Below are our favourite restaurants in Paris, from hidden bistros to bastions of haute cuisine – call us to make a booking. We can also arrange transport or walking tours for those who feel that they have over-indulged and would welcome the exercise.
L’Absinthe
24 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré
Located a stone’s throw from the Opéra Garnier and the Tuileries Garden, this two-level bistro is run by Caroline Rostang, daughter of the Michelin-starred chef Michel. Furnished with items selected from local flea markets, the classic but playful interior features exposed brickwork, red leather chairs and a wooden bar. The cooking follows suit, with traditional dishes given a contemporary makeover – many are served in shot glasses or little custard cups. We recommend the crab cakes to start, followed by roast duck breast with foie gras and iced pumpkin. A vaulted cellar is available for private functions. In the summertime, tables spill out onto the tree-lined, cobblestone street.
Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée
25 Avenue Montaigne (pictured)
At the centre of the spacious, neo-rococo dining room hangs a 10,000-piece crystal chandelier. Despite its rather grand setting, Ducasse decided in 2010 that the menu needed to be toned down, reflecting a return to the bare ingredients – a risky endeavour for a restaurant with three Michelin stars. Christophe Saintagne heads up the kitchen, with house classics including steamed langoustines, served cold and topped with caviar. The cave-like cellar is one of the largest in the city – half the Cristal champagne imported into Paris comes directly here. Private wine tastings for up to 12 people are available – call us to arrange.
If booking the Plaza Athénée through lifestyle concierge, you will receive the hotel’s best available rate and benefit from some exclusive offers thanks to our Global Hotel Collection partnership. Speak to a member of our travel team for more information.
Le Timbre
3 Rue Sainte Beuve
Given its postage stamp proportions, Le Timbre – located down an unassuming side street near Montparnasse – has enormous appeal. Mancunian chef Chris Wright works in a modest-sized open kitchen to create a menu which changes weekly, handwritten onto a blackboard and using whatever fresh and seasonal ingredients are at the local market. Dishes may include ham-wrapped calamari or pan-fried pork with red onions. Save room for dessert – the signature millefeuille du Timbre is a must. Paying tribute to his British roots, English cheddar and stilton from Neal's Yard Dairy also feature. With just 24 covers, bookings are essential. Please note that the restaurant is closed until mid-April.
Maison Blanche
15 Avenue Montaigne
This restaurant, located in one of the most enviable settings in the world, belongs to the Michelin-starred Pourcel twins, Jacques and Laurent. The contemporary white and purple venue sits on top of the art deco-style Théâtre des Champs Elysées, seven storeys up via a lift. It’s a very stylish affair, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Seine and Eiffel Tower. Chef Sylvain Ruffenach has a tendency towards specialities from the Languedoc region, with standout dishes including tart of duck foie gras with roasted rhubarb and peach and John Dory in candied lemon vinaigrette with olives. The terrace was opened in 2011, allowing guests to dine al fresco during the spring and summer months.
Angelina
226 Rue de Rivoli
One can’t possibly visit the French capital without trying the desserts at this historic teashop, tucked under the arcades of the Rue de Rivoli. Served in the faded grandeur of a belle époque salon, close to the Louvre, the house speciality is the Chocolat Chaud a l’ancienne dit ‘L’Africain’ – a thick, velvety concoction made with cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast. Alternatively, tuck into the Mont Blanc pastry, a meringue ball covered in whipped cream and sweet chestnut purée. If you don’t want to go straight for pudding, they also have salads and light dishes.
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