Each month, Flora di Carlo reveals to you in Acumen new things or his favorites in Paris: gourmet addresses, places to relax, and cultural events.
TO DISCOVER
"FAVORITE" ADDRESSES
Kapara: The festive brunch
In the heart of the 1st arrondissement , nestled between luxury boutiques and the walkways of the Palais-Royal, Kapara shakes up Sunday routines with a Mediterranean brunch that's as festive as it is generous. In this 2.0 version of Balagan, the legendary spot now known as Kapara ("to be dear" in Hebrew) doesn't do things by halves. It's a celebration of taste, music, and conviviality.
The décor is by Studio Rodaa, known for its captivating atmospheres. Here, banquettes are upholstered in shimmering gold velvet, light fixtures flirt with organic shapes, and the room pulsates to the rhythm of a playlist that sets the tone. You almost dance between courses, the atmosphere is so vibrant. It's a brunch conceived like a stage performance: rumpled tablecloths, bursts of laughter, clinking pots and pans, and a kitchen that bursts forth in a well-orchestrated ballet.
Israeli Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit boldly reinvents Levantine tradition. It all begins with a dazzling array of appetizers served at the table, a culinary parade worthy of an opera: homemade challah to dip in tahini cream or garlic confit, crispy fattoush with sumac, melt-in-your-mouth pastrami with ras-el-hanout mustard, and corn ribs smothered in gorgonzola. Spinach and feta burekas vie with stuffed vine leaves served with lemon yogurt.
For the main course, you can choose between a green shakshuka with Comté cheese, a crispy challah schnitzel with eggplant and coriander, or other creations inspired by Jerusalem and Central Europe. As for dessert, it's a show. At the end of the meal, you get up to go to the dessert counter – shortbread cookies, creams, fruit, halva mousse… – all carefully presented in a festive, oriental style.
Brunch, offered with unlimited hot drinks and fruit juices, is as much an experience as a savoring one. Kapara is a celebration. An explosion of colors, flavors, and sounds. A place where Sunday becomes a culinary playground.
Kapara
9, rue d'Alger, Paris 1er
Host: Clémence Gommy's Gourmet Lab
Host is a laboratory of emotions, an experimental stage where cuisine meets art, design, and poetry. Led by chef Clémence Gommy, this vibrant space appeals to the curious, the aesthetes, and those who appreciate food that tells a story. Each dinner becomes a unique, sensory, and surprising performance.
As for the atmosphere, forget the standards of bistronomy: here, the design evolves with each collaboration. A bread chair by Studio CoPain sits alongside an artistic armchair by Axel Chay, under lighting conceived as an installation. Each service unfolds within an ephemeral atmosphere, created hand in hand with a collective of creatives – designers, ceramicists, perfumers, musicians. The latest project, "Sit With Us," transforms furniture into works of art and the meal into a multisensory narrative. The intimate and hushed dining room reveals a singular character: natural materials, contrasting textures, handcrafted tableware. Everything here speaks of gesture, care, and slowness. Like in a gallery, one wanders among the senses.
This is far from the classic three-course meal. Each dinner, lasting two to three hours, is conceived as an immersive experience. You let yourself be carried away, and sometimes surprised, by a sound or a texture. Host flirts with the boundaries of taste, without ever losing sight of the essential: pleasure. The products, mostly organic and local, are chosen for their seasonality. The experience is enveloping, nurturing, and intensely personal.
One thing is for sure: Host is not a place where you go for a "quick dinner before a movie". It's a place you choose as a destination in itself.
Host
15, Impasse des Primevères, Paris 11e
Atica: Corsican roots, contemporary spirit
Just steps from Notre-Dame, Atica discreetly graces the charming Rue Frédéric-Sauton. Behind its understated facade lies a distinctive establishment with a refined yet welcoming décor: raw wood and handcrafted details create a space designed as a cozy haven. Touches of greenery, soft lighting, and irregularly shaped tableware lend the space a contemporary elegance. Recently opened by a team passionate about nature and creativity, the restaurant offers a vibrant and authentic gastronomic experience.
Each season, the restaurant highlights new regions – currently Corsica and the Basque Country – and we explored the Isle of Beauty… The menu, or rather the ritual, unfolds in several stages, like a stroll, from Isula to Mare, passing through Furesta and Muntagna. The tasting menu opens with ISULA: Swiss chard roll with apricot and casgiu merzu, crispy sea bream rose with radish, zucchini fritter with cherry, fig and black olive pulenda … Each dish plays on a contrasting note, between acidity, sweetness, and umami. MARE brings the freshness of the sea with a mussel stuffed with lobster coral, served with almond and seaweed, on chestnut bread spread with bottarga tapenade. Then comes LATU, a vegetable flight where dandelion and broad bean ravioli flourish in a gray shrimp broth. Highlights: FURESTA, saddle of lamb with nepita and smoked anchovy, and Murtoli tart with chestnut and morel. To finish, MUNTAGNA offers a selection of Corsican cheeses and a brocciu fiadone served with olive oil ice cream, raspberries and lemon thyme.
Without ever forcing the effect, Atica elevates the authenticity of Corsican products with remarkable precision. A rare find, imbued with elegant technique and the power of the island's terroir. The tasting menu is a true ode to the Corsican land and sea.
Atica
8, rue Frédéric-Sauton, Paris 5e
Laïa Monceau – A Mediterranean Escape
Nestled among the Haussmannian buildings of the 8th arrondissement , Laïa Monceau is an inviting address, a luminous oasis in the heart of Paris. Overlooked by a hanging vegetable garden and boasting a spacious, tree-filled terrace, this Mediterranean restaurant is an invitation to slow down and indulge the senses. Refined yet convivial, it evokes the summer homes one returns to again and again.
The décor, designed by Studio Adjamée (Talissa Bachelot & Alice Calemard), features Tuscan arches, a sumptuous bar, wicker armchairs, custom-made banquettes, and a Sienna palette against a warm white backdrop. The space is organized around a large, light-filled room, a leafy garden, and a chef's table overlooking the kitchen. Every detail celebrates craftsmanship and the gentle warmth of a summer's day.
In the kitchen, Chef Sacha Perrin composes a sun-drenched symphony: saffron arancini , Apulian burrata with heirloom tomatoes, vitello tonnato , sourdough pizzas called "laïazzas," homemade Del Plin ravioli, Sardinian fregola with seafood and 'nduja, braised lamb shoulder, cod with sorrel, gari gari octopus, and Milanese veal chop. For dessert: laïamisu, strawberry-rhubarb-basil pavlova, and pistachio choux pastries from Sicily. Everything is exemplary: homegrown vegetables and local produce. As for the wine cellar, it explores the terroirs of France, Italy, and Spain, seeking out artisan winemakers. All of this is orchestrated by the spirit of the FUGA brand, with a focus on eco-responsible labels such as Écotable.
Laïa Monceau
28, rue de Monceau, Paris 8e
Brasserie Auteuil – A Sun-Drenched Institution
Nestled in the heart of the 16th arrondissement , Brasserie Auteuil is a must-visit for lovers of modern Mediterranean cuisine in a contemporary setting. Its verdant rooftop, a true urban oasis, offers a sunny respite from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
The menu, with its Mediterranean influences, offers a selection of mezze to share, such as sesame hummus, spinach and ricotta pastillas, and Iberian chorizo croquettes. Grill lovers will appreciate the beef kefta served with hummus and minty green wheat tabbouleh, or the seared tuna with charred broccolini and smoked stracciatella . For those with a sweet tooth, the coffee tiramisu and the burnt cheesecake with apricot coulis and roasted pistachios are sure to please.
With its warm atmosphere and elegant decor, Brasserie Auteuil is the ideal place for lunch with friends, a romantic dinner or a long aperitif under the stars.
Brasserie Auteuil
78, rue d'Auteuil, Paris 16e
auteuil-brasserie.com
Bar Les Ambassadeurs – Pure elegance
It is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places in Paris. Nestled in the legendary Hôtel de Crillon, overlooking the Place de la Concorde, the Les Ambassadeurs bar combines history and sophistication in an exceptional setting. Beneath the gilded splendor and moldings of a décor inspired by the salons of the Ancien Régime, the establishment evokes a suspended moment of reverie, indulgence, and the French art of living.
The renovation, designed by Lebanese artistic director Aline Asmar from Amman, enhances the spirit of the place without freezing it in time. Veined marble, antique frescoes, garnet velvet, and antique furniture create a hushed, almost dreamlike atmosphere, where every detail tells a story. A piano resonates on certain evenings, while low lighting envelops guests in an almost ethereal softness.
The drinks menu features cocktails inspired by memories, emotions, or fleeting sensations. The new collection, "A Sense of Memories," offers fifteen different options. Among them, Flowers stands out as a delicate and subtle floral interlude. Crafted with Casamigos Blanco tequila, white cacao, and a flower-infused soda, it offers a chiaroscuro interpretation of floral sweetness. The slight bitterness of the white cacao balances the vibrancy of the flowers, while the soda's effervescence gracefully prolongs the sensation on the palate. An alcohol-free version, made with Seedlip Garden, is also available for an equally elegant botanical experience.
On the plate, the menu unfolds in subtle harmonies: seared langoustine with mild curry, caviar and warm blinis, and above all, the Erquy lobster rolls with lime and pomegranate, which reconcile freshness from the sea with bursts of acidity. Discreet service, a sumptuous setting, and the feeling of being somewhere else – outside of time, outside of the world.
Bar Les Ambassadeurs
10, Place de la Concorde, Paris 8e
rosewoodhotels.com
BAM Karaoke Box – Chic and stylish karaoke
Looking for a wild night out without sacrificing elegance? BAM Karaoke Box offers a unique experience in the vibrant Sentier district. Halfway between a private club and a miniature performance venue, this spot impresses with its sophisticated design, electric atmosphere, and immersive private rooms.
Equipped with top-of-the-line sound and lighting systems, they transform amateur singers into true performers. The experience continues with a well-curated cocktail menu and sharing plates: chicken pops, mini truffle croque-monsieur, homemade hummus, pea guacamole, cheese or charcuterie boards. Enjoy them between sets, until 2 a.m.
A guilty pleasure, perfectly acknowledged, to be enjoyed with friends for unforgettable memories.
BAM Karaoke Box
30, rue Richer, Paris 9e
bam-karaokebox.fr
A GETAWAY
Versailles
Trianon Gardens – A gourmet escape in the heart of Versailles
In the enchanting setting of the Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, Le Jardin du Trianon is an invitation to relaxation and fine dining. Located in the heart of the royal gardens, this seasonal restaurant offers fresh and inventive cuisine, created by chef Frédéric Larquemin.
The terrace, bordered by clipped boxwood hedges and overlooking the park, welcomes guests in a bucolic and elegant setting. The white-clothed tables, discreet service, and delicate flavors make it one of the culinary gems near Paris. A refined yet unpretentious atmosphere, perfect for sunny lunches or candlelit dinners.
The menu celebrates seasonal produce and subtle flavor combinations: vegetable gazpacho enhanced with herb-infused oil, tuna tataki with mango and pickled radishes, followed by fruit nectars created by Alain Milliat for a refreshing and fruity finale. The flavors are clean, the presentation impeccable, and each dish evokes a moment of summer in Versailles.
Lunch at the Jardin du Trianon is not insignificant; it is an experience to be savored slowly, like a privilege of initiates.
Trianon Garden
1, Boulevard de la Reine, Versailles
A LUXURIOUS BREAK: SPA & WELLNESS
InterContinental Paris Le Grand – The Detox Ritual
In the heart of Haussmannian bustle, the InterContinental Paris Le Grand conceals an oasis of calm and pampering: the Algotherm Dermo Ocean Spa. This summer, a new wellness experience is offered there in collaboration with La Verrière du Grand Hôtel: a slimming treatment followed by a signature detox juice to revitalize body and mind.
In an elegant setting with marine hues, the spa's therapists offer a 50-minute treatment focused on microcirculation, drainage, and toxin elimination. This intensive treatment, performed according to Algotherm protocols, smooths cellulite, firms the silhouette, and awakens the skin's radiance. You leave feeling both lighter and energized.
The experience continues beneath the centuries-old glass roof of the grand salon, bathed in natural light. In this hushed and historic atmosphere, one savors a fresh detox juice made with Granny Smith apple, homemade cucumber and basil, like a sip of pure plant life.
A moment of freshness and elegance, to be enjoyed alone or as a couple. For optimal results, a two-week course is recommended. Discreet, targeted, yet highly effective luxury.
Dermo Ocean Spa Algotherm
2, rue Scribe, Paris 9e
parislegrand.intercontinental.com
Now! : Next generation Pilates Reformer
This is the address that all wellness enthusiasts share. Located in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement , Now Pilates Reformer is a high-end Pilates studio dedicated to the benefits of the Reformer, this iconic machine that sculpts, lengthens and strengthens deep muscles.
Here, there are no mirrors, no judgment: just focus on posture, movement, and breathing. Classes, taught in small groups, are led by expert coaches who tailor each session to the individual's needs. Soft lighting, a minimalist space, and state-of-the-art equipment: everything is designed for gentle performance.
The results are visible within the first few weeks: a slimmer waist, a toned stomach, and a more confident posture. You leave the studio feeling energized, but pain-free. Perfect for those who want to slim down without putting undue stress on their body. I tried a Reformer Flow introductory session, which focuses on deep abdominal exercises and joint mobility. An essential appointment for anyone who wants a deep workout without straining.
Now Pilates Reformer
6, rue de la Michodière, Paris 2e
CULTURAL ESCAPE: FILMS & EXHIBITIONS
Culture: Andrea Roggi and Marie-Laure de Decker – Two visions of the gaze
This month, two major exhibitions explore the gaze through matter and history.
First, Andrea Roggi transforms a space in the Golden Triangle with his monumental bronze sculptures. Trees with intertwined roots, ethereal silhouettes suspended in mid-air: his works celebrate the connection between humankind, nature, and the cosmos. This open-air exhibition—a blend of botanical poetry and earthy spirituality—is part of an urban art trail designed for contemplation and reflection. It offers an opportunity to rediscover the city by looking up.
Next, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie presents a striking retrospective of Marie-Laure de Decker's work, a pioneer of photojournalism and tireless witness to the conflicts of the 20th century . Her lens captured the Vietnam War, the Biafran War, apartheid South Africa, and also the dignified gazes of forgotten peoples. A moving exhibition entitled "The Image as Commitment" fully reveals the power of a photograph. Powerful portraits that speak of humanity better than words.
Two exhibitions, two perspectives, two ways of questioning presence in the world.
ANDREA ROGGI – VITAL IMPETUS – INFINITE IMPETUS
Cinema: Leaving One Day , a bittersweet chronicle of a summer
Amélie Bonnin's "Partir un jour" (Leaving One Day ) opened the 78th Cannes Film Festival with an unexpected score: an intimate musical comedy, driven by the impulse of returning to one's roots. We follow Cécile, a passionate cook, on the verge of opening her own gourmet restaurant. But when her father suffers a heart attack, she returns to her childhood village, a forced return, soon energized by an encounter with her childhood sweetheart. Memories flood back, as do doubts: old dreams, family roots, and repressed desires intertwine in a restrained mise-en-scène, punctuated by exquisitely delicate musical moments. A warm, bittersweet film that explores the paths we choose, or those we abandon. A touching work about regrets, reunions, and the silences that weigh as heavily as words.
