1
For Intimacy
Having only recently opened its doors in 2009, the award-winning Frenchie is one of the most in-demand restaurants in Paris for its simple yet flavorsome seasonal Franco-Italian cuisine, and its cosy-yet-chic Brooklyn-style interiors. Having worked with Jamie Oliver in London followed by an 18-month stint at New York's Gramercy Tavern, chef Grégory Marchand's light yet explosive cuisine allows the seasons' produce to shine. Expect anything from a sumptuous salad of caramelized roast pears, walnuts and pecorino di Fossa; house-smoked trout with wild asperagus; to a wickedly-rich Valhrona chocolate pot to finish. The intimacy of the restaurant extends into the kitchen, where it's impressive to see Marchand working within his tiny kitchen. Another restaurant that has recently been taking Paris by storm is chef Daniel Rose’s modern bistro, Spring. American chef Daniel Rose is currently the talk of Paris’ food scene, having recently moved his award-winning Spring modern bistro into slightly larger, more sophisticated premises near a burgeoning gastronomic mini-neighborhood near Paris' central Louvre museum. The restaurant seats no more than 40 diners, who all have the opportunity to observe the team of chefs at work in the open plan kitchen, crafting delicious tapas-sized portions. The well-stocked wine cellar include mostly organic and biodynamic varietals from small vendors.
2
For Fine Dining
Chef Alain Passard’s world-renowned L'Arpège is set within a beautiful orange-and-white pear-wood dining room, and creates what the masterchef describes as “la cuisine legumiere”. The 3 Michelin starred L'Arpege has been creating some of Paris’ finest cuisine for almost 25 years. where in 2002 chef Passard created his own strictly organic garden to create a constant supply of perfect ingredients grown to exacting specifications for his kitchen, and several years ago the chef moved away from red meat to focus almost exclusively on game, seafood and vegetables. Expect delicacies such as heirloom Haut-Maine chicken with cabbage, squash blossoms, and baby root vegetables, or his signature dessert, a tomato roasted with twelve spices. Another foodie favourite in Paris is La Bigarrade. Having worked with some of the world’s great chefs (no less than Pierre Gagnaire and Bruno Cirino to name a few), the highly talented chef, Christophe Pelé, is part of the next generation of classically trained young French chefs who are currently reinventing modern French cuisine. With a daily changing fixe-prix menu inspired from the depths of the chef’s imagination, expect sophisticated, light yet exquisitely flavoursome world cuisine served as a series of exquisite tasting plates. The elegant setting is an inviting minimalist space with only 20 seats, where the open kitchen is on full display. Advance reservations essential.
3
For The Ultimate Romantic Setting
With the most spectacular views in Paris, the iconic Le Jules Verne restaurant is perched high above the city at the top of the Eiffel Tower, where the view alone is worth the challenge of securing a highly coveted table. With legendary 3 Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and his Head Chef, Pascal Féraud, at the helm of the kitchen since December 2007, Le Jules Verne is an impressive contemporary French dining experience. The decor is sultry and sophisticated, with floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the breathtaking Paris cityscape. Expect delicacies such as the roasted Imperial langoustines infused with bacon and green vegetables, or pan-seared beef tournedos with fresh duck foie gras, perigueux sauce and souffled potatoes. The sublime bitter chocolate souffle with bourbon vanilla ice cream will leave your taste buds longing in anticipation for the next spoonful. Make sure you ask for a table next to the window for the best views. Another truly romantic Valentine's Day setting is at Le Meurice, which underwent a stunning re-design by Philippe Starck in 2007. Le Meurice's in-house restaurant offers contemporary French gastronomy cuisine by acclaimed chef Yannick Alléno, where the refined splendours of 18th-century architecture meet the latest in contemporary elegance. Advance reservations essential.
4
For Fashionable Dining
Where the cool people play and the international jetset dash to upon arrival in Paris, Costes is a sultry, brooding playhouse. Set within the uber-cool Hotel Costes, the sultry red velvet lounges inside are perfect for intimate, romantic dining during winter and the exquisite open courtyard are the tables of choice during the warmer summer months. The menu is international with flavours such as their ‘crying tiger’ grilled beef with vietnamese dressing and premium iberico ham with fresh cantaloupe as popular choices. Don’t miss the heavenly rich chocolate moulleux with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. While you're in town, you should also visit the Costes-group’s other chic restaurants: the sophisticated Cafe Marly with a front-row seat next to the Louvre’s pyramid, and trendy Georges with a gorgeous rooftop position on top of the Centre George Pompidou. After dinner, head straight to L’Experimental Cocktail Club which is renowned as one of the best cocktail bars in Europe. Tucked away in a narrow pedestrian street in the fashionable area of Montorgueil, this stylish, dimly lit minimalist neo-baroque den is one of the most intimate after-dinner drinking spots in Paris. The friendly staff are more than willing to share their knowledge, so settle into the plush black velvet Chesterfield lounges, kick back to the cutting edge sounds of the house DJ and slowly work your way down their very affordable cocktail list to celebrate Valentine’s Day in true Parisian style.
