Luxurious, bewitching, inspiring, spell-binding… Our selection of addresses is aimed at pleasure and ideas ! From absolute essentials to wonderful surprises, new experiences to enjoy and share.
Talent on the menu ! After taking up the 2023 residency at Les Petites Mains, training with Pierre Gagnaire in London and Thomas Keller in New York, Chef Geoffrey Lengagne has taken off by launching his first restaurant solo. A staunch defender of sincere cuisine, he pairs good food with good drinks at Brion, proposing market-fresh cuisine both generous, demanding and highly praiseworthy. An address to fall for. Brion, 17 rue Lamartine, Paris 9. www.brion-restaurant.fr
The Hôtel Raphael has been reinvented with the opening of its new restaurant, Le Boudoir. At the helm, star-rated Chef Akrame has set his signature to the menu, offering audacious cuisine revisiting classics with elegance : Burger, “vol au vent”, frogs’ legs… In charge of the decor, renowned designer Cordélia de Castellane has added her dreamy touch to this setting between past and present, featuring oversized flowers and shimmering colours. Exquisitely stylish. Restaurant Le Boudoir, Hôtel Raphael Paris, 17 avenue Kléber, Paris 16 (01 53 64 32 30).
The creator of bespoke coffee, Momus has already given “carte blanche” to several personalities. It has now entrusted Sarah Andelman, head of the publishing house “Just an Idea Books” and on the occasion of the “Mise en Page” exhibition at Le Bon Marché, with creating her coffee. “Just a coffee” is a rare variety which stands out for its delicate aromas of bergamot and jasmine. To be enjoyed at Le Bon Marché and Momus, and taken home in its simple blue packaging. Momus, 44 rue des Martyrs, Paris 9. www.momus-paris.com
A second star for Le Jules Verne and a first in the gastronomic history of the Eiffel Tower. This much-deserved award recognizes the talent and work of Frédéric Anton, his Chef de cuisine Kevin Garcia and their teams who, since 2019, have composed an exceptional score in this iconic setting in the capital. Beauty and bounty are relished here thanks to noble ingredients including a remarkable Crab, revisited with a Zéphir de Pomme Granny. Sublime. Le Jules Vernes, 2e étage de la Tour Eiffel, avenue Gustave Eiffel, Paris 7. www.restaurants-toureiffel.com com
To celebrate its quarter century, the restaurant Zo has treated itself to new decor signed Gilles Tombeur, attesting to its cosmopolitan identity with a touch of subtle exoticism. Furthermore, it has welcomed a new chef, Thibaut Moine, to man its ovens, formerly of La Tour d’Argent and Pré Catelan. As a duo with sushi master Yue, he proposes Mediterranean cuisine focusing on ultra-freshness. And to quench your thirst, head for the bar with its expertly shaken cocktails ! Restaurant Zo, 13 rue Montalivet, Paris 8 (01 42 65 18 18). www.restaurantzo.com
Served every Sunday from 11.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., this new Mexican brunch consists of a savoury dish, a dessert, a hot drink, and a fresh, non-alcoholic cocktail. Classic avocado toast or Mexican-style scrambled eggs are made to perfection, while the “chimi carnitas bun” with shredded, farm-raised pork that melts in the mouth will conquer refined palates. Those with a sweet tooth should not miss the “dulce leche cheesecake” or a generous “brioche perdue” with salted caramel butter. Nice. 9, rue Gustave Deloye. (06 75 78 01 58)
All his regulars will definitely say “At long last !”… The talented Chef Bessem Ben Abdallah, who opened his gastronomic restaurant soberly named “Bessem” in Mandelieu back in 2017, richly deserved this sparkling star in the Michelin Guide. For lunch and dinner, guests relish a cuisine of passion with perfect cooking, in the charming dining-room or the garden with its stone fountain, in the shade of plane trees. Mandelieu. 183, avenue de la République. www.bessem-restaurant.com
For the reopening of this 5-star seaside address in Le Var, Chef M.O.F David Boyer, assisted by Chef Natan Helo, has come up with a gastronomic menu largely inspired by local resources in the Villa Mauresque’s restaurant, Le Bougainvillier. In particular, they propose a sublimely iodized menu in complicity with local fisherman Julien Loire. Saint-Raphaël. 1792, route de la Corniche Boulouris. (04 94 83 02 42)
Three hours from Nice, straddling the communes of Gargas and Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, Le Domaine Perréal is enthroned on 133 acres at the heart of the Luberon’s Regional Nature Park. Its stunning panoramic view encompasses the ochres of Roussillon, Gordes, and the foothills of Le Ventoux. Producing its own wines, vegetables in its market garden, and its own high-quality olive-oil, the estate hosts a tasting/sales cellar and a restaurant open until September 29th, inviting you to discover the very best of Provence. Guest-rooms decorated with real charm complete this outstanding address. www.perreal.com
In the “maison” of Laura and Thomas, everything is simply delicious ! Fans of gastronomy can devour dishes at table or take them home. A passion for family cuisine and time spent unearthing the finest grocery products, some made on the premises, make this new address in Marseille a must stopover whether you live in the city or are just there for a day ! Marseille 6e. 40, cours Julien. (04 84 26 64 39)
On the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, this Provençal brasserie run by Etienne Ferreira (time spent alongside Joël Robuchon) and Quentin Lescure (ex-Pré Catelan), offers warm decor in shades of orange with wide, comfortable benchseats. On the menu, sun-blessed cuisine featuring specialities of the South such as melting “panisses” to dip in homemade “aïoli”, stuffed Niçois vegetables, and Provence’s famous beef stew. On weekends, brunch is served non-stop from 12 noon to 2 a.m ! A heartwarming address. Brasserie Valma, 45 Quai de Valmy, Paris 10. www.brasserie-valma.fr
The iconic flagship address in Biarritz, the Hôtel du Palais has announced the arrival of its new Executive Chef, Christophe Scheller, who is preparing for the reopening of the Rotonde restaurant in May. On the menu, refined, authentic cuisine set off by 5-star service. This young chef, aged 39, with experience in the kitchens of the Royal Monceau in Paris, alongside Thierry Marx at the Mandarin Oriental, but also at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme and Hyatt Regency in Chantilly, will enchant this legendary dining-room. Hôtel du Palais, 1 avenue de l’Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz. (05 59 41 12 34).
The place to be for comfort food and an iconic American experience, Cali Sisters now adds vibrance to Parisian nights with the opening of its cocktail bar with a speakeasy ambiance. Paying homage to clandestine bars in the Prohibition era, this intimate new setting in chic brasserie style with subdued light from candles and lanterns proposes delicious cocktails with subtle mixes. Time to party ! Cali Sisters, 17 rue Notre Dame des Victoires, Paris 2e. www.thecalisisters.com
The new Sunday rendez-vous which will delight all gourmets ! A velvety setting on the ground floor of the iconic Tour d’Argent, Le Bar des Maillets d’Argent has launched its fireside Sunday brunch. Concocted by Chef Yannick Franques, “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”, this brunch proposes an assortment of Viennese pastries and travel-inspired cakes, brioches and special types of bread. Along with a selection of savoury dishes : eggs mimosa, white tarama, terrine of duck… to whet all appetites. In short, a feast to make Sundays even more uplifting. La Tour d’Argent, 15 Quai de la Tournelle, Paris 5. Trois créneaux pour le brunch, 11h, 13h, 15h. Résa : ww.latourdargent.com
After working in several prestigious palaces in London, the Hotel Eden in Rome, Eataly and Carbon in Paris, Chef Arthur Dumait has taken off solo. At Sugo, the speciality is fresh pasta that he prepares himself before his clients. The star feature on the menu, it can be relished in five permanent recipes such as Cacio & Pepe and the emblematic Ragù. Beforehand, antipasti work up an appetite, while tiramisu finally quenches your hunger and greed. Mangiare bene ! Sugo, 16 rue Saint-Augustin, Paris 2e. www.sugoparis.com
After more than 15 years as a star-rated chef in prestigious addresses in the South of France, Julien Allano took the step of opening his first restaurant as owner-chef at the beginning of April. “JU - Maison de cuisine” will open its doors at the heart of the chic and picturesque village of Bonnieux in the Luberon. The goal ? To offer local cuisine, sincere and full of awareness. Go for it ! Bonnieux. 2, rue Lucien Blanc.
Always in search of innovation, Mauro Colagreco, 3-star chef at Le Mirazur in Menton, and co-founder Arielle Bove, present Tempera : non-alcoholic blends that harmonize with flavours in the Chef’s cuisine. The range is comprised of six references : a mineral white, a syrupy white, rosé, red, and two sparkling blends. www.drinktempera.com
To celebrate the new season on the Riviera, the Martinez Hotel has launched a chic, enticing rendez-vous : Sunday brunch signed Jean Imbert in the restaurant Le Sud. Revolving around a magnificent buffet, it invites guests to compose sweet and savoury combinations to suit their taste. On the menu : baker’s classics, a shucking bench, salads and raw vegetables high in vitamins, a pork butcher’s bench, and tempting trays of cheeses. All accompanied by the jazzy notes of a live pianist. Cannes. 73, boulevard de la Croisette. (04 93 90 12 34)
Le Mondrian, a 5-star hotel on the Croisette in Cannes, has just announced the appointment of Pierrick Cizeron as its new Chef for the restaurants Mr Nakamoto and Hyde Beach. Born in Saint-Etienne, this great sportsman won his spurs on the international scene, notably at the Méridien Dubai after training at the Bocuse Institute. Cannes. 45, boulevard de la Croisette. (04 93 38 15 45)
A hotel group of a new kind defined by luxury, craftsmanship and glamour, the Arev Collection has announced the launch of its first address, Arev Saint-Tropez. With its opening scheduled for March 15th, 2024, this hotel in scented gardens a few minutes’ walk to the village centre will offer 43 rooms and suites, a villa, plus several restaurants and bars, including a champagne lounge ! www.arevcollection.com
