Each month, Acumen offers you an exclusive guide to Paris, highlighting new restaurant openings and current cultural events. This guide is perfect for curious Parisians or visitors eager to discover the dynamism of the capital, whether for an evening out, dinner, or a weekend getaway.
ADDRESSES TO TRY
Le Gratin – A Parisian restaurant that celebrates the great French classics
Just steps from the Palais-Royal, Le Gratin stands out as a welcoming spot where traditional French cuisine is showcased in all its generosity. Located on Place de Valois, this restaurant celebrates the great classics of gastronomic heritage in a warm atmosphere that invites you to linger over a meal.
From the moment you step inside, Le Gratin charms with its authentic décor. The restaurant embraces the style of grand Parisian brasseries with warm materials, distinctive furnishings, and a lively dining room where genuine conviviality reigns. The establishment cultivates the spirit of French bistros, where the primary focus is sharing a good meal in a simple and welcoming atmosphere.
The meal can begin with prawns accompanied by herb mayonnaise, offered to share. This starter highlights the freshness of the product while remaining simple and generous.
The heirloom tomato salad, combined with watermelon and feta, then brings a particularly refreshing summery touch. The balance between the sweetness of the heirloom tomatoes, the crispness of the watermelon, and the pronounced character of the feta works wonderfully.
Pasta lovers will appreciate tagliatelle with morels, a hearty dish that showcases the delicate flavor of this iconic French mushroom. The smooth and comforting sauce perfectly complements the fresh pasta.
To conclude lunch or dinner, the cream puff, served with chocolate sauce, offers a fresh take on a classic French pastry. Both indulgent and nostalgic, it provides a delightful touch of sweetness to end the meal.
Le Gratin focuses on honest, generous, and unpretentious cuisine. The experience is appealing both for its atmosphere and its food, with prices that remain in line with the neighborhood and the quality of the ingredients. It's an ideal place to rediscover the pleasure of classic French dishes in an elegant and lively setting.
1, Place de Valois, Paris 1er
restaurant-le-gratin.com
Clos – The charm of a Parisian bistro with a modern twist
In the heart of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Clos reimagines the spirit of classic French bistros in a warm and inviting setting. This restaurant showcases traditional cuisine inspired by family recipes, while adding a modern twist. In a convivial atmosphere, the restaurant invites guests to share a lunch or dinner where seasonal ingredients take center stage.
From the moment you step inside, Clos captivates with its intimate atmosphere. The restaurant blends wood, vintage checkerboard tiles, and soft lighting to create a welcoming setting. Contemporary lines combine with the spirit of Parisian bistros, offering a dining room where you quickly feel at ease. The menu pays homage to the great classics of French cuisine with a modern twist and perfectly balanced flavor combinations.
The meal can begin with a sea bass crudo, enhanced with a jalapeño sauce which brings a light spicy note while allowing the freshness of the fish to shine through.
Among the dishes, warm lentils, accompanied by a poached egg, mimolette cheese, and mushrooms, offer a fresh take on a classic of bourgeois cuisine. The different textures add depth to this generous and comforting dish.
In conclusion, strawberries and raspberries with homemade whipped cream make for a simple, fresh, and delicious dessert. The seasonal fruit adds a lovely lightness, while the whipped cream gently balances the whole.
Clos offers authentic cuisine, inspired by French culinary heritage, in a setting that remains true to the spirit of great Parisian bistros. The care taken with the ingredients, the atmosphere, and the service creates an experience befitting the neighborhood's prestige, while maintaining a genuine sense of conviviality.
164, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th
Adraba – Flavors of the Levant just steps from Montmartre
At the foot of Montmartre, Adraba showcases the cuisines of the Levant with a menu created by the Arba Hospitality group. At the helm, chef Elior Benaroche reinterprets the traditions of Israel, Greece, Turkey, Iraq, and Yemen, focusing on charcoal grilling, fermented products, and sharing plates.
The restaurant impresses with its decor featuring mineral materials, natural colors, and an open kitchen that contributes to the convivial atmosphere of the place.
The meal begins with Esh bread, a pita baked to order and served with tahini, a chili condiment, and smoked eggplant aioli. Iraqi-style marinated vegetables, crispy shrimp, and lamb carpaccio with strawberries and pomegranate molasses showcase the menu's creativity.
Among the must-try dishes, the smoked octopus shawarma-style, cooked over charcoal, perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's identity. Sea bass with a bouillabaisse reduction, Turkish manti, or grilled lamb chops further enhance this journey between tradition and modernity.
On the dessert side, the Escobar pavlova, with verbena, ouzo and mint, brings a lovely freshness, while the cocoa and salted almond crumble and the semi-cooked mascarpone cheesecake will appeal to those with a more indulgent sweet tooth.
With its generous cuisine, Mediterranean flavors and warm atmosphere, Adraba stands out as one of the most original addresses in the neighborhood.
40, rue Véron, Paris 18e
arba-hospitality.com
Thalie – The new restaurant from Maison Mavrommatis at the Palais-Royal theatre
Located in the heart of the Palais-Royal theatre, Thalie is the new address of Maison Mavrommatis. The restaurant showcases contemporary Greek cuisine in a setting designed by architect Régis Botta.
To mark his agency's fifteenth anniversary, Régis Botta continues to expand his presence in the hospitality sector with several new Parisian projects, including Mr Chow, Blend, and two hotels currently in development. For Thalie, he envisions a refined and luminous space where natural materials, plays of light, and clean lines engage with the world of theater. To ground the project in Greek culture, he collaborates with a design school to create several artworks installed in the restaurant.
In the kitchen, Maison Mavrommatis continues its homage to Greek regional specialties. The reimagined Greek salad combines heirloom tomatoes, PDO feta, Kalamata olives, and Green Zebra tomato sorbet. Sea bream is served raw with Messolonghi bottarga, while langoustine wrapped in kataifi pastry is accompanied by a Metaxa bisque. The menu also features roasted sea bass, Lozère lamb with PDO halloumi, and grilled octopus. Finally, desserts featuring apricot or white peach extend this culinary journey between France and Greece.
At the crossroads of architecture, theatre and gastronomy, Thalie stands out as one of the new restaurants to discover around the Palais-Royal.
38, rue de Montpensier, Paris 1st
Rosie Jolie – A touch of the Mediterranean in the heart of Paris
On the Grands Boulevards, Rosie Jolie brings a breath of fresh Mediterranean air. This new brasserie draws inspiration from the French Riviera and reinterprets classic French brasserie dishes with a sun-drenched cuisine. Blending Niçoise recipes with Southern French ingredients, this establishment invites you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
From the moment you step inside, the restaurant immerses you in an atmosphere inspired by holiday homes on the French Riviera. Warm colors, natural materials, touches of wood, and botanical accents evoke Mediterranean landscapes. The overall effect is a bright and welcoming setting, reminiscent of large summer gatherings. The atmosphere remains relaxed throughout the meal, whether for lunch with friends or dinner. The menu showcases Mediterranean specialties and seasonal produce.
Among the starters, the panisses from Nice, served with homemade aioli and za'atar, pay homage to one of the region's iconic recipes. Seafood lovers can also discover the bottarga, simply dressed with olive oil and lime zest, while the Summer Body 2.0 salad brings together quinoa, melon, nectarine, cucumber, Datterino tomatoes, feta, and Taggiasche olives in a fresh and colorful dish.
For dessert, the mille-feuille features crisp puff pastry, a generous vanilla cream, and a salted caramel from Guérande. Those with a sweet tooth can share a chocolate mousse, designed to be enjoyed by two. With its Riviera-inspired décor and cuisine that reinterprets Niçoise flavors, Rosie Jolie brings a Mediterranean touch to the Grands Boulevards. A welcoming spot where, for the duration of a meal, you can rediscover a bit of the Southern French art of living.
38, avenue Raymond-Poincaré, Paris 16e
brasseriesalamode.com
The Montmartre Almanac – A table where art meets cuisine
In Montmartre, L'Almanach Montmartre offers seasonal cuisine in an Art Deco-inspired setting. At the helm is chef Léo Giorgis, who creates a personal style of cooking, built around the freshest seasonal ingredients. Before joining this establishment, he worked at Silencio des Prés and Palais de Tokyo, where he developed a creative approach while remaining true to a straightforward and generous style of cooking.
The restaurant also distinguishes itself through its ongoing dialogue with contemporary art. Throughout the year, artists are invited to exhibit their works on the walls of the dining room. Each residency gives the space a new character and inspires the menu created by the chef. Dishes and paintings thus evolve together, creating an experience where cuisine and art naturally resonate with one another.
The open kitchen contributes to this convivial atmosphere, as does the terrace, which is pleasant from the first days of good weather.
At the table, the sea bass carpaccio is served with a candied lemon cream and a buckwheat tuile. The socca niçoise, topped with seasonal vegetables and marinated anchovies, offers a modern take on a southern specialty. The artichoke bottoms, accompanied by lemon thyme ricotta and cured ham, make for a generous starter, while the roasted peaches, served with burrata and pistachio pesto, provide a refreshing touch.
Among the dishes, the forest ravioli combine a mushroom duxelles, fresh herbs, fried onions, and shiso oil. A recipe that showcases seasonal produce with simplicity.
Between its cuisine, exhibitions, and shared moments, L'Almanach Montmartre offers an experience that evolves with the seasons. This welcoming spot charms with its artistic ambiance as much as its cuisine, with prices reflecting the care taken with the ingredients and the setting.
35, rue Ramey, Paris 18e
almanach-montmartre.fr
Street Bangkok – Thai street food to share
With Street Bangkok, Thai street food comes to Paris in a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant focuses on popular recipes, prepared to order, with a menu centered around grilled, fried, or marinated chicken. It's a generous cuisine, inspired by Bangkok's markets, where everyone can create their own meal according to their preferences.
The decor reflects the style of Asian street food with a lively atmosphere, bold colors, and an open kitchen. The overall effect is reminiscent of the stalls found on the streets of the Thai capital, while maintaining a contemporary feel.
The house specialty remains the Chicken Combo, available in several sharing sizes. Guests choose from several chicken preparations accompanied by rice, pickles, and homemade sauces.
Gai Yang, a chicken leg marinated in lemongrass and then grilled, is a classic Thai dish. Satay chicken skewers, marinated in coconut milk, curry, and lemongrass, offer a more flavorful alternative. Those who prefer crispy textures can opt for fried chicken, seasoned with a blend of spices.
To accompany these dishes, several side dishes are offered, such as jasmine rice, sticky rice, or garlic rice flavored with ginger and chicken broth. Sauces also play a vital role in the experience. Jaew, made with tamarind and lemongrass, is available alongside a satay sauce with notes of peanut and coconut milk, a slightly spicy Tom Yum Mayo, and a sweeter, tangy mango sauce.
With its simple concept, shareable recipes, and flavors inspired by Thai street food, Street Bangkok offers a friendly atmosphere that captures the spirit of Bangkok's markets. It's an affordable option that prioritizes freshly prepared dishes.
112, rue Saint-Denis, Paris 2nd arrondissement
Eskal – A gastronomic interlude in the heart of the 8th arrondissement
Just steps from Saint-Lazare, Eskal brings together gastronomy, architecture, and design in a space conceived by the Nanaumi family, chef Alexandre Chambat, and architect Régis Botta. Designed as a haven in the heart of Paris, the restaurant invites diners to pause time and savor seasonal cuisine.
The décor, designed by Régis Botta, embraces a minimalist aesthetic. Beige, gray, and stone tones, natural materials, and clean-lined furniture create a calm and luminous atmosphere. Facing the open kitchen, a large counter allows diners to observe the team at work throughout service. Originally from Haute-Savoie, Alexandre Chambat trained at Ferrandi and the Guillaume Tirel culinary school before working at Le Pavillon Ledoyen and L'Astrance. His cuisine draws inspiration from both his background and his travels, placing seasonal produce front and center. The chef offers two tasting menus, one with four courses and the other with six. With its refined architecture and precise cuisine, Eskal has established itself as one of the new gastronomic gems of the 8th arrondissement, offering an experience worthy of this contemporary establishment.
47, rue des Mathurins, Paris 8th
175°C – A new rotisserie that brings spit-roasting back into the spotlight
On Rue de Charonne, 175°C offers a contemporary take on the traditional rotisserie. Here, vegetables receive the same attention as meats. The restaurant offers everything from takeaway lunches to whole roasted chickens and side dishes for dinner.
The project was conceived by Baptiste Huet, from a family of butchers established in Boulogne-Billancourt for nearly thirty years. Passionate about spit-roasting, he envisioned a rotisserie where every product is prepared with the same care. To develop the menu, he partnered with chef Jules Sevenet, whose experience includes stints in the kitchens of Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon.
The menu features roasted meats, seasonal vegetables, and several dishes prepared to order. At lunchtime, customers can create their own meal from a hot dish or a generous bun. In the evening, the restaurant offers dishes such as whole roasted chickens, accompanied by slow-roasted vegetables, homemade sauces, and marinades created by the chef.
With its exacting approach to cooking and ingredients, 175°C modernizes the neighborhood rotisserie while preserving the convivial spirit of this cuisine. A new address that will appeal to both meat lovers and those seeking vegetables prepared with the same precision.
125, rue de Charonne, Paris 11th
55 Amours – A new hybrid address in the 17th arrondissement
In the 17th arrondissement, 55 Amours has transformed a former company restaurant into a vibrant new space open to the public after work. At lunchtime, the space welcomes local workers. In the evening, it completely transforms into a restaurant, bar, and venue dedicated to music, socializing, and cultural events.
The transformation of the space was conceived by artistic director Margherita Issori. The lighting is softer, curtains redefine the spaces, and the central bar naturally becomes the meeting point. The textiles, chrome details, and furnishings create a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the building's more austere architecture.
Arnaud Moreau, the project's initiator, wanted to give a second life to spaces usually reserved for offices. With the support of Gecina and the restaurant BaxterStorey, he envisioned a venue capable of hosting everything from dinners and DJ sets to chef residencies, conferences, and events organized by young creative collectives.
The menu complements this programming with dishes designed for sharing. Among the must-try items are hummus with caramelized onions, birria tacos, shrimp rolls, Cubano sandwiches, Korean fried chicken with a crispy coating, and arancini with gorgonzola. A Caesar salad and truffle fries round out the menu, perfect for sharing over a cocktail.
Part restaurant, part bar, part cultural space, 55 Amours offers a new model of hybrid venue where gastronomy and creativity meet. A welcoming spot that revitalizes the neighborhood's offerings, with accessible options for both dinner and extended evenings.
55, rue Pierre-Demours, Paris 17th
BẾP – A family-run Vietnamese restaurant in the 9th arrondissement
On Rue Rochechouart, BẾP celebrates Vietnamese home cooking in a setting inspired by the small markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Behind this new establishment, Marie and Émilien Quemener pay homage to their family recipes. Their father and grandmother, who arrived in France in the 1970s, once ran a Vietnamese restaurant in Paris. Today, chef Antoine Nguyen continues this tradition through generous cuisine, true to his childhood memories.
The restaurant incorporates several iconic elements of Vietnamese shops. A large striped canvas hangs above the zinc counter, colorful plastic stools fill the dining area, and a few traditional objects evoke the markets where the brother and sister used to accompany their grandmother. The overall effect is simple, lively, and welcoming.
The menu features a wide selection of dishes meant for sharing. Among the starters, prawns are served with cuttlefish on a plate that highlights the freshness of the ingredients. For the main course, whole sea bream is served with rice cakes, salad, fresh herbs, carrots, and a lightly spiced sauce. Guests then create their own rolls at the table, according to their preferences.
With its authentic cuisine, recipes passed down through generations, and décor inspired by Vietnamese markets, BẾP offers a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to discover the flavors of southern Vietnam. It's a restaurant that prioritizes sharing and simply prepared ingredients, in a spirit true to family cooking.
49, rue Marguerite-de-Rochechouart, Paris 9th
Le Petit Chaillot – The spirit of the Parisian bistro
Just steps from the Palais Galliera, Le Petit Chaillot revives the Parisian bistro in its most convivial form. Here, regulars mingle with visitors over traditional cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is lively, the service warm, and the large communal tables invite you to linger over your meal.
The decor evokes the style of old-fashioned bistros with its bar, banquettes, wood paneling, and timeless furniture. The place maintains a lively atmosphere where conversations mingle with the choreography of service.
In the kitchen, French recipes take center stage. Homemade chicken rillettes begin the meal, while the Norman beef tartare, prepared to order, showcases high-quality meat. The menu changes with the seasons and remains true to the great classics of bistro cuisine.
At the bar, cocktails sit alongside the house classics. The Espresso Martini, prepared with coffee roasted in Paris and French vodka, is perfect as an aperitif or after a meal.
With its authentic decor, generous cuisine, and neighborhood atmosphere, Le Petit Chaillot perpetuates the spirit of Parisian bistros. It's a place where people come as much for the food as for the ambiance, offering a menu true to this institution of French cuisine.
7, avenue Pierre-1er - de-Serbie, Paris 16th
girotti
Located on Boulevard Raspail, Girotti carries on the Terence Hill family's legacy with a selection of artisanal ice creams. The shop offers both classic flavors and more unexpected creations. Those with a more adventurous palate can discover tomato ice cream or a pear and gorgonzola combination, while lovers of traditional recipes will be tempted by Bronte pistachio or a remarkably intense chocolate sorbet. This is an establishment that blends creativity with quality ingredients.
120, boulevard Raspail, Paris 6th
Matthieu Pauline Pastry Shop
In the 7th arrondissement, La Pâtisserie Matthieu Pauline attracts those with a sweet tooth thanks to its signature ice cream. Here, there's no long menu: the shop focuses on a single recipe for Italian vanilla ice cream, made on-site. It's topped with pieces of marble cake and covered with a rocky-style glaze, before being served in a handcrafted cone made less than 150 kilometers from Paris. A simple, generous, and comforting creation that's already become one of the summer's must-try spots.
24, rue Cler, Paris 7th
GETAWAY
Château Saint-Jean – A gastronomic interlude in a former Templar chapel
Just minutes from the historic center of Montluçon, Château Saint-Jean stands out as one of the most elegant addresses in Auvergne. Bordered by the Parc Saint-Jean and its pond, this five-star hotel occupies a fully restored former Templar commandery. After several years of renovation, the estate now combines heritage, contemporary design, and gastronomy in a setting steeped in history.
A decoration that enhances a historic place
Upon arrival, the castle towers and stone facades announce the character of the place. Inside, the spaces blend noble materials, contemporary lines, and carefully preserved historical elements. Architects Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku have conceived a refined decor that modernizes the castle without erasing its identity.
The highlight of this transformation remains the gourmet restaurant La Chapelle. Housed in a former 12th-century chapel, this dining room offers a spectacular setting. Ancient stonework interacts with contemporary furnishings, while the building's dimensions, high ceilings, and interplay of light create an almost theatrical atmosphere. The space retains all the power of its history while becoming a true jewel box dedicated to gastronomy.
The castle also houses a bright bistro opening onto the park through a large glass roof, as well as a bar with a cozy atmosphere where it is pleasant to extend the evening over a cocktail.
A refined, gourmet cuisine
At the helm of La Chapelle, Michelin-starred chef Olivier Valade creates contemporary French cuisine that showcases seasonal produce with great precision. Each dish plays on textures, contrasts, and the delicacy of flavors.
The meal begins with a series of amuse-bouches before giving way to a heart of bluefin tuna, delicately seared and accompanied by beetroot shavings, elderflower-infused cherries, and a clear bonito broth. The whole dish offers a fresh and perfectly balanced starter.
The grilled amberjack fillet, served with celtuce lettuce, Red Meat radish, black olive tiger's milk, and a vegetable emulsion, provides a delightful freshness. More substantial, the barbecued lobster tail, accompanied by seasonal vegetables, Baeri caviar, and a Champagne sauce, showcases the chef's expertise with seafood.
Among the signature dishes, the sweetbreads stand out for their precise cooking. Glazed with a vegetable honey and accompanied by tomatoes, chanterelles and a delicate hint of fir, they reveal the full richness of Olivier Valade's cuisine.
Cheese lovers can continue the experience with a selection of matured cheeses from a specialist producer in Montluçon.
Desserts that are both refreshing and indulgent
Desserts extend the meal with the same high standards. Rhubarb, combined with hibiscus flower, tapioca pearl risotto, strawberry and Tasmanian berries, offers a light and fragrant conclusion.
Chocolate lovers might prefer the Grand Cru Cocoa Flower, which combines a creamy filling with fresh herbs, gianduja, tangy kumquat, and dark chocolate sorbet. An elegant creation that plays on the balance between sweetness and freshness.
A gastronomic experience in a timeless setting
Château Saint-Jean offers much more than just a simple dinner. Between the history of the place, the architectural work carried out in the former chapel and the refined cuisine of Olivier Valade, the experience invites you to take the time to discover an exceptional heritage from a new perspective.
Like this five-star address, the gastronomic offering is positioned in a high-end manner, where the care given to the decor, the service and each plate creates a complete experience, designed for lovers of gastronomy and exceptional places.
Avenue Henri-de-la-Tourfondue, Parc Saint-Jean, Montluçon
chateau-saint-jean.com
CULTURAL ESCAPE
FILMS AND EXHIBITIONS
THE BALL – “The Space Between Us”
To mark the bicentenary of photography, LE BAL is dedicating an exhibition to the collection of the Wilson Centre for Photography. The exhibition brings together nearly 120 prints made between the 1920s and today by major figures in photography, including Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Robert Mapplethorpe, Francesca Woodman, Daidō Moriyama and Rineke Dijkstra.
The exhibition "The Space Between Us" explores the different relationships that can develop between a photographer and their subject. Some images are the result of a long collaboration, while others capture a spontaneous moment. By bringing together the works of several generations of artists, the exhibition invites us to reflect on how portraiture conveys the closeness, trust, or even distance between the photographer and the subject.
Gustavo Nazareno – A new exhibition at Opera Gallery
Opera Gallery Paris presents "How to Grow a Flower from a Supernova," an exhibition dedicated to the Brazilian artist Gustavo Nazareno. Through a new series of paintings and charcoal drawings, he continues his work exploring spirituality, fashion, and art history.
His works blend references to Afro-Brazilian traditions, classical painting, and the world of haute couture. The silhouettes, draping, and plays of light evoke the creations of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen as well as Renaissance compositions. Presented during Paris Haute Couture Week, this exhibition unveils a new stage in Gustavo Nazareno's work, where clothing becomes a true narrative element.
In waves
In Waves is Phuong Mai Nguyen's first animated feature film. Featuring the voices of Lyna Khoudri, Paul Kircher, and Rio Vega, the film tells the story of two teenagers brought together by their passion for the ocean. When illness disrupts their lives, surfing becomes a refuge and a way for them to move forward together. A touching story that blends romance, self-discovery, and animation.
The Odyssey
With The Odyssey , Christopher Nolan adapts Homer's epic for the first time using IMAX technology. Starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway, the film recounts Odysseus's return to Ithaca in a spectacular epic that revisits one of the foundational stories of Greek mythology.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks the return of Tom Holland as Peter Parker. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, this new installment follows a hero now forgotten by everyone after the events of the previous film. Alongside Zendaya and Sadie Sink, he must confront a new threat while rebuilding his life.
Ulysse
In Ulysses , a mother supports her son after the discovery of a rare genetic syndrome that disrupts the daily life of the entire family. The feature film draws inspiration from the personal experiences of its director, Laetitia Masson, whose son, Alphonse Roberts, plays himself on screen. His character works at Café Joyeux, a social enterprise that employs people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities. This connection to his own story lends the film a particularly authentic dimension, conveyed through a sensitive perspective on disability, difference, and inclusion.
Airplay
After several editions around the world, Airplay returns with a new event blending art, music, design, and immersive experiences. The event brings together artists, creators, and key players in the cultural scene for a program that evolves throughout the day and evening. With installations, performances, and encounters, Airplay has established itself as one of the summer's must-attend creative events.
