Chez Michel, French bistro in 10th arrondissement, Paris, France
Chez Michel is a French bistro in a traditional Parisian building with exposed rafters, tiled floors, and wood-paneled walls on Rue de Belzunce near Gare du Nord. The space preserves the character of a classic bistro through its authentic design features and interior details.
The establishment gained renewed direction in 2015 when Japanese chef Masahiro Kawai, trained under French chef Yves Camdeborde, took over the kitchen. This change brought new culinary perspectives while maintaining the restaurant's established French bistro foundation.
The restaurant blends French bistro traditions with Japanese cooking methods, visible in dishes like bouillabaisse with lobster and sea bream in saffron broth. This fusion shapes how diners experience classic French flavors prepared with unexpected techniques.
The location is most easily reached on foot from Gare du Nord, which sits nearby. The immediate area has limited parking, so public transit or walking are the most practical options for arrival.
The restaurant houses an arched cellar storing a curated selection of French wines from Condrieu, Chablis Premier Cru, and Saint-Joseph regions. This collection reveals a passion for French wine regions that guests often overlook during their visit.
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