Very popular with locals, Au Trou Gascon is a Michelin Guide–listed restaurant offering a refined gastronomic experience at an accessible price.
Au Trou Gascon has been open since 1973. It was founded by Gascon chef Alain Dutournier, who led the restaurant for nearly 50 years.
The restaurant preserves the atmosphere of an elegant bourgeois bistro, with vintage photographs, decorative mouldings, and a classic cocktail bar.
Recently renovated, it now features a contemporary touch, most notably an open kitchen. This open kitchen is a true homage to culinary artistry, allowing guests to witness the beauty and precision of the chefs’ movements.
Breaking with the traditional image of a restaurant led by a male chef, Au Trou Gascon is now run by a predominantly female team.
Address: 40 Rue Taine, 75012 Paris
Getting there: Metro line 6, Daumesnil Station
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday. Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Nearby: A traditional market is held every Tuesday and Friday morning at Place Félix Éboué.
Au Trou Gascon is a Michelin Guide–listed restaurant that has preserved its authenticity, with the majority of its clientele made up of locals. This loyalty is partly due to the restaurant’s commitment to accessible gastronomy, exemplified by a set lunch menu (starter, main course, dessert) priced at just €30. For a more intimate experience, guests can also visit in the evening for an à la carte dinner.
The menu reflects the culinary sensibilities of the team, who favors fusion influences and places strong emphasis on vegetarian cuisine. The menu consistently offers two choices each for starters, main courses, and desserts, with at least one vegetarian option in every course.
The Chefs modern and uninhibited approach brings together vegetables, spices, exotic condiments, and the richness of sauces, all built around main ingredients sourced locally.
The menu changes weekly and is strongly guided by the seasons. During our visit, we tried the following starters:
Royale de cresson, broccoli, mimolette emulsion, crispy chili oil – a truly unique dish, blending traditional European inspiration with an Asian twist through its gentle spiciness.
Effiloché de morue, confit egg yolk, shoestring potatoes, coriander, and green pepper – as visually stunning as it was delicious.
The vegetarian main course was Spinach Knödel with browned butter, black garlic, lemon, and mushroom dashi—a sophisticated and comforting dish.
The meat option, Pork Shank with BBQ leeks, smoked yogurt, limequat, and almonds, offered a masterful blend of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors—a truly elevated culinary experience built on a traditional recipe.
Dessert is the crowning moment of the meal. The choice is usually between a selection of French cheeses and a unique creation. That week, the special was a caramel pudding with herb sorbet and blood orange curd—a truly unforgettable experience for the taste buds!
Author and photos: O'bon Paris Team