Le 404 – Paris

Located on a quiet side street in Paris’s 3rd Arrondissement, Le 404 offers guests an authentic taste of Paris’s rich North African culture.  Upon stepping into Le 404 a wave of sounds, the aroma of exotic spices and the harmonious patterns and textures of Moroccan design pull you into another culture.

Conveniently on the same Metro line as White Line’s Hotel des Academies et des Arts, this small restaurant is pure epicurean pleasure.  Restaurateur Hakim Mazouz is an impresario of North African chic in Paris and co-owns the stunningly decorated Andy Wahloo cocktail lounge just a few doors down.

The small candle lit restaurant is always crowded, but that only adds to the intimate atmosphere.  The patterns and vibrant colours of original Moroccan tapestries, stone walls, pillows and candleholders pleasantly clash, perfectly balanced.  Waiters and waitresses bustle about, weaving among the low tables, exotic dishes above their heads. Meanwhile, the open kitchen adds to the atmosphere, spicy aromas and the chef’s calls  echo through the air.

Le 404 is the place to try something new; the dishes are all culinary delights.  The wine list offers a taste for every price range, but it’s generally best to follow the your servers’ advice.  Starters such as the house recommended taboule and the succulent Zalook salad (eggplant, tomatoes and garlic) prepare the palate for the dishes to come.  When it comes to the main dishes, deciding between one of the tajines, the classical Moroccan stoneware stewing pot, or the homemade couscous shouldn’t be a difficult – order both  There’s plenty of food to share and both will transport you.  The lamb tajine and the couscous 404 are equally exquisite.

After the main course, it’s time to lean back on the pillow covered benches and relax, enjoying the atmosphere.  Fresh mint tea is poured from silver teapots high above the table, expertly aimed by the servers, who never spill a drop.  While the desert menu is simple, the decision is not – crepes with warm fresh honey or oriental pastries?

Le 404 can be found at the Étienne Marcel metro stop and Hotel des Academies et des Arts at the Vavin metro stop, both are on the number 4 line.

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Categories: Paris, Food

Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter