La Renommée is, it must be said, not what it appears. While it’s all dressed up in old-school regalia – including the misleading “since 1823” at the top of its menu – it was actually opened in 2023 by the American team behind Au Cheval in Chicago and 4 Charles in New York. The result feels like a subtly American reimagining of what makes a glitzy French brasserie so special: the ambiance and flavors are all French, while the service – and eye-watering prices – are resolutely American.
Tag: paris 1st
19 Saint Roch Offers Eastern Paris Creativity with Central Paris Fine Dining Service
Pierre Touitou made a name for himself with his marriage of creative innovation and fine dining flair, and at 19 Saint-Roch, steps from the Louvre, he’s created the perfect stage for his technique-driven fusion fare starring only the best French ingredients.
I Like Kodawari Ramen Tsukiji Even More Than Its Big Brother
The more-is-more décor and truly delicious food make this ramen spot a no brainer near the Louvre.
Le Tout-Paris Offers Good Food and Some of Paris’ Most Amazing Views
Le Tout-Paris retains some of the coldness of a hotel restaurant, which means that while I liked it – a lot –, I did not quite fall in love. While the food here is quite nice, the ambiance, with its technicolor décor, does not scream Michelin Guide. If I return, it will be to sit on the terrace in fair weather to enjoy one of Frédéric’s pastries and the majestic views.
A l’Épi d’Or is a Fine, Expensive Restaurant Masquerading as a Bistro
A l’Epi d’Or’s prices merit a better mastery of its food, but the ballet of service and beautiful dining room may well make it worth a stop.
Le Fumoir is an Unsung Lunchtime Destination Steps from the Louvre
This excellent-value prix fixe restaurant overlooking the back end of the Louvre offers delicious, creative, slightly lighter French-Swedish fare, served by efficient and smiling servers in a gorgeous dining room. In short: I’ve found you the perfect lunchtime destination in central Paris.
Verjus Wine Bar is Like Cheers for the Restaurant Crowd
There’s a reason people keep coming back to Verjus. It’s cozy and warm and welcoming, and while this ambiance – and its cozy location just steps from the Jardin du Palais Royal means it doesn’t need to go so hard on the food, it does.
Chez Denise Steps Back in Time So Vividly the Expression Has Lost All Meaning
If you’ve seen Midnight in Paris, you know all about Woody Allen’s ode to a particularly American brand of nostalgia for a certain kind of Paris you’ll never see. But if there were somewhere to see it… it would undoubtedly be Chez Denise. This resolutely old-school bistro is raucous and convivial and dyed-in-the-wool. It’s a place where the landline still rings, and they still take your coat; where you can be turned away if the maitre d’ doesn’t like the cut of your gib and Tuesday is tête de veau day. It’s a place where you can still chat to your neighbors and even share their dessert.
Le Cochon à l’Oreille is Offering Truly Delicious Twists on Classic French Food
Founded in 1905, this restaurant is everything you expect from a classic Paris bistro, complete with red banquettes, tiled floors, a beautiful bar, and slightly harried service. In the kitchen, Chef Teodore Apostolski is putting his Michelin-starred past to good work in slightly revitalizing French bistro classics.
Le Grand Véfour Is Deserving of Its Fame
Generally speaking, I’ve found that the Venn Diagram of the beauty of a centrally-located Parisian restaurant and the quality on the plate is two circles, but frankly, I was wowed by the sheer deliciousness on offer at Le Grand Véfour.