The French have an original expression for describing restaurants they are particularly fond of. They call them coups de coeur–heartthrobs. Paris by Mouth (a site I use repeatedly when in the City of Light for terrific restaurant, wine, and pastry reviews) even goes so far as to put a bright pink heart by the names of establishments they deem worthy of this honor. Semilla, a popular eatery located in the St Germain area on the Left Bank is my newest heartthrob. (It’s also the recipient of one of those little pink hearts from Paris by Mouth!).

My husband and I have dined in this lively bistro four times this year, twice during our January stay and two more times in the past month! Each time I’ve been struck by the exceptionally helpful and enthusiastic servers and by the delicious market driven menu that changes daily. In the winter, a tartare of scallops and mangoes served unexpectedly on a puree of parsnips was delicious as was my pintade (stuffed guinea hen) with creamy polenta. Snowy white cod set upon a bed of fresh peas, fava beans, and shitakes was just as tempting this summer. And, year round a golden choux pastry shell filled with an ethereally light caramel cream makes an irresistible ending.

Another bonus of this casual eatery is that it is open every day for both lunch and dinner. Many dishes can be ordered either as an appetizer or as a main course, and wine selections are particularly good since the owners are also the proprietors of a nearby wine shop called La Dernière Goutte. Prices are reasonable too. At dinner appetizers run 6 to15 euros, mains 22 to 30, and desserts 10 to 12.

Inventive cooking, a friendly staff, and a warm and inviting ambience are the reasons Semilla is a coup de coeur for many!

Semilla
54, rue de Seine
Paris 6
Phone: 01 43 54 34 50
Metro: Mabillon

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