Auguste

Cuisine

Chef Gaël Orieux's Michelin-starred cuisine celebrates a "Terre et Mer" philosophy, showcasing seasonal French ingredients and sustainable seafood through refined technique and modern presentation.

The Vibe

Auguste cultivates a discreet, refined atmosphere where contemporary elegance meets intimate comfort, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming environment for serious gastronomy.

The atmosphere at Auguste strikes a careful balance between formal refinement and approachable warmth. The restaurant's intimate scale—seating approximately 30 guests—immediately establishes a sense of exclusivity without feeling stuffy or pretentious. This is a space designed for guests who appreciate serious cuisine but don't require theatrical presentation or excessive ceremony.

The ambiance leans toward the sophisticated and chic, with a contemporary aesthetic that feels current rather than trendy. The calm, quiet environment allows conversation to flow naturally while maintaining the focus on the culinary experience. There's a sense of discretion here—Auguste doesn't announce itself loudly but rather lets the quality of the food and service speak for themselves.

The service style matches this refined yet comfortable approach. Staff members demonstrate knowledge and professionalism without formality that might intimidate guests. The dress code expectation of proper attire reinforces the restaurant's positioning as a serious gastronomic destination, yet the overall feeling remains more welcoming than austere.

This is an environment that appeals to discerning diners—those who value culinary excellence and appreciate the craft behind each dish. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, conducting a business dinner, or simply seeking a memorable meal, Auguste provides an atmosphere that enhances rather than distracts from the exceptional cuisine. The restaurant's location in the elegant 7th arrondissement, near cultural landmarks like the Musée Rodin and Les Invalides, further reinforces its character as a refined destination for those who appreciate the finer aspects of Parisian dining.

Decoration

Auguste's contemporary décor creates a sober yet warm environment where clean lines and understated elegance allow the cuisine to command attention.

The interior design at Auguste reflects a modern French aesthetic that prioritizes refinement over ostentation. The dining room presents a contemporary interpretation of elegance, with a décor that can be described as sober yet inviting—a space that feels polished and sophisticated without relying on traditional luxury cues or excessive ornamentation.

The design choices create an environment that feels both chic and comfortable, striking a balance that's increasingly rare in Michelin-starred establishments. Rather than overwhelming guests with dramatic architectural elements or elaborate decorative schemes, Auguste opts for a more restrained approach that allows the food and the dining experience to take center stage. This contemporary sensibility feels appropriate for a restaurant that bridges tradition and modernity in its cuisine.

The intimate scale of the space—accommodating roughly 30 covers—influences the overall feel significantly. The relatively small dining room creates natural warmth and a sense of exclusivity, making each table feel considered rather than crowded. The layout and design work together to establish an atmosphere that's refined without being cold, elegant without being intimidating.

Lighting, furnishings, and spatial arrangement all contribute to an environment that feels calm and focused. This is a setting designed for guests who want to concentrate on the culinary experience without distraction, yet it maintains enough warmth to feel welcoming rather than austere. The contemporary aesthetic positions Auguste as a modern gastronomic destination while the underlying warmth ensures that the space remains inviting and comfortable throughout a multi-course meal.

Uniqueness

Auguste distinguishes itself through chef Gaël Orieux's Michelin-starred "Terre et Mer" philosophy and commitment to sustainable seafood, delivered in an intimate 30-seat setting near Les Invalides.

What sets Auguste apart in Paris's competitive gastronomic landscape is the combination of several distinctive elements that work together to create a unique dining proposition. At the heart of this distinctiveness is chef Gaël Orieux's "Terre et Mer" philosophy—a culinary approach that goes beyond simply offering both meat and fish options. This concept represents a thoughtful exploration of how land and sea ingredients can complement and enhance each other within a single menu, creating a dining experience that celebrates the full spectrum of French gastronomy.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainable fishing practices and seasonal ingredients isn't merely a marketing position but a fundamental principle that shapes menu development. In an era when sustainability has become increasingly important to discerning diners, Auguste's dedication to responsible sourcing—particularly regarding seafood—provides both ethical reassurance and quality assurance. This commitment to sustainable fish aligns with the restaurant's broader philosophy of respecting ingredients and working with products at their peak.

The intimate scale of Auguste—approximately 30 covers—creates an experience that feels notably different from larger Michelin-starred establishments. This size allows for a level of attention and personalization that's difficult to achieve in bigger venues, while the contemporary yet warm décor provides a setting that feels refined without being intimidating. The restaurant successfully bridges the gap between haute cuisine and approachability, offering serious gastronomy in an environment that doesn't require excessive formality.

Auguste's location in the 7th arrondissement, near cultural landmarks like the Musée Rodin and Les Invalides, positions it as both a destination restaurant and a convenient option for those exploring this elegant neighborhood. The Michelin star recognition validates the quality while the restaurant's relatively discreet profile—compared to some more publicized starred establishments—appeals to those seeking excellence without the scene.

The wine program's practice of serving wines by the glass from magnums demonstrates attention to detail that extends beyond the kitchen, ensuring that even guests not ordering full bottles can enjoy wines in optimal condition. Combined with a regularly evolving menu that responds to seasonal availability, Auguste offers a dynamic experience that rewards repeat visits while maintaining consistency in quality and approach.

Insider Tips

Reserve well in advance for this intimate Michelin-starred venue, and note that Auguste closes on weekends—plan your visit for weekday lunch or dinner service.

Planning your visit to Auguste requires some advance preparation to ensure the best experience. The restaurant's limited capacity of approximately 30 seats means that reservations are essential, not merely recommended. We suggest booking through their website or by calling +33 (0)1 45 51 61 09 well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during peak dining periods or have specific date requirements.

One crucial detail to note: Auguste closes on Saturdays and Sundays, operating only Monday through Friday. This weekday-only schedule is important to remember when planning your Paris itinerary, especially if you're visiting over a weekend. However, the restaurant does open on certain holidays, including May 1st, so it's worth checking if your visit coincides with a French holiday.

Service hours run from 12:00-14:00 for lunch and 19:30-22:00 for dinner, with the kitchen accepting orders until 22:30. The lunch menu at 39€ provides excellent value for experiencing Orieux's cuisine, making midday an attractive option for those seeking Michelin-starred quality at a more accessible price point. The signature menu at 120€ represents the full expression of the chef's vision and is worth considering for special occasions.

Regarding dress code, proper attire is expected—this isn't a casual dining environment, and dressing appropriately shows respect for both the establishment and your fellow diners. While you don't need to wear formal evening wear, smart casual at minimum is advisable.

For payment, note that Auguste doesn't accept checks or American Express cards, so plan accordingly. Eurocard, Mastercard, and CB/Visa are accepted. If you're driving, parking is available at Invalides, located at 7 Rue de Constantine, providing convenient access to the restaurant.

The restaurant can accommodate certain dietary restrictions, including gluten-free requirements and peanut allergies, but we recommend mentioning these when making your reservation to ensure the kitchen can prepare appropriately. Given the seasonal nature of the menu and the chef's commitment to market-fresh ingredients, you might want to check their Instagram (@restaurant.auguste.paris) before your visit to see current dishes and get a sense of what's being featured.

Finally, if you're combining your meal with cultural activities, Auguste's proximity to the Musée Rodin and Les Invalides makes it ideal for a day exploring this elegant arrondissement. Consider timing your museum visits around your reservation to make the most of your time in the neighborhood.

Must-try Dishes

Soupe de tétragones with scallops, Crispy sweetbreads, Roasted pigeon, Hazelnut soufflé