It’s not uncommon for hotel restaurants to be viewed as mere afterthoughts – convenient for guests, but not necessarily destinations for exquisite culinary experiences. However, in Paris, a vibrant shift is taking place. Forget the days of bland comfort food; hotel restaurants are becoming havens for exciting and innovative cuisine. Award-winning chefs, many with already established reputations, are flocking to these luxurious establishments, elevating them to culinary hotspots. The prestige of the hotels is boosted, and the restaurants themselves are attracting eager diners from far and wide, with reservations becoming highly coveted.
Let’s delve into five exceptional Parisian hotel restaurants that are currently making waves in the city’s vibrant dining scene.
A Parisian Paradise: Pavillon Faubourg St Germain
Step into a world of Parisian elegance at Pavillon Faubourg St Germain, one of the Chevalier Paris group’s refined luxury hotels. Nestled in a charming neighborhood, this five-star haven boasts a rich history dating back to 1642. Once a private palace, it transformed into a hotel frequented by literary legend James Joyce in the early 20th century. Today, its luxurious 47 rooms, designed by Didier Benderli, offer an unforgettable experience, complete with an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and Codage Spa.
Les Parisiens: A Culinary Jewel in the Heart of Saint Germain
The hotel’s restaurant, Les Parisiens, is a magnet for the stylish Saint Germain crowd. Chef Thibault Sombardier, a Top Chef France finalist, infuses classic French dishes with a contemporary twist, making them both familiar and captivating. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like frogs’ legs, Vol-au-Vent, escargots, and foie gras. For a sweet ending, the airy souffle with apples and caramelized cider, or the pistachio-studded mille-feuille, are delightful choices. The restaurant’s ambiance is equally inviting, with spacious tables bathed in flattering light. Art Deco-inspired banquettes and velvet chairs complete the picture of sophisticated elegance.
Le Burgundy Paris: Where Elegance Meets Gastronomy
The five-star Le Burgundy Paris Hotel occupies a prime location between the trendy gourmet boutiques of Place Madeleine and the fashion haven of rue Saint Honore. The hotel’s history stretches back to 1850 when it was a favorite among English travelers. In 2010, it underwent a complete transformation, embracing the modern Parisian style of the 21st century.
Le Baudelaire: Michelin-Starred Dining in a Parisian Oasis
Le Baudelaire, the hotel’s intimate one-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an elegant escape. Decorated in shades of slate and curry, accented with blonde wood and ebony, the dining room exudes sophistication. In warmer weather, the sunlit glass-enclosed terrace becomes a haven for al fresco dining. Chef Anthony Denon crafts menus that cater to the health-conscious diner, emphasizing plants, seeds, and vegetables.
Dinner at Le Baudelaire is an unforgettable culinary journey. We savored a mouthwatering mushroom soup, the rich broth enhanced with red wine, followed by a delicious sea bass with honey-roasted parsnips and a chestnut crumble. The caramelized pears with a touch of Chantilly cream were the perfect sweet ending. For a truly indulgent experience, the six-course tasting menu with paired wines is an excellent choice. Lunchtime brings a special, three-course, 100% plant-based menu, the Vivant.
Norman Hotel: Mid-Century Modern Meets Thai Fusion
In the heart of Paris, the Norman Hotel stands out with its unique mid-century modern design. This cool and stylish hotel takes its name from Norman Ives, a visionary American artist and graphic designer of the 1950s and 1960s. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a private club, offering a sophisticated and intimate escape.
Thiou: A Taste of Thailand in the City of Lights
The hotel’s restaurant, Thiou, is the brainchild of Apiradee Thirakomen Thiou, a chef whose eclectic fusion cuisine has captivated taste buds for years. Her menu, inspired by both famed French chef Paul Bocuse and her native Thai cuisine, is a culinary delight.
At Thiou, expect bold and aromatic flavors. Indulge in red curry chicken or fish with seasonal vegetables, crispy soft-shell crabs with a vibrant green mango salad, and her legendary weeping tiger shrimp sauté. Other enticing dishes include shrimp dumplings with coconut milk and lemongrass, roasted duck with sweet and sour tamarind sauce, and mini-spring rolls drizzled with chocolate.
Hotel Le Grand Mazarin: A Parisian Jewel Box in the Marais
Hotel Le Grand Mazarin, one of Paris’s most anticipated hotel openings last year, is a true gem in the vibrant Marais district. This five-star hotel, located in the heart of Paris’s gay neighborhood, boasts a unique design. The rooms, designed by Martin Brudnizki, depart from the sleek and subdued style of most Parisian hotels, embracing a more playful and glamorous 20th-century boudoir aesthetic. Expect decorative arts, vibrant color combinations, and tapestries on the headboards.
Boubale: A Taste of Ashkenazi Comfort Food
The hotel’s restaurant, Boubale, a sweet and endearing Yiddish word for grandmother, is aptly named. The Marais is where the former Jewish Pletzl, a historic Jewish neighborhood, once thrived. Chef Assaf Granit brings his love for Eastern European, Ashkenazi comfort food to the menu. Traditional dishes like pickled herring, pastrami and egg salad, pierogis, goulash, potato latkes, strudel, and cheesecake have been given a modern twist, appealing to the sophisticated foodie.
Le Castille Hotel Paris: An Italian Escape in the City of Lights
Le Castille Hotel Paris, a part of the Starhotels group, brings a taste of Italy to the heart of Paris. This luxurious hotel, a favorite of the fashion elite during Paris Fashion Week, boasts sumptuously decorated rooms and suites, exceptional service, and a popular bar. Its prime location, next door to the Chanel flagship boutique and across the street from the Hemingway Bar at the Le Ritz Paris, adds to its allure.
Restaurant L’Assagio: A Culinary Journey Through Piedmont
The Italian influence is evident throughout the hotel, from the staff who speak Italian, English, and French, to Restaurant L’Assagio, which celebrates the cuisine of the Piedmont region of Italy.
Michelin-starred Chef Ugo Alciati has collaborated with Chef Sasha Arandjelovic to craft a menu that honors traditional Piedmontese flavors. The must-order starter is the rich tagliolino pasta with 40 egg yolks, topped with black truffles, a dish best shared. Follow it with the succulent guinea fowl with a Marsala sauce, served on flaky brioche. For dessert, the tiramisu, described as “Probably the Best in Paris” on the menu, is an irresistible choice. L’Assagio is proudly featured in the Michelin 2023 guide.
Paris: A Culinary Destination
These are just a few of the extraordinary hotel restaurants that are elevating the dining scene in Paris. From classic French cuisine with a modern twist to authentic Thai flavors and Eastern European comfort food, these culinary destinations offer a diverse and exciting range of experiences for the discerning palate. So, next time you’re in Paris, be sure to venture beyond the traditional tourist traps and explore the world of Parisian hotel restaurants. You’ll be surprised and delighted by the culinary treasures that await you.
