June Restaurant Buzz: Where to Eat in Paris

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” – Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) 

Summer in the city is best celebrated at a great restaurant. Here’s the latest restaurant news in Paris, from Alain Ducasse’s chic rooftop hangout to a recommended neighborhood bistro.

Galanga* 

Galanga is an aromatic tuber, like chic ginger. Chef Thomas Danigo chose it for the name of his restaurant where vegetables, fruits and flowers are center stage – meat and fish playing a less central role. He was recently awarded a well deserved Michelin star. Following seven years at the Michelin-starred Laurent, the chef continues to work with plants, and appreciates bitterness, oxidation, acidity. Danigo highlights local products and producer in his contemporary cuisine. The restaurant is located within the achingly chic Monsieur George Hotel & Spa. 

DETAILS

17 rue Washington, 8th 
Metro: Saint-Philippe de Roule 
Tel: +33 (0)1 87 89 48 49 
 

Auguste* 

Launched in 2004 by Gaël Orieux (formerly with Yannick Alleno at Le Meurice) “Auguste” is an allusion to the chef’s first cooking manual, the Guide Culinaire by Auguste Escoffier, which he discovered during his apprenticeship. Codifier of the great classical French culinary tradition, Escoffier’s culinary expertise never ceases to inspire Orieux. 

Of the rue de Bourgogne location, chef Orieux reflects: “You just walk 150m to the imposing steps of the Rodin Museum – another Auguste!” 

Seating about 30, the restaurant is designed in an elegant, contemporary style. It’s a chic and classy space where you’ll enjoy, for example, a saddle of veal with a rainbow of sweet and sour carrots, or turbot seasoned with wild herbs and artichokes in a pepper sauce. The appeal of the menu lies in its variety and the quality of its produce. Orieux’s ingredients are market fresh, and he only cooks and serves sustainable species of fish (black mullet, maigre, ocean pout). The wine selection offers the opportunity to try something new without breaking the bank. 

DETAILS

Lunch: €45 euros (starter/main course/dessert) 
Michelin Instant Menu: €96
Discovery Menu: €120 euros 
Monday-Friday lunch & dinner 
57, rue de Bourgogne, 7th 
Metro: Varenne 
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 51 61 09 

Chez Fred 

If you’re looking for a perfect Paris bistro, it’s here! Laurence Hullo arrived in Paris, from Bordeaux, in July 1989. He began his brilliant career as bartender at the Plaza Athénée, where he stayed for 20 years. He subsequently spent time at Monsieur Bleu (Malafosse Noctis Group) and the Kinugawa restaurant (Blackcode Group). Then he took over Chez Fred which could easily be the perfect setting for a film requiring a typical Paris bistro. Oodles of atmosphere, great food and wine.

Since September 2021, chef Benjamin Lavenne (Le Procope, Le Georges, Hôtel de Castiglione) is Laurent Hullo’s main pan man. 

DETAILS

190 bis boulevard Pereire, 17th 
Metro: Ternes 
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 74 20 48 
Open Monday-Friday for lunch & dinner 

Bramble by Alain Ducasse with mixologist Margot Combat 

Here’s a must visit, but do reserve ahead. “Margot Combat’s back on the roof of the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum,” announces the museum with joy. “This year, Margot Combat and Chef Alain Ducasse continue their collaboration and bring you Bramble, in reference to an iconic English cocktail with a blackberry, fresh, spring, fruity taste.” (It’s available with alcohol (€20) or without.) The outdoor cocktail bar on the terrace is a dream location. 

Chef Alexandre Sempere (ex-Plaza Athénée) created a tapas and snack menu to accompany the cocktails (from €10). “We want it to be happy like a song from the 80s in a rock and pop spirit from the Rolling Stones to The Yardbirds, from Sonny and Cher to… Johnny Hallyday and Sylvie Vartan, Blondie, Suzi.” Reserve at Les Ombres for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. 

A festive summer atmosphere! Cheers! See you there?

DETAILS

Rooftop of Restaurant Les Ombres,  Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, 
27 Quai Jacques Chirac, 7th 
Metro: Invalides 
Tel: +33 (0)1 47 53 68 00 
Open 7/7 from 6 pm
Les Ombres Restaurant is open 7/7 for lunch & dinner 

Drouant 

Created in 1880, Drouant occupies an emblematic place on the Parisian scene as HQ of the Prix Goncourt (since 1914) and, since 1926, the Renaudot Prize. Since October 31, 1914 the jury members of the Prix Goncourt meet on the first Tuesday of each month in Drouant’s first-floor Salon Goncourt. During the November meetings, the jury vote for the Goncourt winner of the year.

This Art Deco temple has a majestic Ruhlmann staircase. In this iconic spot, the classics of French gastronomy are paired with wines from an impressive menu (more than 1,400 wine references, half of which come from the Rhône Valley). Honoring its past, the address is always in fashion. 

(Talking Prix Goncourt: It was the French novelist Jean-Baptiste Andrea who won the prestigious prize on November 7th, 2023 for his novel Veiller sur elle.)

The restaurant is showing off chic new decor and a new chef: Romain Van Thiene, ex- Cyril Lignac and Yannick Alléno’s Allénotheque. Romain says he’s continuing in the establishment’s tradition, preparing the great French classics, from vol-au-vent and sole meunière to the legendary Madeleine de Proust. 

And, post lunch, bring out your inner flaneur at the nearby Passage Choiseuil, great for people watching and shopping as showcased by Jeffrey T Iverson in a recent Bonjour Paris Live event.

DETAILS

16, place Gaillon, 2nd 
Metro: Quatre Septembre 
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 65 15 16 
Open 7/7 from 8 am-11 pm. Breakfast/Lunch/Brunch (+brunch & workshops “des petits ecrivains” for young future clients) 

Souvenirs, souvenirs… 

The Paris Orsay collection is a new line by the Musée d’Orsay and GrandPalaisRmn, and it’s perfect for sourcing classy gifts. This belle collection of objects/souvenirs reflects the handsome left bank building which houses fascinating paintings, sculpture, decorative arts and photography. Reflecting the museum’s collection, the 10 textile objects and accessories invite you to take a stroll in literary Paris, along the quays of the Seine, between the legendary Parisian street lamps, the Morris columns and iconic Hector Guimard metro entrances.

Discover at the Musée d’Orsay boutique and on www.boutiquesdemusees.fr