11 Paris Restaurants Worth the Splurge
Paris
Paris is undeniably one of the great food cities of the world and it has been for decades. A splurge in Paris can be a life changing experience. So here are some places that are absolutely worth it.
L'Ambroisie
Saint-Gervais
Photo: Google
What to say of the creations of Bernard Pacaud, the quality of which is matched only by his modesty? He doesn't give much away, preferring to let his cooking do the talking. His restaurant occupies a townhouse on the Place des Vosges (antique mirrors, immense tapestry, black and white marble floor), which for all its almost Florentine majesty has just undergone extensive refurbishments (including the addition of remarkable contemporary wall panels lit by red diodes). He never ceases to amaze us with his consistency and that je ne sais quoi that comes from the soul and that he is always able to introduce into his work. His dishes may appear to be simple, but each element is placed with absolute conviction, as in a master's painting. Just let yourself be swept along: emotion shines through in every dish – lobster fricassee with civet sauce and Saint-Germain mousseline; scallops with leek, potato and truffle; tarte fine sablée with bitter cocoa and vanilla ice cream.
9 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France
Arpège
NA
Photo: Google
Acclaimed for its ingenious use of vegetables and superb tasting menu, with many calling it a gastronomic revelation
84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Le Cinq
NA
Photo: Google
Gourmet dining experience with exquisite service in a stunning setting, housed within the Four Seasons Hotel George V.
31 Av. George V, 75008 Paris, France
Le Duc
Montparnasse
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Despite being in the heart of the Left Bank, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in the cabin of a yacht packed with seafaring acolytes… The chef works with first-rate fish and seafood and is a consummate craftsman: tartare of langoustine with black lemon, sole meunière, lobster sautéed with orange, grilled John Dory… All aboard!
243 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris, France
Restaurant Le Gabriel
Champs-Élysées
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Just off the Champs-Élysées, this restaurant is ensconced in the elegant, luxurious setting of La Réserve, a stunning 19C Haussmann edifice. No stranger to top Parisian establishments (Bernard Pacaud, Alain Senderens), Jérôme Banctel has taken advantage of recent events to change course entirely. This Breton now invites his guests to partake in set menus (no choice) on a journey that revisits the flavours of Brittany and beyond, as inspired by his extensive travels, notably to Turkey. This reclaimed freedom unveils the chef’s genuine culinary identity, as he balances acidity, spices and seafood with the talent of a cosmopolitan alchemist. He prepares his dishes with superb ingredients (some of which you may never even have heard of, let alone tasted), never straying from his solid classical foundations. His lobster on a binchotan BBQ, almond pralines, peaches in verbena or his hake with morels in razor clam jus and green peas are truly out of this world.
la reserve, 42 Av. Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France
Restaurant Guy Savoy
Monnaie
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In the exceptional setting of the Hôtel de la Monnaie, Guy Savoy is continuing the story he began a few decades ago – back when, as a young boy, he would peek into the pans in the kitchen of his family's restaurant, La Buvette de l'Esplanade, in Bourgoin-Jallieu. Here, he has taken things to another level, with six dining rooms adorned with contemporary paintings and sculptures (many lent by François Pinault) and with old-fashioned windows overlooking the Seine. The splendour of the backdrop in no way distracts the chef from his mission, which is to pay tribute to French cuisine every day. It is a joy to rediscover his emblematic artichoke soup with truffle, to be relished with a brioche spread with truffle butter.
11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin
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Elegant contemporary French cuisine by the late Jol Robuchon with inventive small plates served in a sleek open kitchen setting near Madeleine. Reservations essential.
5 Rue de Montalembert, 75007 Paris, France
Jules Verne
Gros-Caillou
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Frédéric Anton presides over the fortunes of this emblematic restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, accessible by a private lift. The magic of this location 125m up from ground level instantly bewitches diners, who are further captivated by the high-flying cuisine. Every day, Kévin Garcia's teams pull out all the stops to elevate blue-ribbon produce and deliver delicate, perfectly judged dishes boasting flavour combinations that are always on point. For example, a sublime soufflé of scallops with a Dieppoise sauce and Oscietra caviar, or grenobloise-style caramelised calf sweetbread, perfectly executed with no unnecessary frills. Germain Decreton's desserts are in keeping with the lofty standards. When booking, ask for one of the tables near the windows, as the view over Paris through the tower's iron fretwork is nothing short of spectacular. An impeccable welcome and very committed service.
Avenue Gustave Eiffel 2ème, Tour Eiffel, Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Bistrot Paul Bert
NA
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"Lauded for its steaks and authentic Parisian bistro feel. 'Always exceeds expectations,' states a frequent visitor."
18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris, France
Pierre Gagnaire
Madeleine
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In an interior dominated by a masterful charcoal work, an "urban cave painting" depicting a bestiary by the artist Adel Abdessemed, Pierre Gagnaire continues to finetune France’s culinary scene with his adventurous, wholehearted and excessive signature cuisine. This fan of jazz and contemporary art never rests on his laurels. Gagnaire's restaurant, which has had three stars since 1996, reflects his character: modern, understated and subtly sophisticated, all of which is in perfect harmony with the attentive, delicate service. The poetic dishes are constantly reinvented, like small "satellite" portions sent into orbit by the chef, making it impossible to cite a single emblematic dish, or even a main characteristic – other than sheer excellence!
6 Rue Balzac, 75008 Paris, France
Le Pré Catelan
NA
Photo: Google
Prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant located in Bois de Boulogne but closely associated with Chaillot, offering exquisite French haute cuisine in a grand setting. Signature dishes are seasonal and highly creative. Perfect for refined palates and celebratory occasions.
Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris, France