Magnolia

Intricate gourmet food in the Gothic Quarter

Popular plate: Try the mini duck cannelloni with apricot, amaretto and crispy leek - it's as interesting as it sounds.
Word to the wise: Many people come to Magnolia for cocktails only, so feel free to follow suit.

While the food can be fancy at this lively cafe in the Born district, the staff are thankfully anything but. Pleasantly relaxed and informal, Magnolia serves up creative, seasonal pan-Mediterranean creations: think pumpkin cream with amaretto and mascarpone, or mushroom risotto with coffee powder and black truffle oil. With an EUR 10 lunchtime deal, it can be well priced too.
Magnolia is equally popular as a cocktail meet-up. Its floor to ceiling windows are for people watching (though don't be surprised if you're not the only out-of-towner around), while its mango and passion fruit mojitos are deliciously refreshing and somewhat lethal.