August Restaurant Buzz: What’s Open in Paris

“I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad.” -Madame Lily Bollinger (1899-1977)

Traditionally many restaurants and boutiques are closed in August for les vacances, some throughout the whole month, others for a week or so – giving staff well-earned breaks. However, many spots are staying open this year to celebrate les JO (Summer Olympic Games). Here’s a delicious selection of what’s open this month. Bon appétit!  

Château d’Estoublon in Paris 

Nestled in the heart of the Baux-de-Provence Valley, the magnificent Château d’Estoublon dates to 1489. The wine estate is bathed in Provençal light, surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, enchanting gardens and the fragrant rose garden blooming on the square in front of the castle…  

Taste the exceptional wines on the left bank of Paris at Le Jardin d’Estoublon, a pop-up taking place until September 30th, 2024. You can also discover olive oils and the signature rosé Roseblood d’Estoublon.  

Delicious dishes by chef Emmanuel de Olivera include black truffle pizza; starters of sea bass carpaccio or yellow gazpacho with a scoop of Pedone olive oil ice cream; a main course of roast sea bass fillet served with grilled vegetables; fragrant Estoublon Bouillabaisse in a mint-flavored broth with fenugreek and lemongrass.  

Desserts feature Estoublon’s signature chocolate mousse with olive oil, and melon- raspberry nage drizzled with L’Excessive, the house’s alcohol-free sparkling wine, inspired by the lyrics of Carla Bruni’s 2018 chanson. “I have completely fallen in love with winemaking,” said Bruni at the launch party in New York, where she performed a captivating short set as her husband Nicolas Sarkozy, president of France from 2007-2012, gazed at her adoringly. “It has a common point with music – it’s a very creative process, making it is a magical moment.”

DETAILS

137 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th 
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 73 73 44 
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés  
Lunch €39-€46 – Childrens’s Menu €25 – A La Carte  
Open 7/7 

Lucas Carton 

Maison Lucas Carton (where legendary chef the late, great Alain Senderens delighted clients for nearly 30 years) announces its first ever terrace, facing the imposing Madeleine Church, as well as a special, new “French Art de Vivre” menu at €45 (starter / main course / dessert) with iconic dishes signed by Chef Hugo Bourny. La Maison offers continuous service from 11 am-10 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Pop in for tea, as in “Le Parisian Goûter” (€25) from 3- 6 pm with divinely decadent desserts by house pastry chef Sylvain Goujon. 

DETAILS

9, place de la Madeleine, 8th 
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 65 22 90 
Metro: Madeleine 
Closed Sunday-Monday  

The French Bastards – Foodporn 

The story began in 2018, when Julien, David and Manu observed that many Parisian bakeries no longer lived up to consumer expectations. They hatched the idea of ​​creating a brand capable of attracting “bastards” who share their point of view. Julien worked at an Australian restaurant where the chef (affectionately) referred to him as “the French Bastard.” So, Julien & Co. decided to use it to name their Paris bakery brand. 

Taking the opposite approach to traditional baking, they’re revisiting the classics of the genre, “incorporating a good dose of food porn.” They explain: “We’re creating a more creative, more gourmet boulangerie concerned with the essential environmental prerogatives of the times.”

Les Bastards propose their super summer collection of pastries and snacks, inviting you to discover seasonal “food porn” creations to enhance those estival gourmet moments. Look for the “snacking collection” featuring the Bastards new star: the house-made bagel sprinkled with poppy and sesame seeds. (Bagel Chicken Melt – €7.90 – Bagel Tuna Melt – €7.90 Smoked Turkey Bagel – €7.90 Tradition Speck – €7.90.) Finish with sexy tarts, pâtisseries, crumbles, clafoutis, tiramisu, eclairs- priced from €4.20-€5.80. 

DETAILS

61 rue Oberkampf, 11th and other branches 

Prunier Brunch by Yannick Alléno 

Chic de chez chic: that’s Prunier, with art deco attitude and fabulous caviar, a joy to discover/re-discover via family Sunday Brunch. Launched 100 years ago by Emile Prunier, what would he think of Prunier Ambassador Yannick Alléno’s Sunday Brunch added to the Michelin-starred repertoire? 

Prunier’s classic dishes are reinterpreted by the superchef into contemporary versions, including the legendary Christian Dior egg, oysters with dill-infused almond milk, grilled lobster, fettucine with clams, salmon in Chardonnay jelly, line-caught sea bass (add €22 for Baeri caviar) and sole meunière. The “seafood stand” is dripping with oysters and shrimp. The dessert trolley is equally tempting, triggering treasured childhood memories.

DETAILS

Brunch costs €109 (hot and cold drinks included). €46.50 for the under 12s 
From 11.30-14.30  
16 Avenue Victor Hugo, 16th 
Metro: Victor Hugo/Charles de Gaulle Etoile 
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 17 35 85 

Benoît Castel 

Take advantage – this address is usually closed in August! Artisan pastry chef-baker Benoît Castel is serving his cult, all-you can-eat brunch all summer long! RDV Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 am or 1 pm. 

DETAILS

Average spend: €35
Children from 3-12: €15
150 rue de Ménilmontant, 20th  
Tel: +33 (0)1 46 36 13 82 
Metro: Saint-Fargeau 
Closed Monday & Tuesday 

Cyril Lignac – Le Chardenoux 

The sunny terrace is a delight, as is the menu which includes all our favorites including: Crunchy crab galette, avocado, Madras curry (€25); Le Chardenoux Cheeseburger (€28); Raspberry French toast, pistachio ice cream (€12). Match with cocktails (some alcohol free) but we loved the Midnight in Paris (€13), made with Wyborowa vodka infused with hibiscus flower, fresh raspberries, peach Rinquinquin, and lemon. Cyril advises that during the 2024 Olympic Games, a nominative OLYMPICS PASS and RESERVATION confirmation is required to access these restaurants by motor vehicle. Complete the necessary procedure at www.pass-jeux.gouv.fr 

DETAILS

1, rue Jules Valles, 11th 
Metro: rue des Boulets 
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 71 49 52 
Open 7/7, Lunch and Dinner 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Le Chardenoux – Cyril Lignac (@lechardenoux_cyrillignac)

Ischia by Cyril Lignac 

This restaurant is Cyril’s homage to our favorite Italian island, dotted with lemon trees, vineyards and olive groves. This rugged, volcanic island is perfect for holiday-makers seeking the comforts of a beach holiday off the beaten track. Meanwhile back at Chez Ischia in Paris, your taste buds will be tickled by the pizzettes – Margarita (€15), Wasabi (€15), Black Truffle (€30). Starters include Carpaccio de daurade (sea bream) olive oil and lemon (€20); or Grilled squid (€19). Mains include tartare de boeuf (€28); Tomato rigatoni, burrata (€22); Gorgonzola ravioli, pesto, toasted walnuts (€39); Langoustine ravioli, basil bisque (€39). Delicious desserts include Limoncello baba with lemon cream and Chantilly (€14), and Strawberry Melba (€16).

Don’t forget the sun cream!  

DETAILS

14 rue Cauchy, 15th 
M: Balard 
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 54 43 43 
Open 7/7, Lunch & Dinner 

 

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

 

Une publication partagée par Ischia – Cyril Lignac (@ischia_cyrillignac)

Miglia 

Remember Del Papa nestled near Place des Ternes, between L’Arc de Triomphe and Parc Monceau? It’s now called Miglia. “It’s an Italian ode to gastronomy, highlighting la dolce vita, playing with warm, Mediterranean colors for a joyful atmosphere – a one-way ticket to Italy in the heart of the 8th arrondissement,” say the owners. 

In the kitchen, a trio of Italian chefs offer a delicious mix of essential classics such as carbonara and Margherita pizza and original in-house creations inspired by the different regions. 

Behind Miglia’s interior design are Alba Hurlé and Alicia Martin – a talented duo of architects. They’ve captured the essence of Italian cities; earthy tones contrast with Venetian stripes, and the result is elegant and welcoming. 

DETAILS

 233Bis Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 8th
Tel: +33 (0)1 47 63 30 98
Open Mon- Sunday from 11:30 am – 11:00 pm

Rainy Day in Paris – The essential little black book 

“When a publisher asked me what I do on rainy days in Paris, my answer was, “the same as I would do on sunny days, eat and drink!” explains Wendy Lyn, the Paris-based writer, producer and restaurant-hospitality consultant. “Reservations are my favorite thing to make for lunch and/or dinner,” she says. “Throughout the book I’ve tried to tell the stories of the people and places that are unique to this city: the restaurants, chefs, bakers, wine shops committed to small producers, entrepreneurs, shining a light on the diverse mix that makes Paris’ culinary landscape so unique.” Lightweight and with a handy map. Photos by Sam A Harris. 

Order on: https://wendy-lyn.com