Elmer

Cuisine

Elmer's cuisine celebrates the primal art of fire cooking, where premium meats and fish are transformed over wood flames and rotisserie, enhanced by subtle Asian and Latin American influences.

The Vibe

Elmer strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated elegance and warm conviviality, where the drama of open-fire cooking creates an engaging, celebratory atmosphere.

The atmosphere at Elmer embodies a refined yet approachable elegance that invites guests to relax while experiencing exceptional cuisine. The restaurant cultivates a chic ambiance without pretension, where the focus remains firmly on the food and the shared experience of dining together.

The open kitchen serves as the restaurant's beating heart, creating a sense of theater and transparency that draws diners into the culinary process. Watching flames dance and hearing the sizzle of premium ingredients on the grill adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the meal. This visual spectacle, combined with the aromatic presence of wood smoke and roasting meats, engages multiple senses and creates an immersive dining environment.

Despite its gastronomic credentials, Elmer maintains a convivial spirit that encourages sharing and conversation. The restaurant's design and service style foster connection—whether you're dining as a couple, gathering with friends, or celebrating a special occasion. The atmosphere feels both intimate enough for romantic dinners and lively enough for group celebrations, adapting naturally to the energy of its guests.

The elegant setting provides a sophisticated backdrop without feeling stuffy or overly formal. You'll find yourself in an environment where you can appreciate the artistry of the cuisine while feeling comfortable and welcomed. The attentive service strikes the right balance between professionalism and warmth, ensuring guests feel cared for without being hovered over.

Open Tuesday through Friday for both lunch (12:15-14:15) and dinner (19:30-21:30), and Saturday evenings (19:00-22:00), Elmer welcomes guests until 22:30, creating a relaxed pace that allows for leisurely dining. The restaurant's commitment to creating memorable experiences extends to its Chef's Table option, where the most dedicated food enthusiasts can enjoy an even more personalized journey through Chef Horwitz's culinary vision.

Decoration

Elmer's elegant interior combines contemporary sophistication with warm, natural materials, centered around the dramatic focal point of the open kitchen and wood-fired cooking stations.

The design of Elmer reflects a thoughtful balance between modern refinement and rustic authenticity, creating a space that honors both the elemental nature of fire cooking and the sophistication of contemporary French dining.

The restaurant's most striking feature is its open kitchen, which serves as both a functional workspace and a captivating visual centerpiece. This transparent approach to cooking allows diners to witness the culinary team's expertise while creating an engaging focal point that draws the eye and sparks conversation. The sight of flames, the gleam of professional equipment, and the choreographed movements of the kitchen staff add dynamic energy to the space.

Oak tables anchor the dining room, their natural warmth and substantial presence creating an inviting foundation for the meal ahead. These carefully selected pieces speak to the restaurant's commitment to quality materials and timeless design, while their generous proportions encourage the sharing-style dining that defines the Elmer experience.

Mosaic elements throughout the space add visual interest and texture, introducing pattern and color in a way that feels both artistic and intentional. These decorative touches elevate the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the senses, maintaining the focus on the food and the dining experience.

The overall design scheme embraces a contemporary elegance that feels current without being trendy. The space avoids excessive ornamentation, instead relying on quality materials, thoughtful lighting, and clean lines to create an environment that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. The color palette and finishes complement the natural tones of wood smoke and flame, creating visual harmony between the cooking process and the dining environment.

The restaurant also features a terrace, extending the dining space outdoors and offering guests the option to enjoy their meal in the fresh air—a particularly appealing feature during Paris's pleasant weather months.

Uniqueness

Elmer distinguishes itself through Chef Simon Horwitz's refined approach to rotisserie cooking, where haute cuisine technique meets primal fire, enhanced by an open kitchen that transforms cooking into theater.

What sets Elmer apart in Paris's competitive dining scene is its singular focus on elevating fire cooking to gastronomic heights. While many restaurants incorporate grilling or roasting into their repertoire, few make it the defining element of their culinary identity with such sophistication and consistency.

Chef Simon Horwitz's impressive pedigree—honed at legendary establishments like Oustau de Baumanière and under the tutelage of Pierre Gagnaire—brings a level of technical precision and creative vision rarely applied to rotisserie cooking. This combination of haute cuisine training and dedication to ancient cooking methods creates a unique culinary perspective that honors tradition while pushing boundaries.

The open kitchen concept at Elmer goes beyond mere transparency; it transforms the cooking process into an integral part of the dining experience. Guests don't just taste the results of fire cooking—they witness the flames, hear the crackle, and smell the wood smoke, creating a multi-sensory experience that deepens appreciation for the craft involved. This theatrical element adds excitement and engagement that distinguishes Elmer from more conventional fine dining establishments.

The restaurant's approach to fusion is notably subtle and sophisticated. Rather than creating obvious mashups, Horwitz incorporates Asian and Latin American influences in ways that enhance rather than overshadow the French foundation of his cuisine. The black garlic paste accompanying the cod, for instance, demonstrates how umami-rich Asian ingredients can elevate classic French preparations without compromising their essential character.

Elmer's commitment to eco-responsible sourcing from small producers reflects a values-driven approach that resonates with contemporary diners. This isn't merely marketing—it's a fundamental philosophy that influences every purchasing decision and ensures that the exceptional quality of ingredients matches the skill with which they're prepared.

The Chef's Table experience offers another layer of uniqueness, providing intimate access to the culinary team and a personalized journey through Horwitz's creative vision. This option allows the most dedicated food enthusiasts to engage more deeply with the restaurant's philosophy and technique.

Finally, the restaurant's ability to accommodate various dietary preferences—including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options—without compromising its core identity demonstrates remarkable versatility. This inclusive approach ensures that more diners can experience Horwitz's cuisine, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Insider Tips

Reserve well in advance through the restaurant's website, and consider the lunch menu for an accessible introduction to Chef Horwitz's fire-cooked cuisine at exceptional value.

Securing a table at Elmer requires advance planning, as this popular restaurant fills quickly, especially for dinner service. We recommend making reservations through the restaurant's website (elmer-restaurant.fr) or via TheFork as early as possible, particularly if you're planning to visit on a weekend or for a special occasion.

For those new to Elmer or working within a tighter budget, the lunch service offers exceptional value. The lunch menu, starting at just 25€, provides an excellent introduction to Chef Horwitz's approach to fire cooking without the commitment of the full dinner experience. This makes midday dining an ideal option for experiencing the restaurant's cuisine while leaving room in your budget for other Parisian adventures.

If you're planning a special celebration or want to maximize your experience, consider booking the Chef's Table. This exclusive option provides a more intimate and personalized journey through the menu, with opportunities to interact with the culinary team and gain deeper insights into the cooking techniques and philosophy that define Elmer.

The restaurant's sharing-style approach to dining means you'll get the most out of your visit by coming with companions. Dishes like the Canette de Barbarie are designed for sharing, allowing you to sample more of the menu and experience the convivial spirit that defines the Elmer experience. If you're dining solo, don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations on portion sizes and dishes that work well for individual diners.

Given the restaurant's focus on fire-cooked meats and fish, wine pairing becomes particularly important. Don't hesitate to consult with the sommelier, who can guide you toward selections that complement the bold, smoky flavors of the cuisine. Even if you're not a wine expert, the team can help you find options within your budget that will enhance your meal.

The open kitchen means you'll have a front-row seat to the cooking action, so consider requesting a table with a good view of the kitchen if you're interested in the culinary theater. Watching the team work with fire adds an extra dimension to your dining experience.

Note that Elmer is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. The restaurant welcomes guests until 22:30, allowing for a relaxed dining pace, but arriving earlier in the service ensures you'll have the full attention of the team and won't feel rushed.

For those with dietary restrictions, Elmer offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. It's helpful to mention any dietary requirements when making your reservation, allowing the kitchen to prepare appropriately and ensure you have the best possible experience.

Finally, the restaurant offers takeout and Click&Collect services, which can be a great option if you want to enjoy Elmer's cuisine in a different setting or if you can't secure a reservation for your preferred date.

Must-try Dishes

Canette de Barbarie cooked over barbecue, Dos de cabillaud with black garlic paste, Filet de bœuf, Foie de veau grillé, House-made bread