December Restaurant Buzz: Where to Eat in Paris

“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” –Orson Welles (1915-1985)

Filled with holiday cheer, December is an exceptional month to visit Paris. But this year is particularly exciting with the reopening of Notre Dame. Much to the delight of Parisians and tourists alike, the cathedral’s 21 beloved bronze bells are ringing across the city once again. Looking for a warming spot to eat? Here’s the latest restaurant and food news.

L’Izakaya

Chef Yannick Alléno (16 Michelin stars!) presents Izakaya Dassaï by Yannick Alléno, his latest project in partnership with Dassaï, the sake brand. Once a burger spot, then a pop-up last summer, the space is now making way for a new concept channeling a Japanese cultural inn.

“Izakayas are traditional Japanese pubs or taverns to eat, drink, and socialize”, explains Alleno. “Similar to tapas bars or gastropubs, they offer a variety of affordable snacks and dishes to pair with Japanese drinks.”

Alongside Dassaï, Izakaya Dassaï by Yannick Alléno will promote knowledge of sake, Japanese products and the chef’s passion for Japan.

On the menu is tempura, Japanese pot-au-feu, sando, kara-age, ramen… Yannick Alléno style.

DETAILS

Beaupassage, 53-57 rue de Grenelle, 7th
Metro: rue du Bac
Tel: +33 (0)1 84 74 21 21

L’Entente – Le British Brasserie

This brasserie mixes French terroir products with the “Best of British” recipes. Christmas pudding and mincemeat – found on every table during the UK’s Christmastide- await you this season at L’Entente, Le British Brasserie. To accompany “le Mincemeat,” often composed of dried fruits, almonds, Bramley apples, Brandy and spices, L’Entente suggests a completely original signature cocktail: the fresh and explosive Sloe Gin Sour (€15). To be enjoyed with moderation, bien sûr!

“We’re proud of our British traditions. These traditional desserts are the fruit of a living and ancestral British culture; they bring indulgence, comfort and joy to our Christmas tables,” says L’Entente’s charming owner, Oliver Woodhead. “The pudding, as we know it today, dates to the 19th century. The pudding’s eaten warm, accompanied by custard or a sauce made with Cognac Brandy Butter.” Mr Woodhead is a Londoner who has lived in Paris for 20+ years.

At L’Entente, tradition reigns and, throughout December, gourmets are booking for the “Christmas Roast,” which includes roasted and stuffed guinea fowl, roast potatoes, roast carrots, Brussel sprouts, and “Devils on Horseback.”

“And, other bric a brac comes to us from across the Channel: Christmas crackers, popping with panache, reveal corny jokes, gaudy paper hats that match perfectly with our Xmas jumpers!” says Oliver Woodhead. A must is Christmas Brunch, available on weekends before and after Christmas.

DETAILS

13 rue Monsigny, 2nd
Tel:  +33 (0)1 47 42 92 35
Metro: Opéra/Pyramides
Open 7/7 – 12 pm to 3 pm and 6 pm to 11 pm
Saturdays and Sundays – 9 am to 11 pm.
A la carte brunch Saturday and Sunday from 9 am- 4 pm
Le Sunday Roast from 5 pm Sundays (€35)
L’Entente serves on every public holiday of the year, including Christmas Day & January 1st
Christmas Brunch December 28th and 29^th

François Hollande chez Thoumieux

Rumor has it that former President Hollande will run for office in the April 2027 elections. We could have asked him last week at Brasserie Thoumieux, created, with extreme chic, by Jean-François Piège (Chef Sylvestre Wahid’s at the helm) but didn’t want to spoil his delicious lunch!

DETAILS

79 rue Saint-Dominique, 7th
Metro: Invalides
Tel: +33 (0)1 47 05 79 00
Open 7/7

Le Tea-Time du Lucas Carton

The essential scones are escorted by refreshing lemon curd and tangy cranberries, the chocolate’s adorned with a floral and fruity veil with an unexpected marriage of marjoram and blackberry. La tarte Tatin, revealed in a new light, subtly perfumed with mace and bergamot. There’s a sweet score composed by Pastry Chef Sylvain Goujon, ex- Pastry Chef at The Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square London, who trained with Anne-Sophie Pic, just like chef Hugo Bourny. Le tea-time is served in the Majorelle room, the same as that of the exquisite Michelin starred restaurant. Quel chic! See you there!

DETAILS

9 place de la Madeleine, 8th
Metro: Madeleine
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 65 22 90
Every Saturday afternoon two services: 3 pm – 4:30 pm or 4 pm – 5:30 pm.
Price: €50 per person

Aldehyde by Youssef Marzouk

This exciting new address, located in the heart of the Marais, serves French cuisine influenced by the the chef’s Tunisian origins. The son of a restaurateur mother and pastry chef father, Youssef says he “fell into the steaming pot of spices at an early age.” Why the name Aldehyde? “It’s used by perfumers and hits the right notes to describe my cuisine,” explains Youssef.

Chef joined Nicolas Sale at the Ritz in 2017 before becoming pastry chef and then section chef at Tomy & Co. He then joined Le Tout-Paris at Cheval Blanc Paris, with Arnaud Donckele, where “I learned the fascinating work of sauces that’s inspired my cooking/ cuisine.”

Youssef Marzouk creates French cuisine nourished by his travels and Tunisian childhood memories. Throughout the lunch and dinner menus, chef celebrates the use of vinegars, herbs and spices, as well as the spirit of conviviality – Aldehydes!

You’re welcomed with warm semolina bread and oil, two canapés expressing the dual Franco-Tunisian influence, one with mushrooms enhanced with yellow wine jelly, the other, carrot and cumin.

Aldéhyde’s signature dish, saddle of lamb, is prepped two ways, grilled on the barbecue and candied like a press, accompanied by a piquillo pepper stuffed with cheese, herbs and a slightly lemony espuma. To follow, try the Asian duck ravioli served with leeks moistened with “land-sea” broth, and studded with coriander. To finish, it’s back to the chef’s childhood. The pre-dessert, with geranium rosa and notes of yellow lemon, is inspired by breakfast on the sunny terrace of the family home. Dessert? After Eights, version Youssef, is smoked dark chocolate worked three ways – the marigold brings out light herbaceous notes.

“At lunch, the cuisine’s lighter, to accommodate the bustling neighborhood clientele,” Youssef explains. The menu changes weekly with starter, choice of meat or fish and dessert.

DETAILS

Lunch: Starter/Main course/Dessert: €45. Starter/Main course: €35.
Dinner: 5-course menu: €95 and 7-course menu: €120.
5 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 4th
Metro: St Paul
Tel: +33 (0)9 73 89 43 24

Le Café de la Paix / Sunday Brunch

Chef Laurent André orchestrates fun for all the family. Every Sunday, the little ones indulge in fun and creative workshops specially designed for them, while parents enjoy the gargantuan buffet. There are signature breads, butter, jams and detox juices to whet the appetite.

To continue this culinary journey, head to the salad and pasta bar, counter dedicated to Middle Eastern flavors, sushi bar, not forgetting the essential shellfish counter. Then it’s time for hot dishes, prepared to order by Café de la Paix chefs.

On the sweet side: perfect pastries, fresh fruit and other sweet treats. The highlight? A majestic chocolate fountain – calories don’t count!

DETAILS

Sundays 12:30 pm- 3:30 pm. €120 includes a flute of pink champagne.
Under 3s free – 50% discount for 4-12 year olds.
Intercontinental Paris – Le Grand
5, place de l’Opéra, 9th
Metro: Opera
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 07 36 36

Need to know:

Petit Pudlo des Bistrots by Gilles Pudlowski

“We’re celebrating the Parisian Zinc with the third edition of Pudlo des Bistrots Trophies,” says the renowned restaurant critic with pride. On November 18, a new list of seven winners and a selection of the capital’s 150 best zinc bars was published.

Petit Pudlo des Bistrots Guide (€9.90): Don’t leave home without it!

Underground Cooking School Recipe Book

Celebrating 21 years (2003-2024), this unique cooking/dining concept reveals all: “our story, our recipes, our passion for food.” The Underground tagline – Everything is Salvageable.

“Boning out a chicken is the culinary equivalent of learning to ride a bike,” says Underground founder Matt Kemp (yes, my son the chef!). “Once learned it’s never forgotten.” Each chapter begins with a photographic demonstration of culinary skills, taught at Underground Cookery School, followed by recipes that have tantalized tastebuds of students since 2003. Images of past and present team members, celebrity chefs who’ve made guest appearances, augment a fascinating chronicle of 21 years in the hospitality industry.

DETAILS

The perfect Xmas gift £19.99
201-203 City Road, London EC1
Underground Station: Old Street
Tel: +44 020 3981 7816

Guy Savoy elected Chevalier de l’Art de Vivre à la Française

The first time a chef has been included to this prestigious club. “Electing Guy Savoy, the Académie des Beaux-Arts not only pays tribute to one of the most eminent representatives of French gastronomy, but also to a humanist and contemporary art enthusiast who contributes to the international influence of our country, as demonstrated by his commitment to the inclusion of gastronomic meals in UNESCO’s intangible heritage,” says Laurent Petitgirard, permanent secretary of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.

Savoy’s elegant Michelin-starred restaurant, La Monnaie de Paris (which held three stars from 2002-2023, and now has two) has been voted “Best Restaurant in the World” by La Liste for seven years.

Savoy says: “This recompense touches me more than one can imagine. With my election to the Beaux-Arts as the first ever chef, it’s the artisans, the arts of the table, the sommellerie, the art of welcome, who are lifted to new heights as the French Art of Living receives this beautiful recognition. As members of the Academy, gastronomy joins painting, sculpture, architecture, engraving, drawing, musical composition, audiovisual and cinematographic creation, photography and choreography. I’m thrilled to contribute to the work and missions of the Beaux Arts alongside creators I respect and admire. I salute the members of the Academy with all my heart”.