13 Chic Dining Spots – When in Paris, Eat Like a Parisian

LifestyleTop ListsJune 28, 2024

Paris, often called the City of Love and the City of Light is a culinary haven with endless dining options. Recently, it has also embraced the nickname “Paname,” a trendy term that means’ huge’ among the city’s chic residents. Navigating Paris’s huge dining scene can be daunting, but fear not—I’ve curated a list of the most stylish eateries where the fashion elite trade the runway for a boeuf bourguignon.

1- DAROCO

Housed in the former Jean-Paul Gaultier boutique, Daroco epitomizes Parisian elegance. This sophisticated spot, run by Alexandre Giesbert and Julien Ross, is a magnet for the glitterati, particularly during fashion week. The restaurant’s stunning interior, with its discreet nooks and mezzanine overlooking a lush urban jungle, offers a perfect hideaway.

Frequented by the likes of Bradley Cooper, Vogue’s Amina Muaddi, and Kendall Jenner, Daroco is where you’ll find the crème de la crème of fashion. Indulge in their divine pasta and pizza, or opt for the exquisite black truffle linguine. For those avoiding gluten, the burrata with vegetable giardiniera or the langoustine tartare with stracciatella & bottarga are excellent choices.

Daroco – 6 Rue Vivienne, Paris 2nd

2- LOULOU

Nestled in the Tuileries Gardens, next to the Museum of Decorative Arts, Loulou exudes Parisian chic. Designed by Joseph Dirand, its luxurious interior features marble accents, ’60s-inspired decor, and Art Deco touches, all with a spectacular view of Paris.

This venue is a favourite among Parisian society’s crème de la crème, including fashion maestro Olivier Rousteing. The menu, crafted by Benoît Dargère, offers a feast for the senses with dishes like fried calamari, chilled tomato and melon medleys, and raw purple artichokes with aged parmesan.

Loulou – 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st

3- SILENCIO DES PRÉS

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Silencio des Prés is the brainchild of iconic filmmaker David Lynch. This exclusive spot is frequented by Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Xavier Dolan, making it a hotspot for creative and influential minds.

Michelin-starred chef Guillaume Sanchez heads the kitchen, offering dishes like scallops with burdock cream and grilled octopus with herb vinaigrette. The bar, led by Rémy Savage, serves innovative cocktails that perfectly complement the culinary delights.

Silencio des Prés – 22 rue Guillaume Apollinaire, Paris 6e.

4- SIENA

Created by Mehdi Abdelhedi, the mastermind behind the legendary César, Siena offers a cosy yet exotic dining experience with a touch of celebrity glamour. Regulars include the Hadid sisters, Kaia Gerber, and even Kylian Mbappé.

Siena’s menu celebrates Italian classics with a contemporary twist, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.

Siena – 35 place du Marché Saint-Honoré, Paris 1st.

5- BONNIE

Perched on the top floor of the SO/Paris hotel, Bonnie offers breathtaking views of Paris, including the Seine and Ile Saint-Louis. Only this is already worth visiting. But also the ’60s-inspired venue is a hub for models, buyers, stylists and socialites.

Indulge in dishes like gravlax salmon with lemon cream, crispy sweetbread with mashed potatoes, or roasted sea bass with mushrooms. For dessert, the roasted pineapple with coconut and lemon sorbet is to die for.

Bonnie – 10 rue Agrippa d’Aubigné, Paris 4th

6- BOUBALÉ AT LE GRAND MAZARIN

Located within Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin, Boubalé offers an immersive Ashkenazi culinary experience under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit. The decor and dishes alike pay homage to his heritage, childhood memories and family tradition, creating a vibrant and flavorful dining voyage.

Boubalé – 17 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4th

7- TAWLET PARIS

Kamal Mouzawak’s Tawlet in the 11th arrondissement brings the essence of Lebanese hospitality to Paris. This “free table” restaurant offers a generous buffet of traditional Lebanese dishes, embodying a spirit of community and celebration.

Regular guests include designer Rabih Kayrouz, journalist and influencer Sophie Fontanel, and Pierre Touitou, making it a beloved spot for stylish Parisians.

Tawlet Paris – 2 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, Paris 11th

8- CAFÉ LAPÉROUSE

Since its reopening, Café Lapérouse at the Hôtel de la Marine has become a fashionable meeting place. The spectacular setting by Cordelia de Castellane, featuring an elegant interior terrace, attracts the likes of designer Olivier Rousteing and model Natalia Vodianova. And you can enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

The menu highlights include soft-boiled eggs with truffles, bottarga, and caviar. But also the classic croque-monsieur is a winner.

Café Lapérouse – 2 Place de la Concorde, Paris 8th

9- ONII-SAN

Located in the Marais, Onii-San offers a sophisticated izakaya experience, perfect for sharing small plates and enjoying sake. Don’t expect sushi or ramen, but an authentic Japanese recipe revisited. The owners created a friendly, frenetic, offbeat atmosphere of Tokyo’sizakayas in Paris with ultra-gourmet cuisine.

You will meet all the vogue birds of the Marais: Nicolas Gesquière, Emmanuelle Alt, and David Sims, among other stylists and models.

The glazed eel with sansho pepper and smoked black tea, and sashimi of amberjack are standout dishes.

Onii San – 82 rue des Archives, Paris 3e

10- LE RELAIS PLAZA

Le Relais Plaza, located at the Hotel Plaza Athénée, offers a glamorous dining experience with dishes like lobster mayo and Granny’s tartare. This iconic brasserie is frequented by actors, journalists, and high-flying American jet-setters.

Le Relais Plaza: 25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8th

11- MAR’CO

Replacing the beloved Water Bar, Marco offers a similar chic dining experience near the now-closed concept store Colette. The menu features favourites like Caesar salad with Costes sauce and Jean-Paul Hévin’s cheesecake. It’s a place to meet beautiful people, such as Sarah Andelman, Leïla Bekhti, and Sarah Lavoine.

Mar’co – 4 Rue de la Sourdière, Paris 1st

12- HOTEL GRAND AMOUR

Hotel Grand Amour boasts a rock-and-roll dining room frequented by the likes of Olivier Zahm and IMG models. The menu includes house pastrami, roasted eggplant, and a delicious tarte Tatin for two.

Hotel Grand Amour – 18 rue de la Fidélité, Paris 10th

13- MAXIM’S

Since its reopening, Maxim’s on Rue Royale continues to be a symbol of luxury and French gastronomy. Its lavish Art Nouveau decor and exquisite cuisine make it a timeless destination for the elite. The restaurant was the venue of Vogue World after party at Maxim’s hosted by Edward Enninful.

Maxim’s – 3 rue royale, Paris 8th

When in Paris, dine like the fashion elite. From chic Italian sanctuaries to lavish brasseries, these hotspots offer not just culinary delights but also a chance to mingle with the who’s who of the fashion world.

And since the motto is When in Paris like a Parisian, check this fashion brand turns any woman into a French girl. And don’t forget to always make a resting-bitch-face. Even if you’re surrounded by amazing people and fantastic architecture, just act cool.

Image @CafeLaperouse_Paris


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