Seemor
Abstinence - Restaurant & BarBWorth Trying
47 Av. de la Motte-Picquet, 75015 Paris, France
· French restaurant, Event venue, Seminary
· 4.6/5 Google (1277 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Modern French bistro-wine bar with highly praised service and several standout dishes, but pricing and occasional service mishaps divide opinion.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Abstinence delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional service attentiveness and strong wine guidance anchoring the experience. Food quality shines on signature plates like tomahawk and sea bass, though inconsistent execution on holiday nights and moderate review authenticity concerns prevent a higher grade. The chic Left Bank setting and engaged staff make it a worthwhile destination for wine-focused French dining, though pricing and portion expectations should align with the upscale positioning.
Restaurant Summary
Set on a grand Left Bank avenue, Abstinence feels casual and chic—a modern bistro-meets-wine bar where servers often steer you to the right bottle. Guests rave about warm, attentive service and a few signature plates, calling it a place they would return to next trip. The kitchen skews modern French with elevated comfort: tartare hand-cut with crisp fries, a sea bass fillet with vegetables, and a theatrical tomahawk to share. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional: thoughtful ingredients and a few twists like truffle croque and wasabi yogurt rather than culinary fireworks. Prices match the postcode; fans feel the quality justifies the spend, while detractors wish for bigger portions or tighter execution on busy holidays. For families, there are familiar anchors—burger, steak-frites, pasta, fries, and chocolate mousse—so many kids will be fine, though the vibe is more date-night than playground. No kids menu is noted; portions and pricing are adult-leaning. If you need ultra-simple fare or brisk pacing during peak events, set expectations or choose a quieter slot.
At a Glance
- Engaged wine guidance with standout servers
- Tomahawk, sea bass, and tartare earn frequent praise
- Pricing and portion size feel high to some diners
- Holiday nights show service and timing slips
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- wine_guidance_by_staff
- tomahawk_sharing_ritual
- casual_chic_ambiance
What People Love
- Warm, individualized service
- Smart, chic ambiance
- Confident wine recommendations
- Signature sharing steak ritual
Points of Concern
- Pricing can feel high for portion size; bottled water often €8
- Operational hiccups on NYE/Valentines (delays, billing confusion)
- Isolated food-safety/illness claims; verify raw dishes if sensitive
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€49-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the sea bass (€29) with sautéed mushrooms (€8) for a fuller plate
- Balance a lighter start (eggplant caviar €13) with a richer main (steak €34)
- Chocolate mousse (€14) is a reliable finish if you like dark, olive-oil notes
Perfect For
- Date night with wine pairings
- Small celebrations with a shared tomahawk
- Solo bar-seat dinner with good pours
- Visitors seeking chic, modern French near Eiffel area
Location Insights
Area: Lively, well-heeled corridor near Champs de Mars; mix of locals, business travelers, and tourists.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit boulevards with steady foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Close to Eiffel Tower and Ecole Militaire; hotels, boutiques, and cafes line the avenue.
GrenelleGrenelle offers a relaxed dining scene with a variety of casual bistros, traditional French eateries, and some international options. The area is frequented by locals seeking comfortable, everyday dining experiences rather than tourist-centric venues, reflecting a community-oriented social atmosphere.
Av. de la Motte-Picquet areaThis micro-area around Av. de la Motte-Picquet is known for its accessible dining options, including cafés and brasseries popular with nearby office workers and neighborhood families, providing a convenient and unpretentious culinary environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 18:30–02:00
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 18:30–02:00
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 18:30–02:00
Thursday11:30–14:30, 18:30–02:00
Friday11:30–14:30, 18:30–02:00
Saturday18:00–02:00
Sunday11:30–15:00, 18:30–02:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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