Espadon (Ritz)

Cuisine

Chef Eugénie Béziat's Michelin-starred cuisine reimagines French gastronomy through Mediterranean and African influences, celebrating seasonal ingredients with bold, refined creativity.

The Vibe

Intimate elegance meets contemporary energy in a setting where the open kitchen becomes part of the dining theater.

Espadon strikes a remarkable balance between the grandeur you'd expect from the Ritz Paris and an unexpectedly intimate, contemporary atmosphere. The dining room feels warm and welcoming rather than intimidating, with a sophisticated yet relaxed energy that encourages you to settle in for the evening. The open kitchen design fundamentally shapes the experience—you're not just dining but witnessing the culinary team's choreographed precision, adding a dynamic, almost theatrical element to the meal. The space maintains an air of exclusivity without feeling stuffy. Large windows flood the room with natural light during early evening service, creating a connection to the verdant garden beyond. As night falls, the lighting shifts to create a more intimate cocoon, perfect for lingering over the final courses. The atmosphere is refined but never cold, with a palpable sense of excitement around Chef Béziat's creative cuisine. This is a place where serious gastronomy unfolds in an environment that feels both special and genuinely hospitable, where you can focus entirely on the culinary journey without distraction.

Decoration

Subtle opulence defines the space, where a striking crystal herbarium and garden views create an elegant yet intimate backdrop.

The decoration at Espadon embodies refined luxury with a contemporary sensibility. The most striking feature is an artistic herbarium crafted from crystal leaves, a sculptural element that adds organic beauty while catching and refracting light throughout the space. This installation sets the tone—elegant and precious, yet inspired by nature rather than purely ornamental. The color palette remains understated, allowing the food and the garden views to take center stage. Large bay windows form a transparent wall between the dining room and the Grand Jardin, bringing the outdoors in and creating a sense of dining within a green sanctuary in the heart of Paris. The open kitchen, visible to diners, adds a modern architectural element that contrasts beautifully with the hotel's historic character. Furnishings reflect the Ritz's commitment to quality and comfort—tables are generously spaced to ensure privacy, while the seating encourages you to relax into the multi-course experience. The overall effect is one of understated sophistication, where every design choice serves the dining experience rather than overwhelming it. The space feels intimate despite being part of one of the world's most famous hotels, creating a cocoon where the focus remains squarely on Chef Béziat's culinary artistry and the pleasure of the table.

Uniqueness

A Michelin-starred renaissance at the legendary Ritz Paris, where Chef Eugénie Béziat's African and Mediterranean heritage transforms French haute cuisine.

Espadon's uniqueness begins with its location within the Ritz Paris, one of the world's most iconic hotels, yet the restaurant has carved out its own distinct identity since reopening in 2023. Chef Eugénie Béziat represents a new generation of French gastronomy—her Michelin-starred cuisine doesn't simply replicate classical techniques but reimagines them through the lens of her Mediterranean and African heritage. This cultural fusion, executed at the highest level, sets Espadon apart in a city filled with excellent restaurants. The open kitchen design is relatively rare for this level of dining in Paris, transforming the meal into an immersive experience where you witness the team's precision and artistry. This transparency creates a connection between diners and the culinary process that enhances appreciation for each dish. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability, certified by the Ecotable label, demonstrates that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist—a progressive stance for a palace hotel restaurant. The restaurant also hosts exceptional culinary events, such as four-hands dinners pairing Chef Béziat with other acclaimed chefs like MOF Virginie Basselot, creating unique opportunities to experience collaborative haute cuisine. The combination of Place Vendôme prestige, garden views, Michelin-starred innovation, and genuine hospitality creates an experience that feels both historic and thoroughly contemporary—a rare achievement in Parisian gastronomy.

Insider Tips

Reserve well in advance for this intimate Michelin-starred table, and consider the terrace during warmer months for an unforgettable garden setting.

Reservations at Espadon are essential and should be made well in advance, particularly for weekend service. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with service from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (last seating at 9:00 PM). If you're planning a visit during warmer months, request a table on the garden terrace—dining surrounded by the Grand Jardin's greenery adds another dimension to the experience. The restaurant enforces a "correct attire" dress code, so plan accordingly. This is the Ritz Paris, after all, and dressing well enhances the sense of occasion. Note that pets are not permitted, which is worth knowing if you're traveling with a companion animal. For wine enthusiasts, engage with the sommelier about the French terroir selections—the wine program is thoughtfully curated to complement Chef Béziat's creative cuisine. If you have the opportunity to attend one of the special four-hands dinners or holiday events (like the New Year's Eve celebration), these occasions offer unique menus that showcase collaborative creativity. The open kitchen means you'll have a front-row view of the culinary team at work, so consider requesting a table with a clear sightline if this interests you. Finally, allow plenty of time for your meal—the five or seven-sequence menus are designed to be savored slowly, creating a complete evening experience rather than just dinner. This is a restaurant where rushing would mean missing the point entirely.

Must-try Dishes

Grilled oyster with brède mafane and brousse, Grilled lobster with spinach ballotine and manioc, Langoustine, Pigeon au sang