Dame Augustine

The cuisine at Dame Augustine reflects chef Lilian Douchet's journey through Top Chef 2022 and his commitment to showcasing French products through creative, seasonal preparations. Douchet's approach centers on short-circuit sourcing, working directly with producers to secure the freshest ingredients while supporting local agriculture and reducing environmental impact.

The menu structure varies between lunch and dinner service, offering flexibility for different dining occasions and budgets. At midday, you'll find accessible formulas at 26€ and 34€, as well as a three-course menu at 46€, making quality contemporary cuisine available for weekday lunches. These lunch offerings change regularly to reflect seasonal availability, ensuring that repeat visitors encounter new preparations and ingredients throughout the year.

Evening service showcases Douchet's more ambitious culinary vision through signature tasting menus available in 4 or 6 courses. These multi-course experiences allow the chef to demonstrate his technical skills and creative approach across multiple preparations, building a narrative through the progression of dishes. Importantly, vegetarian versions of these tasting menus receive equal attention, with thoughtful plant-based preparations that go beyond simple substitutions to create compelling dishes in their own right.

Signature preparations like the Burrata Betterave demonstrate Douchet's ability to elevate familiar ingredients through unexpected combinations and refined technique. The dish pairs creamy burrata with beets prepared in various ways, creating textural and flavor contrasts that showcase both ingredients. The Généreusement maigre—a playfully named dish that translates roughly to "generously lean"—reflects the chef's sense of humor while delivering satisfying flavors. The Cheesecake fruité represents Douchet's approach to desserts, combining classic techniques with seasonal fruit to create a refined conclusion to the meal.

Beyond these signatures, the menu features dishes like heirloom tomatoes with pesto and parmesan shortbread, and braised whiting fillet, which demonstrate the chef's range across vegetables, seafood, and other proteins. The cooking style emphasizes clean flavors and quality ingredients, with techniques that enhance rather than mask the essential character of each component. Presentations reflect contemporary plating aesthetics without becoming overly fussy or inaccessible.

The restaurant also offers children's menus (plat/dessert at 19€), ensuring that families can enjoy the experience together. The beverage program includes creative cocktails that complement the food, adding another dimension to the dining experience. With its combination of technical skill, creative vision, and commitment to quality ingredients, the food at Dame Augustine delivers on the promise of contemporary French bistrot cuisine while bearing the distinctive stamp of Lilian Douchet's culinary personality.