Relais de l’Entrecôte, Paris: Classic Steak-Frites with Secret Sauce
Paris is filled with world-class restaurants, but sometimes the most memorable meals are the simplest ones. One of the city’s most iconic dining experiences is steak-frites, and Relais de l’Entrecôte has perfected this tradition. Known for its secret sauce and endless fries. I visited their branch in the 6th Arrondissement at 20 Rue Saint-Benoît to see what all the fuss was about.
Background About Relais de l’Entrecôte
Relais de l’Entrecôte has several locations across Paris, and the concept is refreshingly uncomplicated. The restaurant has been around for decades and has built a reputation for consistency. You sit down, and the only question asked is: How do you want your steak cooked? Everything else is set.
The Experience
I stopped by on a Wednesday around 1:30PM. To my surprise, there was no queue, and I was seated immediately. I had read stories about people waiting in line outside, so I considered myself lucky.
The interior has that familiar Parisian brasserie vibe, bustling waitstaff, tightly packed tables, and a lively atmosphere that adds to the aesthetic. The service was quick and efficient.
The Food
The meal begins with a simple salad with walnuts and slices of bread. I liked that the walnuts added crunch and texture, making it a little more interesting than a standard green salad.
Then came the mains, the sirloin steak cooked medium rare, served with thin golden fries and the restaurant’s signature sauce. At first, my plate came with only four slices of beef, which felt a little smaller than I had imagined. The meat was tender but slightly chewy, and while it wasn’t the best steak I’ve ever had, the sauce elevated the dish. It was rich, savoury, and it reminded me of the broth in a Vietnamese pho in a strange but pleasant way.
Just as I was about to finish, the waiter appeared again and refilled my plate with more steak and fries. This was the surprise highlight of the meal, apparently, it’s part of their service. By the end, I was completely full, and any doubts about portion size disappeared.
Price Summary
The set menu at Relais de l’Entrecôte is €29, which includes bread, walnut salad, sirloin steak, fries, and a refill of both steak and fries. Drinks are not included, and a small bottle of Evian costs €4.50, bringing my total bill to €33.50. For Paris, this is decent value given the portion sizes and the refill service.
Final Thoughts
Relais de l’Entrecôte isn’t about fine dining or extravagant plates, it’s about tradition, consistency, and the comfort of steak-frites done well. While the steak itself didn’t blow me away, the sauce, the never-ending fries, and the refill service made the experience worthwhile.
If you’re looking for a quintessential Parisian dining experience that’s hearty, filling, and fun in its ritual, Relais de l’Entrecôte should definitely be on your list.
As a Paris experience, it’s one I’ll happily recommend. Sometimes, it’s not about being wowed, it’s about enjoying a meal that’s a true Parisian classic.
Highlights
- Classic Parisian steak-frites experience
- Salad with walnuts for an extra crunch
- Famous signature sauce with a unique flavour profile
- Surprise refill of steak and fries included
- Good value set menu for Paris at €29
- Walked in easily mid-week with no wait
Tips
- Arrive outside of peak hours (early lunch or later in the evening) to avoid long queues.
- Don’t be put off by the small initial serving, a refill is part of the meal.
- The sauce is what makes the dish special, try dipping your fries in it too.
- Drinks are extra, so budget a little more than the set price (€33.50 with water).
- Come hungry, you will leave full.
Relais de l’Entrecôte Details
- Location: Multiple locations in Paris but I visited the one in the 6th Arrondissement 20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Daily from 12PM – 3PM & 6:30PM – 11PM
- Price: Set menu €29
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