Paris, the City of Lights, is not only renowned for its romantic ambiance and iconic landmarks but also for its exquisite culinary scene. But what if you’re looking for more than just delicious food? Imagine a world where dining is an experience that tantalizes all your senses, a harmonious blend of flavors and captivating design. Paris, with its rich history and avant-garde spirit, offers exactly that. Prepare to be amazed by these 10 modern interior design restaurant projects that will redefine your expectations of dining in the French capital.
A Modern Take on Haute Cuisine: Hexagone
Hexagone, a restaurant designed to revolutionize the Parisian haute cuisine scene, is a testament to the power of modern design. Interior architects Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier have crafted a space that effortlessly blends sleek elegance with playful whimsy. The modern lounge style is evident in the impeccable lighting, while the walls are adorned with tongue-in-cheek graphics that draw inspiration from the fantastical world of Alice in Wonderland. This juxtaposition of sophistication and playful charm creates a truly unique dining experience.
A Culinary Masterpiece with a Modern Touch: Jean-Francois Piège’s Restaurant
Jean-Francois Piège, a young chef awarded two Michelin stars, has created a culinary haven that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. This restaurant is a dream come true for any interior design enthusiast. Imagine marble walls that radiate elegance, a bustling open kitchen that reveals the artistry of the chefs, and a calming grey cement backdrop that complements the sleek furniture. The glass ceiling, adorned with geometric patterns, casts an ethereal glow, while the thick grey honeycomb-pattern carpeting adds a touch of warmth and sophistication. The dining chairs, as comfortable as they are stylish, complete this symphony of colors and textures.
Septime: Bohemian Charm in a Parisian Setting
Septime, a highly sought-after restaurant, embodies the bohemian spirit of Paris. Nestled within a former furniture workshop in the eastern part of the city, this restaurant is a testament to the chef’s creative vision. Bertrand Grébaut, the chef, has meticulously crafted a space that exudes a sense of relaxed elegance. Polished anthracite-color cement floors, sleek Danish-modern chairs, and tables crafted from rough gray recycled wood come together to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Septime is a testament to the fact that sometimes the most beautiful things are born from simple, raw materials.
Beefbar Paris: A Luxurious Dining Experience
Beefbar Paris is a shining example of how a modern makeover can transform a historic space into a sophisticated haven. Originally built in 1937, the building has been lovingly restored to embrace its Art Deco heritage, while adding modern touches that enhance its beauty. The designers have skillfully retained the building’s original charm, while adding a touch of warmth with sand-color cedar walls and ash-and-marble tables. The space boasts breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and Jardins du Trocadéro, adding a touch of Parisian magic to the dining experience. The lighting by Alain Guilhot is a masterpiece in itself, adding a subtle yet powerful element of sophistication and intimacy.
A Symphony of Glamour and Elegance: Le Clarence
Le Clarence, a restaurant owned by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, is a testament to the enduring allure of classic Parisian elegance. The restaurant is a celebration of the Grande Siècle decor, with antique mantel clocks, ormolu-framed mirrors, and plush brocades in rich jewel tones. The dining rooms exude a timeless sophistication that transports diners to a bygone era of refined taste and opulent living. While the decor evokes a sense of history and tradition, the modern French cuisine of chef Christophe Pelé adds a contemporary twist to the experience.
A Vision in White: Apégo
Apégo is a restaurant that showcases the art of minimalist design. With a focus on pristine white decor, the restaurant serves as a blank canvas for the chef’s culinary masterpieces. This restaurant is a celebration of simplicity and elegance, where the focus is on the food itself. The chef’s artful dishes are the stars of the show, showcased against the backdrop of a pure white backdrop. Apégo is a reminder that sometimes less is truly more, and that elegance can be found in the most unexpected places.
A Touch of Whimsy: Le Bouillon Chartier
Tucked away in the Passage des Panoramas, a charming glass-roofed arcade in the heart of Paris, Le Bouillon Chartier is a playful and whimsical restaurant designed by Philippe Starck. This charming Italian restaurant, with its toys-in-the-attic vibe, occupies a space that was once home to a printing company. The elegant front windows are now home to two stuffed animals—a wolf and a lynx—with rhinestone collars, a quirky touch that adds a dash of humor to the ambiance. The beautiful 18th-century wood paneling, moldings, and harlequin floor are illuminated by handkerchief lights, adding a touch of magic to the space.
Le Gabriel: Where History and Modernity Collide
Le Gabriel, located within a historic Haussmann-style mansion that was once home to the Duc de Morny, is a restaurant that seamlessly blends history and contemporary design. The restaurant’s elegant decor is a testament to the building’s rich past, with embossed Cordoba leather walls original to the residence’s salon. Decorator Jacques Garcia has carefully preserved the room’s vintage character, adding a touch of modernity with bone-color leather banquettes and black lacquered chairs. Chef Jérome Banctel, a two-Michelin-starred chef, completes the experience with his exceptional contemporary French cuisine.
David Toutain: A Culinary and Design Visionary
David Toutain, a rising star in the Parisian culinary scene, is not only a talented chef but also a passionate advocate for modern design. His restaurant, a testament to his love for both food and design, is a minimalist masterpiece. With teal-blue walls, custom-made oak tables, and ceramic insert centerpieces, the restaurant creates a calming and elegant ambiance. Toutain believes that the restaurant’s design is an integral part of the dining experience, a reflection of his culinary philosophy and passion. His restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in the City of Lights.
Paris, with its blend of history and modernity, continues to inspire and amaze with its extraordinary restaurants. From whimsical to elegant, these restaurants offer a glimpse into the vibrant world of Parisian dining, where design and cuisine come together to create unforgettable experiences. So, the next time you find yourself in the City of Lights, be sure to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your senses and leave you with lasting memories.
