Le Petit Italien | Gluten-free in Paris

Milica Magdic
13/04/2026

1

This was easily one of the worst restaurant experiences we’ve had in Paris. The main reason we came was for Chez Janou’s famous mousse, which is heavily promoted. However, the experience felt inconsistent and frustrating from the start. On day one, we were told mousse is only served after 4pm. On day two, we came after 4pm and were told we had to order a full dinner first — even though other guests next to us were able to order just the mousse and leave. As tourists, it felt like we were being treated differently. We gave it another chance and came back around 10pm, only to be told they couldn’t serve mousse because they were short-staffed — despite the restaurant being mostly empty. One of the older disgusting waiters was especially rude and dismissive, and at one point confidently claimed that the famous Chez Janou mousse contains GLUTEN— which contradicts widely available information. That level of misinformation, delivered with attitude, just summed up the entire experience. The food itself was very underwhelming, and combined with the lack of clear rules and inconsistent service, the whole experience was disappointing. If you’re also coming specifically for the mousse, be prepared for unnecessary complications. There are plenty of other places in Paris where you can get a better chocolate mousse like Le Petit Celestin or Jais.

Sarah Kinvig
11/05/2025

5

The reviews are right! 10/10 food, service and Gluten free options. Loved the complimentary bread basket, linguine vongole, gnocchi, the veal and the chocolate mousse was insane 🤤 best dinner in Paris we had. Book if you can!

Jon Grieb
27/02/2023

5

A low key amazing lunch. Just managed to beat the lunch crowd, but place fills up with locals (in my perception) quickly around 1230. Since menu is mostly Italian, there is no real language issue but the French staff can helpfully clarify any issues in English and had no problem doing a “kids pasta” for my 6 and 8 year old. Gluten free items avail and my veal was appropriately light for lunch and actually incredible. It’s a place you will love to linger in, but can get u on ur way in :45 min or less. To sum: Super friendly neighborhood vibe, but easy to navigate if a tourist. And awesome food.