Anthony Bourdain once said that this Paris restaurant was second only to the Eiffel Tower.

The restaurant was named his favorite by the late chef and TV host when he visited Paris for the premiere episode of “No Reservations”. We went to check if it lived up to its hype.

Anthony Bourdain needs no introduction. He was a celebrity chef who also hosted some of the most popular travel shows. His recommendations were — and still are — considered gospel for those looking to get the best food and drink experiences across the globe. His opinions were honest and refreshing. He also offered an insight beyond the surface, examining the communities behind these delicious dishes and explaining why they were so unique.

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Bourdain also visited the area. Paris The first episode No ReservationsComically named Why the French aren’t suckersAs a result, he was able to eat at all the great restaurants in town. Bourdain was surprised by the praise he gave one restaurant. It’s an old-fashioned classic, with a capital C: the Montparnasse district brasserie.

Bourdain was not known for giving such high praise, so almost 20 years after Bourdain’s return, I decided to visit this iconic spot to see if it still lives up to its hype.

Le Dome CaféThis upscale bistro is situated on the Boulevard du Montparnasse’s border with the 6th and the 14th arrondissements. It serves fresh seafood in a sophisticated setting. White linen covers the tables, soft jazz plays throughout, and charming bistro tables line streets so guests can enjoy the view while people sit. Although the setting was all you would expect from a Parisian bistro it was the food that stood out.

I made a reservation and went in for dinner at 6 p.m. The restaurant was pretty empty, but over the course of my meal, seats filled up fast — to the point where guests were waiting for tables to open up within an hour. I ordered the Le Dôme platter, a meal that could have easily fed two. The server brought a tower of oysters, crab claws cockles, prawns, and smaller grey shrimp to the table. I finished almost every item in the meal and proudly made my way through it over the next hour.

Bourdain only mentioned the restaurant briefly before moving on to another location. As a seafood lover, I was drawn to it and am happy to report that it met all my expectations. I came away satisfied.

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The chef also visited Le Baratin, a bistro at the border of 19th and 20thArrondissements that serves traditional French cuisine and has a robust wine selection. Bourdain also stopped at Cantada II which was a heavy metal bar that offered traditional absinthe. Unfortunately, it has since been closed.

The next few days were spent visiting Bourdain’s top spots and discovering new favorites with friends. This was the one that kept me coming back to. The service was prompt, the atmosphere was French-inspired, and the food was delicious.