May 2025 Restaurant Buzz: Where to Eat in Paris

“Food is life.” -Tom Parker-Bowles, British food writer

Spring is here and terrace season is in full swing. We’ve scouted the restaurant scene to bring you the latest news and food recommendations. Welcome to our “Darling Buds of May” (with thanks to H.E Bates, 1905-1974).

Le Jardin at Ducasse Baccarat

This sublime address is located in the magnificent 16th-arrondissement hotel particulier once owned by Marie-Laure de Noailles, a descendant of le Marquis de Sade. On April 14, Alain Ducasse/ Baccarat launched Le Jardin with a private terrace, chic bar, secluded Orangery, and vibrant menu. An enchanting ode to the return of sunny summer days and nights. “It’s a marvelous ‘secret’ garden, hidden in the heart of Paris,” explains Alain Ducasse.

Christophe Saintagne and Robin Schroeder create light and delicious dishes to enhance Margot Lecarpentier’s cocktails. A few sample dishes: white asparagus, pain perdu of lobster/homard, coquelot marine with yogurt flamed on the barbecue, rhubarb clafoutis dessert. A taste of summer in a unique setting.

DETAILS

11, place des Etats Unis, 16th
Metro: Iena
Tel: +33 (0)1 84 75 13 15

Laurent 

The terrace is oh so romantic in the grounds of this elegant, 19th-century townhouse. Initially, the building was part of Louis XIV’s hunting lodge and later a guinguette (dance hall/tavern).  The restaurant became Laurent in the 1840s when it was acquired by Monsieur Laurent, who gave his name to the maison. Steps from the bustling rond-pont Champs Elysées, the pink stone culinary oasis is enhanced by manicured gardens punctuated with 100-year-old chestnut trees. Today Laurent de Gourcuff (another Laurent!) and Paris Society are the owners. The dreamy décor is by Cordélia Castellane, Paris Society’s Artistic Director.

The kitchens are led by the talented Mathieu Pacaud, son of legendary (now retired) chef Bernard Pacaud (delicious memories of L’Ambroisie, place des Vosges?) Mathieu creates a “seasonal menu for sunny days and starry nights.” Tickle your taste buds with langoustines, blue Lobster Laurent, and leave room for the incredible dessert (and cheese) carts.

From the legendary wine cellars, grands Bordeaux, beaux Burgundy or champagne. Laurent invites food lovers to travel back in time, while always looking ahead. Here’s the perfect address for celebrations and, are you seeking inspiration for a gift for the newlyweds? Look no further than these bons cadeaux (gift cards). 

DETAILS

41, avenue Gabriel, 8th 
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 25 00 39 
Metro: Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau 
Valet Parking 
Average Spend €100 + 

Bistro Blandine 

Hot on the success of his three Parisian addresses – Pastis, Biche and Margaux (launched in January along the banks of the Seine) –  Michel Puech begins a fourth delicious chapter with Bistro Blandine, an olive stone throw from the Arc de Triomphe. Here there’s traditional/modern cuisine which chef Paul-Alexandre Laumont, also a partner in the project, understands to perfection. The decor evokes the most traditional rétro bistros of yesteryear, enhanced with contemporary touches.  A delight.  

DETAILS

45, avenue Kleber, 8th 
Metro: Iena 
Tel: +33 (0)6 49 86 36 30 
Open Monday-Saturday from noon-midnight 
Starters from €11. Sharing dishes from €19. Desserts from €11. 

Monocle’s New Boutique-Café  

This unique space combines food, fashion, home goods, a recording studio and the best of Monocle, the lifestyle magazine.

“We’re finally in Paris!” says Tyler Brûlé, founder (2007) and editorial director of Monocle. “The capital was on our wish list for some time, but it was opening our office last summer that allowed us to understand where we wanted to establish ourselves and what we wanted to create. The result is our new flagship showcasing all Monocle activities.” The interior design was entrusted to Parisian firm Kann Design. Monocle offers a chic cosmos where journalism, shopping, dining and people meet.

During the day, enjoy coffee by Ten Belles Roastery, pastries from Terroirs d’Avenir, and a menu featuring Japanese sandwiches (sandos) from Yabaï Sando. In the evening, enjoy fine wines and signature cocktails. The boutique space is packed with Monocle’s flagship products, a kiosk offers a curated selection of international magazines and books. Iconic French brands to discover include Arpin, Bic, Charvet, Macon et Lesquoy, Papier Tigre, Savon de Marseille, and Tolix.  See you there! 

DETAILS

Open daily from 8 am-10 pm  
16 Rue Bachaumont, 2nd 
Metro: Sentier  

Kalank  

Patrick Sacchetti is a dedicated gastronome. Two years ago, he launched Kalank in memory of his cherished South, where he spent happy holidays with his grandparents in a small Provençal cabin. With enchanting terrace, Kalank’s the Mediterranean in the 20th arrondissement!

Here, at Place de la Nation you’ll discover a gastronomic gem dedicated to Marseille’s iconic calanques with olive tree terrace. Helming the kitchen is Bastien Veziat, a Breton from Ploudalmezau, who worked for Guy Savoy at the Hôtel de la Monnaie, then chez Drouant and at l’Aube with Thibault Nizard. He plays a skillful, very “land/sea” score, which brings sunshine to the plates.

And, take some sunshine home. Kalank’s also a delicatessen specializing in Provençal delights within the restaurant. You’ll find artisanal jams, tapenade, and olive oil direct from small artisanal South of France producers. Patrick traveled the South, meeting producers, farmers and winemakers, to source the finest goodies. Now he’s sharing them with you: vintage sardines, 100% Rolle Brin de Mimosa white wine, Menton lemon jam, and the perfect Pastis. You bring the sun cream! 

DETAILS

52 boulevard de Charonne, 20th 
Metro: Avron 
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 73 60 96 

Dessirier Paella 

Good news for fans of sunny flavours: le Scampi & Prawn Paella is back! Savor the flavors on site or takeaway, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, lunch and/ or dinner. Priced at €39. 

🦐 Scampi & Prawns 

🍚 Fragrant rice, seasonal vegetables, and homemade broth 

🍛 A convivial and comforting dish, to share (or not 😋) 

DETAILS

9, place du Marechal Juin, 17th 
Metro: Pereire 
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 27 82 14 

La Terrasse du Park 

With the return of warm weather, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme unveils La Terrasse du Park, tucked away from the bustle of Paris. A haven hidden behind the iconic Haussmannian façade, here’s where elegance and discretion meet.

For lunch, at Café Jeanne, Michelin-star chef Jean-François Rouquette showcases his menu with Mediterranean accents. Highlights include revisited deviled eggs in three flavors – classic, truffle, and tuna confit – as well as the chef’s suggestion such as line-caught sea bass with wilted spinach, broccoli, and champagne sauce. As a final touch, pastry chef Narae Kim’s signature desserts promise a refined, indulgent experience. Throughout the day, the terrace is a great location for a refreshing detox juice or afternoon tea.

At dusk, it becomes the vibrant heart of the hotel, the perfect setting to sip cocktails created by Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme mixologists. The cocktail of the moment combines chili-infused Herradura Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, agave syrup, passion fruit, and a touch of chili salt. Also available: a chic collection of spritzers and negronis. To complement these moments, chef Jean-François has created a selection of delicate tapas.

Open all day, the terrace’s Mediterranean-inspired decor features lovely lemon trees and lush vegetation – steps from Place Vendôme’s rocking retail therapy.

DETAILS

5 rue de la Paix, 2nd 
Tel: +33 (0)1 58 71 10 60 
Metro: Pyramides/Opera 

Gourmet Shopping

Michelin Guide France:

The 2025 edition of the Red Guide was presented on stage at the Palais des Congrès – Robert Schuman, Metz. 57 establishments won their first star, 9 restaurants their second. And, bravo to: Christopher Coutanceau and Hugo Roellinger, the two new Michelin *** . Price: €20.55  

Artisanal Chocolaterie:

By Florian Mésère, Quartier des Epinettes (18 rue de la Jonquière, 17th)  

Diary Dates

Taste of Paris, May 8-11 at the Grand Palais

David Hockney 25 at FLV, until August 31

“He came to Paris from his London home to see the exhibition before it opened (saying, ‘do remember, they can’t cancel Spring!’) and had been deeply involved in its preparation. David worked with the designer to choose the paint colors for the gallery walls,” says Suzanne Pagé, Vuitton Fondation’s artistic director and exhibition head curator. “He followed it all – the catalogue, choice of works, the installation – making corrections all the way.”