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BAOBAR - Restaurant ChinoisBWorth Trying
42 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris, France
· Taiwanese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Chinese noodle restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (3898 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Hip Taiwanese-inspired spot for bao, dumplings, and noodles with fast, friendly service; great for casual meals though flavors and service consistency vary at peak times.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
BAOBAR delivers solid casual dining with strong food quality in standout dishes like fried chicken bao and shrimp wontons, paired with notably fast service and appealing Marais location. However, quality fluctuates across visits, and cramped quarters with peak-time noise limit the experience. Fair pricing and lively energy make it worth visiting, though inconsistency prevents it from reaching higher-tier status.
Restaurant Summary
In the heart of the Marais, this spot hums with lively energy, a compact room where bar seats overlook the open kitchen and plates arrive fast. Diners praise the dumplings and bao, noting service that is often quick and friendly. One regular put it simply: "Fun room, tasty small plates, and easy to share." However, expect crowds and the occasional noisy bustle at peak hours. The cooking leans Taiwanese street food with a Paris polish: fluffy gua bao, wontons, biang biang noodles, and a punchy house chili oil. It is elevated traditional rather than avant-garde, with hits like fried chicken bao, hong shao eggplant, and shrimp wontons. Some reviewers wished for bolder seasoning or more consistent execution, but many found the flavors satisfying and the pricing fair for central Paris. Families do fine here thanks to approachable staples like fried chicken, bao, noodles, and simple starters. There is no formal kids menu, but several mild options work well for younger palates. Space is tight and peak-time noise can be high, so earlier seatings are best for kid-friendly ease.
At a Glance
- Fast, friendly service with dishes arriving quickly
- Standouts include fried chicken bao, shrimp wontons, and hong shao eggplant
- Quality and seasoning can be inconsistent at peak times
- Small, lively room can feel noisy and cramped
- Weekend queues; reservations recommended
What Sets It Apart
- Taiwanese-style gua bao focus
- House chili oil
- Efficient service in a lively Marais spot
What People Love
- Fluffy bao with satisfying fillings
- Punchy house chili oil that lifts plates
- Speedy, efficient service
- Trendy, youthful vibe in a central neighborhood
Points of Concern
- Inconsistent seasoning reported by several diners, especially during busy services
- Occasional serious lapses cited (undercooked items) though not common
- Organization strains with large groups; some reservation/queue frustrations
- Ventilation and bar seating comfort can be challenging near the kitchen
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€24-32 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Veggie Baozi (€7), Hong Shao Eggplant (€12.5), Veggie eggplants noodles (€13.5)
- For spice lovers: Poached wontons with house chili oil (€8.5)
- For kids: Plain gua bao (€4) plus fried chicken bao (€7.5)
Perfect For
- Casual dinner with friends who like sharing plates
- Quick pre- or post-shopping bite in the Marais
- Laid-back date night with comfort-leaning Asian flavors
- Vegetarian-friendly casual meal
Location Insights
Area: Trendy historic quarter with high foot traffic, popular with locals and visitors; lively dining and shopping streets.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, busy into late evening; typical central Paris pickpocket awareness applies.
Nearby: Near boutiques, galleries, and museums; dense bar and cafe scene; close to Hôtel de Ville and cultural sites.
Hôtel de VilleThe Hôtel de Ville neighborhood offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of traditional French bistros, contemporary eateries, and international cuisine. The social atmosphere is lively and inclusive, with a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, attracting a diverse crowd throughout the day and evening.
Rue Sainte-Croix de la BretonnerieThis micro-neighborhood is known for its narrow streets lined with fashionable shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating an intimate and bustling environment. It is particularly popular for casual dining and social gatherings in a stylish yet relaxed setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–14:30, 07:00–22:15
Tuesday12:00–14:30, 07:00–22:15
Wednesday12:00–14:30, 07:00–22:15
Thursday12:00–14:30, 07:00–22:15
Friday12:00–14:30, 07:00–22:15
Saturday12:00–16:00, 18:00–22:15
Sunday12:00–16:00, 18:00–22:15
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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