Paris, the City of Lights, is a place that captivates our hearts with its captivating art, breathtaking views, and enchanting music. But for our team, nothing beats the culinary scene in this enchanting metropolis. The Parisian restaurant landscape is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, forever evolving and always surprising. Beyond the classic viennoiseries, Paris is a haven for innovative Korean cuisine, dishes that echo the Jewish diaspora, and, of course, countless unforgettable bistros.
With so many culinary gems to explore, we’ve curated a list of 17 restaurants that have captured the hearts of our staff.
A Celebration of Vegetables at Tèkes
Tèkes, nestled in the 2nd arrondissement, is a testament to the power of vegetables. The restaurant, born from the minds behind Mediterranean-Israeli culinary stars like Shabour in Paris and Machneyuda in Jerusalem, embraces a charcoal grill as its central stage. The result? A symphony of vibrant, shareable dishes that draw inspiration from a range of Jewish culinary traditions.
Picture a bowl brimming with fattoush salad and tangy labneh, charred cabbage cloaked in a fragrant za’atar chimichurri, and a vegetarian interpretation of creamy chicken liver. Tèkes’ impressive wine list takes you on a journey across the Mediterranean, and its plant-based cocktail and juice bar offers refreshing alternatives.
The restaurant itself is a captivating blend of earthy charm and contemporary design, with mesh shelves overflowing with fresh market bounty and terracotta earthenware adding a touch of rustic elegance. Tèkes is the kind of place where you’ll happily linger over a sun-drenched lunch or a leisurely dinner under the Parisian sky.
Pizza Paradise at Oozbatz
If you’re craving a break from the traditional Parisian bistro, Oozbatz is your answer. This pizza haven began as a pop-up at Le Rigamarole, a Japanese-inspired tasting menu space. Oozbatz’s slow-fermented sourdough crust captured the hearts of Parisians, creating a demand for a permanent home.
The restaurant opened its doors earlier this year, unveiling a compact yet exciting menu. Imagine pizzas topped with white asparagus and preserved lemon, or tiny meatballs nestled in a bed of red onion and chives. The cool, blonde wood dining room exudes a sense of tranquility and freshness.
Don’t miss out on the “surprise du chef” pizza, a delightful culinary adventure that might feature duck ragu nestled alongside pockets of melted cheese. Forget the steak au poivre; tonight, you’re indulging in pizza perfection in the heart of Paris.
Elmer: A Modern Bistro with a Touch of Magic
Sometimes, the most memorable meals are those that soothe the soul. This was our experience at Elmer, a modern bistro nestled on a quiet street in the Marais. We arrived in Paris feeling the weight of jet lag, but Elmer’s comforting atmosphere and the magic of its cuisine instantly lifted our spirits.
Elmer’s dishes are a testament to precision and creativity. Crudo compositions delicately nestled in wafer-thin pastry shells, a savory seasonal fruit salad arranged like a geometric work of art, and perfectly shingled slices of faux-filet steak alongside creamy eggplant – each bite a symphony of flavors and textures.
The desserts are equally captivating, like the vanilla hazelnut praline tart. It’s the kind of dessert that mends frayed nerves and resets your internal clock, helping you fully embrace the Parisian rhythm.
