Our staff is hopelessly smitten with Paris. It’s a favorite destination, drawing us in with its captivating art, breathtaking views, and enchanting music. But let’s be honest, our true love affair is with Parisian cuisine. The city’s culinary scene is a treasure trove of deliciousness, evolving with each visit, leaving us hungry for more. Beyond the classic viennoiseries, we’re captivated by innovative Korean cooking, dishes that tell the story of the Jewish diaspora, and, of course, the timeless charm of unforgettable bistros. With so many culinary gems to discover, we’ve curated a list of 17 restaurants that have stolen our hearts in the City of Light.
Where Vegetables Reign Supreme: Tèkes
Tucked away in the city’s 2nd arrondissement, Tèkes is a haven for vegetable enthusiasts. This culinary gem, born from the minds behind Mediterranean-Israeli favorites like Shabour and Machneyuda, is all about celebrating the bounty of nature. Their open kitchen features a mesmerizing charcoal grill, where chefs craft vibrant, shareable dishes inspired by Jewish culinary traditions. Imagine a bowl brimming with fattoush salad, its freshness enhanced by labneh, or burnt cabbage drizzled with a za’atar chimichurri. Even their vegetarian rendition of creamy chicken liver is a revelation. The restaurant boasts an impressive wine list, spanning the Mediterranean coastline, alongside a selection of plant-based cocktails and juices. The earthy, wood-washed space exudes warmth, with design elements like mesh shelves laden with fresh market produce and terracotta earthenware, creating an atmosphere that invites you to linger over a sun-drenched lunch or a leisurely dinner.
Escape the Bistro Routine: Oozbatz
If you’re yearning for a break from the traditional bistro scene, Oozbatz is your culinary escape. This pizza haven emerged as a pop-up at Le Rigamarole, a Japanese-inspired tasting menu haven, where its slow-fermented sourdough crust quickly amassed a devoted following. The demand was so overwhelming that Oozbatz found a permanent home in a cool, blonde wood dining room that feels like a breath of fresh air. The menu, though concise, is full of excitement, with pies topped with white asparagus and preserved lemon, or teeny tiny meatballs nestled amidst red onion and chives. Be sure to order the number six for a “surprise du chef” pizza, which last month featured dollops of duck ragu nestled alongside pockets of melty cheese. Forget the steak au poivre for tonight; Oozbatz promises a pizza experience that will redefine your Parisian culinary journey.
A Culinary Haven for the Weary Traveler: Elmer
Remember that feeling of jet lag slowly creeping in after a long flight? When our family landed in Paris last summer, Elmer was our culinary savior, easing the transition. This modern-but-not-austere bistro sits on a peaceful street in the Marais, a stone’s throw from the Canal Saint-Martin. The dishes are light, precise, and completely original, a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate. Picture crudo artfully arranged in wafer-thin pastry shells, a savory seasonal fruit salad plated geometrically, and perfectly shingled slivers of faux-filet steak, complemented by creamy eggplant slices. The desserts are equally impressive. The vanilla hazelnut praline tart for two, a masterpiece of culinary artistry, mended our weary nerves and helped our internal clocks adjust to the Parisian rhythm.
