Immediately upon walking in, there is a sense of friendliness in this low‑key and warming bistro. I met a young chap who knew an awful lot about Yorkshire in the UK, and we connected instantly. This made me happy and feel right at home, confident that the staff here would look after us. This small yet important encounter already told me that the service was going to be excellent.
Having arrived very late with not a lot of choice as to what to eat, the kitchen stayed open so that we wouldn’t go to sleep starving. I ordered a prawn cocktail, served on ice, and we shared a Niçoise salad. Obviously, I would have preferred something hot and comforting, but at least we had something to eat. I am not allowed to complain.
Breakfast here is of a good standard. My eggs were set and scrambled just to my liking, and my instructions for the daily ginger shot (that I can’t get through the day without) were received with great confidence. The team did their utmost to make it to our exact measurements. The service isn’t forced, with nobody pretending to care—no whiffs of falseness. It is a genuinely happy place. The dining room itself is cosy in that Saint‑Germain way, and a pleasure to sit in. Not long into my breakfast, the waiter came over with a smile and asked, “Is everything ok?” “Everything is very ok,” I assured him.
A basket of baguette, pain au chocolat, croissant, and various viennoiseries is included with breakfast, along with some French butter tucked into the middle. Juices, coffee, tea, and water come as standard. You can order à la carte if you prefer something different. Good news for gluten‑free people — they have gluten‑free bread, so everyone is happy.
We had the opportunity to stop by for lunch as well, giving me a glimpse into the overall level of the food from morning to night at this restaurant attached to Le Grand Hotel Cayré. I had a chicken dish that didn’t bore me to tears; it was flavourful and well‑cooked, with a crisp golden skin on the chicken breast (which was also moist, with no sign of dryness). The whole dish centred around the humble cannellini bean. Beautiful chanterelle/girolle mushrooms were incorporated, and the purée lifted the chicken out of the depths of normality, with the chicken jus adding that final touch it desperately needed. For the first time in ages, I actually enjoyed a chicken breast rather than pushing it to the side of the plate and only half-eating it — especially rare in hotels, where they’re usually so disappointing. The pairing with the cannellini beans works wonderfully.
If you find yourself walking through Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés and need something to eat, pop into Le Grand Hotel Cayré for a relaxing solo meal, a meeting, or just a catch‑up with friends. Enjoy the vibes, eat bistro food that is easy‑going and fulfilling, and be ready to continue your day or evening in a good mood. Carry on smiling, team — it is refreshing.
