129 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
617.542.5108
I was fortunate enough to make it to Paris one time in my life. A business trip to London put me close, and a weekend allowed for a quick Eurostar Chunnel Paris day trip.
We never really got to sample a French bistro, as running to see the real Mona Lisa at the Musée du Louvre, the river Siene, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and…kept us very occupied for the jam packed day. When I imagine an authentic French bistro, Les Zygomates comes to mind.
Les Zygomates (the muscles on your face giving you the ability to smile) is located in the Leather District in Boston, and is about as easy as a restaurant in 
The Front Window of Les ZygomatesBoston can be for a MetroWest diner. It is one block away from South Station on South Street. Follow the signs for South Station, making a left on to Essex. The next left places you on South Street, and Les Zygomates is on your right. If parking is a problem, we go past the restaurant and make the next right (Beach Street) and park in the Garage at Beach and Surface.
Or take the commuter rail into Boston, and walk over to the restaurant from South Station.
The owner/chef is Owner/Chef: Ian Just, who (according to the website) “went to the prestigious École Superieure de Cuisine Française cooking school in Paris where he graduated at the top of his class. After graduation, he worked in the 2 star Michelin restaurant Michel Comby and at the famous brasserie, Aux Charpentier. He started working at Les Zygomates in Paris soon after it opened and became the Sous Chef under Chef/Owner Patrick Fray. He worked there nearly 3 years and then returned to Boston to cook at Maison Robert.” Ian has owned Les Zygomates Boston for 17 years.
The Entry has a European feelLes Zygomates offers a little something for everyone. When you enter, you walk into one of their two bars. Seating can be for quiet, romantic couple dinners, as the restaurant has a number of couples tables. Larger groups are seated in one of the numerous “areas” within the restaurant, with each area having its own feel/vibe.
Their web presence says a lot about one dimension of their business, www.winebar.com. They are known for their Tuesday wine tastings. Their wine menu is extensive, with a mix of regions including France, of course.
They also have a small stage, and a jazz presence every night but Monday.
For a recent lunch, we went with the specials. I had a smoked pork sandwich, and while the sandwich didn’t hold together for eating with hands the flavors and tastes were welcomed by me under the knife and fork. My companion had a fish special, and enjoyed same.
We finished lunch with a cappuccino. It was a hot day, and I prefer mine iced. The waiter saw no reason not to provide me with a specially made iced cappuccino I found delightful.
Hours are:
Monday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
The Second Bar, showing the linen tablecloths
Friday 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Dinner Hours begin at 5:30 p.m.
So, for a trip to a Paris bistro, with a nice wine list and some nice jazz, head to Les Zygomates.
gets a:
Green Light – Go and enjoy
About the RAG scale:hen
Green Light – Go and enjoy
Amber Light – Use caution
Red Light – Save your time and money