In a new city, feeling right at home often comes with finding little treasures: the places that only locals or insiders know about, where a simple “Hello” becomes a first-name basis conversation with the owners after a week of cozy, delicious lunches.

Located right off the sleepy boulevard Raspail, next to the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art, Arthé is exactly that. With no website, brief opening hours and a discreet façade, Arthé is as insider as it gets — and its nearly non-existent social media presence seems to suggest fans are pretty much ok with keeping it that way.

Open only for lunch and teatime during the week, the simple menu of homemade savory tarts and salads changes daily. Monday may have you biting into a rich leek and onion quiche, while Wednesday could be all about green lentil salad with orange and fennel. Polish it off with homemade baklava or decadent chocolate cake.

As the incredibly friendly owner smiles at guests, visiting tables to make sure everyone is satisfied,  you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale. The added bonus is that Arthé regularly hosts small art exhibits, making it your daily one-stop shop for socializing, good food, and creativity.