A rare calm
A small room that allows real conversation — the opposite of the din in most eastern restaurants in Paris.
Assanabel is a small Lebanese restaurant on Rue Jacob, one of the prettiest and quietest streets in Saint-Germain-des-Prés despite how close it sits to the traffic. The neighbourhood is among the smartest on the Left Bank, and a Levantine table at sensible prices inside it is not a common thing. What sets the place apart is the breadth of the mezze rather than the grills. Hummus, moutabal, fattoush, sfiha and pastries arrive at a clean, consistent standard, and the small room stays quiet enough for an actual conversation across the table — the opposite of the loud eastern restaurants of the 10th. That small size has a flip side: it fills quickly at dinner, and a wait is likely if you arrive at half past seven or eight without booking. Lunch is far calmer. It suits a day given over to the Left Bank in particular: the Musée d'Orsay, the Luxembourg Gardens, then dinner here without ever taking the metro.
A small room that allows real conversation — the opposite of the din in most eastern restaurants in Paris.
Completes an Orsay-and-Luxembourg programme with no metro: everything is within walking distance.
Levantine cooking at mid-range prices inside one of the most expensive districts in Paris — an equation that is not often available.
38 Rue Jacob, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th arrondissement, Paris
Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés**The oldest church in Paris**, originally an abbey founded by King Childebert I1 minute walk4.6
Monnaie de ParisThe French mint, on the bank of the Seine opposite the Louvre, and among the old7 minutes walk4.5
Pont des ArtsA wooden footbridge across the Seine between the **Louvre** and the domed **Inst8 minutes walk4.7
Musée MaillolA private museum in Saint-Germain, built around the work of the French sculptor 9 minutes walk4.6
Jardin du LuxembourgIf you want to see how Parisians live their city — rather than how tourists visi9 minutes walk4.6Looking for halal food near Assanabel? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
Ministry of SpiceHalalModern halal Indian cooking, the sit-down option for an unhurried dinner. About 22 minutes walk · $$$
Chez le LibanaisHalalA small counter on Rue Saint-André des Arts, one of the busiest pedestrian stree7 minutes walk · $4.5Al DarHalalAl Dar is a Lebanese restaurant in the Latin Quarter, a few minutes on foot from15 minutes walk · $$4.1It is advisable in the evening; the room is small and fills between half past seven and nine. If you have not booked, try lunch or come early.
Yes — the cold and hot mezze list carries plenty of vegetarian options, and it is the best part of the menu anyway.
Yes — the meat is halal, which is why the restaurant is listed here. Management and suppliers do change, though, so a simple question at the door is always worth it: “Is the meat halal?” Places used to Muslim diners answer immediately and without fuss.