Italian chefs have made an increasingly bold mark on Paris’ food scene over the past several years. Among the most successful in this arena? Giovanni Passerini, named Best Chef by Le Fooding in 2017. After leaving Rino (which has since become Les Déserteurs), the Rome native opened his eponymous trattoria on rue Traversière, a calm street tucked behind Bastille.
His dishes are at once rustic and refined, fresh reinterpretations of Italian classics that seamlessly integrate French ingredients. The menu changes regularly, but guests are likely to find a thoughtful balance of pasta, meat and fish. For example, a meal could begin with charcoal-grilled mackerel atop an eel ragout and tarragon broth, continue with chili pepper and garlic linguine with monkfish liver and dried Crusco peppers, and wrap with melon-apricot granita with custard ice cream, brioche, and whipped cream.
In addition to his main restaurant, Giovanni is also behind neighboring Pastificio Passerini, selling house-made pasta and épicerie imports to go; is chef at the buzzworthy Hôtel des Grands Boulevards; and is part of Frichti’s “gang de chefs” a new delivery offering coming May 22.
Passerini – 65 Rue Traversière, 75012 Paris. Closed Sunday and Monday. +33 01 43 42 27 56.
Related Links
- Love Italian food? Check out La Felicità.
- Read about the difference between French and Italian coffee culture.
- For the best pasta in Paris, head over to Vogue.
Written by Erin Dahl for HiP Paris. All photos courtesy of Passerini/Mickaël A. Bandassak. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, Tuscany, Umbria or Liguria? Check out Haven In.
RELATED ARTICLES
Where to Eat Near the Eiffel Tower
by
Lily Heise
French Dining Etiquette: Restaurant Dining Like a Local
by
Tory Hoen
La Chandeleur: The Best Crêpes in Paris
by
Ali Postma
Galeries Lafayette Gourmet: 7 Casual Restaurants from Celebrated Chefs in Paris
by
Pronoti Baglary
French Cooking Academy Cookbook: The Art of French Cuisine for Home Cooks
by
HiP Paris
Ferrandi Paris Cooking Class: Learning How to Make a Tarte Tatin + a Recipe
by
Joanna Todorova
Thanksgiving in Paris: Shop Like a Chef
by
Lise Kvan
Bouillon Chartier, Paris Gare de l’Est
by
HiP Paris
The Best Hidden Italian Dining Spots in Paris
by
Rachel Naismith
Cult of Quality: Meeting the French Standard
by
Tory Hoen
Where to Eat in Paris on a Budget: Our Top 40 Spots
by
Rachel Naismith
Paris Sweepstakes is Ending–Win a week in Paris & Help End Hunger
by
Erica Berman
Café or Caffè? French vs. Italian Coffee Culture
by
Bryan Pirolli
Voilà Vegan – Plant Based Sweets from an American Pâtissière in Paris
by
Joanna Todorova
Smackdown: Which is a Sweeter Place to Live – New York or Paris?
by
Amy Thomas
France’s Answer to Ottolenghi? Meet Julien Sebbag at Créatures
by
HiP Paris
Colvert: A Modern French Bistro in the Latin Quarter
by
HiP Paris
Win a Week in Paris and Help End Hunger!
by
Erica Berman
The 15 Best Paris Terraces for Lingering Outdoors
by
Lily Heise
It’s All About the Croissants: The Best Croissants in Paris
by
Alessia Armenise