Pamela Price writing for I V Y Paris

Sure, it’s great to walk out of the discoteque at 4 in the morning and chow down on a sandwich grec (gyro) because the take-out hole in the wall is the only food place open, but what if it’s 12 P.M. and you want to eat without worrying about your entire sandwich falling out of your hands and splattering onto the sidewalk? Head for L’île de Crète: serving cuisine Crétoise since 1973…

This Greek restaurant-traiteur is located around the quaint little place high on Rue Mouffetard. You can take your moussaka in, or you can take it to go. Either way, the food is tasty and affordable enough to come back for more. The last time I stopped by, I ordered myself the sandwich grec platter for 8 euros. I didn’t know what to do with myself when I stared down at the overflowing plate of frites, succulent meat, and spiced rice. I thought it best to eat everything. There’s no need to waste good food.

Even though there’s a take-out counter and people going in and out, L’île de Crète is still a decent and decorative place to stay for a bite. Since last summer they added some snazzy high tables and stools. They have downstairs seating as well but I suggest sitting outside and enjoying the Mouffetard view.

The next time you’re stumblin’ out of the discoteque, save your sandwich grec craving: go sleep it off, wake up the next afternoon, and take some friends with you to L’île de Crète. Dessert it up with a piece of baklava.

L’île de Crète
10 rue Mouffetard
75005 Paris
Tel: 01 43 26 31 37