Amorino (Paris, France)

4 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris, France, T: 01-43-265-746

Amorino is a chain of gelaterias that advertises “quality and tradition.” They have “boutiques” throughout Europe as well as some in Africa and the US. I visit the one around the corner of my temporary apartment. I've seen it busy most of the time, but because the area is full of tourists, this doesn't have to mean much.

I get a cup of €4.60 which allows me a choice of three out of ca. 30 flavors. The banana is fresh and not too creamy, the citron is nice and buttery, the Noisette smooth and with real hazelnuts. I went back a few days later and also tasted the fresh raspberry and the bittery ‘Agume de Sicile.’

VERDICT: 91/100

Great but not cheap Gelateria.

Maison Burger (Paris, France)

6 Rue Grégoire de Tours, 75006 Paris, France, T: 01-43-544-013

 

I had passed this little place many times before, as I lived around the corner, but when I finally wanted to eat there, I could barely find it. Maison Burger is a small concept burger bar French style, tucked away in a side street near Odeon. It offers a couple of burger options (all €12), including tofu and chicken, and several fancy desserts.

I get the BBQ Burger, which comes with bacon and BBQ sauce, and a side of house fries (+€3). The fries are thin and crispy, almost hard on the outside. The burger is medium cooked as ordered. The consistency is a bit soft, as is that of the airy bun. It comes with avocado, oiled tomatoes, and a tangy sauce (more Andalouse than BBQ). Overall a very good burger, though I would probably take it well-done next time.

VERDICT: 89/100

Very good upscale burger joint, particularly for outside of the US, which is actually not too expensive for downtown Paris.

Fatih Servet (Berlin, Germany)

Ostbahnhof, 10243 Berlin, Germany
 

  

Fatih Servet is a chain of "Turkish food" restaurants in Berlin, which are mostly situated in larger railway and metro stations. They serve kebabs, Turkish pizzas, sandwiches and plates.

I get the Pide Döner (€3.50), which is a big beast with shaved meat, cabbage, onion, and salad on Turkish bread with spicy mayo and spicy sauce. It has a rich salty flavor.

VERDICT: 87/100

Good, filling, and affordable.

Currywurst Express (Berlin, Germany)

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Ostbahnhof, 10243 Berlin, Germany

Currywurst Express is a chain of fast food restaurants in Berlin that is mostly situated in big train and metro stations. The one in Ostbahnhof (East Station) is a pretty big and open Imbiss (snack bar) with various typical German meats and fries. The dude who works there that day is extremely slow.

I order a Currywurst mit Pommes (€4.90) + Drink (+€1). The ‘curry sausage’ is fresh and has been made extra spicy, which is nice. The fries are thick but standard. 

VERDICT: 83/100

Decent quality, but a bit pricey.

Naha Kebab (Berlin, Germany)

Invalidenstrasse, 10557 Berlin, Germany

 

I am actually not sure of the name, and haven’t been able to find a trace of this place online, but this small stand opposite the Hauptbahnhof (main station) serves a combination of kebab, Currywurst and schnitzel. I order a Kebab (€3.50) on thin Turkish bread, which comes with onion, salad, tomato and spicy sauce. The meat is very thinly sliced with a big knife. Overall it tastes salty and spicy.

VERDICT: 86/100

Quite good and affordable for location

Giovanni Gelateria (Paris, France)

8-10 Rue du berger, 75001 Paris, France

Giovanni is an upscale chain of “Maestro Gelaterie” places with almost ten locations throughout France. I visited the one in Paris, in a very touristic spot, opposite the Fountain of Innocents, which normally means expensive but not very good.

I get two scoops in a cone (€5.20): melon and Noisette Piedmontese. The Noisette is creamy and has great taste and some whole hazelnuts. The melon is fresh cantaloupe. The cone is fresh and crispy. A few days later I go back, but this time I get Pistachio and Passion Fruit. The pistachio is creamy and includes real nuts, the passion fruit is extremely fresh and fruity.

VERDICT: 93/100

Giovanni can truly claim to be a maestro in gelato. They are expensive but excellent!

Little Orient (Paris, France)

Area around Montmartre, 75018 Paris, France

Little Orient is a small Algerian place that is both a restaurant and a traiteur (caterer). serves fresh sandwiches, salads, and desserts. They have different formulas, combining the dishes. Offers range from kebbe to tabbouleh, from falafel to shawarma. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a trace of it online, and I forgot the exact address.

I get a large falafel sandwich (€5): three freshly made falafels put in a wrap with lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, and humus, and then put on a panini press. It is quite filling, but bland.

VERDICT: 77/100

It’s ok, but you can do much better in Paris.