La Bourse et La Vie, an upmarket bistro is helmed by chef Daniel Rose, who also brought Spring to fame. The 29-seats bistro is small and cozy, serving traditional French cuisine and reservations need to be made way in advance. There was a mix of tourists and locals while we were dining there and it proved to be a popular place with every table snapped up

Amuse Boche – Gougères

Baked savory choux pastry made of choux dough mixed with cheese. These gougères were so delicious the friend said it deserved a photo on its own. ha. I love the delicately baked pastry that was warm and crispy and complemented well with the savoury cheese beneath

Artichoke with Foie Gras €18

The friend was bent on having foie gras every meal and I was glad this foie gras terrine tasted much better than our last one. Smooth, creamier and less weird taste

Oysters with Gratin, Normandy Fresh Cream and Spinach €14

The oysters were really huge, too big for our mouth in fact. I thought the flavours were a little overwhelming. Very creamy and salty. I think I was full on just one

Pot-au-Feu €29

The veal stew was comforting, even more so cos the friend was sick and a nice hot stew was simply delightful. This traditional French veal stew contains various kind of meat, bone marrow and generous amount of vegetables and beautiful herbs. Love how tender and flavourful the veal was with a delicate pink in contrast

And comes with a side of crispy cheek topped with egg whites mixed with herbs and citron dressing. Simple, classic, elevated

Steak Frites & Salad €27

The steak was okay, though pretty famous for. Meat was tender, succulent and nicely done though I think there can be a little more seasoning to it. Fries were good but we were too full for them

Caramel Pudding €8

Even though we were really full, I cannot give up on desserts and boy I’m glad I didn’t. This crème caramel is undoubtedly one of the best in Paris or perhaps the best I have ever tasted. Give it a try!

La Bourse et La Vie uses cuisine bourgeoise bistro cooking with styles more refined and delicate and premium ingredients chosen to elevate the taste. It is a bistro worth considering if you are staying at the 2nd arrondissement. The food here is classic traditional French with flavours clear and precise and possibly serving one of the best Caramel pudding

La Bourse et La Vie

12 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France