A lively, fast-moving Shaanxi noodle spot in Bastille that people love for chewy biang biang, liang pi, and generous portions, but the crush, noise, and occasional service or consistency complaints mean it’s best for cravings, not lingering.
La Taverne De ZHAO_Bastille delivers exceptional food quality anchored by signature dishes like biang biang noodles and dumplings that consistently earn praise for bold flavor and texture. Rapid service and warm attentiveness round out a reliable experience, though modest ambiance and occasional consistency dips prevent a stronger showing. The Bastille location offers genuine neighborhood appeal for locals and visitors seeking authentic, well-executed Chinese noodle cuisine at fair value.
La Taverne De ZHAO_Bastille feels like one of those places that’s always a little too full, a little too loud, and still somehow worth it when the noodles hit. Reviewers keep coming back to the same pleasures: chewy biang biang, refreshing liang pi, crisp fried chicken, and a dining room that can feel “calm and chic” one minute and packed shoulder-to-shoulder the next. A few people mention rushed service or a tight room, but the dominant impression is a fast, tasty Bastille noodle stop with real buzz. The cooking leans confidently regional rather than gimmicky: this is Shaanxi-style comfort food built around texture, chili oil, sesame, vinegar, and big bowls that aim to satisfy rather than impress with theatrics. It’s especially well suited to people who like bold noodles, spicy-optional dishes, and a menu that makes repeated visits easy because there’s enough variety to rotate between bowls, dumplings, rice, and a few sweets. The trade-off is that adventurous eaters and spice-seekers will get more out of it than ultra-conservative palates; it is not traditional comfort food in the bland, universal sense, even if some dishes are gentle enough for newcomers. For kids, the menu is more workable than you might expect: tomato-and-egg noodles, plain rice, dumplings, and some milder dishes are all plausible, and one reviewer explicitly said they came with a toddler and found it child-friendly. That said, the kitchen also leans into chili oil and peppery flavors, so picky eaters may need to stick to the milder rice or tomato-based options. If your family likes simple noodles, dumplings, and shareable plates, it should work; if the kids live on buttered pasta and chicken nuggets, this is more of a challenge.
Area vibe: Lively, nightlife- and dining-focused area with historic and modern mix.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit at night though pickpocketing and rowdy nightlife can occur.
What's nearby: Near Place de la Bastille, Oberkampf nightlife, Bastille Metro lines, many bars, restaurants and markets.