Each month, Flora di Carlo unveils for Acumen New discoveries and personal favorites in Paris: gourmet addresses, places to relax, and cultural events. What to discover this month:
Ypseli – The Mediterranean soul in Paris
A breath of modern Greece in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement. In a contemporary setting where green marble, mirrors, and touches of orange subtly evoke a Cycladic sunset, this new Greek bistro offers a true sensory journey. The architect has skillfully blended tradition and modernity in a warm atmosphere: in an adjoining room, the delicatessen offers rare products, sometimes available in minute quantities in certain Greek cities. Soft lighting caresses the linen banquettes and whitewashed walls, creating a discreet and refined Mediterranean haven. The homemade tarama, remarkably smooth, melts in the mouth, enhanced by the slightly smoky sweetness of the warm pita. The Cretan potatoes, meltingly tender and perfectly caramelized, reveal a deeply fruity olive oil. The perfectly seared calamari is served with chickpeas delicately flavored with fresh herbs. The dessert, a chocolate creation centered around hazelnut, plays on textures, balancing melt-in-your-mouth smoothness, crunch, and intense cocoa flavor. A dinner here is like a one-way ticket to the Mediterranean, leaving you refreshed and your taste buds delighted – all the more enjoyable because the prices, while remaining fair, are discreet.
88, rue Réaumur, Paris 2e
André's Workshop – The Workshop of the Senses
An artist's studio-restaurant, wine bar, and ode to the new Surrealists. In the heart of the 6th arrondissement, Atelier d'André celebrates the imagination in a culinary and artistic setting. Conceived as a living gallery, this hybrid space combines a top-notch wine cellar, creative cuisine, and strong nods to Surrealism—a movement it pays homage to as we celebrate its centenary. The ambiance evokes the artists' studios of yesteryear: textured walls, hanging canvases, light installations, and vintage furniture create an atmosphere conducive to awakening the senses. The lobster, served with an almost aquatic lightness, is accompanied by a tangy reduction that enhances its briny notes. In contrast, the mushroom tartlet reveals a crispy base topped with button mushrooms; on the palate, the flavors are woody, deep, almost melancholic. The food and wine pairings, served by the glass, opened up unexpected aromatic perspectives for me. Each sip prolongs the moment, like a poetic punctuation mark. The chef, who works with vegetables with finesse and originality, embraces a contemporary trend while showcasing the best of French regional produce. The tasting menu, available in four or six courses, offers a true overview of the national gastronomic landscape – at a price point that reflects the quality and creativity of the experience. Founded by Jérémy Quélin, an entrepreneur with a passion for gastronomy, L'Atelier d'André reflects a clear commitment to revitalizing the Latin Quarter, and more specifically the Rue Saint-André-des-Arts. Following the opening of La Brasserie des Arts last year, this new venue enriches the culinary scene with a complementary, more dreamlike offering, where art, cultural heritage, and sensitive cuisine intersect. A restaurant that appeals to dreamers, aesthetes, and curious people who love when art is edible.
36, rue Saint-André-des-Arts, Paris 6e
Boreal – Land, sea and poetry
A signature cuisine created collaboratively, balancing emotion and precision.
At the intersection of Rue Montcalm and Rue du Pôle Nord, Boréal has established itself as a discreet and luminous haven in the 18th arrondissement. Behind a large glass facade, the décor immediately soothes: light wood, natural materials, neutral tones, and candles create a soft, almost ethereal atmosphere. Here, everything seems designed to awaken the senses without ever overwhelming them. At the helm of this intimate establishment, Philippine Jaillet and Charles Neyers have created a refined, sensory cuisine. The five-course "L'Aurore" menu tells a story in chiaroscuro, exploring the interplay of land and sea, textures and emotions. Cuttlefish is served with an XO sauce made with duck fat, while clams are presented with a smoked dashi infused with eucalyptus notes. The scrambled eggs, garnished with sea urchin and spider crab head, offer a depth of flavor, before a spring vegetable and pea pod ragù, enhanced with absinthe berry vinegar and fresh wasabi, delivers a striking burst of vegetal notes. The gnocchi, accompanied by shellfish, spider crab, abalone, sake lees, and fermented Paimpol beans, provide a briny finale with umami accents. The dishes continue to surprise with a matured Rennes duck, accompanied by pollack, langoustine, sweet clover jus, nori, and Jerusalem artichoke. Dessert explores the freshness of ginger, apple, and celery in a Chartreuse elixir, before giving way to a Vin Jaune crème brûlée tart, Jura cheese ice cream with morel caramel, and finally a vacherin with citrus and wild herb sorbet. Throughout the meal, the service is precise, attentive, and discreet. You feel more like you're being received than welcomed, as if you were visiting friends driven by refined taste and genuine passion. Offered at 88 euros, this signature culinary experience captivates as much by its sensitivity as by its precision. Philippine and Charles share far more than a menu: a vision of life, of taste, and of the moment.
39, rue Montcalm, Paris 18e
leborealparis.com
Daroco – Italy in wide view
A trattoria of extraordinary dimensions, housed in the former Jean Paul Gaultier boutique. Daroco Bourse immediately impresses with its spectacular décor, which won the award for best décor from the foodDesigned by architects Olivier Delannoy and Francesca Errico, the space impresses with its theatrical volumes: a hypnotic mirrored ceiling that multiplies the light, a terrazzo floor, monumental raw concrete columns, and an open kitchen that reveals the chefs' ballet. Lush vegetation seems to float above the tables, bringing a vibrant and poetic touch to this wide-angle reimagining of la dolce vita. On the plate, Italy expresses itself with generosity and precision. The tuna carpaccio, bursting with freshness, is enhanced by the saline complexity of bottarga and the vibrant greenness of a green sauce the pici cacio e pepeIn all their understated simplicity, the dishes arrive generously layered with melted pecorino and intense pepper: a comforting, rustic, and sensual experience. The tiramisu, perfectly balanced, delivers a masterful sweetness, with just the right touch of cocoa bitterness to evoke childhood desserts, elevated by a chef's discerning eye. The atmosphere is warm, lively, and festive without being over the top—like a great Italian restaurant you'll want to return to again and again. An immersive and accessible experience, with prices that remain reasonable considering the setting, the generous portions, and the vibrant energy of the place. "Gastronomy is the'art of'"Use food to create happiness." – Theodore Zeldin
6, rue Vivienne, Paris 2e
daroco.com
Amanie – The taste of sharing
A warm and sunny brasserie where spices dance with grace.
In the 15th arrondissement, Amanie stands out as a luminous address, driven by its generous flavors and the art of sharing. Behind this evocative name, chef Manoj Sharma weaves a contemporary connection between East and Mediterranean with an instinctive, colorful, and profoundly vibrant menu. The decor, designed by Studio Adjamée, immediately envelops the palate: blond wood, soft lighting, comfortable banquettes, and warm details create a serene space where one comes as much to connect as to savor. The atmosphere is convivial and open, reflecting the large square that borders it. On the plate, the combinations surprise and delight. Creamy and smooth burrata from Puglia pairs with a lightly smoked okra purée, in a play of silky textures and delicate acidity. The whole sea bream, roasted to perfection and enhanced with subtly toasted dukkah, is accompanied by turmeric-infused mashed potatoes, whose vibrant color hints at the warmth to come. For dessert, the mango-vanilla sundae unfolds its fruity layers: sorbet, Bourbon ice cream, whipped cream, and fresh mango interact with freshness and harmony. An Aperol Spritz, served as an aperitif, adds a touch of joyful bitterness that sets the tone for the experience: simple, sunny, and delicious. The prices, too, cultivate this accessibility, making the visit as sweet for the palate as it is for the bill. Amanie is a generous, contemporary, and joyfully eclectic restaurant—a neighborhood favorite you'll happily return to. "Scents, colors, and sounds respond to one another." Charles Baudelaire
1, Place Étienne-Pernet, Paris 15e
amanieparis.fr
Experimental Marais – The taste of audacity
A contemporary bistro where elegance meets freedom of invention
Just steps from the Carreau du Temple, Experimental Marais breathes new life into the Parisian bistro. Designed by the Experimental Group, the restaurant confidently blends refinement and modernity. The intimate and hushed décor evokes a discreet club: soft lighting, elegant materials, designer details, and inviting banquettes. Whispers and quiet laughter fill the air, like a haven for urban aesthetes. On the menu, classic dishes are given a perfectly controlled twist. The pâté en croûte, remarkably delicate, combines veal, foie gras, pistachios, and mushrooms in a perfectly golden pastry. The lobster roll, meltingly tender and generous, combines lobster, avocado, and mild mustard in an irresistibly soft, warm brioche. The roasted cockerel, subtly flavored with smoked paprika, is served with crispy homemade fries and meltingly tender creamed spinach, creating a comforting and sophisticated dish. The desserts delicately extend the experience. A roasted pear rests on a crisp shortbread, softened by a light cinnamon cream. For a finale, exotic fruits and organic lime sorbet provide a refreshing, almost sun-kissed touch. The service, attentive without being intrusive, perfectly complements the dining experience. And the prices, while commensurate with the establishment's reputation, remain reasonable for a place of this caliber, making the experience both accessible and desirable. A sparkling restaurant, a perfect blend of elegance and spontaneity."Real cooking is a form of..."'Art. A gift to share. - Oprah Winfrey
116, rue du Temple, Paris 3e
Lucas Carton – The tea time re-invent
A sweet interlude in a historic setting.
Beneath the listed wood paneling of the Majorelle room, bathed in soft light and punctuated with Art Nouveau details, the Lucas Carton offers an inventive and delicate vision of the tea timeMore than just a snack, it's a truly special moment, conceived as a complete tasting experience, where pastry becomes a canvas for poetic experimentation. At the helm, pastry chef Sylvain Goujon reimagines the classics with rare finesse. Barberry scones, accompanied by a vibrant lemon curd, raw cream, and fresh fruit, open the proceedings. These are followed by bread miso and wheat beer ice cream with profound umami notes, a lemon and sobacha madeleine, and then a strawberry-ginger floating island subtly enhanced with fresh mint. Each bite surprises, intrigues, and then seduces with its perfect balance. All of this is accompanied by a house infusion of fresh herbs, served as a delicate and light vegetal link. The precise and discreet service completes this interlude with a masterful art of restraint and attention to detail. tea time A signature creation, designed for those seeking a unique pastry experience, in one of the capital's most beautiful settings. Here, one comes to taste the unexpected and savor the luxury of a timeless moment. "Happiness is sometimes hidden in the unknown." - Victor Hugo
9, Place de la Madeleine, Paris 8e
lucascarton.com
L’Assaggio – Jazzy Wednesdays of la dolce vita
An event where Italian gastronomy is complemented by music.
In the heart of the very chic Hôtel Castille on Rue Cambon, the restaurant L'Assaggio celebrates the Italian art of living with Parisian flair. Every Wednesday evening, the dining room comes alive with the smooth sounds of a live concert, recreating the intimate yet vibrant atmosphere of nights of la dolce vita. The subdued lighting, silky textures, and understated refinement of the space create the perfect setting for a dinner that unfolds gradually into the performance. On the plate, Italy expresses itself with precision. A generous platter blends aged cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, and Parmesan with an almost crystalline texture, while carefully poured champagne bubbles punctuate this musical prelude with a light touch. The first notes of Cry Me a River The air rises in the room, and suddenly everything slows down. For dessert, the tiramisu, renowned as one of the best in the capital, offers a light and airy conclusion, perfectly reflecting the evening. The attentive and discreet service complements the experience without ever interrupting it. Assaggio is much more than a restaurant: it's a precious, intimate weekly rendezvous, to be savored among those in the know. A parenthesis where taste, music, and style harmonize perfectly. “Music begins where…”'"Stop the power of words." - Richard Wagner
33-37, rue Cambon, Paris 1er
collezione.starhotels.com
The Silver Tower – Swinging Mondays at the Silver Mallets Bar
A swinging Monday evening opposite Notre-Dame.
A legendary address among all others, the Tour d'Argent cultivates the art of reinventing itself with panache. Its recently opened Bar des Maillets d'Argent blends tradition and elegance in a hushed setting inspired by English polo: patinated woodwork, equestrian touches, and soft lighting create an atmosphere as unique as it is timeless. Every first Monday of the month, the Swinging Mondays offer a warm, jazzy ambiance, a welcome antidote to the early-week blues. Guests settle in to enjoy an intimate concert, a drink in hand, while savoring a meticulously crafted menu. The Schiaparelli cocktail, an innovative creation based on aquavit, hibiscus, and Cocchi Rosa, sets the tone: precise, distinguished, and unexpected. It pairs perfectly with a duck terrine with green peppercorns or warm bulgur with lobster. As a grand finale, the light and delicately flavored vanilla flan extends the moment with exquisite finesse. A place steeped in history, reborn through a blend of heritage and modernity. The experience, both exclusive and accessible, is for those who know how to savor the moment. “Without music, life would be a mistake. » - Friedrich Nietzsche
15, Quai de la Tournelle, Paris 5e
tourdargent.com
The Melville – Jazz at Bagatelle
When music and gastronomy come together in the heart of nature.
This summer, Le Melville is taking a step outside its usual venue, leaving its walls to set up shop in the enchanting gardens of Bagatelle. From May to July, the Right Bank jazz institution invites those seeking an escape to a series of open-air dinner concerts in the bucolic setting of the park, nestled between the château, lush vegetation, and starry skies. In this idyllic setting, the musical stage opens each evening with a touch of swing and charm. Standards resonate among the trees, enhanced by natural acoustics and the rare intimacy of these open-air evenings. At the table, Chef Malcom Ecolasse – formerly of Frechon, Piège, and Arbelaez – presents a refined and inspired gastronomic cuisine, rooted in the seasons and open to the world. The dishes interact with the signature cocktails: the Melville, a fresh alliance of vodka, Saint-Germain and green apple, or the Fly Me, with woody notes of whiskey, plum and bitter orange, ingeniously extend the harmony between flavors and sounds.
A unique sensory escape, blending jazz, gastronomy, and nature, designed for those seeking to experience the city differently for an evening. Sophistication permeates every detail, creating a rare experience at the crossroads of culinary art and musical emotion.
28, rue Jean Mermoz, Paris 8e
lemelville.fr
Arbane – In Praise of Life, Reims Style
One star, five sequences, and a sublime nature.
Just 45 minutes from Paris, two-Michelin-starred chef Philippe Mille unveils Arbane, his new gastronomic haven nestled in Reims, awarded its first Michelin star in 2024. Here, everything converges on the essential: a signature cuisine inspired by the seasons, local producers, and nature in all its forms. In a refined and luminous setting, the tasting unfolds in five courses like a poetic composition: the delicate sweetness of peas, a winter vegetable "patchwork," forgotten roots, pears with saffron from the Marne region… All enhanced by a selection of rare champagnes and a sustainable approach down to the smallest detail. A contemporary and sensory experience, both understated and intense, perfect for treating yourself to a fine dining experience during a May bank holiday or a trip to Champagne.
7, rue Noël, Reims
arbane-philippe-mille.com
Signature Massage – Le Burgundy
An hour to relax, revitalize, breathe.
In the heart of the Burgundy Paris's exclusive spa, the Signature Massage unfolds as a haven of absolute well-being. This unique 60-minute treatment draws inspiration from traditional Balinese techniques: fluid, deep, and rhythmic movements relax every muscle, releasing buried tension and rebalancing the body's energies. The experience takes on a fully sensory dimension with the use of a scented massage candle. Its warm wax, transformed into a silky oil, glides over the skin and envelops the body in a delicate fragrance, perfect for letting go. Before the treatment, the escape begins in the spa facilities, accessible an hour prior to the appointment. A true jewel of the hotel, the indoor pool reveals itself as a sanctuary of calm and light, bordered by black mosaics and elegant touches of gold that shimmer beneath the surface. The atmosphere is hushed, almost magical, inviting an inner journey of understated luxury and total harmony. A hammam, sauna, and fitness room complete this exceptional experience. A unique moment in a place where every detail is designed to soothe, envelop, and enhance. The art of wellness, elevated to its highest level of refinement.
6-8, rue Duphot, Paris 1er
leburgundy.com
Clotilde Chaumet: arty well-being at home
Between yoga, art, and design, Clotilde Chaumet is forging a free, rich, and deeply personal path. At 34, this pioneer of Parisian wellness is tastefully shaking up established formats. The former iconic coach of Dynamo Cycling, co-founder of TIHHY, and Nike muse, she embodies a generation of multifaceted women who refuse to choose between strength and gentleness, rigor and poetry. Her new project, simply titled Clotilde Chaumet, is a vibrant platform halfway between a yoga studio, a creative laboratory, and a digital refuge. It offers flowssound meditations, of breath workaccessible routines and inspiring dialogues. “For me, being an artist, c'is when you manage to reach the'other'"In a way, through emotion." At 16, she left France for Santa Barbara, discovered yoga as a tool for resilience, and trained alongside inspiring figures like Rachel Brathen, Dylan Werner, and Jhené Aiko. She would be one of the first to introduce the sound healing live Paris. "The goal of all this is to leave this class stoned but clear in one's ideas." With over 2,800 cycling classes, 2,500 yoga classes taught, sold-out retreats, two global campaigns for Nike, Clotilde is multiplying formats: teacher trainings, artistic collaborations, design objects and soon, food. "The tranquility n'has never been my strong point.she says. "Escaping a predetermined destiny was my obsession from a very young age." Going against the grain of minimalism, she embraces a dense, visual, and sensory universe, influenced by Yayoi Kusama. Her style is instantly recognizable: embodied, vibrant, and free. With her 43,000 followers, Clotilde continues to inspire those who want to practice differently—by blending art, movement, and intuition. “Elegant but a little bit wrong. Very French. And playful yoga. » A motto like a smile. A manifesto without pretense, just like him.
CULTURAL ESCAPE: FILMS AND EXHIBITIONS
Fragments of'a love journey
Memory of hearts
Between Paris and Rome, filmmaker Chloé has been filming her love stories since she was 16. Camera in hand, she recorded memories as they unfolded, even before the relationships ended. This intimate feature film explores romantic memory through the testimonies of 12 former partners. Each shares their version of events, their feelings, their silences. The film thus weaves a choral narrative where the heart becomes a territory for exploration. Part personal documentary, part universal reflection, this sensitive film reveals what love leaves within us: images, phrases, scars. A delicate gem about love, its deviations, its brilliance. "L'love, c'is there'Space and time made perceptible to the heart. - Marcel Proust
“The Paris of Agnès Varda, here and there” – Musée Carnavalet
A photographer before she was a filmmaker, Agnès Varda always maintained a close connection with Paris, and particularly with the courtyard on rue Daguerre, a place of life, creation, and encounters. This unprecedented exhibition at the Carnavalet Museum sheds light on a still little-known facet of her work: her photographic gaze—humorous, offbeat, and profoundly human. With 130 prints, excerpts from iconic films, archival materials, and personal objects, a vibrant portrait of the capital emerges, seen through the free and inquisitive eye of an unconventional artist. A sensitive stroll, between still images and cinematic movement.
