on the menu—a significant saving that makes the already reasonable 39€ average price even more attractive. When ordering, don't overlook the couteaux à la persillade, the restaurant's signature dish. Razor clams aren't always easy to find in Paris restaurants, and when prepared well with the classic persillade treatment, they're a true delicacy. If you're dining with others, consider sharing a plateau de fruits de mer to experience the full range of what Chez Simon does best—it's both a more economical way to sample multiple items and captures the convivial spirit of French seafood dining. Given the restaurant's focus on seafood, pairing your meal with a crisp white wine or Champagne will enhance the experience, as these classic accompaniments complement the briny, delicate flavors of shellfish and fish. Since specific opening hours aren't widely published, it's worth confirming timing when you make your reservation, particularly if you're planning a specific meal time.
Couteaux à la persillade, Plateau de fruits de mer
A taste of what awaits
Find your way there
You might also like
A Japanese fishmonger and restaurant in eastern Paris serving exceptional ikejime fish and royal chirashi bowls in a transformed post office setting.
A pioneering butcher shop championing sustainable farming and artisanal charcuterie across three Parisian locations since 2008.
A neighborhood épicerie fine and wine cave in the 17th arrondissement where eco-responsible French products meet passionate local producers through regular tasting events.
A neighborhood treasure where expert affineurs craft bespoke cheese platters with attentive service and an exceptional selection.
A family-run fromagerie in Pigalle showcasing exceptional farmhouse cheeses from Southwest France, including selections from their own family farm.
A family-run fromagerie since 1946, Chez Virginie offers over 150 varieties of artisanal raw milk cheeses from micro-producers, aged to perfection in specialized caves.
A confidential table d'hôte tucked behind a responsible butcher shop, serving exceptional French grilled meats sourced directly from hexagonal producers.
Timeout
A neighborhood fromagerie championing raw milk cheeses and artisan production, with two locations serving Paris's cheese lovers with expert guidance and seasonal selections.
