Toy Restaurant

Shoyu, Shio or Miso?

12th arrondissement Non-French€€Paris Update Favorite

Toy is nothing to play around with. It’s a new Japanese – or should I say japonisant (inspired by Japan) – ramen bar in Paris. The small, minimalist space with distressed concrete walls is set up like the real thing, … Read More

Mantra Restaurant

Meditate on This

9th arrondissement Contemporary French€€, €€€, €€€€Paris Update Favorite

A mantra is supposed to be kept secret, but Paris is home to one mantra whose existence should be broadcast far and wide. I’m referring to the new (five-month-old) restaurant Mantra in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. Mantra, with chef Manogeran Shasitaran … Read More

Monaco Restaurant

Café Life Renewed

13th arrondissement Contemporary French€€, €€€Paris Update Favorite

I am here to testify that there is more to the gastronomic offerings of the 13th arrondissement than Asian restaurants of various stripes. One non-Asian gem is Monaco, once a venerable but declining café, now a spacious, light-filled café/restaurant with … Read More

Occasion Restaurant

A Special Occasion

10th arrondissement Contemporary French€€€Paris Update Favorite

You don’t need a special occasion to go to the new restaurant Occasion in the 10th arrondissement. And although the only dining option – a set menu with four courses for €49 (or, on Saturday evening, five courses for €59) … Read More