It had been a number of years since my last visit to the restaurant 404 in the Marais, so I wasn't sure if the experience would be the same. I had actually thought for a while that they were no longer there, probably after a guest told me so but turns out they were more likely at the wrong location. So when I was looking for a restaurant to go to one evening I thought why not take a trip north of the Sahara to warm me and my belly up.
The restaurant 404 derives its name from the old Peugeot 404 - a once very popular car in North Africa. Be ready for a complete dépaysaisement as they say in French as you are transported a place beyond the French borders. It's a mouth watering settings with a very authentic decor. Perfect to get you in the right mood for this culinary adventure. Space is a bit cramped however but then again this is Paris after all.
They have an outside terrace if you wish to dine al fresco but for the real deal, I would say you need to stay inside in the subdued lighting for a one-way ticket to fine dining restaurants of Marrakesh or Casablanca. Kitsch perhaps but rightly so. 404 also has a bar that you can access just behind the terrace, called Andy Wahloo.
We started off with our customary glass of champagne. What can I say, I love my bubbles. A few salty snacks of marinated vegetables were offered to us to whet our appetites. We then ordered appetizers of briouat (filled pastries) & stuffed sardines.
The smells alone are enough to get your mouth salivating. The main event were or main-courses of the mighy Mechoui Couscous and my lamb tagine. I love tagine and I love lamb. Put the two together and wow! This time I took the lamb, green pea and artichoke tagine nothing but a plate of goodness.
There's no better way to top off a Moroccan meal than with mint tea.
I'm happy to report that this wonderful restaurant hasn't changed. It's still just as good as I remember and if I can't make it to see my friends in Morocco at least I can have a fabulous meal in an amazing setting in Paris.
Bon appetit!
Restaurant 404
69, rue des Gravilliers
75003 Paris
+33 (0)1 42 74 57 81
Open every day: Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 2:30 PM; Saturday and Sunday from 12PM to 4 PM; Dinner Monday to Sunday from 7:30 PM till 11:30 PM
They have an outside terrace if you wish to dine al fresco but for the real deal, I would say you need to stay inside in the subdued lighting for a one-way ticket to fine dining restaurants of Marrakesh or Casablanca. Kitsch perhaps but rightly so. 404 also has a bar that you can access just behind the terrace, called Andy Wahloo.
We started off with our customary glass of champagne. What can I say, I love my bubbles. A few salty snacks of marinated vegetables were offered to us to whet our appetites. We then ordered appetizers of briouat (filled pastries) & stuffed sardines.
The smells alone are enough to get your mouth salivating. The main event were or main-courses of the mighy Mechoui Couscous and my lamb tagine. I love tagine and I love lamb. Put the two together and wow! This time I took the lamb, green pea and artichoke tagine nothing but a plate of goodness.
There's no better way to top off a Moroccan meal than with mint tea.
I'm happy to report that this wonderful restaurant hasn't changed. It's still just as good as I remember and if I can't make it to see my friends in Morocco at least I can have a fabulous meal in an amazing setting in Paris.
Bon appetit!
Restaurant 404
69, rue des Gravilliers
75003 Paris
+33 (0)1 42 74 57 81
Open every day: Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 2:30 PM; Saturday and Sunday from 12PM to 4 PM; Dinner Monday to Sunday from 7:30 PM till 11:30 PM
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Never eaten in a Moroccon restaurant .. this looks fab and the food delicious :-)
ReplyDeleteNow's a good time to try some and this is a great place to start. Already I also recommend Morocco. : )
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