Chez Janou Paris: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a charming Paris restaurant with a lively atmosphere, classic French food and one very famous chocolate mousse, Chez Janou is probably already on your radar.

Located on a quiet corner in the Marais, Chez Janou has become one of those Paris restaurants you seem to see everywhere on Instagram. And after visiting, I can understand why.

We recently ate here during our time in Paris, and while there are plenty of restaurants that become popular on social media but don’t live up to the hype, Chez Janou offers it all! Our kids loved the food as much as we did!

Here’s what to know before you go, what to order and whether I think Chez Janou is worth adding to your Paris itinerary.

What Is Chez Janou Like?

Chez Janou is cozy, energetic and a little bit crowded, but such a fun experience for the whole family! Tables are very close together and it can get very busy during peak times for lunch or dinner.

We went for lunch since it’s always a little bit easier with kids. We always try to do an early reservation for either lunch or dinner before peak times. We loved the busy atmosphere and the staff was so nice and accommodating with our large family. You don’t always get treated this way in restaurants in Paris, so I really appreciated the experience.

Where Is Chez Janou in Paris?

Chez Janou is located at 2 Rue Roger Verlomme in the 3rd arrondissement, right near the Marais and Place des Vosges.

The restaurant serves Provençal-inspired French cuisine and has both indoor dining and a small terrace. Chez Janou describes its restaurant as a little taste of Southern France in the heart of Paris, which fits the colorful, relaxed atmosphere perfectly.

Chez Janou
2 Rue Roger Verlomme
75003 Paris

One of the things I love about this location is that it’s easy to work into a day exploring the Marais. You can wander around Place des Vosges, explore the neighborhood and then stop at Chez Janou for lunch or dinner.

What to Order at Chez Janou

The menu truly had something for everyone! My husband enjoys getting the set lunch menu which typically includes a meal plus an appetizer. He is the adventurous one with food in our family so it’s fun for him to try new foods this way. The set lunch menus are typically the price of an entree so it’s a great deal.

I am not very adventurous with food so I got the vegetable risotto and it was amazing! We also got a bottle of wine for around 24 Euros to enjoy with our meal.

There is a nice kids menu with very generous portions. The pasta was huge and big enough that my two youngest kids could split the meal.

Of course, there is one thing almost everyone comes to Chez Janou for…

Don’t Skip the Chocolate Mousse

Chez Janou is known for it’s famous mousse au chocolat and this is one dessert you don’t want to skip.

Unlike an individually plated dessert, the chocolate mousse is known for its fun presentation, which makes ordering it part of the experience. It is served in a huge bowl that is brought to your table with a generous scoop for the whole table to enjoy. This was the highlight of the meal for our family. It’s so good!

Is Chez Janou Good With Kids?

If you’re visiting Paris as a family, you may be wondering whether Chez Janou works with kids.

We had a great experience at this restaurant. From the moment we walked in the staff was kind and accommodating to our large family. Keep in mind that the restaurant is very small, so no big strollers inside. The tables are close together and it can get quite busy during peak times, but it’s all a fun experience kids can enjoy.

I always recommend for families traveling with young kids to go to lunch or dinner on the early side before the restaurants get crowded. It makes the experience of eating out as a family much less stressful and more enjoyable. I always find that enjoying a big lunch at a restaurant like this is better than dinner because the French eat dinner so late.

Do You Need a Reservation at Chez Janou?

Yes! I would definitely make a reservation, especially if you are traveling as a family or with a larger party. You may have luck getting a table right as lunch or dinner begins, but honestly, I wouldn’t chance it. Just book the reservation. You can easily move it if your dates change.

In the summer, reservations can book out a week or two in advance for a larger party so I would recommend booking a few weeks out. Chez Janou is also very popular with tourists so it’s always busy.

What to Do Near Chez Janou

Chez Janou is in a great location for exploring the Marais, so I would pair your meal with a few hours in the neighborhood.

Place des Vosges is nearby and is one of my favorite spots to walk through when we’re in this part of Paris. From there, you can wander the streets of the Marais, stop in the shops and cafés and enjoy one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city.

This is one of those areas where you don’t need a packed itinerary. Give yourself time to explore.

Is Chez Janou Worth It?

Yes! Chez Janou is popular and busy, so I wouldn’t go expecting a hidden neighborhood restaurant that no one else knows about.

But not every popular Paris restaurant is automatically overrated.

We loved the food and the vibe in the restaurant and I think it’s a fun place to add to a Paris itinerary if you’re looking for a great spot in the Marais.

And I would absolutely save room for the chocolate mousse.