Paris, the City of Lights, has long captured the hearts of our staff, not just for its art, mesmerizing views, and enchanting music, but most importantly, for its unparalleled culinary scene. Our team members, passionate about food, consistently find themselves returning to the City of Light to indulge in its ever-evolving gastronomic landscape. From the traditional viennoiseries to the inventive Korean cuisine and the flavors of the Jewish diaspora, Paris offers a diverse selection of restaurants to tantalize even the most discerning palate. Here, we unveil 17 gastronomic gems that our staff holds dear.
From the Charcoal Grill to the Sourdough Crust: A Journey Through Parisian Flavors
Tucked away in the charming 2nd arrondissement, Tèkes is a vegetable-centric haven. This restaurant, born from the minds behind renowned Mediterranean-Israeli eateries, showcases the power of the charcoal grill in a captivating culinary symphony. Their open kitchen transforms fresh produce into vibrant, shareable dishes that blend the best of Jewish culinary traditions. Indulge in the fattoush salad, bursting with labneh, or savor the burnt cabbage drenched in a za’atar chimichurri. The restaurant’s vegetarian take on creamy chicken liver offers a unique twist on a classic. Tèkes’ impressive wine list, spanning the Mediterranean region, complements the dishes perfectly, while the plant-based cocktail and juice bar provides a refreshing alternative. The restaurant’s earthy, wood-washed ambiance is further enhanced by design elements like mesh shelves brimming with fresh market produce and terracotta earthenware. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger over a leisurely lunch or a long, satisfying dinner.
Oozbatz, located in the trendy 11th arrondissement, offers a refreshing break from traditional Parisian bistros. This pizza pop-up, initially housed in the Japanese-inspired tasting menu space Le Rigamarole, quickly garnered a loyal following for its slow-fermented sourdough crust. The devoted fanbase led to the establishment of a permanent brick-and-mortar location. Oozbatz boasts a limited but exciting menu, featuring pies topped with white asparagus and preserved lemon, or tiny meatballs with red onion and chives. The cool, blonde wood dining room creates a welcoming and invigorating atmosphere. For an adventurous experience, order the “surprise du chef” pizza – a recent rendition featured duck ragu nestled alongside pockets of melty cheese. Oozbatz is a testament to the innovative and daring spirit of Parisian cuisine.
A Bistro with a Modern Twist: Elmer
Nestled on a tranquil street in the Marais district, Elmer is a modern bistro with a subtle touch of sophistication. It offers a welcoming haven for weary travelers, providing a moment of respite from the thriving city. The restaurant’s light, precise, and utterly original dishes showcase the chef’s meticulous attention to detail. Crudo nestled in wafer-thin pastry shells, a savory seasonal fruit salad presented geometrically like a tart, and perfectly shingled slices of faux-filet steak alongside creamy eggplant slices are just a few examples of the restaurant’s culinary artistry. The desserts are equally impressive, with the vanilla hazelnut praline tart being a particular standout. Elmer offers a memorable dining experience, making it a perfect spot for a restorative meal after a long day of exploring the city.
