You wouldn’t expect fine dining in Belleville – probably the coolest arrondissement in Paris. This is a long way away from the Eiffel Tower and the Place de La Concorde but worth every minute it takes you to get there.
Translating as ‘tables’ in Latin, Mensae is the debut opening from 23-year-old Kevin D’Andréa, who was a finalist on 2015 French TV competition ‘Top Chef’. With its trendy ceiling lights, wooden tables and white walls decorated with hanging saucepans, the décor doesn’t stand out, but the food – predominantly traditional French dishes with a modern twist – is very impressive. The kitchen specialises in sharing plates, such as frogs’ legs with garlic and parsley served in a saucepan, which is simple but perfectly done, or a comforting dish of pork cheeks cooked in a brilliantly potent stew and flanked by a side of creamy polenta.  Little Tipp: Go for lunch. For 20 Euros you get an amazing feast. 19th arrondissement – you rock.