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The name says it all: Mon Vieil Ami, or "My Old Friend", operates under the sign of friendship and friendliness. You don't have to be a regular to feel welcome in this elegant American-style bistro right in the heart of Paris: the friendly staff and inviting space will make you feel right at home.
The space is quite small but very well used: high ceilings with rafters give it a medieval feel, but the room is decorated with a modern touch, everything revolving around a gigantic bouquet of lilies right in the middle of the room. The room is divided in two: on the left, there is a large communal table, where people of different parties sit next to each other. It makes for a very convivial dinner, but if you prefer to spend a romantic moment, you can specify that you prefer an individual table in the other section of the room.
The chef takes pride in his vegetable creations: the veggie is the centerpoint of every dish (this is not a vegetarian restaurant however, even though there are many vegetarian options). The flavors are often paired in the most unusual and interesting way, at all stages of the meal, ranging from the apéritif (where you can find a white vermouth and basil cocktail, or a rosé wine mixed with lime juice) all the way to the dessert (with delicious combinations such as peach and verbena, or apricot and thyme). When the blending of flavors is less daring, it is for surprising re-creations of more conventional dishes: for example, the gazpacho is served in a plate half-filled with a clear tomato jelly. All in all, it makes for a very intriguing menu, but where everything is delicious (and made with fresh, quality products purchased from the upscale food stores on the street).
The staff, who speaks outstanding English and will be happy to bring you an English menu, provides outstanding service, friendly and attentive but non-invasive. You're welcome to take your time to enjoy a bottle of their fine selection of wine, before going on a romantic stroll around the island or hopping over to Ile de la Cité to see Notre Dame all lit up at night.
Dinner at Mon Vieil Ami are a bit pricey, but certainly not overpriced (unlike many of the tourist traps on the same street). The quality of the food, the atmosphere and the service makes if well worth it.
Reservations are strongly recommended, as this restaurant is quite popular and fairly small. And be sure to check out www.mon-vieil-ami.com (the web site has an English version), which has the recipes for some of its delicious creations!
Bon appétit!
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