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This article is part of the FT Globetrotter feature. Paris Guide
Paris never ceases to amaze me. With its cutting-edge art and culinary scene, it is a city full of different cultures and talents, and its venues reflect its many facets, from the grand to the intimate.
Restaurants
Origins
6 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris
Chef Julien Boscus deserves to be better known. His authentic cuisine emphasizes seasonal and local produce in every dish, with a menu that celebrates French terroir. I love this place because it is warm and welcoming. Julien lets his ingredients speak for themselves, treating them without fuss or frills so that they shine on the plate thanks to his precise and successful cooking. You can choose the tasting menu or opt for the a la carte, but in either case you will enjoy the best vegetables, fish and meats and unforgettable dishes. Website; Instructions
Zen
8 Rue de L’Échelle, 75001 Paris
Zen is a small Japanese restaurant near the Opera that offers excellent sushi at a very affordable price. It is a very popular place in Paris, where it is difficult to find affordable sushi as many restaurants lean towards expensive or more sophisticated. I used to go here a lot with my family. It is a simple place that does not look like much, but don’t let the appearance fool you. Everything is done correctly, according to the rules of the art of Japanese sushi. It is a perfect place for a quick lunch or to stay for a while in the evening. Website; Instructions
Mallory Gabsi
28 Rue des Acacias, 75017 Paris
Mallory is a very talented young chef whose creative cooking I discovered a while ago. He has an enthusiastic energy and inventiveness that I find very interesting, and I love the boldness in his combinations of ingredients and flavours and the personality he puts into his dishes. He is an artistic person and has this ability to draw you into his world, with humility. The restaurant is beautiful, with an open kitchen that allows diners to see the chefs in action. You can go there for a special occasion or just for pleasure. For my part, I follow Mallory’s career with great interest. Website; Instructions
Brutes
5 Rue du Général Renault, 75011 Paris
The restaurant overlooks a pretty pedestrian square in the trendy 11th arrondissement. If the weather is nice, you can dine on the terrace or enjoy the cosy candle-lit dining room. Brazilian chef Lucas Baur de Campos specialises in grilled meats, although the fish and vegetables are also excellent. When I can, I like to go on Sundays to sample the spectacular roast chicken, which comes with a delicious garlic, lemon and herb sauce, fries and a spicy mayo. Brutos also places a lot of emphasis on the products they use, packaged in a fresher, more relaxed atmosphere. Website; Instructions
Ruggieri House
11 Rue Treilhard, 75008 Paris
I know Chef Martino Ruggieri well, having worked with him at one of my restaurants for several years (the three-star restaurant at the Pavillon Ledoyen, Alléno Paris). His rigour, creativity and hard work have earned him his second Michelin star this year. Martino attaches great importance to sustainability and acts responsibly to limit food waste, in particular by composting all waste generated by the restaurant. His menu highlights the finest seasonal produce and local ingredients in every dish. It is a wonderful place for a special occasion. Website; Instructions
Food and drink shops
Sapiens Wine Cave
145 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
Vino Sapiens is owned by a Maître-Caviste (master wine merchant) – there are only 30 of them in France. They have access to the wines that restaurateurs use, allowing them to offer hard-to-find bottles at affordable prices, which is a real rarity. They also have an excellent selection of Italian wines and an impressive knowledge of small wine producers across France – it’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir of your time in Paris. Website; Instructions
The food of Campo de Marte
122 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
I love Les Viandes du Champ de Mars. It’s a traditional butcher shop owned by Jean-Marie Boedec, who offers an extraordinary selection of meats. He chooses them himself and ages and matures them at just the right time. He prepares each cut in front of you with great care and skill, and everything is of excellent quality. Website; Instructions
Chamberlain
43 rue Brochant, 75017 Paris and 14 rue Ternaux, 75011 Paris
This bakery with two locations in Paris has revolutionised the concept of gluten-free products with its organic breads. Using their own mill, the two founders work with breads fermented with rice sourdough and made with rice and sorghum flours. They have a wide variety of breads and pastries with surprising flavours and textures, and you can also buy bags of their excellent flour. Website; Instructions
Galleries and museums
Open Scene Gallery
13 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
Scène Ouverte is a brilliant gallery that brings together beautiful pieces by a selection of contemporary artists and allows you to see the best of ceramic and furniture design. Laurence Bonnel, founder and curator of the works, presents unique and limited edition pieces that unite contemporary creation with the demand for absolute craftsmanship. The gallery has a wonderful atmosphere and is located close to the banks of the Seine and the Luxembourg Garden. Website; Instructions
Mennour
47 rue Saint-André-des-Arts and 5 and 6 Rue du Pont de Lodi, 75006 Paris, and 28 Avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris
Spread across three Parisian sites, Kamel Mennour’s gallery organises several exhibitions a year to showcase the new generation of international artists. From photography and video to sculpture, drawing and painting, there is a huge range of installations to explore and it is a delightful place to discover new talents relatively unknown in France. Website; Instructions
Museum of Decorative Arts
107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
The Museum of Decorative Arts has a rich collection that highlights the links between industry and culture, individual creation and mass production. I particularly loved the Cartier and Islamic art Exhibition (2021-22). Paris is an ideal place to keep an eye on the world, discover new cultures and new arts, with a wealth of museums like this one offering windows into some of the most creative works on the planet. Website; Instructions
Yannick Alléno holds 16 Michelin stars in 17 international restaurants, including London Pavilion at the Four Seasons Hotel in London on Park Lane
Tell us about your favorite restaurants, shops and galleries in Paris in the comments below. AND Follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter
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