There’s something magical about sitting at the bar of a 2* Michelin restaurant in Paris and watching the chefs in action in their open kitchen.
A couple of weeks ago I gave you a sneak preview of our fabulous dinner at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. I love eating here. The menu is tantalising, the food outstanding. This is the reason it is listed at number 15 in San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Bookings are only taken for the 12.30 lunch sitting or for a 6.30 dinner. If this doesn’t suit, you arrive and keep your fingers crossed. I’ve tried to figure out how the booking system works but I’m still confused! We were lucky on this visit. Arriving at 7pm, we were fully prepared for the “come back at 9 reply” but instead were seated. Hurray!!
The menu features many tasting plates. Â Choose a selection of these or you can order traditionally with an entree and main course. Whatever you do, leave room for dessert.
Dishes with names such as Les Anchovies, L’Oeuf, La Langoustine and Le Jambon grace the menu.
Our first dish was ‘Les Tomates’, a lesson in simplicity. A mixture of ‘les tomates anciennes’, was served with sumac and extra virgin olive oil. This was a reminder back to the days when tomatoes tasted like tomatoes.
We also enjoyed ‘Les Sardine’ – a picture perfect stack of sardines layered with fine melba toast provencale. It bought back memories of our fabulous meals in Sicily.
Mozzarella and basil in a mille feuille of aubergine was a french interpretation of a classic Italian dish. Beautifully presented and tasting as good as it looked.
I had to try Les Girolles. The combination of wild mushrooms cooked in milk and served with foie gras was perfect.
My husband had to have his meat! The most tender and succulent baby lamb cutlets were served with thyme flowers. He was in heaven!
From past experiences, we knew the souffle was a must. Sensational as usual.
Always perfect, always fabulous.
What is your favourite restaurant in Paris?
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
5 Rue de Montalembert
75007 Paris
Tel:+33 1 4222 5656
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
My favorite place is a little spot tucked away down an alley near my brother’s old apartment. I don’t remember the name of it but I loved it so much with its glossy wood, old bar, and owners who greeted us with hugs and kisses as if we were old friends. 🙂
I wonder what area it is in. I love little places like that- it sounds beautiful. To have your own little restaurant and be treated as a local is one reason I would love to stay a few months in Paris
I haven’t spent enough time in Paris to have a favourite, but I really liked Frenchie and La Tour D’Argent when I was there recently.
Hi Debra. I have Frenchie on my list for next year’s visit. Really looking forward to trying it and the bar over the road!
STOP!! I’m salivating … I’ve never been to Paris, but quite happy to live vicariously through your photos and descriptions!!
Thanx for visiting Jim’s ‘Red Alert’ guest post on my blog – come back anytime!!
Thanks Red. I live the same way through so many other peoples’s stories. It’s great fun isn’t it!
I love the idea of the tasting plates, it all looked delicious
sandi
It is the only restaurant in Paris we go back to each trip! It’s great being able to taste lots of different plates
Oh Jenny, I am so envious! I once had a massive splurge and stayed at the next door Hotel Montalembert. I looked at that restaurant menu every day, and every day I resisted the temptation to eat there – I spent more than I normally would just on the hotel, so the restaurant really was just a bridge too far. Maybe my next trip!
I loved every minute of our stay at Montalembert as well Jo. Next time you’ll have to stay at a cute 3 * hotel and splurge on lunch or dinner here. It really is a fabulous experience.