Paris Restaurants: Tastiest Takeout in the 2nd Arrondissement
Wed 17 Jul 2013
At most Paris restaurants, asking for a doggie bag to pack up the rest of a meal unfortunately still amounts to a culinary slap in the face. While the French have remained notoriously unwilling to adapt to their clientele’s changing lifestyle, a handful of Paris (ethnic) kitchens have embraced concepts such as doggie bags and takeout with relative ease. The following lineup focuses on the trendsetters in the 2nd Arrondissement. So whether you’re on the go, glued to your couch for the evening or planning a picnic or meal alfresco, this selection of restaurants will accommodate your plans without ignoring your taste buds.
L de Liza
Photo via amusemabouche.com.
14, rue de la Banque. 01 55 35 00 66.
Open Mon–Fri, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Experience a refreshing taste of contemporary Lebanese cuisine at this petite sandwicherie, the annex to the larger and more pompous restaurant Liza’s. Open only during lunch hours, L de Liza serves up a variety of Lebanese sandwiches and wraps that pack quality and flavor in every bite.
Photo via amusemabouche.com.
We suggest any of the manakiches, wraps baked with a thin layer of ground meat, herbs, or sometimes cheese. Our favorite is the zesty Kafta, consisting of pita-like bread coated with ground lamb, parsley and onion, and filled with tomatoes, pickles and hummus. If you’re in the mood for something less hearty, try the delightful club végétarien, garnished with a fun combination of thyme, olive oil, fresh cheese, mint and tomatoes. Skip the formule, as the pita bread is bland and the included desserts are less than mind blowing.
Il Campionissimo Caffè
98, rue Montmartre. 01 40 26 91 98.
Open daily, noon–2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.–11 p.m.
At this pizza parlor, culinary creativity meets the importance of good fundamentals. In fact, every pizza starts with dough that has been carefully fabricated, matured and paired with only the freshest ingredients before being blasted with an inventive twist such as foie gras or fennel compote.
Photo via pitchef.com.
No wonder that the Arlecchino, an ingenious combination of foie gras, Montagna ham and Parmesan served on a bed of fig chutney, fresh pears and mozzarella placed second in the annual world-wide pizza competition. The caffè is not to be confused with the restaurant, also located in the 2nd Arrondissement.
Monthaï
84, rue Montorgueil. 01 42 36 40 25.
Open daily, noon–3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Since this self-proclaimed street food canteen set up shop on the rue Montorgueil, the main artery of the 2nd Arrondissement, it has taken an open-minded approach to serving up yummy Thai dishes. Patrons can even place their orders for takeout or delivery online.
Photo via chococook.org.
If you opt for a formule, skip the vapid salads and grab a dessert instead; we suggest the raspberry or mango perles de tapioca. If your spice tolerance is high, consider asking for additional piment on the side—the French are wary of spicy foods, forcing ethnic restaurants to tone down the more pungent dishes.
Bolly Nan
Photo via Parisian Touch.
12, rue des Petits Carreaux. 01 45 08 40 51.
Open Mon–Sat, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Just north of Monthaï, where the rue Montorgueil becomes the rue des Petits Carreaux, Bolly Nan’s all-organic approach to Indian cuisine has been satisfying economically conscious bellies for a few years. At this hip minicanteen, customers can watch their cheese (or even Nutella) naans being handcrafted and cooked in an authentic tandoor oven. The selection of main courses varies from salmon tandoori to chicken tikka, and can be transformed into a formule with two sides for about 10 euros. Again, grab some extra spices if you like it hot! Don’t forget to try one of the delicious homemade lassis; you can choose rose, banana, mango or salt.
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