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L’écailler de la Mascotte is greater than only a seafood bar. Working since 1910 and now in its third era of household possession, the brasserie is break up into two ideas: the traditional brasserie “La Mascotte” and the “Écailler,” its devoted seafood bar. Locals comprehend it for its constant high quality and neighborhood attraction. Vacationers typically come across it after climbing Sacré-Cœur and find yourself staying longer than deliberate. Whether or not you come for oysters or a brasserie traditional, that is the type of place that stays with you.

Location and Ambiance

Photograph credit score: L’écailler de la Mascotte

L’écailler de la Mascotte is simply off Rue des Abbesses, proper within the center of Montmartre, however it doesn’t really feel touristy. The house is heat and timeless, with white tablecloths, mirrored partitions, and a smooth buzz of dialog.

I sat on the seafood bar, which turned out to be the most effective seat in the home. From there, I may watch the employees getting ready platters, chatting with regulars, and transferring with the type of ease that solely comes from expertise. The odor of lemon, brine, and crushed ice was a quiet promise that I’d made a sensible choice.

Signature Dishes and Menu Overview

Oysters are the standout right here and possibly one of the best ways to start. Served merely over ice with lemon and mignonette, they arrive chilly, recent, and completely opened. Whether or not you favor fines de claire or speciales, the standard is persistently wonderful. I had a half-dozen to begin and will have simply ordered extra.

The plateau de fruits de mer builds on that, including shrimp, langoustines, clams, and extra for a full shellfish unfold. It’s beneficiant however not overwhelming, supreme for sharing.

The menu additionally contains classics like sole meunière, escargots, and beef tartare (all ready with care and restraint). A chalkboard of day by day specials, like grilled turbot or mussels, provides a seasonal contact. The whole lot I noticed (and tasted) felt prefer it belonged—nothing flashy, simply very nicely achieved.

High quality and Style

From the primary oyster, it was clear this place values freshness. The whole lot was served on the proper temperature and easily dressed to let the seafood converse for itself. The langoustines have been candy and tender. The butter served with bread was wonderful, wealthy and completely salted. Nothing was over-sauced or fussy. The flavors have been clear and traditional. There’s confidence in that simplicity. They know their components are good, and it exhibits.

Service and Expertise

Photograph credit score: L’écailler de la Mascotte

Service is attentive however by no means overwhelming. I observed how easily the employees labored collectively, particularly on the bar. Orders have been crammed calmly, conversations have been straightforward, and there was no sense of rush.

One server switched between French and English with ease, checking in simply sufficient to make you are feeling welcome with out interrupting the rhythm of the meal. There’s an ease to the way in which the crew strikes that displays expertise.

Pricing and Worth for Cash

Photograph credit score: L’écailler de la Mascotte

L’écailler de la Mascotte sits within the mid-to-upper vary for seafood in Paris, however you get what you pay for. A full platter might be expensive, particularly should you add champagne or wine, however the freshness and preparation justify it. That stated, there are accessible methods to take pleasure in it. A half-dozen oysters and a glass of Muscadet gained’t break the financial institution, and lunch specials or easier plates like grilled fish or a bowl of mussels supply strong worth. Parts are well-balanced so that you’ll go away glad, not stuffed.

Excellent Time to Go to

Weekdays at lunch are supreme if you need a quieter tempo and a seat on the bar. Evenings are livelier, particularly on weekends, and reservations are a good suggestion then.

Out of doors seating is on the market in hotter months, however the inside ambiance is half the attraction. Should you’re planning to go together with a gaggle or for a special day, guide forward—this place fills up rapidly, particularly throughout oyster season.

Why Go to L’écailler de la Mascotte?

That is the type of place that feels woven into the material of the neighborhood – regular, welcoming, and stuffed with character. The seafood is superb, however it’s the general ambiance that makes it memorable. Whether or not you’re sitting on the bar with a glass of wine or sharing a platter with pals, it’s an opportunity to decelerate and luxuriate in one thing timeless.

L’écailler de la Mascotte can be one of many stops on our Consuming Europe Montmartre Meals & Wine Tour, which affords a more in-depth take a look at the native meals scene and the individuals who form it. Should you’re curious to discover extra locations like this, take a look at our Paris meals excursions for different neighborhood favorites.

Last Ideas and Suggestion

L’écailler de la Mascotte is the type of place that makes you respect the rhythm of an excellent meal. Nothing rushed, nothing overdone, simply wonderful components ready with care and served in an area that feels prefer it’s been ready for you.

Should you go, sit on the counter should you can. Begin with oysters. Let the employees information you. And don’t be shocked if you find yourself staying longer than deliberate. This Parisian seafood restaurant earns its popularity each single day.

Incessantly Requested Questions (FAQs)

Does L’écailler de la Mascotte supply vegetarian or vegan choices?

• The menu is seafood and meat-focused, with restricted vegetarian choices. Vegan decisions are uncommon.

Is a reservation required?

• Extremely really helpful for dinner or weekend visits. Stroll-ins are doable throughout off-peak hours.

What’s the gown code?

• Good informal. No have to be overly formal, however it’s a refined atmosphere.

Is the seafood bar open year-round?

• Sure, however some shellfish choices are seasonal. Oyster choice is finest in colder months.

Does the restaurant supply out of doors seating?

• Sure, particularly in spring and summer season, however indoor seating captures the traditional ambiance.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Paris meals excursions. https://www.eatingeurope.com/paris/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Montmartre meals & wine tour in Paris. https://www.eatingeurope.com/paris/montmartre-food-tour-2-2/

Consuming Europe. (2022, November 14). Seafood restaurant in Paris: A go to to La Mascotte in Montmartre. https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/seafood-restaurant-paris/

La Mascotte. (n.d.). La Mascotte Montmartre – Restaurant, brasserie & bar. https://la-mascotte-montmartre.com/