With the reopening of Paris and so many of us making travel plans, it’s a good time to suggest some of my favorite restaurants – all of which have a beautiful outdoor terrace.
Restaurant Drouant │ 16-18, place Gaillon 75002 Tél: +33 1 42 65 15 16
Founded in 1880, Drouant was first transformed from a bar-slash-bistro into a gourmet destination in the late 1920s, thanks in part to French designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, who is often referred to as the father of the French Art Deco style. At the time, Ruhlmann was commissioned to bring the modest restaurant up to date. The eatery remained in the same family until 1976, when it changed hands a few times before becoming part of the Gardinier brothers’ portfolio of historic restaurants in 2018. Known for acquiring venerable dining establishments and updating them with respect to the past, the brothers were focused on preserving some existing elements of Drouant while gently reawakening this sleeping beauty. The food is modern classic French and the terrace provides a beautiful view of Place Gaillon – you can’t go wrong at Drouant.
Brasserie du Lutetia │ 45, boulevard Raspail 75006 Tél: +33 1 49 54 46 00
The iconic Hotel Lutetia has been literally and figuratively the cornerstone of two legendary arteries – the Boulevard Raspail and the Rue de Sèvres. It is where a long list of who’s who of Paris have gathered for more than 100 years, including Ernest Hemingway, Samuel Beckett, André Malraux, Saint-Exupéry, Picasso, Matisse and Josephine Baker to name a few. After a four-year restoration, the Brasserie du Lutetia re-opened in 2018 – the Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture are absolutely stunning. The Chef Patrick Charvet and his team offer traditional yet creative cuisine with a menu that pays homage to the neighborhood.
Le Récamier │ 4, rue Juliette Récamier 75007 Tél: +33 1 45 48 86 58
Far from the hustle and bustle of Paris, you can still sense the spirit of Madame Récamier in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Famed across Europe for her beauty and intelligence, she was one of the most admired women of her time and an iconic woman of letters, described by writer and critic Sainte-Beuve as a “gentle genius.” Madame Récamier brought a new spirit to her times, expressed in her refined and delicate touch. Leading figures from the political, intellectual, and artistic worlds flocked to her salon, which was celebrated for its lively discussion and debate. Today, her spirit is still alive and accentuated the cuisine of globally renowned Chef Gérard Idoux and his traditional French fare.
Les Grandes Marches │ 6, place de la Bastille 75012 Tél: +33 1 43 42 90 32
Restored and reopened in 2012, the Grandes Marches is a bit like the grande dame of the Bastille neighborhood. Adjacent to the opera house and designed by Carlos Ott, this elegant and bright brasserie has a large terrace with 60 seats to welcome guests from 8 AM to midnight – perfect for before or after a performance. Les Grandes Marches is above all a restaurant that gives pride of place to the best classics of French cuisine. Lunch, dinner or dinner after the show, discover a menu of authentic and generous specialties, expertly reinterpreted by our chef for your pleasure.
LOULOU │ 107, rue de Rivoli 75001 Tél: +33 1 42 60 41 96
Located outside the Musée des Arts décoratifs, LOULOU offers a beautiful and privileged setting in the heart of the Louvre Palace. The interior décor is by Joseph Dirand who created a unique universe that combines a natural mix of beauty and aesthetics with a sense of hospitality and authenticity. The terrace is an all-white and enchanting respite from the surrounding activity and – for sure – one the “see” and “be seen” spots in Paris. Benoit Dargère, a promising young chef already officiating at Monsieur Bleu, this time turns his attention to the sunny cuisine of the French and Italian Riviera as well as some essential classics.
Love it ❤️