Faste

Tucked away near Gare de l’Est in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, Faste has carved out a reputation as the go-to destination for croque monsieur enthusiasts. This unpretentious little spot takes the classic French sandwich to gloriously indulgent heights, serving up monster-sized croques that demand both a fork and knife—and possibly a napkin tucked into your collar.

The star of the show is their signature croque monsieur: oversized slabs of fresh sandwich bread stacked with quality ham and absolutely blanketed in silky cheese sauce. But what really sets Faste apart is their thoughtful vegetarian options. The mushroom croque features perfectly sautéed mushrooms paired with rich Comté cheese, fragrant tarragon, and just enough mustard to cut through the richness. The spinach version, loaded with two types of cheese, delivers an umami punch that rivals its meaty counterpart.

The space itself is modest but welcoming—a small, airy dining room with a handful of tables spilling onto the sidewalk when weather permits. It’s the kind of place where you can pop in solo for a quick lunch without fuss, or share a tasting platter with friends when you simply can’t decide which croque calls to you most. And honestly, ordering halves to sample multiple varieties is the smartest move here.

Whether you’re killing time before catching a train or making a deliberate pilgrimage for Paris’s most decadent sandwich experience, Faste delivers exactly what it promises: straightforward, cheese-laden satisfaction without any pretense.