How to get the best seat at this proper old-school Parisian brasserie.

In the latest instalment of our series where we ask our Style Council Members for their insider knowledge on the world’s best restaurants, we are in Paris at Le Valois – a favourite haunt of Mr James Sleaford, a freelance fashion editor, formerly of GQ. Read below for the inside track on this traditional Parisian brasserie, and how Mr Sleaford makes the most of his visits – from menu highlights to bagging the best seat in the house.

**Find out more at MR PORTER’s Style Council **

Why do you love Le Valois?

Le Valois restaurant is neatly tucked next to the Parc Monceau in the 8éme arrondissement of Paris. It has a fantastic terrace for the summer and after a light (or heavy) lunch, you can amble back through the park. It’s very unpretentious and very popular with the locals in that area. It’s a good 10 minutes on foot from the Champs-Élysées, but well worth the walk to get a real Parisian food experience.

Do you have a favourite spot to sit in?

I’m not a huge fan of sitting outside in the sun. One of the advantages of Le Valois is that, in summer, one side of the restaurant is exposed, which creates a cool breeze. I like to sit just inside and just in front of the terrace.

What’s their best dish?

You can either go traditional or modern bistro. I have friends who have tried everything from the pot au feu to the confit de canard. My favourite is still steak with sauce au poivre. The pommes frites are out of this world – I always put a portion in the middle to share. And if I still have room, I try to fit in a pain perdu au caramel de beurre sale. For serious gourmands only.

What do you always order to drink?

With a meal I go for a demi bière. On the terrace I like to mix a pastis with water and lots and lots of ice, especially when it’s hot. In the day before noon, a café crème is also fantastic.

When is the best time to go?

You can eat in this restaurant during all the seasons, as the Parc Monceau opposite is worth a visit in both summer and winter. And with the Condé Nast France offices recently moving into the area, you can also expect some very well-dressed people to be sitting close by.

**Who do you usually take? **

When I was working at Condé Nast, this was my favourite place for lunch with the Parisian press offices. Otherwise, for drinks on the terraces – it’s great to meet both photographers and designers in a relaxed atmosphere.

How do I ensure I get a table?

For lunch, it’s always best to book. For drinks in the late afternoon/evening, you can pretty much walk in or find a table on the terrace.

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