Tasty Parisian Tartines
Traditionally little more than a ficelle sawed in half and slathered with butter, the modern-day tartine has taken on new life. No longer simply just a stopgap accompaniment with the morning café crème, today's tartines have become a tasty, versatile, everyman's snack: open-faced sandwiches stacked with everything from goat cheese and tomato, or smoked chicken and avocado, to a dessert treat slathered in crème de marrons or Nutella. Munch them anytime from midday to midnight at these Parisian addresses.
Le Potager du Père Thierry
16, Rue des Trois Frères
75018 18ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
Seating around 20, this family-run restaurant has proven itself popular with the student crowd courtesy of its simple menu and great prices: eat well for around €15, … just don't forget to book. Tartines are served up on pain Poilâne, running the gamut from warm goat cheese, tomato, and bacon, to an open-faced sandwich of apricot jam, foie gras, and salad. [link]
Le Pain Quotidien
18, Place du Marché Saint-Honoré
75001 1er Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
Synonymous with the Sunday brunch, the Belgian chain is also justifiably known for its creative take on the classic tartine: a melange of hummus, tuna, tomato, lemon, … and olive oil. Toppings are fresh and tasty, and the bread (made from organic flour by the group itself) is sturdy enough to sustain the weight of deliciously stacked ingredients. The restaurant's setting, with its rustic communal tables, brings to mind an appropriate picnic aesthetic. The group has multiple addresses across the city. [link]
Le Garde-Robe
41, Rue de l'Arbre Sec
75001 1er Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
Two-parts wine shop to one-part restaurant, Le Garde-Robe is nonetheless an address to hit for make 'em as you go tartines. What's that, we hear you ask? Put in an order … for the delectable charcuterie platter and stack the accompanying bread with everything from plump capers and Serrano ham, to lusciously oily sardines and mackerel. A meal including platter and glass of wine will set you back just €12. [link]
La Cuisine de Bar
3, Rue du Cherche-Midi
75006 6ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
One for the tartine purists, La Cuisine de Bar offers just that: a bar-style kitchen comprising just four-toaster ovens and a coffee machine churning out gorgeous … open-faced sweet and savory sandwiches to an über-stylish, Bon Marché crowd. The space is intimate and chic with just the right blend of white space and stainless steel. And the best bit? The bread. Located right next door to the famed Poilâne bakery, the slices of chewy sourdough taste like they're right from the baker's oven. [link]
Bread and Roses
7, Rue de Fleurus
75006 6ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
Little wooden outdoor tables, fresh roses scattered in miniature vases, a celeb following (keep an eye out for Catherine Deneuve), and beautiful breads and pastries made … from organic flours by traditional methods: when it comes to scoring points, stylish boulangerie Bread and Roses ticks all the right boxes. When it comes to tartines, however, we're taking a little leeway. Though not strictly presented in the mold of an open-faced sandwich, the bakery's savory-topped, puff pastry tarts just about qualify. Think golden pastry stacked with mozzarella, tomatoes and olives, or housemade tapenade and anchovies. [link]
