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When the best chefs in Paris take a day off, they often seek out the city's hidden gems and beloved classics that provide inspiration or simply a delightful meal. Here are some of the favorite places where top Parisian chefs, sommeliers, and food entrepreneurs love to go:
1. Septime La Cave
- Who: Chef Bertrand Grébaut
- Why: This wine bar, a sibling to the renowned Septime restaurant, offers an impressive selection of natural wines and small plates. It’s a relaxed spot for chefs to unwind and enjoy high-quality, thoughtfully prepared food and drink.
- Highlight: A great place for natural wine enthusiasts and those looking for innovative small bites.
2. Clamato
- Who: Chef Gregory Marchand (Frenchie)
- Why: Known for its seafood-focused menu, Clamato offers fresh and inventive dishes in a casual setting. It’s a go-to spot for chefs who appreciate high-quality seafood and creative preparations.
- Highlight: Enjoy fresh oysters, ceviche, and other seafood delights.
3. Le Baratin
- Who: Chef Adeline Grattard (Yam’Tcha)
- Why: A favorite among chefs, Le Baratin is known for its honest, no-fuss approach to French bistro cuisine. The food is consistently excellent, making it a reliable spot for those in the know.
- Highlight: Classic French dishes with a touch of creativity, served in a cozy and unpretentious setting.
4. Le Mary Celeste
- Who: Chef Juan Arbelaez (Plantxa)
- Why: This trendy bar in the Marais offers a relaxed vibe with a focus on inventive cocktails and a rotating menu of small plates. It’s perfect for a casual night out with friends.
- Highlight: Try the innovative cocktails and enjoy the eclectic small plates menu.
5. Le Chateaubriand
- Who: Chef Inaki Aizpitarte
- Why: As one of the pioneers of the neo-bistro movement in Paris, Le Chateaubriand is a place where chefs go for inspiration and to experience avant-garde cuisine.
- Highlight: The ever-changing tasting menu that showcases innovative and daring dishes.
6. Terroir d’Avenir
- Who: Chef David Toutain
- Why: More of a food shop than a dining spot, Terroir d’Avenir is where chefs go to source high-quality ingredients. It’s known for its exceptional selection of produce, meats, and cheeses.
- Highlight: Perfect for picking up some of the best ingredients Paris has to offer.
7. Le Servan
- Who: Sommelier Yannick Alléno
- Why: Run by the talented Filipino-French sisters Tatiana and Katia Levha, Le Servan offers a menu that blends French techniques with Asian influences. It’s a favorite for its vibrant flavors and relaxed atmosphere.
- Highlight: Dishes that are both comforting and inventive, paired with a well-curated wine list.
These spots provide a mix of relaxed environments, innovative cuisine, and high-quality ingredients, making them favorites among Paris’s culinary elite.