Seemor

Gare au GorilleB+Worth Trying

Name: Gare au Gorille
Address: 68 Rue des Dames, 75017 Paris, France, Paris, France
Rating: 4.5

68 Rue des Dames, 75017 Paris, France · Restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (529 reviews)

Reservations

Creative Modern French small plates with natural-leaning wines; delicious but portion sizes and noise can frustrate—best for adventurous diners who value technique and a lively vibe.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Gare au Gorille delivers creative, precisely executed Modern French small plates with strong wine guidance that elevates the experience for adventurous diners. However, inconsistent execution across visits, combined with tight seating and noise issues, prevents it from reaching grade A territory. It's a worthwhile neighborhood destination for those seeking bold flavors and natural wines, but operational friction and modest portions limit broader appeal.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling, the kind of Batignolles spot where people lean into conversation over small plates and a glass of something interesting. One diner summed it up as feeling "recognized rather than managed," with staff that are relaxed and attentive. Do expect a lively soundtrack—several guests mention it can get noisy at peak times. The cooking leans Modern French with creative accents rather than theatrics—think precise seasoning, produce-forward plates, and playful touches like yuzu kosho, satay, or chimichurri. It is a sharing format built for tasting across the menu, with some large cuts for two. Fans rave about ravioli, cauliflower, and risotti; skeptics note occasional muted flavors. The wines skew natural-leaning, and guidance from the team can make the pairings shine for adventurous palates. Families should note the small-plates format and bold flavors. There is no kids menu, and portions are modest. That said, simpler items like grilled halloumi, risotto, or polenta desserts could work for flexible kids, but overall it suits older children or teens more than picky eaters.

At a Glance

Creative Modern French small plates with smart seasoning and technique
Engaged staff with strong wine guidance
Portions run small; costs add up quickly
Noisy room and occasional seat moves to the bar
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

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natural_wine_guidance
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What People Love

Playful flavor pairings that still feel grounded
Knowledgeable guidance on natural-leaning wines
A neighborhood room with local energy
Dishes that invite sharing and discovery
Seasonal evolution that rewards repeat visits

Points of Concern

Portions are modest and pricing escalates with multiple plates
Room can be very noisy; bar seating may feel cramped
Service occasionally disorganized or slow at peak times
Natural-leaning wines can surprise those expecting classic styles
Creative/fusion menu - limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€55-75 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Lean into 2-3 small plates per person then share a large cut if still hungry
Vegetarians: target risotti, roasted cauliflower, halloumi, and vegetable plates

Perfect For

Tasting a range of modern small plates with friends
Date night with adventurous wine pairings
Food-focused visitors near Saint-Lazare
Solo bite at the bar with a glass of wine

Location Insights

Area: Lively Batignolles side street near Gare Saint-Lazare, popular with locals and food-focused visitors.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked neighborhood with good lighting and evening footfall.

Nearby: Close to Square des Batignolles, shops, bars, and other bistros; convenient from Saint-Lazare.

BatignollesBatignolles is known for its charming streets, local markets, and a growing number of trendy cafes and bistros. The dining scene here is casual yet refined, attracting locals who enjoy quality food in a relaxed, community-oriented setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:15–14:00, 07:30–22:00 Tuesday12:15–14:00, 07:30–22:00 Wednesday12:15–14:00, 07:30–22:00 Thursday12:15–14:00, 07:30–22:00 Friday12:15–14:00, 07:30–22:00 Saturday Sunday

Available: Reservations

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