Le Pain Quotidien

You don’t have to be a food critic to appreciate aesthetics and good food. It comes naturally to most people. Why then do so many restaurateurs have so much trouble providing these two basic elements? No such problem at Le Pain Quotidien. Unlike the hordes of businesses in Buenos Aires that put French monikers on their entrance doors and front display windows to appear cosmopolitan or European, Le Pain Quotidien has a much better excuse ... it’s French.

The founder and kingpin chef behind this café cum bakery, Alain Coumont, grew up in France and Belgium and has brought his love of baking (in a way only a Frenchman can do it) to this highly success international chain of restaurants.

The franchisees in Buenos Aires have done a marvelous of job of replicating what has made LPQ successful worldwide. It is a first-class operation that delivers consistent quality.

I’m no “free range only, give me only organic” fanatic, but even I can appreciate a restaurant that places quality, healthy ingredients, freshly prepared at the top of the priority list. The more you visit this restaurant, the more comfortable you become, regardless of which location you visit.

I think it fair to say that Le Pain Quotidien is mostly known as a great place for a cup of coffee, croissants, breads and pastries, likely because of its boulangerie roots. And that’s led to an awareness that they serve a few breakfast items that aren’t typical for a corner café in Buenos Aires. Things like waffles, French toast and poached and soft-boiled eggs. All with organic and free-range ingredients. Read the details of our review for breakfast here.

But surprise, surprise! Their lunch and dinner offerings are first-class too.

Hidden on a rather extensive menu, is a section of small tapas-like small plates, featuring a host of rather non-French items. Things like hummus, babaganoush, smoked salmon and capers, and poached eggs and new-potatoes. No surprise, they offer a selection of quiches, tartines (sort of sandwich that’s missing the top piece of bread for you folks that aren’t French) and salads, all beautifully presented and executed.

Le Pain Quotidien even occasionally offers rustic French dinner plates during the evening.

Service, provided by a younger-than-usual staff of waiters, is up to snuff, but could be better. Ambiance is beyond good. They even have a website that is informative and compelling.

Our review focuses on the Posadas location in Recoleta at the edge of Retiro, within a stone’s throw of the city’s most prestigious hotels. But, Le Pain Quotidien has more than a dozen locations throughout the Buenos Aires metro area. I’ve been to the locations in Recoleta Plaza and Palermo Soho. Execution and service seem to be commensurate.

For coffee, breakfast, lunch, afternoon merienda, or dinner, Le Pain Quotidien is a smart choice.