Although I love French food, not just because I grew up with it, I admit that there is one item that I rarely order when going to France and it is red meat. I find the meat in the US much better, tastier and tender, and I am not even talking about the meat from Japan or Argentina that is fantastic. So, as I was visiting my family in Grenoble, I remembered that last year, there was a Steakhouse under construction and was hoping to try it. Unfortunately, it was not there, replaced by something else. I was so disappointed. But I remembered Hippopotamus, a Steakhouse à la française as they brand themselves. Opened in 1968, it is not unknown to me: when I was living in Paris, I often had lunch with my cousin Sandrine there, in their Bastille location, for convenience, but also because they proposed a decent lunch. So we went there. Decor wise, it definitely looks more like a chain than a restaurant and, unfortunately, the service was so so. I originally wanted their cote de boeuf or ribeye, but they did not have it. So I ended up ordering their bone-in filet that was cooked medium-rare, as expected, was juicy, but not as tender or tasty as I thought.

Bone in filet at Hippopotamus in Grenoble, France

I also got some bone marrow, that, for 3 Euros was a good deal. Too bad that it came some time after my steak and they could have done a better presentation by serving both together.

With the steak, you can get whatever sides you want, as much as you want. Same for sauces (I chose a béarnaise that was pretty good) . So I got their Mac and cheese, that was quite creamy, as well as the fries that were decent, slightly crunchy, but definitely not handmade.

Jodi on went for their chèvre Chaud salade or goat cheese salad, where the cheese was fried in a puff pastry, and served with cherry tomatoes and lettuce.

Goat cheese salad at Hippopotamus in Grenoble, France

We could have had dessert, but as the service was not that great and it started to be late, we gave up...So it was ok: not the best piece of meat I ever had, but decent. I'll have to find another steakhouse the next time I visit...

Enjoy (...)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Hippopotamus - 10 Place Grenette, 38000 Grenoble, France

My trip to France: Hippopotamus, Steakhouse a la française in Grenoble

I Just Want To Eat!