Le Marmiton

For 26 years, most of Le Marmiton’s customers have merely dropped by, selecting pre-packaged, ready-to-eat mussels, coq au vin, beef bourguignon or steak au poivre from its firmly traditional French menu, romantically portioned out for two and sent to discerning homes with fresh baguettes (salads and sides like vegetable paté and cheese plates also await). But despite a tres petit dining room (much of which resides on the sidewalk, al fresco), the wait staff imparts an authentically French, unhurried ambience. Beverages from the motherland, such as ciders and sparkling lemonades, as well as a modest wine list, are also available for take out or dine in. All the gorgeous desserts—and that includes éclairs, truffle cakes and almond tuile—are whipped up fresh by the resident pastry chef. Viola!