The appearance of this chain of restaurants can be a little off-putting to tourists looking for the 'authentic' Paris, but if you can get past the American-style decor and the packed tables you'll be pleasantly surprised. I can't vouch for all branches, but the restaurant in the Opera district was a real eye-opener; the quality of the food was excellent (the fantastic creme brulee is especially recommended). Very reasonable fixed-price 'menus' add to the appeal.
1 Blvd. des Capuchines, Metro: Opera
www.hippopotamus.fr/accueil/ (website content in French)
Updates
Agreed the food IS good but on a visit to the Les Halles branch recently the service was dire: long-winded and surly, not at all family-friendly. To avoid disappointment make sure you check before you sit down how many staff are actually serving! We went to the one near Notre Dame twice and it was excellent value - watch out for the great steak, but be careful as some dishes are for two people but are charged per person - unlike the UK
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