Parcelles Restaurant in Paris

Parcelles: a small house steeped in history

Rue Chapon has been frequented by regulars since 1936: local characters, artists, passing revellers, and, for decades, the loyal clientele of Taxi Jaune, a neighbourhood bistro in the purest Parisian tradition. In 2021, in the midst of lockdown, Sarah Michielsen and Bastien Fidelin set up here with their project, Parcelles, just a stone’s throw from their wine shop and delicatessen.

A bold move at the time, but the two partners knew the street well. What they brought was a deep passion for fine wines and quality produce, along with a keen attention to service — the true secret behind places that become part of a neighbourhood’s story.

The décor has barely changed. Exposed beams, old stone walls, large timeworn mirrors, mosaic tile flooring, immaculate white tablecloths. Everything is designed to make you feel at home.

On the plate

At Parcelles, you will enjoy traditional French cuisine. The menu is deliberately concise, with dishes changing regularly depending on arrivals and the chef’s inspiration. No overly elaborate plating: carefully selected ingredients, precise cooking, and combinations that surprise without trying too hard to impress.

Pressed pork knuckle, line-caught sea bass with spelt risotto and smoked eel sauce, dark chocolate tart with caramelised pecans… each dish tells a story. There is a clear intention behind every plate, a genuine reflection on balance, achieved with a subtlety that is perhaps the hardest thing to master.

The cellar: an obsession

Bastien Fidelin runs the eponymous wine shop opposite, and this is reflected in the wine list. It is undoubtedly one of the most compelling in the neighbourhood, with over 1,000 references focusing on independent winemakers and natural wines. You may opt for an accessible glass at the entry level, or venture into more confidential bottles, depending on your mood and the occasion. If you arrive without a reservation and the dining room is full — which happens often, the wine shop across the street makes for an excellent consolation. You can drink very well there in a more informal atmosphere while waiting for a table to become available.

How to get there from Hotel FABRIC

It’s about a ten-minute walk. Follow the Canal Saint-Martin, cross Place de la République, head into the historic Marais, and you’ll reach Rue Chapon with a healthy appetite.

Practical information

13 rue Chapon, Paris 3rd arrondissement — a 10-minute walk from Hotel Fabric. Open Tuesday to Friday, lunch and dinner.
Starters €12–25, mains €25–42, desserts €13–14.

Photo ©Pinar Kucuk - Unsplash