Next to L'Avant Comptoir de La Terre is de La Mer, which shares the same style of the laid back, casual tapas bar but with a focus on seafood.  Unlike the vegetables next door, their fish is undeniably fresh.  The belon oysters taste as if they were just scooped out of the water and shucked seconds ago.  The coquille or scallop has the perfect amount of seasoning, olive oil and acidity in one bite.  They have a delicious take on fish and chips that you must try.  And the clear favorite small dish of the night: shrimp wrapped with long crispy potato fries. 

Just like the owner Yves Camdeborde's other bistros, they carry a nice selection of wines to compliment their dishes.  Amazingly, there is only one man behind the bar taking orders, serving drinks and ensuring you receive your food at the appropriate time.  It was unbelievable to see him maintain his cool while waves of people come in and out of the restaurant.  Unfortunately their main bistro down the street, Le Comptoir is unable to effectively control the chaos.  Luckily de La Mer handles these bombardments well and has impressed us with their tasty tapas, excellent local wine, all while managing a friendly, welcoming environment.

​

Pictured: Oysters and sausage

​

Notable Reviews

​

Le Fooding: "A tantalizing oyster bar lines the street, while inside, there’s a long bar with a few barstools, where tipsy gourmet diners and chic neighbors come for a taste of the sea breeze. "

​

Lonely Planet: "One of Yves Camdeborde's stunning line-up of St-Germain hors d'oeuvre bars – alongside Le Comptoir, L'Avant Comptoir de la Terre and L'Avant Comptoir du Marché – serves succulent Cap Ferret oysters (straight, Bloody Mary–style or with chipolata sausages), herring tartine, cauliflower and trout roe, blood-orange razor clams, roasted scallops and salmon croquettes, complemented by fantastic artisan bread, hand-churned flavoured butters, sea salt and Kalamata olives."