Our Review of Les Éditeurs, the Iconic Brasserie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

For twenty-five years, this iconic brasserie at the Carrefour de l’Odéon has embodied the literary spirit of the Left Bank. For a few weeks each summer, it completely revamps its concept and name to focus on three classics—a defiant nod to the notion that quality and abundance don’t always go hand in hand. A bold move that deserves to be highlighted. Under the red awnings, facing the constant flow of traffic on Boulevard Saint-Germain, the terrace offers one of those unparalleled vantage points that Paris is famous for.

Inside, the atmosphere shifts: soft lighting, dark wood paneling, red leather benches, and walls lined with thousands of books. More than 5,000 books, donated over the years by nearby publishing houses, make up this living library where readers, journalists, writers, and regulars come to keep alive the spirit of the literary cafés in the iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement. The venue continues to host themed events, notably as part of the Le Rendez-Vous Rive Gauche circle, a quarterly event celebrating writing and literature.

But a restaurant in Paris sometimes needs to take a step back and surprise its customers—whether regulars or newcomers: that’s the bold, unconventional move the restaurant is making this summer, from July 15 to August 23, temporarily setting aside its extensive menu to focus on three great classics of French cuisine at a single price (29 euros). A set menu called “Les Éditeurs, Entrecôte et Cie.”

Choose three dishes and all-you-can-eat fries

Three generous, hearty options, headlined by a French ribeye steak, all-you-can-eat fresh fries, and a mysterious house-made signature sauce, whose recipe is a closely guarded secret. Perhaps enough to rank among the best steakhouse restaurants in Paris? The free-range chicken tenderloin offers a comforting alternative, while cod fish & chips (this time served with tartar sauce) adds a seaside touch to this midsummer menu. There’s something joyfully nostalgic about this experience, which evokes those meals where the whole table orders the same thing, where the dish becomes the center of conversation, and where you ask for another round of fries before you’ve even finished the first.

This simplicity is a real challenge, even if it doesn’t seem like it. A short menu leaves no room for approximation and demands precision—from the selection of the meat to the exact cooking temperature, the crispiness of the fries or fish, and the balance of the sauce… And simplicity is no obstacle to elegance: the tablecloths and attentive service give this summer getaway the feel of a chic dining experience, without sacrificing any of the warmth and friendliness. A few salads and sharing plates round out the menu, ensuring that those who prefer lighter options can still enjoy the meal alongside meat lovers (special mention goes to the generous plate of green beans and button mushrooms with shallot vinaigrette). A streamlined menu that echoes the lightness of the season, gracing the pages of this Saint-Germain-des-Prés restaurant, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.