Le 203, Saint-Gilles

I've been dying to go there forever... but I'll admit that the whole no-reservation thing, forcing customers to show up early (6:30pm) and queue had me a bit hesitant. That said, it actually works out pretty well (the nice weather helped)... and it's even part of the experience. Anyway, now you know about that detail.

Given all that, you'd expect something a bit complicated, but it's actually the simplicity of the place that really shines, which definitely contributes to its success. A tiny little menu that still gives you choices and gets refreshed every week, surprisingly affordable prices (3 courses for around forty euros), interesting plates that are generous and comforting, made with beautiful produce and multiple and sometimes distant influences, just like the chef who seems to have traveled around quite a bit. And to top it all off, the wine list is perfectly balanced and packed with little gems... plenty to make everyone happy. This simplicity seems to radiate onto the people there. I don't know if it's like this at every service, but both the staff and the customers were giving off this rare sense of calm. Everything was smooth and cool... we left happy, relaxed and zen. Therapeutic, almost.

And since we got there early, no need to head straight home... perfect timing really, the folks at Calmos are just around the corner and are more than happy to help you finish off the evening in style.