Brasserie AUTEIL (Rooftop & cocktail bar) -- Restaurant Review

For address, menu and general information, see website: https://www.auteuil-brasserie.com/menus-carte/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=GMB&utm_campaign=AUT&y_source=1_MTE2NjUxOTEtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

Rating Standards: 5-Stars = Extraordinary; 4-Stars = Excellent; 3-Stars = Average; 2-Stars = Fair; 1-Star = Poor € = Inexpensive: 30€ and under; €€ = Moderate: 31€-49€; €€€ = Expensive: €50 -75; €€€€ = Very Expensive: more than €76 (prices based on minimum 2-courses)

1-Bell = Pleasantly quiet (less than 65 decibels); 2-Bells = Can talk easily (65-70); 3-Bells = Talking normally gets difficult (70-80); 4-Bells = Can talk only in raised voices (75-90); BOMB = Too noisy for normal conversation (90+)

4 - star ...........................€€.......................................... 2-🔔 

We had a planning meeting with close friends at his home in the 16eme. Now if you know the stereotypes of the 16eme arronidissment, let's such say it's known for "where old people retire and ...." 

After we all agreed on a plan, our friend suggested this restaurant. I was completely taken aback by this area. It was young, hip and sort of happening. 

This restaurant is spacious from an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining and boasts a lively rooftop dining— arguably the place to be. It's impressively large; if I didn’t know better, I might have mistaken it for a spot in the U.S. We however ate downstairs. Even more surprising is that it has a full bar, making it a great place to enjoy a reasonably priced cocktails.

The restaurant is known for its quick service and fresh ingredients. The menu draws inspiration from countries surrounding the Mediterranean, offering everything from hearty pastas to salads made with ancient grains — a healthy alternative to the rich, indulgent dishes often associated with French cuisine.

Keftas de boeuf

boeuf normand, houmous sésame, taboulé de blé vert à la menthe, oignons rouges au sumac, tomates confites, mayonnaise harissa. Three of us ordered this dish, and I have to say — it was absolutely delicious. Every ingredient tasted fresh. The kefta sat atop a hidden gem of creamy hummus, surrounded by a vibrant green wheat tabbouleh mixed with mint, onions, and sun-ripened tomatoes. A bold touch of harissa mayonnaise added just the right amount of heat, and a light sprinkle of sesame seeds brought it all together. Not only did it feel like a healthy choice, it was genuinely satisfying and full of flavor.

Salade freekeh. Two people at our table ordered this vegetarian dish, a vibrant mix of green wheat tabbouleh with mint, Datterino tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumber, radish, PDO feta, and a zesty sumac and lime vinaigrette.

I had a taste and found it incredibly fresh and seasonal. JJ described it as very flavorful, and I can imagine it’s also quite healthy.

1769 Clos Venturi Rouge (Red) – Corsica

Grape Variety: Often made from Niellucciu (a cousin of Sangiovese), with possible blends including Sciaccarellu or Grenache.

Appearance: Medium ruby with bright clarity.

Nose: Aromas of red berries (raspberry, cherry), Mediterranean herbs, hints of leather, earth, and subtle spice.

Palate: Medium-bodied with lively acidity and fine-grained tannins. 😜 of cherry, wild strawberry, and dried herbs, with a mineral backbone reflecting the granite soils of Corsica.

Finish: Clean, earthy, and slightly savory with good length.

JJ has had, and loved several Corsican wines before but this was a bit disappointing. 

SUMMARY

What a great find in the 16ème! If you're looking for a good, inexpensive, quick, and healthy meal, this is the place for you. Many Americans will appreciate the full bar and the variety of dining options — whether it's on the terrace, inside, or up on the rooftop. It’s a lively, youthful spot, and we fit right in! 🤣😉

We ordered 3 kefta dishes, 2 freekeh salads, and a bottle of wine — the total came to about €30 per person. An absolute bargain. Would we come back? Without a doubt.

Note: The restaurant is so spacious, I doubt you’ll need a reservation.

Jouvence -- Restaurant Review

 

For general information, menus, directions and reservations check their website: https://www.jouvence.paris/accueil#1

Rating Standards: 5-Stars = Extraordinary; 4-Stars = Excellent; 3-Stars = Average; 2-Stars = Fair; 1-Star = Poor € = Inexpensive: 30€ and under; €€ = Moderate: 31€-49€; €€€ = Expensive: €50 -75; €€€€ = Very Expensive: more than €76 (prices based on minimum 2-courses)

1-Bell = Pleasantly quiet (less than 65 decibels); 2-Bells = Can talk easily (65-70); 3-Bells = Talking normally gets difficult (70-80); 4-Bells = Can talk only in raised voices (75-90); BOMB = Too noisy for normal conversation (90+)

4.75 - star ...........................€€.......................................... 3-🔔 

These are the same friends who introduced us to L'Antre Amis, so when they recommended this spot on their last visit, we didn’t hesitate—they’re batting a perfect 1000 so far.

Now, here’s where things took a very me turn. As everyone knows, I have the directional instincts of a confused squirrel. I confidently told our two friends—that the restaurant was in their neighborhood. I somehow confused the 17ème with the 12ème (minor detail, right?). So, thanks to my geographical mix-up, they ended up schlepping across the entire city, which took them nearly an hour.

Fortunately, they know me well enough to just laugh it off. Getting lost is basically part of the experience when you're with me.

The empty table you see above is our table. It's a cute restaurant, but small. I counted the number of seats and there were only 26 seats. So, it's quite intimate.

We went for lunch, and while the menu isn’t as extensive as it is at dinner (you can check their website under “Information” for details), the prices are very reasonable. Their prix-fixe lunch—which includes entrée, main course, and dessert—is just €28. If you opt for only two courses, it’s €23. Either way, it’s a great deal.

Asperges blanches façon mimosa, croûtons, ail des ours. (White asparagus mimosa style, croutons, wild garlic). A simple dish, beautifully presented. Before my heart surgery, I might have found it under-seasoned (not enough salt), but for me now, it was perfect. I’m guessing they used some wild garlic leaves, which added a subtle, aromatic flavor. The grated egg yolk was a lovely touch, and the croutons brought in just the right amount of crunch. I thought it was a hit.

Cabillaud roti, courgette, pois chiche, citron confit, tomates cerises, sarriette (Roasted cod, zucchini, chickpeas, preserved lemon, cherry tomatoes, savory)  All three of us (JJ had the chicken, which was excellent too) agreed—this was an exceptionally well-composed dish. It started with a base of vibrant tomato coulis, topped with a neat row of blanched zucchini and lightly roasted cherry tomatoes. Scattered throughout were tender, perfectly cooked chickpeas that added a lovely earthiness.

The star of the show, of course, was the cod. It wasn’t overly salty, as cod often can be. Instead, it was incredibly tender while still holding its shape—and impressively moist. Every element complemented the others beautifully. A solid A+ from our table.

Ganache chocolate, financier, praline, emulsion cafe (Ganache chocolate, financier, praline, coffee emulsion) Since I was already getting full, I opted for the sweet dessert, thinking it might be lighter than the one served with cheese and bread. When you hear “ganache,” you usually imagine a dense, rich chocolate mass—but this one surprised me. It had a mousse-like quality: light, airy, and far less heavy than expected. I’m guessing they used a lighter cream and incorporated plenty of air during whipping. Whatever the technique, it was absolutely delicious.

The coffee emulsion cream was equally airy and pleasantly subtle—not too sweet. And the little slices of financier were a lovely bonus, adding just the right touch to finish the meal.

The bread served was absolutely one of the best we've ever had, and when we mentioned it to the waiter he indicated they make their own bread.

Note: No reviews on wines, since everyone ordered a different glass with their meal.

So for 3-glasses of wine, 1-bottle of sparkling water, 2x€28 (3-courses) prefix-fixe 3-courses), 2X€23 (prix-fixe 2-courses), 1 dessert, 2 coffees and extra cream our total bill came to €156 or €39/pp.

SUMMARY 

Thanks to our friends from Nice—what a great find! We don’t usually venture out to the 12ème arrondissement, as it’s a bit of a schlepp on the metro. We live on the other end of Paris, so it's not exactly around the corner. But if this lunch was just a glimpse of what their menu has to offer, we’d absolutely come back for dinner.

The restaurant is small—just 26 seats—so reservations are a must. It’s also recommended by the Bib Gourmand Michelin guide, which is always a good sign. It can get noisy, but we noticed all the other diners were French, which suggests it’s a true neighborhood gem.

The food? Excellent. And the prices? Very, very reasonable, especially considering the quality and care in each dish. Depending on where you're staying, it’s definitely worth the trek.

Le Coq et Fils -- Restaurant Review

 

For general information, menus, directions and reservations check their website: https://lecoq-fils.com/

Rating Standards: 5-Stars = Extraordinary; 4-Stars = Excellent; 3-Stars = Average; 2-Stars = Fair; 1-Star = Poor € = Inexpensive: 30€ and under; €€ = Moderate: 31€-49€; €€€ = Expensive: €50 -75; €€€€ = Very Expensive: more than €76 (prices based on minimum 2-courses)

1-Bell = Pleasantly quiet (less than 65 decibels); 2-Bells = Can talk easily (65-70); 3-Bells = Talking normally gets difficult (70-80); 4-Bells = Can talk only in raised voices (75-90); BOMB = Too noisy for normal conversation (90+)

3 - star ...........................€€.......................................... 4-🔔 

Our snowbird friends—who split their time between Paris and Palm Springs—organized a dinner for friends visiting from Texas. They chose a restaurant conveniently located near the end of their Montmartre walking tour. As many of you know, Montmartre feels like stepping back into old-world Paris. It’s a charming, cinematic neighborhood where many films are shot, thanks to its iconic sites like the Place du Tertre and the Sacré-Cœur. Naturally, this also means it’s packed with tourists.

The restaurant, Le Coq et Fils, translates to "The Rooster and Sons" and, as the name suggests, it specializes in poultry. In addition to chicken and rooster, they also serve guinea fowl and pigeon.

Our reservation was for 8:30 p.m. JJ and I arrived at 8:25 and were told the table wasn’t quite ready yet—they needed a few more minutes to prepare it. No problem. Our friends soon arrived, and the waiter explained that we’d be seated at a row of tables currently occupied, but the group would be leaving shortly.

That’s when the red flag went up for me. I really don’t like restaurants that turn tables—it’s usually a sign of a tourist-oriented place. While there was a large group of French-speaking diners in the back, they appeared to be from out of town celebrating a special occasion and had their table for the evening. It was also a very noisy restaurant. 

I noticed the waiter whisper something to the two remaining diners at "our" table, and shortly after, they got up and left—around 8:45. I assume they were asked to vacate. We were finally seated around 8:50. Regardless of how kind the staff was, it wasn’t the best first impression.  BTW, the french are horrible at turning tables, it's a new concept for them, with the exceptions of the 24/7 cafes.

The space is quite tight—typical of many Paris restaurants—and also includes a bar where one of the chefs works. You can sit there and eat as well.

Note: I’ll only review the dishes I personally tasted.

ENTRÉES

HUMMUS D’ARTICHAUTS Crumble au Parmesan & huile d’olive. (Hummus artichokes). This was a very simple starter: a hummus made from pureed artichoke hearts, rather than the traditional chickpeas and tahini. In fact, there was no tahini at all—just artichoke, olive oil, and a generous amount of lemon. It’s a bright, citrus-forward dish that would appeal to lemon lovers.

The Parmesan crumble added a nice savory contrast, giving the dish a bit of texture and richness. Overall, it was pleasant, but not especially memorable. A fine opener, but nothing particularly unique or crave-worthy.

PLATS

This place leans more toward a family-style restaurant. We shared a whole roasted chicken, which the waiter presented to us whole before taking it back to carve. Once plated, they brought it back out along with the coq au vin.

ROAST CHICKEN: The roast chicken was quite good—moist, nicely seasoned, and well-prepared—but not exactly mind-blowing. And if I’m being honest, it was steeply priced. While six of us shared it, the chicken alone was €149. And, no it is not a typo. For context, I can buy a similar, slightly smaller, farm-raised chicken at our market for around €15. So, yes, it was good, but it didn’t quite justify the price tag.

QUART DE COQ AU VIN (Quarter Rooster in Wine Sauce): This was the standout dish for me—the highlight of the night. It was rich, flavorful, and perfectly braised. In the U.S., coq au vin is often made with regular chicken, which doesn’t stand up well to long braising and can result in a bitter, underdeveloped wine sauce. But using an actual rooster allows for a longer braise, which mellows the wine beautifully without the meat falling apart. This version was deeply savory and satisfying.

SIDE DISHES:

I didn’t get photos of the sides—they were served in small ramekins and not particularly photogenic. We had salad greens, fries, mac and cheese, and a vegetable fricassée. All were fine, but nothing out of the ordinary.

DESSERT

CRÈME DE PISTACHE (Cream of Pistachio) JJ ordered this dessert, and unfortunately, it was my least favorite of the evening. You really have to love whipped cream to enjoy it—because that’s essentially what it tasted like to me: lightly whipped cream, with a hint of green (possibly pistachio coloring) and a few toasted pistachios sprinkled on top. The cream itself lacked depth of flavor, and overall, it felt more like a filler dish than a thoughtfully crafted dessert. If I were the chef, I’d seriously reconsider keeping it on the menu—it just didn’t live up to the quality of the other dishes.

The Domaine Angelliaume Chinon Vieilles Vignes is a red wine crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes grown in the Chinon appellation of France's Loire Valley. This cuvée is notable for its use of old vines, which contribute to the wine's depth and complexity.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: The wine exhibits a ruby hue with violet reflections, indicative of its youth and vibrancy.

Aroma: On the nose, it offers an expressive bouquet of ripe red fruits, such as raspberry and cherry, complemented by subtle spicy notes. Hints of dried herbs and a touch of minerality add complexity to the aromatic profile.

Palate: The palate is well-structured, featuring flavors of stone and dried fruits. The wine's tannins are present yet refined, providing a balanced mouthfeel. A refreshing acidity enhances the overall harmony, leading to a long and satisfying finish.

SUMMARY

This restaurant is located in a very tourist-heavy part of Paris, and it shows. Having lived in the area, I can say there are quite a few restaurants here that focus on quick turnover—and this is definitely one of them. Personally, I’m not a fan of places that turn tables. It takes away from the dining experience. With that said, the service was excellent and attentive. 

The specialty here is fowl—chicken, rooster, guinea fowl, and even pigeon. Thankfully, one of our friends who organized the outing knew that a whole roasted chicken would go a long way, so we kept the ordering minimal. Had we all ordered separate plats, the bill could’ve been significantly higher (just check the online menu for reference).

If you're looking for a romantic, innovative, or quiet dining experience—with elegant plating or creative flair—this isn’t the place. It’s a straightforward, family-style restaurant serving rustic poultry dishes, the kind you might cook at home. That simplicity can be comforting, but for me, it wasn’t enough to make me want to return.

Overall, the food was just average.

For 5-entrees, A whole roasted chicken, a coq au vin (quarter), 2-bottles of wine, and 3-desserts, our bill came to €384 for 6-people or €64 person, not bad 

L'Antre Amis -- Restaurant Review

 

For general information, menus, directions and reservations check their website: https://www.lantreamis.com/

Rating Standards: 5-Stars = Extraordinary; 4-Stars = Excellent; 3-Stars = Average; 2-Stars = Fair; 1-Star = Poor € = Inexpensive: 30€ and under; €€ = Moderate: 31€-49€; €€€ = Expensive: €50 -75; €€€€ = Very Expensive: more than €76 (prices based on minimum 2-courses)

1-Bell = Pleasantly quiet (less than 65 decibels); 2-Bells = Can talk easily (65-70); 3-Bells = Talking normally gets difficult (70-80); 4-Bells = Can talk only in raised voices (75-90); BOMB = Too noisy for normal conversation (90+)

4.75 - star ...........................€€€.......................................... 1-🔔 

Friends of ours—fellow snowbirds from Palm Springs who spend their summers in Nice—were passing through Paris and suggested we meet at a restaurant they had discovered. He’s an avid follower of Michelin’s “Bib Gourmand” selections, and I also refer to this guide. The Bib Gourmand section highlights restaurants offering exceptional food at a good value—places that haven't earned a Michelin star (yet), but are certainly worth noting.

To my delight, the restaurant was located right in our arrondissement. It's considered large by Parisian standards, with the interior anchored by an impressive central bar and bread station. As is typical in Paris, the tables were tightly packed. They're known for their extensive wine collection, and since it was a beautiful spring evening, we opted to dine al fresco.

For his apéritif, JJ ordered absinthe. The presentation was unlike anything I’d seen before. Rather than the usual flaming sugar cube, this version used a slow drip of ice water to dissolve the sugar—an interesting twist. I had a sip, and it was, quite literally, smooth as butter.

The restaurant offers several prix-fixe menu options: an entrée + plat for €37, an entrée + plat + dessert for €42, and a five-course tasting menu for €62. Wine pairings for the tasting menu are available for an additional €86. JJ and one of our friends went with the three-course prix-fixe, while I and our other friend chose à la carte.

Note: I’m only reviewing the dishes I personally tasted.

 

AMUSE BOUCHE -- Cucumber gazpacho.The chilled cucumber soup was light and clean—remarkably creamy without any actual cream, so I suspect the thickness came from the natural fiber of the cucumber itself. It was simply topped with croutons and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A perfect opener: flavorful, refreshing, and just enough to wet the appetite without feeling heavy or filling.

ENTRÉE. Langoustines croustillantes au basilic.What a refreshing start.

This was a very simple dish, but well-executed. The langoustines were wrapped in a thin pastry, reminiscent of a Filipino lumpia wrapper (which tends to be more delicate than the Chinese version). I initially mistook the decorative green triangle for seaweed—it turned out to be basil. Unfortunately, fried basil tends to lose much of its aroma. That said, the langoustines were naturally sweet and well-cooked. The accompanying sauce reminded me a bit of Thousand Island dressing, garnished with toasted sesame seeds—not a standout, but it complemented the dish fine. Overall: clean, simple, and pleasant.

Boudin snacké, chipirons au beurre persillé et coulis de poivrons

(Seared blood sausage with squid in parsley butter and a red pepper coulis)

JJ ordered this, and I had a taste—delicious. This dish isn’t for everyone (boudin is blood sausage, after all), and pairing it with squid initially struck me as odd. But it worked surprisingly well. The contrast of textures—earthy, rich sausage against tender, delicate squid—gave it a yin-yang quality, a beautiful balance of land and sea. The red pepper coulis brought the whole dish together. And I must note: the squid was perfectly tender. A standout dish.

Fricassée de ris de veau gnocchi et champignons “comme un vol au vent” (Fricassee of sweetbreads, gnocchi and mushrooms “like a vol-au-vent”

A quick note: a vol-au-vent is typically a puff pastry filled with savory ingredients. This interpretation was clever and satisfying. While I’m personally not a fan of foams, I have to say the dish as a whole was excellent. The sweetbreads were tender and flavorful, the gnocchi light and perfectly cooked (not at all gummy), and the pastry crisp and airy—though it did get a bit soggy as it sat in the sauce. The mushrooms were deeply flavorful. Honestly, the dish didn’t need the white foam; it could have stood confidently on its own. It’s more filling than it appears and a definite hit.

Fraises Gariguettes et sa glace, rhubarbe, crémeux citron. (Gariguette strawberries and ice cream, rhubarb, lemon cream). Interestingly, despite being a large restaurant, only two dessert options were available. JJ and I shared this one. He’s a big fan of rhubarb, and we were both happy with our choice. The dish was simple, letting the ingredients shine. Gariguette strawberries are sweeter and more aromatic than the standard variety—these were perfectly ripe and delicious. The ice cream was smooth and creamy, and the lemon cream added just the right amount of brightness. It was a clean, elegant finish. Sometimes, simplicity really is best.

2014 Domaine Maestracci “E Prove” Rouge 

A blend of Niellucciu, Grenache, Sciacarellu, and Syrah, this wine reflects Corsica’s rugged terroir.

Nose: Red berries, wild herbs (maquis), and subtle earth.

Palate: Cherry, leather, herbal notes, fresh acidity, fine tannins.

Finish: Clean, spicy, and persistent.

Aging: 1 year in steel, 1 year in large oak casks, 6–12 months in bottle.

Style: Balanced, elegant, with a rustic Mediterranean charm.

Pairing: Grilled meats, herb-roasted dishes, aged cheese.

Awarded 2 stars in Le Guide Hachette des Vins.

SUMMARY 

This restaurant has apparently been around for quite some time—yet we had to hear about it from our out-of-town friends. Go figure. It seems to be both a neighborhood favorite and a bit of a destination spot for Parisians from other arrondissements. How do I know? I didn’t hear a single word of English spoken—aside from us and a German couple quietly discussing the wine list like it was a religious text.

Tucked away on a quiet street, the restaurant is larger than most Paris spots, though in classic Parisian fashion, the tables were packed in like a game of culinary Tetris. That said, it wasn’t noisy at all inside. Likely because the French still believe that loud conversations and cackling laughter are the height of uncouth behavior. (Note to self: keep American volume at a respectable “indoor” level.)

Dining al fresco was a treat—the weather was mild and lovely. Though, full disclosure: dinner lasted a leisurely three hours (as it should), so by dessert, I was beginning to regret not bringing a light scarf or a small blanket… or a space heater.

Now let’s talk about the wine list. Calling it a “list” doesn’t do it justice. It was more like a thick literary tome—War and Wine, perhaps. A bit on the pricey side, yes, but if you're into wine, this place is a pilgrimage-worthy stop. You’ll be flipping pages for a while, but it’s worth it.

As for the food? Across the board: excellent. Not a single dud among the dishes. Every bite was thoughtfully prepared, and the service? Attentive, warm, and not at all rushed—which, again, explains the three-hour dinner.

Would we go back? ABSOLUTELY.

Final tally:

1 glass of champagne

1 glass of absinthe

1 bottle of wine

2 three-course prix-fixe menus

À la carte for 2-people: 1 langoustine, 1 white asparagus, 2 vol-au-vents

€284 total, or €71 per person

Not bad at all for a memorable evening of great food, wine, and the kind of relaxed Parisian ambiance you secretly hope for when you say, “Let’s have dinner in Paris.”

A Tout Paris - Cheval Blanc -- Restaurant Review

 

For general information, menus, directions and reservations check their website: https://www.letoutparis.fr/#place

For information, directions and to make reservations, their website is: https://levolantbasque.fr/en

Rating Standards: 5-Stars = Extraordinary; 4-Stars = Excellent; 3-Stars = Average; 2-Stars = Fair; 1-Star = Poor € = Inexpensive: 30€ and under; €€ = Moderate: 31€-49€; €€€ = Expensive: €50 -75; €€€€ = Very Expensive: more than €76 (prices based on minimum 2-courses)

1-Bell = Pleasantly quiet (less than 65 decibels); 2-Bells = Can talk easily (65-70); 3-Bells = Talking normally gets difficult (70-80); 4-Bells = Can talk only in raised voices (75-90); BOMB = Too noisy for normal conversation (90+)

4.90 - star ...........................€€€€.......................................... 1-🔔 

A close friend of ours invited us to lunch at one of her favorite restaurants at the Cheval Blanc Hotel. The restaurant is called, "A Tout Paris". Interestingly, I've been before for cocktails and light snacks, but never for a full meal. I learned something new as well, they garnered their first michelin star in March of 2024. 

The views from around the restaurant are fantastic. Some of the best views in the whole of Paris. 

Today was Sunday, so the restaurant had a prix-fixe menu for lunch—code for “prepare to be very full very quickly.” It felt a bit overwhelming because there was so much food, but we powered through like the seasoned pros (and hungry people) we are.

Since I don't really drink, I swapped the Veuve Clicquot (came with meal) for a citrusy mocktail—bubbly in spirit, if not in alcohol. We also managed to polish off two bottles of sparkling water because, hydration is classy too.

AMUSE BOUCHE. We started with a gazpacho soup, but with a twist—it was made from the juice of fresh tomatoes and watermelon. It was a warm, beautiful spring day, and the vibrant colors of the dish made it feel like we were eating a little bowl of sunshine. There were even strawberries and raspberries in the mix. Despite the fruit, it leaned more savory than sweet—unexpected, refreshing, and honestly, kind of perfect.

ENTRÉE

For our entrées we shared (upper left clockwise), artichoke hearts, seabass gravlax, and veal very lightly seared.

ARTICHOKE HEARTS. The dish was served simply—blanched, then lightly tossed in a saffron dressing and adorned with a few tiny edible flowers. After all, it is spring. I love artichokes—leafs and all—but I wasn’t mad they skipped the whole deconstruct-it-yourself experience and just brought out the hearts. These were tender, flavorful, and included the soft, almost creamy stem. A beautifully composed dish.

Veal slightly seared. Then came the veal, which the menu described as being "in the spirit of a Niçoise salad." I’m not sure what spirit they were channeling, but it wasn’t the one I know. The veal was very lightly seared—just enough to give it a smoky kiss—leaving the meat rare, almost like a thick carpaccio. Not for everyone, because it is essentially raw, but I appreciated the boldness.

Seabass Gravlax served grapefruit dressing, sprinkled with brocolletti. 

One of my favorite dishes of the meal was the seabass gravlax. It was paired with a delicate grapefruit dressing and sprinkled with broccoletti. The fish was incredibly fresh and wisely left unburdened by heavy sauces. The broccoletti added a subtle crunch and a garden-fresh vibe that not only elevated the flavor but also made the plate look like spring itself.

Poached egg with a lobster sauce foamed.  And, when we thought you were done with the plethora of starters comes out the last appetizer, which was dramatic in its presentation. 

If I'm being honest, I'm not a fan of foams. So I left my bias behind and concentrated on the flavors. The flavors were spot on. The egg was poached perfectly. The pieces of lobster hidden under the foam added a nice nice sweet and savory flavor. Another hit.  

PLATS PRINCIPAL 

For the plats, you had several choices for everyone, even a vegetarian dish. Some of the dishes had a supplementary costs, which is to be expected. 

Our mains were accompanied by a generous spread of shared sides. There were mashed potatoes, elevated with just a hint of mustard for a tangy kick and topped with croutons for a bit of crunch—because why shouldn't mashed potatoes have texture too? A medley of vegetables added color and balance, alongside a warm pan of green peas mingling with tender asparagus.

To tie everything together, we were given three sauces: a red and a yellow béarnaise—both rich and creamy—and a deep, glossy demi-glace made from a well-reduced stock and wine. And of course, there was bread (because what is a meal without it?): one a robust, dark sourdough, the other a light, airy boule. Both excellent for unapologetic sauce-scooping.

BARBEQUE BLUE LOBSTER WITH BERNAISE SAUCE. Our hostess had the blue lobster—a stunningly simple yet elegant dish. I’m glad it was just grilled—no heavy-handed seasoning to mask that naturally sweet, delicate flavor. If you wanted a little extra flair, they provided a side of “red” Béarnaise sauce (don’t ask me why it was red—it’s France, just go with it). Paired with some fresh vegetables, it made for a truly special dish. Très magnifique!

Spatchcocked pigeon with red wine and passion fruit.  JJ took a bold leap and ordered the pigeon. Rare. Yes, rare pigeon. Now normally I’d be a bit skeptical—rare pigeon sounds like something a Victorian duke would eat on a dare—but this was absolutely divine. It was so tender it practically sighed and melted on your tongue. JJ cleverly added a few accompaniments to balance out the flavors (he’s always good at that). I have to admit—I loved it.

STEAK.Now this was a bit of a homecoming treat for me. I haven’t had a steak in ages—especially not in the U.S., where I’ve been avoiding the hormone meat for the past six months. But in France, the rules are different: no hormones, no nonsense, just grass-fed goodness.

That said, unless you order it à point (medium rare, which I did) or saignant (rare), you’re basically signing up for a wrestling match. French steak doesn’t do well overcooked—it gets tough fast.
Mine, thankfully, was grilled to perfection and absolutely delicious. It was also huge. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t conquer it all. Great dish, just a bit too much cow for one sitting.

DESSERTS

Saved the best for last. 

I don't even know where to begin. Why not with the my favorite.

French toast. This was hands-down the highlight for me. A thick slice of brioche soaked in a rich egg custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. The sugar caramelized into a crisp, crackly crust, while the inside stayed impossibly soft and custardy. Sure, they offered chocolate sauce and Chantilly cream on the side—but honestly, we all agreed it was best enjoyed plain. It didn’t need anything else. Simple. Sublime.

Chocolate tart. Coming in at a close second (at least for me) was the chocolate tart. It had a luscious, rich ganache shell that gave way to a smooth, light caramel custard filling. Silky, decadent, and just the right amount of indulgent. Now, my companions might argue the strawberry ice cream cake deserved second place—but we’ll call that a friendly dessert debate.

Strawberry Cake with ice cream. This was the second favorite for the others—and I get it. It was refreshingly light, thanks to the fresh strawberries and creamy ice cream. The Chantilly cream around the cake added an airy finish. Lovely and well-balanced… just not quite as swoon-worthy as the brioche or tart, in my opinion.

Final Note: We also had an array of sauces—chocolate, a tangy yogurt-raspberry coulis, and a scoop of rhubarb sorbet on the side. Yes, we definitely indulged… and have no regrets.

SUMMARY 

I’ve been to Le Cheval Blanc before—for apéros, and once for tea, well actually champagne, with the usual dainty sweets and delicate finger foods—but this was my first time going all in for a full meal. Personally, I love coming during the day to soak in that stunning panoramic view of Paris. Some of my friends, however, prefer the nighttime ambiance—"the city of lights", the Eiffel Tower doing its glittery show, the romance of it all. Honestly, there’s no bad time. The view is top-tier either way.

Now, onto the restaurant itself...
I thoroughly enjoyed it. They earned their first Michelin star in March 2024, and honestly, it makes sense. The atmosphere is sophisticated without being snooty. For a Michelin-starred spot, it wasn’t the least bit stiff or whisper-only. The tables were colorful and inviting—not the kind that make you feel like you need to straighten your posture and whisper in reverence.

The staff? Absolutely delightful. Engaging, funny, warm, and, best of all, human. None of that robotic, hyper-rehearsed service you sometimes get at high-end places. It felt like they actually liked being there—and by the end, we liked being there too. A lot.

Would we come back?
ABSOLUTELY. Possibly just for the view. Possibly just for the brioche French toast. Probably both.

The Details
The prix-fixe menu is €160 per person, and that includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot (yes, please) or a cocktail/mocktail. Do note: some dishes have a supplement, so don’t be surprised if your lobster costs a bit more (€35).

And since it's a set menu, definitely let them know about any allergies before things get rolling—unless you enjoy culinary allergy roulette.

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