Étsi

Cuisine

Contemporary Greek mezze cuisine focused on sharing, featuring fresh ingredients imported from Greece and creative modern interpretations of Hellenic classics.

The Vibe

A warm, convivial atmosphere that captures the sunny, social spirit of Greek dining with a modern Parisian sensibility.

Étsi cultivates the kind of warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Greek hospitality, translated through a contemporary Parisian lens. The vibe centers on conviviality and sharing—this is a place designed for groups of friends passing plates, couples exploring new flavors together, and solo diners welcomed into the communal spirit of the space.

The energy feels relaxed yet lively, especially during evening service when the dining room fills with conversation and the clinking of wine glasses. There's a distinctly Mediterranean warmth to the atmosphere, a sunny disposition that contrasts pleasantly with typical Parisian formality. The staff embodies this approachable spirit, guiding diners through the mezze selection without pretension.

The terrace seating amplifies this convivial character, particularly during warmer months when outdoor dining transforms the experience into something closer to a Greek island taverna. Inside, the ambiance remains intimate without feeling cramped, striking a balance between neighborhood bistrot casualness and the elevated experience suggested by the restaurant's critical recognition.

The Montmartre location adds its own character—there's an artistic, bohemian quality to the neighborhood that complements Étsi's modern approach to traditional cuisine. Near the Montmartre cemetery, the bistrot occupies a quieter corner of the 18th arrondissement, away from the tourist crowds of Sacré-Cœur yet still capturing the area's creative spirit.

This is fundamentally a place for lingering, for ordering another round of mezze, for extending the evening as Greeks do—where dining becomes less about efficiency and more about enjoying the moment, the company, and the flavors. The vibe encourages you to slow down, share generously, and embrace the Mediterranean philosophy that the best meals are never rushed.

Decoration

A modern, sun-drenched space that blends contemporary Parisian bistrot aesthetics with subtle Hellenic touches.

While specific decorative details aren't extensively documented, Étsi's design philosophy appears to embrace a modern bistrot aesthetic infused with Mediterranean warmth. The space reflects the "neo-taverna" concept—contemporary rather than traditionally Greek, avoiding clichéd blue-and-white island décor in favor of a more sophisticated, Parisian interpretation of Hellenic dining.

The bistrot location features terrace seating that becomes a central element of the dining experience, particularly during pleasant weather. This outdoor space likely incorporates elements that create a sunny, welcoming atmosphere—perhaps simple tables, greenery, and an open feel that connects diners to the Montmartre neighborhood.

Inside, the design presumably balances the intimacy expected of a neighborhood restaurant with the openness that encourages the sharing-focused dining style. The counter-style seating mentioned in some descriptions suggests a casual, interactive element where diners can watch the kitchen at work, adding energy and transparency to the experience.

The overall aesthetic likely emphasizes clean lines, natural materials, and a bright, airy quality that evokes Mediterranean sunshine even in the Parisian climate. Rather than relying on obvious Greek decorative motifs, the space probably lets the food, the convivial atmosphere, and the quality of light and materials create the Hellenic connection—a more subtle, modern approach to cultural expression through design.

Uniqueness

A rare neo-taverna concept bringing authentic Greek products and modern mezze culture to Paris, spanning three complementary locations across Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.

Étsi distinguishes itself through several unique elements that set it apart in Paris's Greek dining landscape. Most notably, the restaurant operates as a multi-location concept with three distinct expressions—a full-service bistrot, an ouzeri, and a traiteur—each offering different ways to experience chef Mikaëla Liaroutsos's vision of contemporary Greek cuisine. This approach provides flexibility rare among Greek restaurants in Paris, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining format.

The commitment to importing fresh products directly from Greece represents another distinctive feature. While many restaurants claim authenticity, Étsi backs this up through direct sourcing, ensuring that key ingredients carry genuine Hellenic character rather than relying on local substitutes. This dedication to authentic products elevates the entire menu, from the simplest mezze to more complex preparations.

The neo-taverna concept itself—modernizing Greek taverna culture while maintaining its convivial, sharing-focused spirit—positions Étsi uniquely between casual Greek eateries and formal Mediterranean fine dining. The restaurant has created a contemporary space for Greek cuisine that feels neither overly traditional nor disconnected from its roots, a balance that few establishments achieve successfully.

Recognition from both Gault&Millau and the Michelin Guide validates this approach, marking Étsi as a serious culinary destination rather than just another neighborhood Greek restaurant. This critical acknowledgment is relatively rare for Greek cuisine in Paris, where Italian and other Mediterranean cuisines typically receive more attention from food guides.

The terrace location near the Montmartre cemetery adds geographical uniqueness, placing quality Greek dining in a neighborhood better known for its artistic history than its culinary scene. This location choice demonstrates confidence in drawing diners based on food quality rather than relying on high-traffic tourist areas.

Finally, the beverage program's exclusive focus on Greek wines, beers, and spirits creates a fully immersive Hellenic experience. The Greek Spritz made with masticha and the selection of Greek wines show the same thoughtfulness applied to drinks as to food, completing the neo-taverna vision with appropriate liquid accompaniments.

Insider Tips

Reserve ahead for dinner service, embrace the sharing format with multiple mezze, and don't miss the terrace during pleasant weather.

Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for dinner service and weekend meals. You can book through the restaurant's website at etsi-paris.fr or via their Zenchef booking system. The bistrot location operates Tuesday through Sunday, with varying hours—dinner service runs from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM on weekdays, extending to 11:00 PM on Saturdays, while lunch is available on weekends from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

To fully experience Étsi's concept, order multiple mezze rather than focusing on a single main dish. The sharing format allows you to explore the range of Greek flavors across one meal, and the pricing structure (€6.50 to €16 per mezze) makes this approach accessible. Consider the €40 surprise menu if you want the kitchen to guide your experience—this allows chef Liaroutsos to showcase seasonal highlights and house specialties.

The terrace seating provides the most atmospheric experience during pleasant weather, capturing the sunny Mediterranean spirit that defines the restaurant's character. Request outdoor seating when making your reservation if weather permits.

For beverages, explore the Greek wine selection rather than defaulting to more familiar French options. The staff can guide you toward Greek wines that complement the mezze-style dining. The Greek Spritz made with masticha offers a distinctive aperitif that sets the tone for the meal, while the house-made ginger lemonade provides an excellent non-alcoholic alternative.

If you're dining with dietary preferences, note that vegetarian options are available and well-executed—Greek cuisine naturally includes many plant-based dishes. However, gluten-free options aren't specifically mentioned, so inquire when booking if this is a concern.

The location near the Montmartre cemetery means you're in a quieter part of the 18th arrondissement. Consider combining your meal with a walk through this less-touristy section of Montmartre, exploring the neighborhood's artistic character before or after dining.

For those interested in Étsi's cuisine but seeking a more casual experience, explore the ouzeri location on Rue du Ruisseau or the traiteur in the Latin Quarter for takeaway options. These alternative locations provide different ways to experience the same quality and approach to Greek cuisine.

Must-try Dishes

Ceviche de daurade, Kolokithokeftedes, Poulpe grillé, Saint-Jacques au beurre de pistache, Moussaka, Ravani, Yaourt grec à la fleur d'oranger, Greek Spritz