L’Arpege
This was our second 3 Michelin Star restaurant of the trip, and I was less than impressed. We picked this one after booking Paul Bocuse because I thought it would offer us a different experience and a more innovative/creative menu. It was an experience and there were lot of neat dishes to try, but the execution fell flat. Many of the dishes served were out of balance flavor-wise, some being too acidic, some bland, and some with components that were too strong. I cannot say I would recommend this one, particularly because there is so many other 3 Michelin restaurants to choose from in Paris. The service was good but nothing special at Paul Bocuse the service was like a ballet, at L’Arpege it felt more robotic. The conclusion of the meal also bothered me a bit, as you are presented with your knife you used for the meal to take home. It made no sense particularly because they promote themselves as a vegetable forward restaurant. I felt it did not fit their image at all, plus now I have to take this dirty knife with me through the Metro. These were all of the courses.
Au Passage
A hipster paradise with 5 star food. This place had a completely different feel than your traditional french dining, much more relaxed and informal. Their menu changes daily and is written on a board (no paper menus), but it was spectacular. I have very few pictures of our experience here, I kept eating without thinking about it and half the plate would be finished before I remembered. The food was that good! The oysters below, were so good, we ordered a second plate ..and so I have a picture of the second serving 🙂 We tried pigeon for the first time here and I was impressed; I was so proud of P for trying it without even batting an eye. Au Passage is about 2 blocks from Le Fine Mousse (the beer bar); a beer there and a table here makes for a perfect evening.
Semilla
Order the ceviche. That’s it, that’s my advice on the topic of Semilla. Kidding, of course I have more to say 🙂 but seriously order the ceviche! The ceviche was in the top three dishes of the whole trip. The food was amazing here and I loved the feel of the place, very high energy. All the staff spoke English and there was a very mixed crowd of patrons. Semilla features an open kitchen concept so you can see them in action. I would recommend booking your reservation for an earlier time, maybe 7:00 because they pretty much close up the kitchen at 10 (we watched them cleaning it).
The Rest (well most):
L’Avant Comptoir: I feel we got the true french bistro experience here, we ate at one of the tiny tables out front. The food was great, I had a divine steak tartare dish there. It was a good experience overall, and all of the patrons were very friendly.
La Palette: Stopped in for lunch at this seemingly popular bistro. Great service and we enjoyed the croque madame here, had to have it a least once.
Le Schmuck: I DO NOT RECOMMEND! It was one of those last-minute decisions, and it was getting late. This just proves my point of needing to pre-select all eating venues.
Grom: Gelato and it was incredible, it was near our hotel and the concierge virtually forced us into going 🙂 We went twice actually.
Recommended But Not Tested:
Les Fils de la Ferme: I experienced this on a prior trip to Paris, very small, husband and wife team, but that was over 5 years ago. It was closed for holiday this trip or it would have been a stop.
Yummm! Noting down Au Passage and Semilla for my trip to Paris next month – perfect timing 🙂
I’m so jealous! I adore Paris, and there is never enough time to see it all 🙂 I highly recommend Semilla! Au Passage was wonderful when we were there, my only note about it now is you may want to check the most recent reviews, I think they have switched chef’s since our trip. Have fun!!
Thanks for the food tips! It seems like there is so. much. to choose from in Paris so it’s good to know of a few places to try!
Dining out and experiencing local foods are high priority when traveling. I must admit that I was pretty disappointed in the offerings in Paris. I will be there again this summer and hopefully happen upon some good finds.
I’ve never eaten in a Michelin star restaurant and I’m probably not fancy enough to ever do but I’m sure you’ll get not only better food but also a nuch better service there!
Your photos are excellent, so well edited, and the layout is great. your post (almost) makes me want to go to Paris again…
French food is amazing! however, I’m always a bit scared of trying haha it’s so fancy! I’ve never been to a restaurant with Michelin star but I’m so curious! The pictures in the first collage look so divine! The knife thing is definitely weird though…
The knife thing is weird. Especially if it was more of a vegetarian restaurant. I am super jealous of your eating experience in Paris!
God I miss France! The food and wine were incredible. You are so good searching out the Michelin star restaurants. How very fancy and DINKy of you 🙂 And GROM! I did a serious taste test all over Italy in September. Grom was one of the best gelato shops in the whole country! (second only to Venchi in Rome.)
I miss France too 🙂 Grom was so good…and really outside of something we normally would try b/c it’s not French, but it was SO good. We went twice and that was after having dessert at dinner. You will have to share some of your Italy recommendations as I’m researching Italy as a possible next trip…P and I are still debating between there or maybe Germany/Prague.
Those are both good choices! You’d love Germany and Prague because the beer is amazing, but Italy is Italy. It’s magical 🙂 Email me when you guys decide and I’d be happy to help!
Yeah I am with you why would I want to carry a knife around, super weird!
It was odd…just did not fit at all. It did fold into the wooden handle, but it was still very weird. Maybe a butter knife that was engraved or something would have been more fitting.
Don’t take my girl card away but honestly, until this series I never wanted to go to France. What are you doing to me Mariah!!!
That’s what I’m here for to make others want things they did not realize 🙂 Honestly, Paris is one of those places that can’t be compared to something else…it is that large and deep of an experience. Because I have not been everywhere I can’t say if it is the best/better than but it is an experience and one that should not be missed. It’s amazing just how different Europe feels and the rich history of all the places you walk by. I’m surprised the shopping side of thing would not be a major pull 🙂
when i went to france the food was incredible!! then again, we only survived on nutella crepes and pastries and they sure to make those really well!
They sure do! There is this apple turnover pastry that I adore…I could eat like a million of them. I totally just gorged myself the whole time we were there 🙂