PARIS
SEASONS MARAIS
One languid Sunday, we came across this quaint cafe that beckoned us in with the promise of a delectable brunch due to its large crowd of happy customers. From the moment I set foot inside, I was captivated by the casual yet charming ambiance, perfect for a solitary escape or a quick catch up with a friend. Although my palate gravitated towards a more traditional breakfast dish, my boyfriend opted for the chicken burger, which turned out to be nothing short of divine and a dish I ended up eating most of instead. Each succulent bite to be permeated with a delectable crunch that encapsulated the tender and juicy meat beneath. To cap off our gastronomic odyssey, we indulged in the pancakes choco, a sweet and satisfying finale that left us feeling thoroughly satiated. The best part? No reservations are required for this little cafe.
Recommended Dishes:
Avocado Dip
Avocado Eggs Benedict
Pancakes Choco
Chicken Burger
Tee Scale Rating: 6.4/10
PINK MAMMA
I couldn't resist the attraction of Pink Mamma - the restaurant that seemingly dominated every foodie website, TikTok and Instagram page that I perused while planning my Parisian dining itinerary. Needless to say, I was determined to experience the hype for myself and promptly made a reservation. Honestly, the waitlist for walk-ins can be dauntingly long, so it's best to secure your spot in advance on their website. The food at Pink Mamma was undoubtedly delicious, particularly their signature olive oil, which paired wonderfully with their bread. However, the dish that truly stole the show was the truffle pasta, which is, without a doubt, one of the most mouthwatering pasta I have ever had the pleasure of savoring. Don't miss the chance to indulge in this culinary creation when you visit Pink Mamma.
Recommended Dishes:
Burrata with Pesto
Truffle Pasta
Tee Scale Rating: 8.7/10
CAFE L’AVENUE
I must say that L’avenue has secured its place in my top-tier list of restaurants. The ambiance of this chic establishment is simply delightful, and the cuisine is equally impressive. Whether you opt for a seat on the picturesque patio, complete with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and well-manicured avenues, or indoor where the upbeat atmosphere is infectious, L’avenue does not disappoint. The wait staff, impeccably dressed with an enviable sense of style, adds to the overall allure of the dining experience as well. And let's not forget the complimentary bread and butter, which in my opinion, is the best I have ever tasted. I highly suggest trying their escargot, especially if you have never had it before, as the garlicky butter sauce will have you asking for another plate! Do note, however, that making a reservation in advance is recommended, as L’avenue is in high demand among discerning diners. I suggest calling or emailing as soon as you have set a date.
Recommended Dishes:
Chicken Spring Rolls
Tuna Tartare
Lobster Pasta
Prawn Dim Sum
Escargot
Tee Scale Rating: 8.8/10
POLPO BRASSERIE
Perched gracefully on the waterfront, Polpo Brasserie beckons diners to partake in a culinary experience that is nothing short of exceptional. With its alluring ambiance, the restaurant serves as an ideal location for both romantic evenings and exciting gatherings with friends. I would highly recommend securing a reservation at this dining destination in advance to avoid disappointment, as they can get booked up very quickly. The service at Polpo Brasserie is prompt and professional. While I must caution against the oysters, which may pose a risk of foodborne illness, the rest of the menu is a delight to the senses. The drinks are expertly crafted, the fries are delectably crisp, and the desserts are simply divine. Since I visited this restaurant during the summer months, I can confidently say that each dish my guests and I were served perfectly encapsulated the idea of what this season means for Paris.
Recommended Dishes:
West Coast Tikki
Coupe Sunset
Aperol Spritz
Tarte Framboise
Ham and Mozzarella Croquettes
Lobster Roll
Tuna Tartare
Tee Scale Rating: 7.8/10
COYA
Coya has captured my heart and earned a place in my gastronomic repertoire. It is a restaurant that I have visited time and time again, and one that I find myself missing on a regular basis. The servers at Coya are not only highly skilled in their craft, but also excel in offering impeccable recommendations and providing detailed insights into the rich history of the cuisine and the restaurant itself. For those who seek a post-dinner experience like no other, Coya boasts a separate room on the top floor that transforms into a vibrant club, complete with a bar and live DJ after 10:00 pm every night. I must extol the virtues of the guacamole, which is made tableside and packed with an explosion of flavor. I cannot recommend each dish listed below more, but if you are looking for a truly unique dish, I would make sure to order the Chilean sea bass cazuelas as well as the Chilean sea bass croquettes. However, do keep in mind that the portions are meant for sharing, so be sure to plan your dining companions accordingly. All in all, Coya is a must-visit dining destination that promises to leave an indelible impression on even the most picky of eaters.
Recommended Dishes:
Chicken Anticuchos
Prawn Anticuchos
Guacamole
Chilean Sea Bass Cazuelas
Chilean Sea Bass Croquettes
Salmon Tacos
Albacore Tacos
Spicy Albacore Tuna Ceviche
Salmon Tiradito
Bao Pulled Wagyu
Corn Empanadas
Chocolate cake
Tee Scale Rating: 8.8/10
MARKET
One night my boyfriend was on OpenTable in search of a dining destination with minimal reservation hassle, when he chanced upon Market. Despite a relatively sparse crowd, we were thoroughly impressed with the service and dishes and returned to dine multiple times thereafter. The lovely manager graced us with his personal recommendations, which were nothing short of exceptional. Though each dish we sampled was a gustatory triumph, it was the crispy salmon and octopus that truly captivated our palates. I have yet to find another octopus that tastes as delicious as the one served here. Market is a dining experience that is not to be missed, where each dish is a work of art crafted with a deft hand and a discerning eye.
Recommended Dishes:
Crispy Salmon
Ceviche
Truffle and Fontina Pizza
Tuna Tartare
Octopus
Guacamole with Pistachios
Mixed Berry Cheesecake
Chocolate Soufflé
Tee Scale Rating: 8.9/10
MOLOKO
Upon receiving a glowing recommendation from a friend, I eagerly made my way to this restaurant to indulge in their renowned sushi and admire the sophisticated island-inspired decor. With an extensive menu boasting an array of options, I was grateful for the expert guidance provided by our lovely server. The Japanese fried chicken, with its impeccable seasoning and crunch, and the two times tuna roll, a perfectly executed blend of flavors, were clear standouts of the meal. Suffice it to say, I departed this establishment completely satisfied and thoroughly impressed. Reservations should be made in advance.
Recommended Dishes:
Japanese Fried Chicken
Short Rib Dumplings
Rock Shrimp Tempura
Two-Times Tuna Roll
Yellowtail Roll
Crispy Rice Tuna
Wagyu Fried Rice
Croissant Pudding
Tee Scale Rating: 7.5/10
BAR HEMMINGWAY
If you are a fan of Ernest Hemmingway’s written works of art and his life story, I highly suggest checking out this bar located inside the Ritz Hotel in Paris. While this hotel, and specifically this bar, have gone through major renovations, the vibe and remembrance of Hemmingway’s love for this spot can still be found in everything from the drinks to the decor. While I will not divulge the story of this bar in this short description, as your waiter will be more than happy to tell you the history, I will say that the Ritz named this quaint bar after Hemmingway and his actions in 1994. Have fun reading the menu and enjoying drinks inspired by his life! No bookings required!
