Nicolas Schweri is not only a true child of the neighborhood, but also comes from a family of cooks and restaurateurs. His grandfather was head chef at the legendary Bofinger restaurant for thirty years, from the 1960s to the 1990s. His grandmother worked as a waitress, while his father was also a cook. And the whole family has always lived in the 11th arrondissement!

At just 14 years old, Nicolas followed the family path by beginning a culinary apprenticeship. He gained solid experience as a chef—and a love for the bistro spirit—at prestigious houses such as Hôtel Vernet (under Éric Briffard), Astier, Bofinger, and the unforgettable JGo. By the age of 26, he decided to create his own restaurant, Onze à Table (www.onzeatable.paris).

But Nicolas’s dream—the one he had cherished for many years—was to take over the café located just downstairs from his parents’ home, on Place de la Fontaine Timbaud. From his window he had so often watched everyday scenes unfold, enjoyed countless morning coffees, and met up with friends. So when the opportunity came to take over the business, he once again chose to join forces with Stéphane Kirsch.

Together, they share the same ambition: to revive the lively spirit of the authentic Parisian café, built around simple, comforting cuisine, so that every moment of the day can be celebrated with excellent products. A straightforward, honest kind of cooking, without pretension but full of flair—the kind that reminds us how much joy there can be in a perfectly prepared steak and mashed potatoes.