There’s no question: One of the hardest things about the lockdown in France has been not being able to eat out. Dining in Paris isn’t merely about sustenance; the social world of many Parisians plays out in the city’s eateries. Restaurants will be one of the businesses worst hit by this crisis, so it is all the more vital to support them as they reopen. Here is a selection of venues around the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe that are well worth eating at, compared to the chain restaurants that unfortunately line the world-famous avenue. In fact, in the case of some, you may even have one of the best meals of your life if you’re willing to splurge a little.
Ladurée
Modern might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of this historic pastry and macaron shop. However, Ladurée’s menu very much bridges the gap between the 19th and 21st centuries. Inside elegant dining rooms filled with gilded mirrors, carved wood paneling, and crystal chandeliers, you can enjoy fresh lunch items including poke bowls, avocado toasts, creative soups, fluffy omelets, and a section of vegan dishes created for Ladurée by renowned vegan chef Matthew Kenney. Mains range from 12-28€.
Pavyllon by Yannick Alléno
Found on the east end of the Champs, in the chic Pavillon Ledoyen, is the gastronomic emporium of star French chef Yannick Alléno. Home to his three individual Michelin-starred restaurants, the newest, Pavyllon, opened in October 2019 and was swiftly awarded its first star at the beginning of 2020.
The sleek dining room has mostly counter seating and a fusion 68€ lunch menu featuring the likes of scallop quenelles, steamed cod with pickled turnips, and Korean-inspired bibimbap with soft pigeon egg and daikon kimchi.
Marxito by Thierry Marx
For a lighter and more reasonable bite without compromising on quality, stop by this stylish street food venue by Michelin starred chef Thierry Marx, found north of the Champs. On the menu are the celebrity chef’s inventive “Marxitos,” French-Japanese hybrid sandwiches consisting of buckwheat pancakes stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as marinated eggplant, pastrami, scamorza cheese, ginger tofu sauce, or candied onions. These, as well as a few creative bowls, are available in a selection of two-course menus ranging from 12.50€ to 16.50€.
Fouquet’s
Sitting proudly midway down the Champs-Élysées since 1899, Fouquet’s is home to the classiest brasserie in the area. Old on the outside and modern-chic on the inside thanks star interior designer Jacques Garcia, the menu boasts classic French fare revisited by renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire. Albeit not cheap, it’s the best cheeseburger or steak tartare in the area. Mains go for 30€ to 35€, or you can include a dessert for a few euros more with the two-course lunch menu at 39€.
Publicis Drugstore
In the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe are two of the Champs-Élysées other gastronomic highlights, both found within the stylish headquarters of Publicis advertising agency. On the ground floor is a sprawling brasserie, Le Drugstore, where you can nibble on dainty finger foods, seasonal salads, and black truffle and Beaufort croque-monsieurs by chef Éric Frechon, formerly the three-Michelin-starred chef of Le Bristol’s Épicure.
Two-Michelin-starred dining is located on the lower level at l’Atelier Etoile de Joël Robuchon. Since the legendary chef’s death in 2018, Thierry Karakachian has taken over the reins and has even created a 100% vegetarian and gluten-free menu, a rarity on the Parisian gastronomic scene.
Beefbar Paris
One of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris is tucked away a few blocks south of the Champs. Previously La Fermette Marbeuf, a touch of contemporary glamor was added to the venue’s gorgeous Art Nouveau interiors in 2018, now sporting stunning stained glass and ceramic tiles. It’s now a branch of Riccardo Giraud’s fashionable meat-focused restaurants where you can sample a range of premium beef and other modern dishes, available in an approachable three-course menu at 39€ at lunch.
Chez André
Also located on rue Marbeuf, this local institution is your best bet for a traditional French bistrot experience in the area. The decor and waiters haven’t changed much since the bistrot opened in 1936, nor has its menu of classic dishes like blanquette de veau à l’ancienne, confit de canard, and coq au vin, which go for between 17€ to 34€.
Where to eat:
Ladurée – 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Pavyllon – 8 Avenue Dutuit, 75008 Paris
Marxito – 1bis Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 Paris
Fouquet’s – 99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Publicis Drugstore – 133 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Beefbar Paris – 5 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
Chez André – 12 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
Related Links
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- Parisians and tourists alike imagine a greener Champs Elysées for the future
Written by Lily Heise for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.
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