In what will likely be some stiff competition for the Big Mamma Group’s La Felicità, internationally acclaimed Italian food hall Eataly has finally opened their 39th outpost in Paris, the first in France. Located behind the BHV in the heart of the Marais and spanning 4,000m2 over three floors, this massive marketplace is an epicenter of Italian gastronomy.
Eataly Paris Marais features seven eateries, including a pizzeria, pasta restaurant, osteria, aperitivo bar, caffè, and gelateria with ice cream made by the famous glacier-chocolatier Venchi. There is a produce market including a macelleria (butcher), panetteria (bakery), salumi e formaggi and pasta fresca. There is also an outdoor fruit and vegetable market, plus the largest Italian wine cellar in Paris with over 1,200 labels.
A small supermarket offers artisanal Italian products and ingredients, such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, passata (tomato purée), pesto, pasta, coffee, and nougat. You can also buy homeware and kitchenware, including Bialetti coffee makers and pasta machines. And to top things off, there’s a cooking school open to the public.
The eateries and market surround a central piazza, where you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz with the sun pouring in from the glass roof above, created by Scottish artist Martin Boyce. In oversized letters on the wall sits the word Fraternité, the theme for Eataly Paris Marais. The French word expresses friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding. It also refers to the notion of “brotherhood,” which makes sense considering two of the largest and most renowned cuisines in the world—Italian and French—have united under the same roof.
And a brotherhood certainly exists between the two. As Eataly founder, Oscar Farinetti, says, “French people have always shown great appreciation for Italian food.” And the appreciation is evident, with Parisians lining up to get in since opening day.
Grocery shopping can be a difficult affair on Sundays in Paris, with supermarkets often closing early or not open at all. So, Parisians and visitors to the city will be pleased to know that Eataly is open seven days a week until 11:30pm.
Eataly Paris Marais – 37 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004.
Related Links
- Read more about the super popular Big Mamma Group.
- For Italian classics revisited, head to Passerini.
- Sortiraparis also covers the opening of Eataly.
Written by Ali Postma for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation, or long term, rental in Paris, Italy, France or elsewhere in Europe.
WRITTEN BY
Ali Postma
Ali is from Melbourne, Australia, where she studied Art History and Art Curatorship at Monash and The University of Melbourn. She has worked in various art galleries. Passionate about all things arts and culture, she has a particular interest French film, Nordic noir, photography, street art and architecture. Ali has lived in Paris since 2016 and has written extensively on art, food, beauty and more. Her work has in publications including BW Confidential, Oh My Mag, and HIP Paris.
I don’t agree with the competition idea you’ve thrown out there. I believe they can both thrive as do all the huge food courts in Paris. I know Eataly from home but I love Felecita and everything from bigmoma. I’m sure there’s room for both.
Point taken. It’s just one opinion. I am certain both will thrive as everything Italian is loved when it’s quality!