Buried in the 9th arrondissement, one metro stop away from Pigalle, you will find L’Atelier Saint-Georges (literally, “The Saint George Workshop”). L’Atelier is a small gourmet burger restaurant with tasteful and modern decoration. The place is run by entrepreneurs Xavier and Eloi, both of whom are fervent defenders of the French terroir.
Its menu is simple but high quality: you can detect a hint of white wine with the cream and shallots, the mushroom positively melts into the chicken and the vegetables are deliciously crunchy. One thing the house does not overlook is product quality and humanism of the table. Indeed, the meat is born, raised and slaughtered in France, and is cut thinly with a knife instead of being minced. L’Atelier uses round steak (“la poire”), which is considered one of the best (and most flavourful) beef cuts and the artisan buns are produced every morning in a local bakery.
Aware that burger restaurants are popping up all over Paris, Xavier and Eloi knew they needed to stand out and distance themselves from the fast food image. They have opted for a minimal style with cool khaki walls and tables lined with 50s style wooden Scandinavian chairs. The mouldings on the white ceiling are wonderful and the checkered floor tiles and large mirrors add to the warmth of the room. Each time I go the staff is very attentive and polite.
Each burger has a name: Mr. George, Mr. Fred, Mr. Paul… and all serve as a tribute to some of France’s greatest chefs. For example, Monsieur Paul (as in Bocuse) is topped with seared foie gras. What I like about l’Atelier’s burgers is that they each have an elegant twist: whether it’s pesto, camembert, pine nuts, mozzarella, beetroot or roquette, these ingredients bring a delicate and unexpected balance to the plate. Side dishes include homemade French fries (with or without grated feta cheese), baked sweet potato fries and salad. Everything is homemade, right down to the lemon mayonnaise served upon request. For dessert you can choose between a slice of cheesecake, cookie, fruit salad, or simply let yourself be surprised by the “dessert du moment”.
L’Atelier Saint-Georges
16 rue Henry-Monnier, 75009
0177161896
www.atelier-saintgeorges.com
Burgers from 14 euros, Desserts from 3 euros
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