Paris – a city that evokes images of charming cafes, cobblestone streets, and, of course, exquisite food. It’s a place where art, architecture, and music blend harmoniously, creating an atmosphere that captivates the senses. Our team, enamored with Paris’s allure, consistently finds themselves drawn back to its captivating embrace. But beyond the city’s iconic attractions, it’s the culinary scene that truly holds our hearts.
Paris’s gastronomic landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of tradition and innovation. From classic bistros to cutting-edge culinary creations, the city’s restaurants offer an endless array of flavors to tantalize the palate. And while the viennoiseries, those flaky, buttery pastries, are a must-try, it’s the city’s unexpected culinary gems that truly leave a lasting impression.
A Culinary Journey Through Paris
The Parisian restaurant scene is constantly evolving, with new and exciting establishments popping up like spring flowers. This dynamic landscape offers a delicious fusion of cuisines, from the Korean flavors that tantalize the taste buds to the Jewish culinary traditions that tell stories of history and heritage.
Tèkes: A Celebration of Vegetables
Nestled in the city’s 2nd arrondissement, Tèkes is a testament to the power of plant-based cuisine. This restaurant, born from the same team behind Mediterranean-Israeli culinary stars like Shabour in Paris and Machneyuda in Jerusalem, elevates vegetables to the forefront of the dining experience.
Their open kitchen showcases the artistry of the charcoal grill, where vibrant, shareable dishes emerge, imbued with the essence of diverse Jewish culinary traditions. From the fattoush salad, bursting with fresh flavors and creamy labneh, to the smoky burnt cabbage, dressed with a zesty za’atar chimichurri, every dish is a symphony of textures and aromas. And for those seeking a vegetarian twist on a classic, Tèkes offers a creamy chicken liver that will leave you wanting more.
The restaurant’s impressive wine list, spanning the Mediterranean region, perfectly complements the menu. A plant-based cocktail and juice bar adds a touch of vibrant freshness to the experience. Tèkes’s earthy, wood-washed space is a delight for the eyes, with mesh shelves overflowing with fresh market produce and terracotta earthenware adding warmth to the atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours lost in conversation, savoring the natural light and the lingering scent of herbs and spices.
Oozbatz: Pizza with a Parisian Twist
If you’re seeking a break from the traditional bistros of Paris, Oozbatz is a welcome escape. This pizza haven, born as a pop-up at Le Rigamarole, a Japanese-inspired tasting menu restaurant, has captured the hearts of Parisians with its slow-fermented sourdough crust. The dedication to quality and flavor has earned Oozbatz a loyal following, making it a must-visit destination for pizza lovers.
Oozbatz’s brick-and-mortar home, a cool and inviting space with blonde wood accents, feels like a breath of fresh air in the bustling city. The menu, though concise, is brimming with excitement, featuring pies topped with white asparagus and preserved lemon or tiny meatballs with red onion and chives. But the true star of the show is the “surprise du chef” pizza, a culinary masterpiece that will leave you wanting more.
For those who love the classics, Oozbatz offers a comforting alternative to the ubiquitous steak au poivre. Pizza in Paris? It’s an unexpected delight that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about Parisian cuisine.
Elmer: A Modern Bistro with a Touch of Elegance
When exploring Paris, it’s easy to get swept up in the city’s magic, but sometimes, a bit of comfort and familiarity is just what you need. That’s where Elmer comes in. This modern bistro located in the northern end of the Marais, just off the Canal Saint-Martin, offers a sanctuary of deliciousness in a serene setting.
Elmer’s dishes are light, precise, and inventive, showcasing a chef’s dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients. Compositions of crudo, nestled in delicate pastry shells, are a testament to the chef’s artistry. Savory fruit salads, arranged geometrically like a tart, surprise and delight the palate. And the faux-filet steak, perfectly shingled alongside creamy eggplant slices, is a symphony of flavors and textures.
The desserts, too, are a culinary revelation. The vanilla hazelnut praline tart, a masterpiece for two, is the perfect way to end a meal, leaving you with a sense of warmth and satisfaction. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, unwind, and savor the moment, knowing that you’ve experienced something truly special.
Paris, a city that continues to captivate our senses, is much more than just its iconic landmarks. It’s a place where culinary artistry takes center stage, where traditional and modern flavors collide, and where every bite is an adventure for the palate. So, if you’re looking for a city that will leave you wanting more, look no further than Paris.
