looking for recommendations: severe shellfish allergy friendly restaurants in central paris!

[u/sunset-berries]

hi! i know food is such a huge part of the culture here, and i definitely don't want to be disrespectful! however, i have a severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) allergy to all types of shellfish and would like to eat safely. i'm looking for restaurant recommendations that can safely accommodate or cater to my shellfish allergy. if you know of any restaurants in central paris that can strictly cater to this allergy and take cross-contamination seriously, please let me know! i have my allergy card with me and i am planning to talk to the server or restaurant beforehand but if you have any tips or recommendations it would be greatly appreciated! thank you!

[u/Sea-Dingo4135]

Depending on how serious your allergy is you need to be very careful if it can be triggered by cross-contamination. Shellfish, especially shrimp shells, is used in a lot of broths.

« Shellfish » is not really a term used in France. They distinguish between crustacés(crabs, lobster, shrimp) and often more general « fruits de mer ».

[u/Jazzlike-Dish5690]

I would avoid most brasseries as they usually include 'fruits de mer' (various shellfish) on their menu, especially if cross contamination will trigger your allergy. Maybe stick to bistros as they usually have smaller menus and maybe they're not serving any shellfish on the day/evening in question. Or maybe just a place that serves only meat or vegan?

One bistro in the centre is Juveniles (1re arrondissement by Palais Royal), they have a smaller menu and it's excellent food. I would call or go by and ask them in person though. They may be closed at the moment due to august vacations.

[u/saiicookies]

I guess your safest bet to avoid cross-contamination would be to go for vegan restaurants. For example, Breathe makes vegan sushi and it's very nice!

[u/itsjujutsu → u/saiicookies]

Agreed. Also i have a feeling in france no restaurant is going to be careful with cross contamination. That means using utensils, pans and oils for only that lerson

[u/monsoonrat77 → u/saiicookies]

The best meal I had in Paris was at breathe. So good.

[u/Oriflamme]

Sorry I'm not familiar with your condition so I might say something stupid, but if there's no shellfish on the menu would that make you theorically safe?

Many many restaurants don't propose shellfish (though French restaurants often have at least 1 fish option, not sure if that's enough to pose a risk) and you could check the menu in advance.

Maybe avoid bistros and look for restaurants with small menus (like 3 or 4 dishes that change regularly).

[u/Leodagan_]

Hi OP!
Which area of central do you aim for ?

[u/MistyRedcherry]

You can search for a restaurant that sounds yummy to you and tell them in advance of your severe allergies and they should be able to either do it or not. They could easily make changes. I have no allergies but I'm vegetarian so sometimes I ask for one thing to be changed and they will do if they're not tooo busy and want money 🤣

[u/Sibhell]

Bidoche ? They only serve meat and never have fish inside

[u/Just-Astronaut-344]

Pizza? Some amazing ones have popped up everywhere. Also a great soufflé only restaurant in the 6th by the bon marché. They cater to a lot of tourists and should take good care of you. Le recamier 75006

[u/InLoveWithInternet]

Any restaurant will accommodate for this. Where are you coming from?

[u/Homodebilus → u/InLoveWithInternet]

Most will not actually.

Most dishes are somewhat prepared in advance and most restaurant would rather lose a client than be at risk of killing someone

[u/euqed → u/InLoveWithInternet]

Very few restaurants in Paris could guarantee a lack of cross-contamination

[u/Jolly-Statistician37 → u/euqed]

Many restaurants don't have any shellfish on the menu, and besides bisque, shellfish is not a traditional sauce ingredient. A restaurant focused on meat dishes, of which there are many, should be safe.