Where to Eat in Paris: Restaurants with Air-Conditioning
With two heatwaves already this summer and the warm weather set to stay at least through la rentrée (and longer, we hope!), here’s a selection of Paris restaurants which serve not only great food, but also the added bonus of air conditioning.
Carbon
After an unfortunate fire caused Carbon to close last year for renovations, tables look set to be in high demand when the popular, 3rd arrondissement restaurant re-opens in a couple of weeks. The constantly changing menu champions seasonal produce, with a focus on meat and fish cooked over an open fire for extra flavor. Everything is beautifully presented, from the food itself to the contemporary chic décor. The restaurant also hides a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, La Mina, which is secreted away downstairs.
Beau Regard
During this summer’s two heatwaves, the advice of many was to head to the cinema for a guaranteed air-con zone. Beau Regard goes one better. A new opening in Paris, not only does it boast its own cinema but also its own restaurant – with a menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Mathieu Pacaud no less – and a chic cocktail bar, making it easy to spend the whole night here, literally chilling out.
Printemps du Goût
Along with cinemas, department stores are an air con haven in Paris. But, at Printemps du Goût you can also sit and enjoy a great meal as well as a cool temperature. Not only can you browse delicacies from all around France, but you can also take a seat and enjoy caviar from Byzance, truffles and comfort food from Maison Balme, and cured and smoked meats and foie gras from Maison Dubernet, which has opened its first ever restaurant here. Supernature has opened its second outpost serving up its popular vegetarian and vegan-friendly fare.
Zia
After time spent in the kitchens of some of Paris’ top restaurants, including Verjus and the three Michelin-star Arpège, American French chef Justin Kent decided to go it alone, developing his own style and opening what is easily one of the best brunch spots in Paris. The breakfast burritos are one of our favorites, and make a tasty and hearty start to the day, with Zia also famous for its Dutch baby pancakes. Speciality coffee comes courtesy of Coutume and the Nitro Cold Brew is a delicious way of cooling down in the heat. Not only do they have air conditioning, but unlike most brunch restaurants Paris, they also take reservations (except on weekends).
Maison Constant
Christian Constant has a few addresses in Paris falling under his “Maison Constant” brand, all with air con and all serving his famed cuisine. Café Constant is the chef’s take on the typical Parisian bistro, in terms of both the style and the menu, with dishes such as oeufs mimosa, homemade foie gras, and parmentier. Head to Les Cocottes Arc de Triomphe to try Chef Constant’s famous Cocottes, cooked inside traditional Staub house cast-iron casseroles. Taste new creations based around seasonal produce, or for something more classic, order the signature dish of caramelized potatoes stuffed with pig’s feet.
Breizh
Breizh always hits the spot for a quick lunch spot or relaxed dinner. There is a huge of galettes and crêpes on offer (you might want seconds of salted caramel and ice-cream dessert!) made with local products and organic ingredients. The extensive cider menu has more than 60 to choose from, and if you’re in the Breizh Café Montorgueil location, there’s a great little cocktail bar hidden away downstairs.
Petrelle
A great option for a date night, Petrelle sets a romantic scene with low lighting, chandeliers and vintage-style décor. The modern French menu is absolutely delicious from start to finish, with generous dishes focused around seasonal vegetables and perfectly cooked meats. Bread comes from the excellent Du Pain et des Idées and the crisp yet chewy meringues offered at the end of your meal are a thoughtful touch.
La Coupole
A Paris institution, La Coupole charms with its rich history and Art Deco style. Its extensive menu features classic brasserie-style dishes along with decadent seafood platters, an oyster bar, and of course the famed Indian lamb curry, which has been on the menu ever since the restaurant opened its doors in 1927. The American bar is also a stylish spot to cool down with a cocktail come apéro time.
Freddy’s
One of our favorite wine bars is sandwiched between Semilla (also air-conditioned) and Cosi on the rue de Seine, a foodie mecca in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. No reservations, but friendly service and delicious small plates that are meant to be shared. And trust us, you’ll want to sample as many as these tapas-style dishes as you can. Great selection of wines by the glass, to boot.
Lead photo credit : Carbon restaurant. credit: Sophia van den Hoek Photography
REPLY