Paris, the City of Lights, holds a special place in the hearts of the Bon Appétit team. We’re captivated by its art, breathtaking views, and enchanting music. However, our love for this city truly blossoms when it comes to food. The Parisian restaurant scene is an endless source of culinary delight, constantly evolving with new and exciting flavors. From classic viennoiseries to innovative Korean cuisine and dishes reflecting Jewish culinary traditions, Paris offers a diverse and captivating gastronomic journey.
Let’s embark on a culinary adventure through 17 restaurants that have captured the hearts of our staff.
A Vegetarian Haven: Tèkes
Tèkes, nestled in the 2nd arrondissement, is a haven for vegetable lovers. This restaurant, born from the minds behind popular Mediterranean-Israeli spots like Shabour and Machneyuda, showcases the vibrant flavors of Jewish culinary heritage. The open kitchen, where the charcoal grill reigns supreme, is a spectacle of culinary artistry.
Get ready to share plates of bright and flavorful dishes, like the fattoush salad with labneh, burnt cabbage dressed in a za’atar chimichurri, and a vegetarian twist on creamy chicken liver.
Tèkes doesn’t stop at the food. It boasts an impressive wine list spanning the Mediterranean, alongside a plant-based cocktail and juice bar. The earthy, wood-washed space is adorned with mesh shelves overflowing with fresh produce and terracotta earthenware, creating an ambiance that invites you to linger over a natural light-soaked lunch or a long, leisurely dinner.
A Pizza Paradise: Oozbatz
If you’re seeking a break from the traditional Parisian bistros, Oozbatz will be your culinary salvation. This pizza haven, born as a pop-up at Le Rigamarole, has earned a devoted following with its slow-fermented sourdough crust.
The restaurant’s tight but exciting menu features pies topped with white asparagus and preserved lemon or tiny meatballs with red onion and chives. The cool, blonde wood dining room offers a refreshing change of pace.
Don’t miss the “surprise du chef” pizza, which last month boasted duck ragu and melty cheese. Oozbatz is a reminder that even in Paris, pizza can steal the show.
A Modern Bistro: Elmer
Stepping into Elmer, a modern bistro located on a quiet street in the Marais, feels like a breath of fresh air. This elegant yet unpretentious space offers light, precise, and original dishes.
Be prepared for delectable compositions, like crudo nestled in wafer-thin pastry shells, savory seasonal fruit salad plated with geometric precision, and perfectly shingled slivers of steak alongside creamy eggplant.
Elmer‘s desserts are equally captivating, especially the vanilla hazelnut praline tart. This divine creation will soothe your tired nerves and set your internal clock to Parisian time.
