Hidden Gems of Paris: Cafe L’Industrie Brasserie, a Traditional French Restaurant in Bastille

Café de L’Industrie Brasserie is a traditional French restaurant known for its retro bistro décor and convivial atmosphere. The menu features classic, generously portioned dishes from the French terroir—think steak frites, braised lamb, and crème brûlée—served from morning through late night. Often overlooked, it’s a reliable spot for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch in the vibrant Bastille District.

My tour guide suggested I try Café de L’Industrie Brasserie, which is located in the Bastille District of the 11th arrondissement of Paris, saying that while it was often overlooked, it was affordable yet very much in the style of a traditional Parisian cafe or bistro.

The Menu

The menu at Cafè L’Industrie is rich in variety and reasonably priced. They have a formule déjeuner, which includes inclusive lunch menus offered at a very affordable rate. Furthermore, there is a full-service bar that can provide anything from hard liquor and wines to regular drinks and the usual coffee choices.

Here, a plethora of your favorite French meals awaits, featuring 6 Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy Snails), Tourte de Canard (Duck Pie), Filets de Hareng (Herring Filets), and Boudin Noir aux Deux Pommes (black pudding with two apples).

My Meal at Cafe L’Industrie Brasserie

Considering it was an especially warm day, I chose to kick off my meal with a dry martini, shaken, and without an olive.

For fans of the film Auntie Mame, young Patrick remarked to his Trustee, Mr. Dwight Babcock: “Auntie Mame doesn’t enjoy olives in her martinis; they occupy too much space in such a tiny glass.”

While I disregarded Auntie Mame’s suggestion to stir the gin—I favor mine ice cold with plenty of crystals, especially on a sweltering day—I also chose to break with dining convention and enjoy their Trois Parts de Fromage au Choix, which is usually served after the main course (or with wine).

First Course

The Trois Parts de Fromage au Choix featured bread along with three distinct types of cheese: a fresh goat’s cheese log, Brie de Meaux AOP, and a Cantal nestled between two AOPs.

I found that pairing these cheeses with the martini was an excellent choice, as the gin’s flavor beautifully enhanced the tangy and creamy textures of the cheeses.

Blogger’s Note: In France, AOP stands for “Appellation d’Origine Protégée” (Protected Designation of Origin). It’s a certification that guarantees products like cheese are made using traditional methods in their region of origin.

Main Course

For my main course, I chose the Poitrine de cochon Gratin de coquillettes à la crème de champignons et truffes.

This dish showcased a pork belly paired with a pasta shell gratin, all wrapped in a rich mushroom and truffle cream.

The pork belly boasted a pleasantly crispy exterior, which rendered the inside tender and succulent.

A gentle drizzle of a bold sauce added to the flavor profile. The pasta shell gratin was rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor.

After indulging in such a lavish meal, I felt prepared to stroll in the refreshing evening breeze. Although they had a wonderful selection of desserts, my mouth was craving some sorbet and I knew just where to go next.

The Ambiance & Service at Cafe L’Industrie Brasserie

Cafè L’Industrie exuded a charming lack of pretension. Its decor was a delightful medley of Parisian artifacts, evoking the feeling of spending time with a cherished eccentric relative.

Although the furnishings didn’t match or coordinate, they came together to form an aesthetic that encourages diners to linger and relish their meal, free from the concern of others’ judgments.

I found the service to be refreshingly efficient, still giving diners enough space and time to fully enjoy their meals.

The Verdict

In summary, I would say that the recommendation from one of my tour guides to check this place out was excellent; I genuinely feel like I discovered a hidden gem at Cafè L’Industrie Brasserie.

I found the service to be refreshingly efficient. Although I stumbled into a few faux pas when I arrived, the staff were warm, courteous, and made me feel right at home.

Even though the dining area was reasonably busy, I noticed how the staff worked hard to meet everyone’s needs while still giving them the space and time to fully enjoy their meals.

The Location & How to Get There

Café de L’Industrie is just a short stroll from Bréguet–Sabin metro station (Line 5). Exit the station and head southwest along Rue Bréguet. After a two-minute walk, turn right onto Rue Saint-Sabin—the café is nestled on your left at number 16.

If you’re coming from Bastille station (Lines 1, 5, or 8), enjoy a scenic 7-minute walk northeast along Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, then turn left onto Rue Saint-Sabin.

Discover the Bastille District!

Once the epicenter of revolutionary fervor, the Bastille District has evolved into one of Paris’s most dynamic and authentic neighborhoods.

Centered around Place de la Bastille, where the infamous prison once stood, the area now pulses with creative energy, independent boutiques, and a thriving food and nightlife scene.

Nearby Hotel

Housed in a Belle Époque–style building with Haussmann-inspired architecture, the Holiday Inn Paris – Gare de Lyon Bastille offers a refined stay just steps from the Gare de Lyon.

Behind its ornate façade, the hotel features 128 rooms and holds a 4-star rating. A daily breakfast buffet is served in a stylish dining room. The cocktail bar, named Bar 1913, offers a relaxed setting for evening drinks. CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

Call to Action

If you’ve uncovered a hidden gem in Paris (or elsewhere in your travels), we invite you to share your experience in the comments. And if you have enjoyed this review of Cafe L’Industrie Brasserie, please share it with fellow travelers and epicureans on social media. Let’s build a community through travel – one bite at a time!

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