Au Comptoir de Brice

Inside one of the covered market places of the 10th district in Paris, you'll find a crowded, long, wooden counter, covering up an open kitchen. Good things are happening here. The place is rather unusual, a French restaurant serving excellent food from 12 to 18 all week days - that is, no semi-fascistoid time constraints implemented with provoking rigor, with lunch being served only between 12.30 and 13.15 or something similar... well, anyway. Although considerably more sophisticated than a mere market place counter, the place has the local ambiance, the high standards of quality, and the charming feel-good cosiness that just makes you want to stick around for yet another round of excellent food. Although the menu is limited, it's good - from the tasty and juicy cheese burgers to the delicate and well cooked veal liver. A few, but well selected, good wines by the glass; and a small crowd of warm staff, running around, smiling, despite even the more busy weekend buzz. A perfect Saturday afternoon hideout.

www.aucomptoirdebrice.com

Marche Bastille

This is one of the bigger markets of Paris. And where Parisians from the eastern part of the city go Sunday morning. Fresh product, lots of fruit and vegetables, but in varying quality so know what you're buying. One very good cheese producer from Normandy, and two good oyster families are traveling every week in the season from Marenne-Oleron at the coast. I do not buy meat here, but several small producers of different stuff, ranging from honey to rillettes are to be found. When wild mushrooms are collected, this is usually also a good place to buy them.

Marche des enfants rouges

An good but small, partly covered market, where the bobos of Paris check each other out and hang out.  An excellent cheese shop, and an equally good butcher is just outside the market at Rue de Bretagne. Inside, there are several small wine bars and very good lunch restaurants. A bit expensive, but generally good quality products.