Benoit

One of the institutions on the Parisian bistro scene, now taken over by Ducasse, but still emphasizing the tradition in the cuisine francaise. The menu is not surprising and does not aim to be so either. The interior very charming and more welcoming than indicated by the pulsating location in Rue Saint-Martin, not too far away from Les Halles. Waiters are impeccably dressed, and even behaved, and English is noticeably customary for a classical French bistro. So the food... obviously overpriced. And perhaps the chef's attention to elaborate collations is higher than on the less fancy but hearty bistro food.  A number of dishes are nicely presented and very tasty (although still to the classical and very heavy side), but others less so, ending up being pretentious and trivial. A plain countryside dish such as cassoulet could be heavenly, but is simply not. Wines are well selected, but the price-value ratio is not decent and considerably below average. All in all, a decent experience, but you'll find better bistros in Paris for half the price...

www.benoit-paris.com

Jaja

JaJa labels themselves as a restaurant of "sympathetic kitchen and wine". Located in the very heart of Marais, the place is most often crowded and lively, full of people. Although the crowd is often rather touristy, some locals also drop by to add to the authenticity. The place is designed to be unpretentiously good, and do deliver on this, somewhat, overall. The wines are good, but too expensive for the food. A small court yard terrace adds to the charm, both summer and winter.

www.jaja-resto.com

Claude Colliot

A somewhat fancy place, yet a very good address in the heart of Marais, not far away from the market place. With an upscale kitchen, serving interesting, innovative and seasonal French food, this place is good. For example, the open sea oyster sorbet was at the same time delicate, funny and tasty. The wines are excellent and the staff is very warm and accommodating.

www.claudecolliot.com

Posetto - the Italian ice cream stop

Posetto makes ice cream. Good ice cream. In the heart of Marais, not far from Saint Paul, these Italians have created a small but exquisite  ice cream shop. Young beautiful Italian girls will smile endearing, while you offer one of the few but well chosen flavors they serve. I would recommend to go for what Italians do well, the coffee ice cream is excellent. 

www.pozzetto.biz