Racines

Unfortunately, lunch at Racines was one of my more disappointing meals during an April trip to Paris. The Paris By Mouth blog aptly sums up that Sardinian chef Simone Tondo is "running on autopilot" and it shows (and the review was from early 2020!).

The menu doesn't appear to have been updated since 2019. Tondo is still in the kitchen, but I have to wonder if he doesn't get bored cooking the same small menu daily? In a city obsessed with freshness, I'm shocked that a lauded bistro opts to follow an aged menu rather than be directed by the bounty of the markets. While some dishes seemed to be stable classics, others were phoned in.

The vitello tonnato is still delicious, the meat fork-tender and well-complemented by the salty, rich sauce. However, the pasta was on the undercooked side of al dente, sprinkled with hair-thin wisps of beef cheek that seemed miserly in their dearth and leant no flavor or texture to the dish. The strongest flavor in the pasta was from the capers, which had already made an appearance in the vitello tonnato. While this could be a case of 'ordering the wrong dish' there's no margin for error on such a tightly curated menu. I live for pasta and I couldn't be bothered to finish the dish.

The service was great (particularly for central Paris) warm and friendly. The space is very cozy, in a beautiful historic passage, and the tiny restaurant was full when I visited. Reservations are recommended, although not strictly necessary. Perhaps if you go in without any expectations whatsoever, you would have a better experience. I was left feeling let down. I hope that, as the world opens up post-pandemic, Tondo finds a breath of fresh air in inspiration once again.

Racines is a sub-par place to eat. I came here for dinner after seeing this place pop up on a few different top restaurant lists. There ambiance is nice, but the service was just okay (they weren't very knowledgeable of the wines they were serving, they need a somm.), and the food was poor quality and bland. I do not recommend coming here.

Food was delicious and thoughtfully prepared and their setting is adorable and intimate. I had no service to access Google translate so my server went above and beyond and explained every menu item to me! Service was terrific and I really enjoyed everything I ordered.

After a week long solo eurotrip, I wanted to treat myself to a good meal. Paris is the second most Michelin starred city and does not lack good eats. Like my trip, I did not plan anything and had no reservations. After being rejected by a few restaurants, the host at Racines was gracious enough to let me dine, with the condition that I had one hour to eat. Deal.

The restaurant is located in a high traffic area. The restaurant is small but very cozy. The small menu is presented on a blackboard were the waiter explained each dish (in pretty good English).

To start, I ordered their signature vitello tonnato. This is a traditional dish made from sliced veal and mayo/tuna sauce topped with capers. This was my first time having this classic dish and I fell in love. The veal which was slow braised in a vegetable broth over night, had a great texture and flavor. I cleaned out the entire plate and licked every bit of the rich tuna and mayo sauce.

For my second dish, I ordered the parmigiana - deep-fried sliced eggplant filling, layered with cheese and tomato sauce, then baked. The skin of the eggplant was perfectly crisp and ricotta cheese went well with the fresh tomato sauce. It was topped with another type of cheese which I do not remember, but it really loved it as well.

My last dish was the garganelli pasta. This was served with braised beef cheek, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The dish came out piping hot. This was seriously one of the best pastas I have bad. The beef cheek was tender and the sauce was rich. The portion was extremely big and I pretty stuffed after finishing the dish.

My meal at Racines was one of the best I have ever had. Traditional dishes were made with fresh and well sourced ingredients. Service was attentive and the waiters were knowledgable about each dish. The prices are extremely reasonable as well. Racines just earned their one Michelin star and for good reason. If you want a great Italian meal in Paris, I highly recommend Racines.

Located within close proximity to Opera, this Michelin star restaurant was my first meal in Paris. This restaurant is super small with only a handful of tables inside (and some outside) so make a reservation!

The menu was on a chalkboard which I'm assuming changes frequently. A variety of appetizers, plates, and desserts were offered that day.
I don't remember the French names for them but we ordered meatballs, ham, pasta, and fish to share. Dishes were all flavorful, staff were friendly, price was around 20 euros a plate. I would recommend stopping here for a bite to eat, what's nice is that the waiters spoke English too

We found this wonderful restaurant by chance. It turned out to be the best food and ambiance we had in our entire vacation. The staff is friendly and generous. The food is outstanding. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Had dinner at Racines on a Tuesday night with a colleague while on a business trip. When we arrived at 8:30, the place was not packed, but by 9pm all tables - there aren't many - were filled.
Great Parisian atmospere. The fact that it is in the Passage lends a timeless quality to start. The place is small, and casual with lots of bottles of wine making up the decor.
The menu is succinct and to the point. Fresh ingredients, and an interesting twist on some French classics, such as Foie Gras, which was served with beets the night we were there. The waiter was knowledgeable and insightful, as well as patient. He spoke English.
I had the leg of lamb. It was tender and flavorful. Had the chocoloate creme for dessert. It was unusual and very well executed.
I will definitely be back on my next trip to Paris.

Went there as our last dinner on a family vacation in Paris, and what a fantastic experience. The atmosphere is set by the romantic, unique passageway location of the restaurant. I believe one of the owners waited on our table, and he was welcoming, witty and attentive. He was kind enough to speak with us in English, helping us through the ever-changing menu which was nostalgically written on a chalkboard. We had a table by the kitchen, and were mesmerized as we watched chef Renaud create amazing flavors with fresh ingredients in the open kitchen. The food easily won the raves of a 15 year old through a 76 year old, and was beautifully presented. We will always have a soft spot in our hearts for this restaurant, which capped off our lovely family trip to France with a meal & service worthy of all of Paris.

Great local ingredients and even better service. Tiny place in the passage. Waited for less than 5 mins for a table after we reserved but for champagne on the house - might be the two girls thing? lol I had chicken and my friend had the white fish and it was delicious. 5 stars for great wine recommendation and the service.

Found Racines on the 'Lovage' food blog. A nice lunch with an excellent dessert.
Brought out free ham and bread and recommended a good glass of wine.
Very nice.