Chez Janou
6.6Friend Score / 10#15 of 20 Restaurants in Paris
Known forchocolate mousseratatouilleescargots de Bourgognemagret de canard au romarin
A cheerful Provençal bistro tucked on a quiet Marais corner, famous for its bottomless help-yourself chocolate mousse and a wall of 80-plus pastis. A friend sends you here for a fun, generous, well-priced meal in a pretty setting, not haute cuisine. It's popular and tables are tight, so book.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Fri 12:00–15:00 Mon–Fri 19:00–00:00 Sat–Sat 12:00–00:00 Sun–Sun 12:00–16:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Chemin Vert (Line 8) or Saint-Paul (Line 1), ~5-min walk |
| Time needed | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time to go | Book dinner; weekday evenings or the sunny terrace at lunch |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
6.6/10- Value7.5
- iconic6.0
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity7.0
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a reservation?
- Yes, strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. It's small, popular and word has gotten out, so walk-ins often get turned away or face a wait. Book ahead.
- Is the chocolate mousse really unlimited?
- Yes, that's the signature gimmick and it delivers. They bring a giant communal bowl and let you scoop as much as you like. Save room, because it's rich and it's the reason many people book.
- Is it good for a date or a group?
- For a date, yes; the cozy, buzzy corner setting is romantic. For big groups it's trickier because tables are packed close together, so smaller parties fit best.
- What's the food like?
- Hearty Provençal home cooking: things like moules gratinées, escargots, ravioles, lamb. It's comforting and generous rather than refined, and portions are ample. Come hungry.
- How pricey is it?
- Mid-range and fair for the Marais, with generous portions and that free-flowing mousse softening the bill. It's a solid-value fun dinner, not a budget canteen or a splurge.
- Is it touristy?
- It's on plenty of guidebook and celebrity lists now, so expect a fair share of visitors. The food and vibe are still enjoyable; just know it's a popular favorite rather than a hidden local secret.
- What's the deal with the pastis?
- They stock 80-plus varieties of pastis lining the shelves, so it's the spot to try the anise apéritif properly. Ask the staff to recommend one if you're new to it.
- Is there outdoor seating?
- Yes, there's a lovely terrace on the quiet corner that's a delight in good weather. Request it when booking, since those tables go fast.
Nearby in Ask Paris
- BofingerRestaurant0.24 km · 3 min walk
- Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de ParisMuseum0.31 km · 4 min walk
- MoonshinerBar0.33 km · 4 min walk
- Le MaraisNeighborhood0.37 km · 5 min walk
- KumaRestaurant0.61 km · 8 min walk
Where to stay near Chez Janou
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