Paris Insights - The Restaurant Review

Il Gran Gusto

posted February 17, 2025

42-44 rue d’Assas

75006 Paris

Phone: 06.62.12.23.64

Metro Station: Saint-Placide (Line 4)

Type of cuisine: Italian

Days & hours of operation: Sun 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Mon to Sat 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express

Il Gran Gusto stands on rue d’Assas near the western side of the Luxembourg Garden.  The establishment is more of a delicatessen than a restaurant in that it sells prepared Italian fare for take-out.  It also has five small tables for sit-down dining service.

Knowing that the store has only five tables led me to believe that I should get there early to secure one of them for lunch.  When I arrived shortly after noon, I saw that customers were already lined up at the counter to order food.  I was fearful that I might not get a table but waited patiently for my turn at the counter.  When it came, I asked if a table was available for sit-down service.  Yes, I was told, and I was invited to choose a table.  Only two remained available: one at the back and one at the front.  I selected the marble-topped table at the back and was comfortable there.  It gave me a view of the activity in the store.

The menu
The menu is displayed on blackboards. 

There are nine “classics” listed, including lasagna bolognaise, ravioli, and scaloppine ranging in price from 4€ to 14.50€. The restaurant’s four desserts are priced at 5.50€ each.  A fixed-price formula offers a main course plus dessert for the price of the main course plus 4€.

There was also a blackboard displaying the “menu of the day,” listing seven different dishes ranging in price from 8.50€ to 10.50€.

I had already determined before I sat down that I wanted to order the lasagna bolognaise.

The main course
I was served a generous slice of baked lasagna with a beautifully browned crust resting in a shallow bowl in cheese and tomato sauce.  The waitress placed a ramekin containing grated Parmesan alongside and I sprinkled a copious amount on the lasagna.  It really did not need any more cheese, but since it was offered, I used it.

The lasagna was piping hot, and I could barely wait for it to cool down.  It was so appetizing that I wondered why I had never come to this place before.  What a great meal!

The bread
Slices of fresh focaccia were served alongside in a breadbasket.  

The dessert
I ordered a slice of lemon tart for dessert.  It consisted of lemon curd resting on a shortbread crust.  Sprinkled generously with confectioners’ sugar, it was a sweet end to a delicious meal.

I followed the dessert with an espresso.  Displaying a magnificent crema, it was served in a tiny cup.

The bill
The bill for one, including a main course, dessert, and espresso, came to only 17.00€.  This was certainly a decent price for lunch in Paris.

The service
The service was friendly and helpful.  I was waited on by three servers, one of whom turned out to be the owner.

The ambience
The shop is small and narrow with a serving, display, and preparation counter on the left-hand side (upon entry).  Shelves on most of the walls display grocery items, including Italian wines and pastas.

By 1:00 p.m. the customers who had come to order take-out had gone.  Up until that time, the front part of the shop was somewhat crowded.  I was not disturbed by the crowd, though, as I was sitting at the rear of the shop.  Across the aisle from my table was a party of six, sitting two at a table.  The remaining table at the front of the shop was never occupied.

The menu is in Italian.  English is spoken.

The owner told me that the dining area can accommodate a wheelchair.  There is a step up from the sidewalk to get into the shop.  The WC is awkwardly positioned and is too small to accommodate a wheelchair.

Travelers to Paris who enjoy Italian fare and are not concerned about the informality of dining in a delicatessen will enjoy coming to Il Gran Gusto for a great meal.