Where to Wine and Dine in the 11th Arrondissement
Paris’s 11th arrondissement is considered one of the trendiest and most dynamic districts. The food scene is an exciting mélange of French and global cuisine, offering restaurants that are distinctly diverse, international and, of course, très à la mode.
This once working-class quartier has seen significant gentrification in the past decades, and today it’s a hub of artists and young creatives. These working-class roots still infuse the 11th with energy. Neighborhoods like Oberkampf and Bastille offer some of the most popular spots to go out in Paris. Here are some of the best places to wine and dine in the hip 11th arrondissement.
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash
Folderol: Ice cream shop and wine bar
With spring in full bloom, what better way to enjoy a warmer day than with some ice cream or cold wine? And the coolest thing about Folderol is that if that if you want both, you don’t have to choose. It doubles as an ice cream shop and wine bar!
This delightful spot serves up some delicious ice cream with unique flavors such as boba milk tea, sesame, pomelo jasmine and spicy watermelon. As for wines, they have a great selection of organic wines, and offer a small selection of appetizers to go with them.
Folderol’s unique concept has proved to be a winning formula that is both fun and perfectly executed.
Address: 10 Rue du Grand Prieuré, 11th
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Le Servan: Fusion of French and Southeast Asian flavors
Situated right on the corner of Rue Saint-Maur, the shiny glass facade and the elegant table settings of Le Servan makes it hard to miss, even for those who might not know about this gem of a restaurant.
Helmed by sisters Katia and Tatiana Levha, the menu at Le Servan is refined and rooted in France, while influences from southeast Asia bring an adventurous twist. You can have dishes like raw mackerel with Thai prik pao, raviolo with egg yolk spinach and black garlic butter, or even veal brains with sweet pepper butter and Tahitian lime, all done with oodles of finesse.
With a stunning ceiling and wall mouldings, there is something undeniably chic about this place. I highly recommend this spot for an intimate dinner.
Address: 32 Rue Saint-Maur, 11th
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Le Saint Sébastien: Eclectic modern French dining with fabulous wine list
The energy at Le Saint Sébastien epitomizes laidback sophistication. This can be sensed both from the décor as well as the modern French cuisine.
While most traditional French plates focus on meats, Le Saint Sébastien’s Chef Christopher Edwards focuses on vegetables in his curation of the menu. The extensive wine list contains over 400 references: a mix of eclectic, classic wines and the truly exceptional.
This is the place to wine and dine, whether you come to try some delicious wines during an apéro, or to have a long dinner over some great food.
Address: 42 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 11th
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FIEF: Michelin-starred fine-dining
If you are in the mood for something truly outstanding, try FIEF, the one Michelin-starred brainchild of Chef Victor Mercier. FIEF stands for “Fait Ici En France,” which translates to “Made here in France.” True to its name, all the dishes use only products sourced from France.
You can either try the tasting menu at the chef’s counter or dine á la carte. The food is a gastronomic delight with regional French products being used in new creative ways. Their wine list is good too, and if you are a cocktail person, you’re in the right place with their in-house mixologist concocting original drinks to pair with their food.
Address: 44 rue de la Folie Méricourt, 11th
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Pierre Sang: French gastronomy with a Korean twist
Chef Pierre Sang Boyer’s fine dining restaurant combines French culinary traditions with Korean techniques and influences. The result is something truly unique.
The elegant and minimalistic feel of this restaurant is enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The centerpiece is the open kitchen, where all the magic happens. The restaurant sources all their ingredients from local vendors, and a fresh dinner menu is created every month in order to reflect the changes in produce available as the seasons change. The wine list reflects the chef’s penchant for elegance and discovery.
There is also a bistro and brasserie by Pierre Sang within steps from this restaurant. If you’re in the mood for something casual and easy, they are definitely worth checking out, too.
Address: 55 Rue Oberkampf, 11th
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Café Chilango: Authentic Mexican street food
Café Chilango’s nondescript exterior belies just how good their food is. This is where you can find Mexican street food made by Mexicans.
Chilango serves up some seriously good tacos, burritos and quesadillas. The menu is simple while being flavorful and made with fresh ingredients.
If you’re more a drinks and appetizers person, Chilango’s margarita with guacamole and totopos (Mexican corn chips) is unbeatable, especially in summer when their terrace opens for diners.
Address: 82 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 11th
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BMK Paris Bamako: Classic African dishes
Besides serving up some seriously good food, BMK Paris Bamako also invites diners to partake in a culinary journey to discover classic West African dishes.
Some of the must-try dishes here are Chicken Yassa, a Senegalese dish of chicken cooked in onion sauce and Mafé, a traditional meat cooked in peanut sauce found in many African countries. BMK Paris Bamako also brings vegan versions of these classic specialties.
If you are interested in trying your hand at cooking West African cuisine at home, you can also buy condiments and spices from their grocery store.
Address:
40 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud Paris, 11th
14 Rue de la Fidélité, 10th (second location)
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Lead photo credit : Photo: Pronoti Baglary
More in 11th arrondissement, BMK Paris Bamako, Cafe Chilango, Eating in Paris, FIEF, Folderol, food, Food Wine, Le Saint Sébastien, le servan, Pierre Sang
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