Ok, now that we’ve gotten rillons out of the way, we need to talk about Billili, the wonderful wine-slinging little brother of Les Arlots, one of our favorite bistros in Paris, that’s located just a couple blocks from Gare du Nord on the western end of the 10th. This arrondissement’s reputation may precede it but, as we discovered in the last few years, the area, which some have described as “seedy,” is one of Paris’ most exciting areas to eat.
Billili isn’t just one of our favorite wine bars in Paris, it’s also remarkably affordable too. Dishes, like artisan saucisson on a small baguette, are listed on a blackboard menu. We especially enjoyed Billili’s wonderful vitello tonnato, garnished with briny capers and spade-like pickled caper leaves. We also loved Billili’s creamy brandade and the crisp biological wine that washed it down.
Pro Tip
Not hungry? Go simple and order the terrine. It’s dense, tasty and ample enough, with a little bread, for a filling lunch.
Billili is located at 136 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75010 Paris, France.