Miznon is difficult to write about, because once inside, it is difficult to describe what is going on. To name the menu, or the structure, it can take some doing. Better to just go in with blind faith and have the experience, without trying to control or understand it.
That said, I’m not a picky eater but I love texture. So since I’m not a regular at Miznon, on my first visit I had to reveal what’s on the menu as it’s a jumble of words and phrases. In other words, don’t expect a precise list with menu titles in this post. But if you go, the counter people are helpful, if you are in a hurry. And the experience is part of the fun. (If you’ve been to Tel Aviv, where Miznon originated, you know that some of the best places to eat are freer than restaurants elsewhere.)
The bœuf bourguignon (below) is their recreation of the French classic, as a sandwich. Chunks of ultra-tender beef with braised vegetables are stuffed into the pita.
The sandwiches are not overly plentiful, and in the Marais, the other sandwich and falafel places pack more into their pitas, although the quality is not as high as it is at Miznon. I have to say, I like their newer location in the 10th arrondissement near the Canal Saint Martin, over the one in the Marais (near all the falafel shops) as it has a bit more space and is less cramped. (It also has a bar.) They also recently opened a 3rd location in Paris, on the 9th. (All three of their Paris addresses are here.)
As hectic as they can get, the young staff are generally good-spirited, helpful, and friendly. If you try to order from the blackboard, you won’t have a clue of what’s on the menu. At the register, where you order, there may be menus that offer a bit more information…but not always!
Vegetarians have plenty of options here, including falafel platters, half a dozen sandwiches, as well as whole roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and steamed artichokes. If you’ve been to Israel, where Miznon originated, you’ll understand how important fresh vegetables are to Middle Eastern cuisine, so here in Paris, they pay as much attention to their vegetables as they do to their non-vegetarian guests.
I haven’t tried everything on the menu, but on my last visit, I found a seat and ate my Eroticserie (below), a pita filled with rotisserie chicken with aïoli and green onions, balanced with green hot sauce, a drink, and lots of napkins, while I enjoyed my sandwich.
Miznon
22, rue des Ecouffes (4th)
Q: Saint Paul
and
37, quai de Valmy (10)
M: The Republic
and
3, rue de la Grange Batèliere (9th)
Q: Grand Boulevards
(No reservations.)
