Le Troquet is a French restaurant-cum-bar located in the trendy seventh district. Not far away from the U3 station Neubaugasse, this venue seems quiet at first glance but it becomes bustling and crowded as the night draws on.

The restaurant is French, and when I say that, I don’t just mean that it has been given a token French name and serves schickimicki finger foods; it is staffed by French people, the main language in the bar is French, and it draws lots of its visitors from French-speaking nations. Although it is a staple venue for those of a Gallic persuasion, its reputation also draws flocks of Viennese.

The restaurant maintains Facebook contact with its clientelle, often updating and changing the ‘weekly menus’, which means it is very much worth checking up and seeing what’s new. There are also bargains to be had – for a very reasonable € 7.90, you can lunch on dishes such as ‘Sauté de veau au cidre avec pâtes au beurre’ (no, I didn’t understand that either). For those with an easily-sated appetite, there are also selections of the French ‘croques’, both monsieur and madame, which a sort of toasted sandwich dipped in egg for those who have never tried one.

Later in the evening, the restaurant converts into a bar, serving very ’70s cocktails which are obviously well received, judging by the amount of people who arrive to lap them up. A charming place to visit.

Note: Look out for creative graffiti in the toilets.