“Either the best meat or no meat at all.”
— Chef Antoine Westermann
With that simple motto, the terrific restaurant Le Coq Rico was born in 2012 in the Montmartre district of Paris.
Le Coq Rico sits on top of a hill, rue Lepic, just a few steps from the Sacré–Cœur basilica. Since I ate there, the name has been changed just a bit:
Le Coq & Fils – the Poultry House!
The classic building building looks terrific after its renovation, and the food is just as they boast: a perfect “poultry house!”
This neighborhood in Paris boasts incredible views of the city below, and you never know what you will come upon, like the time I saw a police action there!
The restaurant is just steps away from Sacre Couer, as you begin to head back down the hill to central Paris, and on my walk I came across a wall that speaks to what makes this neighborhood so unique:
Yes, Salvador Dali is just one of the many unique works of art that pop up in this area. And look what sits directly across from the restaurant:
Yes, this classic windmill rises above another restaurant and bar, and I stopped in for a glass of wine while waiting for my reservation.Once it was time, I headed inside to see just how good this chicken could be!
I was lucky enough to snag a seat at the counter, located directly in front of the kitchen – and the chickens!
That’s right, I was in the heat of the action: watching Chickens roast while the expert staff carved up their country in front of me…perhaps a bit concerned by may picture taking, as you can see here:
HA!
Well, it was time to check out the menu, which states they only use heritage breeds – traditional poultry breeds raised by their forefathers before industrial farming.
They are proud to note:
“When an animal lives the life it deserves, it gives back in the quality of their meat.”
Before my chicken, I had to check out their EGG menu as well, which is also acclaimed!
I wanted all of them, but knowing I’d never be able to eat them all, I chose the “Deviled Eggs” with eh tuna filet, which arrives looking spectacular:
Three stuffed half eggs sitting atop cache, with slender filet of tuna wedged in between them…delicious.
I ordered the Challan Chicken, roasted on the spit right in front of me:
Sitting at the counter, I could feel the heat of from the roaster as I watched my chicken cook…then they put them into a pan for carving and serving like this:
As I said, I ordered Roast Chicken with a side of Macaroni Gratin and here is how it was served:
The chicken was beautifully roasted, with extra juices on the plate, and a crispy skin that gave way to a bite of beautifully brined-then-roasted bird…
Speaking of crispy, the macaroni had just enough breadcrumb and cheese on top to give it a bite, but gave way to a rich, luxurious gratin that was creamy and smooth…
A lightly dressed butter lettuce salad came as well – a terrific meal that was filling, delicious and reasonable!
Bravo to the entire team!
Le Coq & Fils is a delicious, traditional bistro serving up the highest quality chicken – and a fun area to walk to as well!
How can you not love a restaurant that is inside a windmill – a great way for an aperitif before dinner!
Is this the best chicken I’ve had in Paris? Well, I have eaten several time at Chez L’Ami Louis, which also has a legendary Roast Chicken dish:
Both restaurants are always packed, so instead of saying one is better, I say get in to whichever one you can – you won’t be disappointed!
Here is a look at Chez L’Ami Louis, which also has a legendary “Garlic Potato Cake” – click here to see it:
I love the food of Paris of course, and as my wife Alex is a “lover of potatoes”, we had to dig into the best in Paris as well:
This caviar-topped potato cake is amazing, and there are many more that you can see by clicking on my story here:
I also showed you the police action I encountered on my way to dinner:
It doesn’t change what an incredible view you get from Sacre Coeur:
You can see more of my 16 miles hiking Paris that day by clicking on my story here:
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Categories: Alcohol And Bars, Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Cookbooks, Eat This!, Fine Dining, Food, Food Pictures, Food Travel, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
John, that chicken looks perfect. Is the restaurant on the way to the Lapine Agile?
Yes it is! In the same neighborhood!
That chicken- mmmmm!
And it smelled so great wile cooking!
Beautiful photos make me want to visit Paris! And the chicken looks fabulous!
It is hard to spoil a roast chicken, but elevating one to another level is an art indeed. A great-looking meal, John.
Best wishes, Pete.
Pete, you are so right…chicken needs loving care to make it soar, and they do that here…plus the roast potatoes underneath that capture all of the drippings are delicious!