Every year, a multitude of restaurants open in Paris, making it challenging to keep track of all these establishments. Fear not! We have curated a list of insider tips and recent openings that will guide you through the heart of Parisian cuisine, revealing the hidden culinary treasures Paris has to offer. These handpicked recommendations are not just about dining; they are about experiencing the soul of Paris, one bite at a time. Let this guide be your key to unlock the true flavors of the city.
Rosette
Rosette is one of the cozy bistros in Paris that stands as a trove of gastronomic indulgence. The menu, a testament to the owners’ Lyonnais heritage, showcases mouth-watering dishes such as Pâté en croûte, sweetbreads, and a decadent chocolate cake. The emphasis on top-notch, organic vegetables sourced from Essonne adds a distinctive touch to each dish. Rosette offers a daily menu and a seasonally evolving five-course set menu. The decor, tastefully blending modern and antique elements reminiscent of a traditional bouchon, creates an intimate dining experience. Complemented by an excellent wine list featuring pots lyonnais, every meal at Rosette is a celebration of French cuisine finesse.
Guefen
Guefen is a culinary gem that transports diners to the Middle East. Curated by Israeli chef Ohad Amzallag, the menu is a delightful medley of seafood and fermented vegetables, seasoned only with salt to showcase the chef’s innovative techniques. The warm, inviting ambiance and a large marble table contribute to the convivial atmosphere, making your dining experience at Guefen not just a meal but a cherished memory. Explore the flavors of the Middle East right in Paris at Guefen.
Espadon in Ritz Paris
Nestled in the iconic Ritz Paris, Espadon pays homage to the French art de vivre. With a legacy dating back to Auguste Escoffier and César Ritz, the restaurant offers exquisite meals in a subtly muted opulence. The tree-lined terrace overlooking the Grand Jardin creates a magical setting for dinners under the stars. Inside, the dining room exudes intimate charm with coppery tones, subtle lighting, and a lush garden backdrop.
Chef Eugénie Béziat’s dishes are a harmonious blend of African roots and Mediterranean influences, creating a sensory delight. Each dish is a sensory delight, combining smoky, tangy, and roasted notes in a surprising yet convincing manner. Standout dishes include the grilled lobster with spinach and cassava, seasoned with bissap and crushed raspberries. The dessert creations by François Perret are the perfect sweet ending to a gastronomic journey.
Golden Poppy
Golden Poppy celebrates the multicultural roots and rich cultural diversity of California, adding to the diverse array of hidden culinary treasures Paris has to offer. Founded by three-star chef Dominique Crenn, it is more than just a restaurant; it’s a welcoming space radiating warmth through artistic culinary expressions. Bathed in natural light and opening onto a lush garden, Golden Poppy pays tribute to seasonal vegetables and sustainable seafood. The restaurant’s ambiance is a celebration of greenery, offering fresh, colorful cuisine influenced by Asian, Latin American, and Mexican culinary traditions. The menu, prepared in the large open kitchen, deliberately omits meat, focusing instead on dishes that are sure to delight, such as the”Ikejime” Matured Sea Bream. At Golden Poppy, every meal is a journey through the flavors of the world, right in the heart of Paris.
Datil
Datil, an enchanting Parisian restaurant led by Chef Manon Fleury, champions a cooking philosophy deeply rooted in respect for nature and human dignity. With a commitment to sustainable fine dining, Chef Fleury’s primarily plant-based menu reveals the aromatic subtleties of grains and fruits, exploring their sweet and sour flavors in a refined manner. The restaurant’s decor, featuring waxed concrete floors, a velvet banquette, and light oak dining chairs, adds to its charm. A visit to Datil is not just about food; it’s about experiencing the passion and dedication of a chef committed to sustainable gastronomic indulgence. Remember to book in advance!
Bloom
Bloom, the first vegan sushi restaurant in France, seamlessly integrates the delicate art of botanical cuisine into sushi without compromising on pleasure. Inspired by Japanese tradition, Mexican chef Christian Ventura crafts each dish with ingredients like crispy breaded rice, shiitake, oyster mushroom, and avocado. The serene interior, playing on different textures of wood, complements the dynamic dishes. Whether it’s the futo maki with pesto sauce or the gyoza with kimchi sauce, Bloom offers a unique gastronomic experience.
Campelli
With chic decor featuring velvet banquettes and wooden chairs, Campelli is one of the best hidden culinary treasures Paris holds. Chef Vartivar Jarkezian crafts creative and multicultural cuisine with a focus on sustainability. The main courses, exclusively crafted from fresh products, embody a zero-waste philosophy. Each dish is a creative revelation of different forms and flavors, with desserts that are both a feast for the taste buds and the eyes.
One of the standout creations is the ‘Poulet moussé’ dessert, a unique blend of sweetened chicken skin, Gianduja chocolate mousse, salted ‘butter’ caramel, and chickpea crumble, offering a delightful surprise for the palate. At Campelli, every meal is a celebration of taste, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Baillotte
Nestled in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district in Paris, Baillotte is a vibrant dining spot built entirely from natural materials, providing a unique peek into the world of hidden culinary treasures Paris possesses. Open for both lunch and dinner, it offers a unique dining experience under the culinary expertise of Chef Satoshi Amitsu. His blend of healthy and contemporary French cuisine, featuring fresh regional produce, wild fish, and well-bred French meats, is a testament to his precision and the influence of Japanese cuisine.
The wine selection, curated by sommelier Thomas Legrand, includes biodynamic and organic wines. Chef Amitsu’s “semi-gourmet” cuisine, known for its colors and contrasts, is backed by meticulous jus and sauces. His precision, a hallmark of Japanese cuisine, is evident in dishes like flame-charred mackerel with fregola sarda, beetroot, raspberry, walnut, and shiso vinaigrette.
Colvert
Located in the picturesque 6th district of Paris, Colvert is a vintage bistro run by the flamboyantly mustached chef Arnaud Baptiste. Recognized from the French Top Chef TV show, the bistro offers a unique dining experience with its banquettes, bistro chairs, tightly packed tables, bare stone walls, cement-tiled floor, and a counter serving standing customers. Arnaud crafts market-fresh, bistronomic fare with a concise yet diverse seasonal menu. Signature dishes include confit of cod with hollandaise sauce, courgettes, and absinthe gel, and a dessert of figs served roasted, raw, and in pickles with a fig sorbet and ice cream. Colvert is a nostalgic journey through vintage Parisian charm and is among the best Parisian hidden gems. For those seeking the top food experiences in Paris, Colvert offers a blend of vintage bistro charm and exceptional culinary delights.