Our evening at Le Verre Volé began by chance—a reservation mix-up at another restaurant led us to this snug, Parisian gem, a natural wine bar and bistro in the 10th arrondissement. I remember standing outside, explaining to the maître d’ our predicament. Despite the full house and its usual reputation for being a difficult reservation to snag, they kindly accommodated us when one table had to leave early. We were thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to experience a spot so deeply revered in the natural wine community.
The ambiance was intimate, with mismatched chairs and shelves brimming with bottles of natural wine. We sat near a wall lined with wines from small, artisanal producers, each bottle telling its own story. I usually prefer to choose my wines, but this time I decided to trust the sommelier. I'm glad I did, the pairings were on point.
One dish that will stay with me forever is the Parisian ham. Typically, I wouldn’t think to order ham as a main course, but this version was transformative—succulent, tender, and served with perfectly creamy polenta and some mixed bitter greens. It made me rethink how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinary. The natural wine selected for this dish had a gentle earthiness, complementing the richness of the ham without overwhelming it.
The meal continued with delicate, tempura-style fish served on a bed of lentils, and later, a cheese course that hit all the right notes. I'm a sucker for a good cheese plate, and Le Verre Volé’s selection—paired with another well-chosen natural wine—did not disappoint. Each wine the sommelier picked enhanced the flavors of the dishes, making the experience live up to their reputation.
Le Verre Volé is more than just a restaurant; it's a natural wine lover's haven, with over 400 references of natural wines and daily-changing dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. This cozy spot has been around since 2000 and remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. If you can manage to get a reservation (or if you're lucky like we were), it’s absolutely worth a visit for the food, the wine, and the warm hospitality that makes you feel like part of the vibrant Parisian natural wine bar scene.
Comments