Far from the bustle of central Paris’ boulevards and train stations, Uptown hides in the Northern part of the 18ème, one of a few areas in the city to retain a quiet, village-like ambiance over the decades.
The food, however, is anything but provincial. As with the best of contemporary Parisian bistrots, head chef Fabrizio Guérrini (formerly of Michelin-starred Agapé) spotlights seasonal ingredients on a menu of small sharing plates, which change monthly.
But what sets Uptown apart is Guerrini’s insistence on combining exotic ingredients in ways we’ve never seen before, innovation to rival the trendiest neobistrots of the 11ème and 10ème arrondissements. Come with an open mind and be delighted by dishes like salmon dusted with cocoa powder or wasabi risotto with chorizo. Wine connoisseurs will be interested in a list sourced exclusively outside of France, from the likes of Spain, Syria, Argentina, South Africa, and Japan.
The bright blue terrace overlooks a typical Montmartre staircase on one side and rue Francoeur’s quiet facades on the other, providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic date or a unhurried weekend meal. Rustic walls, unfinished wooden tables, and low lighting give the dining room a cozy, cottage feel.
Waiters serving the tables and mixing cocktails behind the bar are alert and friendly, offering the kind of service that lifts your mood and makes you want to come back routinely. Uptown has been lauded in French magazines and on Instagram for their Sunday brunch, but any meal in this unexpectedly refreshing eatery is worth crossing town for.
Uptown – 18 Rue Francoeur, 75018. Métro: Lamarck – Caulaincourt. Tel: +33 (0)1 84 05 62 79
Related Links
- Also looking for a great breakfast spot in Montmartre? Check out our recent review of Australian café, Hardware Société.
- While in the area, why not pick up a beautiful bouquet from Muse, our favorite Montmartre flower shop.
- What exactly defines a Neo-bistro? This little read from Paris by Design helps clear things up.
Written by Isabel Miller-Bottome for the HiP Paris Blog. All photos by Isabel Miller-Bottome. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
WRITTEN BY
Isabel Miller-Bottome
A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Isabel moved to Paris after graduating from UC Santa Barbara. Her poetry and articles have been published by The Catalyst, Into the Teeth of the Wind, Spectrum Literary Journal, The Daily Nexus, The Culture Trip, and the HiP Paris Blog.
My favorite place in Paris ! And i am Parisian 🙂 Go go there !
Somehow “neo bistro” and “Montmartre” just don’t go together 🙂