Dining in Paris
Pretty, romantic, luxurious and classical describes Paris perfectly but it also describes the delightful dining experiences this magical city has to offer. Paris is bursting with fine dining options and a city as stylish as Paris can definitely provide a dinner that oozes elegance, style and most importantly flavour.
This article tempts the taste buds and provides a few ideas when it comes to the vast and wonderful world of dining in Paris. Just remember, the most important point when looking at dining somewhere special is to ensure you book early as many fine dining restaurants have bookings months in advance.
With so many restaurants holding Michelin stars it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to choosing which one to try, perhaps you have been given a recommendation or have been tempted by an article you have read, but if you are unsure of where to begin we have some ideas that cover different styles of dining environments and tastes to help inspire you.
Dinner with the stars…
Epicure is set within the stunning setting of Le Bristol Hotel and the words classic and elegant are the best way to describe this beautiful hotel and restaurant.
Epicure is a 3 Michelin star dining experience led by the head chef Eric Frechon where true classical French cuisine is the focus. Seasonal produce cooked to perfection including oysters, sea trout, succulent meats and game and mouth-watering desserts bursting with flair and flavour await. Epicure is sure to delight whatever season you visit and with a simple and delicate interior reflecting true French classical styles inside and a stunning summer garden to enjoy al fresco dining in the summer, dinner at Epicure is sure to be memorable.
L’Ambroisie has a unique location that is beautiful and very classical, set in the period house of the Place des Vosges this 3 Michelin star dining experience is sure to create moments of sheer dining pleasure. Chef Bernard Pacaud started cooking at the age of 15 and has never stopped creating wonderful flavours and tempting delights.
A charming setting with tantalising dishes using fine ingredients carefully prepared. From fish and shellfish to rich meats there is something to tempt everyone, with fine wines and immaculate service this restaurant has a big reputation.
Pierre Gagnaire has 3 stars and is a very contemporary experience full of modern cooking expertly created with style and passion. An eclectic environment awaits at 6 Rue Balzac, a restaurant with a modern aesthetic both on the walls and the plates.
Imaginative flavour combinations, but not to the point of obscure, mean this menu has something for everyone and with such creative presentation the food is art before your very eyes and accumulates in a grand performance once tasted.
L’Arpege is quite something different when it comes to fine dining as the majority of its menu is vegetable based. Alain Passard head chef at L’Arpege has a way of working with vegetables like no other chef can. The flavour he can produce and exquisite combinations of creative cuisine mean this dining experience offers something quite unique. The menu also includes meats and fish but it really is the wondrous greens that sing in this kitchen. A Michelin 3 star experience at 84 Rue de Varenne that really will make you see the humble vegetable in a completely new way.
Dinner with a view
Hidden high up in the dramatic lattice structure of the Eiffel Tower are two restaurants one The Jules Verne currently closed at present for renovation will re-open in the spring of 2019 under the leadership of the triple starred head chef Frederic Anton and will produce food with style and creativity reflective of the structural tower that envelops the restaurant setting. Definitely, one to watch and consider if planning future trips to the city.
58 Tour Eiffel is set upon the first floor of the Eiffel Tower and really does offer dinner with a view never to be forgotten. Dinner in the tower really is focused upon the food and the setting so an atmosphere of soft lighting and simple furnishings focuses you upon these two elements ensuring your experience is meaningful and memorable. With contemporary French cuisine, the menu and the views will really awaken the senses.
Head to the very top of the tower to finish off your evening with a glass of fine champagne from the champagne bar and a lingering look at the spectacular views all around.
Dining in Paris really is a special experience but don’t forget the simple things really do create some of the most special memories sometimes. Walking with a loved one through a pretty park then stopping for fine coffee and a treat from a patisserie really can be as spectacular as any restaurant dinner, so no matter where you dine in Paris enjoy the experiences and saviour the flavours forever.