Les Parisiens

Cuisine

Chef Thibault Sombardier's haute bistronomie showcases seasonal French cuisine with impeccable technique, from signature homard gratiné to refined classics like vol-au-vent and ris de veau.

The Vibe

Chic 1930s brasserie elegance meets contemporary Parisian sophistication in an intimate, refined atmosphere that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern.

Les Parisiens captures the essence of Parisian dining elegance with a vibe that's simultaneously sophisticated and welcoming. The atmosphere evokes the golden age of 1930s brasseries—that era when Parisian dining rooms were temples of both gastronomy and social grace—while maintaining a contemporary sensibility that feels fresh and relevant.

The ambiance strikes a delicate balance between formality and conviviality. This is a place where you can celebrate a special occasion without feeling stiff, where business lunches unfold with ease, and where romantic dinners feel naturally intimate. The slightly retro aesthetic creates a sense of occasion without pretension, making you feel like you're part of a long Parisian tradition of refined dining.

The energy shifts subtly throughout the day. Lunch service brings a more dynamic pace, with the dining room filled with a mix of local professionals, hotel guests, and food enthusiasts who've made the pilgrimage to experience Sombardier's cuisine. As evening falls, the atmosphere becomes more intimate and leisurely, with softer lighting enhancing the cozy elegance of the space. The adjacent James Joyce bar adds another dimension, offering a more relaxed setting for pre-dinner cocktails or post-meal drinks.

What makes Les Parisiens particularly special is its ability to feel both exclusive and accessible. Located within a luxury hotel yet open to all, it maintains an air of refinement without the stuffiness that can sometimes accompany hotel restaurants. The service team contributes significantly to this atmosphere—attentive and knowledgeable without being overbearing, they create an environment where you feel genuinely cared for rather than simply served.

Decoration

A masterfully executed 1930s brasserie aesthetic featuring noble wood paneling, velvet banquettes, grand mirrors, and intricate mosaic floors that create timeless Parisian elegance.

Designer Didier Benderli has created a visual masterpiece at Les Parisiens, channeling the opulent sophistication of 1930s Parisian brasseries while ensuring the space feels contemporary and inviting. Every design element has been carefully considered to create an environment that honors tradition while embracing modern comfort.

The foundation of the décor lies in the exquisite use of noble wood—rich, warm paneling that wraps the dining room in a cocoon of elegance. These wooden elements provide both visual warmth and acoustic comfort, creating an intimate atmosphere even when the restaurant is full. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the grain of the wood to the precision of the joinery.

Grand mirrors strategically placed throughout the space serve multiple purposes: they amplify the natural light, create an illusion of greater space, and add a touch of theatrical glamour reminiscent of classic Parisian establishments. These mirrors reflect the carefully curated interior, multiplying the visual richness of the room and allowing diners to observe the elegant ballet of service without turning their heads.

The floor features intricate mosaic work that grounds the space in artisanal tradition. These detailed patterns add visual interest at every level of the room, drawing the eye downward and creating a sense of completeness in the design. The mosaics feel both historic and timeless, suggesting the permanence of great Parisian institutions.

Velvet banquettes in rich tones provide luxurious seating that's as comfortable as it is beautiful. The plush upholstery invites you to settle in for a leisurely meal, while the deep colors add depth and sophistication to the overall palette. These banquettes are arranged to create intimate dining zones within the larger space, ensuring that each table feels like its own small world.

The lighting design deserves special mention—it's calibrated to create warmth and intimacy without sacrificing visibility. During lunch, natural light filters through the space, while evening service brings a more dramatic, romantic glow that enhances the 1930s atmosphere. The overall effect is a dining room that feels like a jewel box—refined, precious, and utterly Parisian.

Uniqueness

A rare combination of hotel restaurant accessibility with standalone destination appeal, featuring a celebrated bistronomic chef and an adjacent cocktail bar in a stunning 1930s-inspired setting.

Les Parisiens occupies a unique position in Paris's competitive dining landscape, successfully transcending the typical limitations of hotel restaurants to become a genuine culinary destination. While located within the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain, the restaurant welcomes outside guests with the same warmth as hotel residents, creating an inclusive atmosphere that's increasingly rare in luxury hotel dining.

The presence of Chef Thibault Sombardier elevates Les Parisiens beyond typical hotel fare. As a recognized figure in haute bistronomie, Sombardier brings credibility and culinary vision that would distinguish any standalone restaurant. His decision to helm a hotel restaurant speaks to the quality of the project and the freedom he's been given to execute his vision. This isn't a celebrity chef lending their name to a hotel operation—this is a serious culinary professional fully engaged in daily service and menu development.

The restaurant's design represents another distinctive element. While many contemporary restaurants chase minimalist aesthetics or industrial chic, Les Parisiens embraces the ornate elegance of 1930s brasserie design without feeling dated or overly nostalgic. Didier Benderli's interior strikes a balance that's increasingly difficult to achieve—it feels both timeless and current, luxurious yet comfortable, formal yet welcoming. The attention to detail in the wood paneling, mosaic floors, and velvet upholstery creates an environment that rewards close observation.

The integration with the James Joyce bar adds versatility that many restaurants lack. You can begin your evening with cocktails in the bar before moving to the dining room, or conclude your meal with digestifs in a different setting without leaving the establishment. This flexibility enhances the overall experience, allowing you to modulate the pace and atmosphere of your visit.

The wine program deserves special mention for its breadth and thoughtfulness. The inclusion of biodynamic wines alongside prestigious appellations reflects a modern approach to wine service—honoring tradition while embracing innovation. The ability to order quality wines by the glass (starting at €15) makes exploration accessible, while the bottle list satisfies serious collectors and special occasion diners.

Les Parisiens also distinguishes itself through consistency and accessibility. Open daily for both lunch and dinner (12:00-14:15 and 19:00-22:15), it provides reliable quality regardless of when you visit. The covered terrace extends the dining options during pleasant weather, adding another dimension to the experience. The location in the 7th arrondissement, near Rue du Bac metro station, makes it accessible while maintaining the quiet elegance of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Perhaps most significantly, Les Parisiens succeeds in creating a sense of occasion without intimidation. This is sophisticated dining that doesn't require you to study etiquette guides or worry about dress codes. The service team reads the room expertly, adjusting their approach to match each table's preferences—formal when appropriate, more relaxed when that's what guests prefer. This emotional intelligence in service, combined with Sombardier's exceptional cuisine and the beautiful setting, creates an experience that feels both special and genuinely welcoming.

Insider Tips

Reserve ahead for dinner, consider the excellent-value lunch menu, and don't miss the covered terrace during pleasant weather or cocktails at the adjacent James Joyce bar.

To make the most of your experience at Les Parisiens, we recommend booking in advance, particularly for dinner service when the restaurant fills quickly with both hotel guests and outside diners. You can reserve through their Zenchef booking system, which provides real-time availability and confirmation. While walk-ins may be accommodated during quieter periods, reservation ensures you won't be disappointed, especially if you're planning a special occasion.

The lunch menu represents exceptional value for this level of cuisine. Starting at €39 for two courses (entrée/plat or plat/dessert), it offers an accessible entry point to Sombardier's cooking without compromising on quality or portion size. If you're visiting Paris on a budget but want to experience haute bistronomie, lunch at Les Parisiens provides that opportunity. The lunch service (12:00-14:15) also tends to be slightly less formal than dinner, making it ideal if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

During pleasant weather, request a table on the covered terrace. This outdoor space provides a different perspective on the dining experience while maintaining the comfort and service quality of the interior. The terrace offers a rare combination in Paris—refined dining in an outdoor setting that's protected from the elements. It's particularly lovely during spring and early autumn when temperatures are mild.

Consider starting your evening at the adjacent James Joyce bar rather than arriving directly at your table. The bar serves expertly crafted cocktails in a setting that's slightly more relaxed than the dining room, allowing you to ease into your evening. This also gives you flexibility with timing—if you arrive early for your reservation, you have a comfortable place to wait, and if you're running slightly late, you can text ahead and enjoy a drink while your table is prepared.

When it comes to wine, don't hesitate to ask for guidance from the sommelier team. They're knowledgeable about the extensive list and genuinely enthusiastic about helping you discover bottles that match both your preferences and your meal. If you're interested in exploring biodynamic wines, this is an excellent opportunity—the selection here is more extensive than at many Paris restaurants. Starting with wines by the glass (from €15) allows you to try different styles throughout your meal without committing to a full bottle.

For the best overall experience, we suggest arriving with an appetite and time to spare. This isn't a restaurant for rushed meals—the pacing is designed to allow you to savor each course and enjoy the atmosphere. Plan for at least two hours for dinner, longer if you're having multiple courses or spending time at the bar.

The restaurant is located at 5 rue du Pré-aux-Clercs in the 7th arrondissement, easily accessible via the Rue du Bac metro station (line 12). The neighborhood is perfect for a pre- or post-dinner stroll, with Saint-Germain-des-Prés's galleries, boutiques, and historic cafés just minutes away.

If you're celebrating a special occasion, mention it when booking. While Les Parisiens doesn't go overboard with celebrations, the team appreciates knowing about birthdays, anniversaries, or other milestones and will ensure your experience is appropriately memorable.

Finally, if you're staying at the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain, take advantage of your proximity to try both lunch and dinner during your stay. The menu changes enough between services, and the atmosphere shifts sufficiently between day and evening, that you'll have two distinct experiences even at the same restaurant.

Must-try Dishes

Demi-homard gratiné, Vol-au-vent "Paris-Deauville", Ris de veau en meurette, Ravioles d'escargots, Magret de canard, Tartare, Pavlova aux fruits rouges, Mousse au chocolat-praliné