Mojo

Cuisine

Seasonal French cuisine elevated by Japanese barbecue techniques, showcasing premium meats like wagyu beef, Bellota pork, and Southwest duck alongside eco-responsible ingredients.

The Vibe

Contemporary and welcoming, Mojo strikes a balance between casual bistrot warmth and modern sophistication, enhanced by the theatrical element of its open kitchen.

Mojo cultivates an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and approachable, successfully bridging the gap between neighborhood bistrot and modern dining destination. The open kitchen serves as the restaurant's beating heart, creating a sense of transparency and connection that immediately puts guests at ease. You can watch the culinary team work with precision and passion, adding an element of theater to your meal without any stuffiness or formality.

The main dining space exudes a warm, contemporary aesthetic that invites lingering conversations over shared plates. There's an energy here that feels distinctly Parisian yet refreshingly unpretentious—the kind of place where you can celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a Tuesday night dinner with equal comfort. The layout encourages conviviality, with the open kitchen fostering a sense of community between diners and chefs.

Descend to the basement, and you'll discover MOBA, the restaurant's speakeasy-style bar that offers a completely different mood. This subterranean space provides a more intimate, lounge-like atmosphere perfect for aperitifs or after-dinner drinks. The contrast between the two levels gives Mojo versatility—you can experience a lively, engaged dinner upstairs or retreat to the more secluded ambiance below.

The overall vibe reflects Chef Gournay's culinary philosophy: serious about quality but never taking itself too seriously. The service style matches this approach, knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing. During lunch service, the atmosphere leans slightly more business-casual, attracting professionals from the surrounding Ternes neighborhood, while dinner brings a more relaxed, social energy. This is a place where the focus remains firmly on the food and the pleasure of sharing a good meal, supported by an environment that enhances rather than distracts from that essential experience.

Decoration

Clean, contemporary design with an open kitchen as the focal point, complemented by a speakeasy-inspired basement bar for a dual aesthetic experience.

Mojo's design philosophy embraces contemporary minimalism while maintaining the warmth essential to bistrot dining. The main dining room centers around the open kitchen, which functions as both a practical workspace and a design element in itself. This transparency creates visual interest and connects diners directly to the cooking process, with the glow of the Japanese barbecue adding an almost primal, elemental quality to the space.

The décor throughout the main level maintains a clean, modern aesthetic with thoughtful details that prevent it from feeling sterile or overly designed. The color palette and materials choices create a backdrop that allows the food and the dining experience to take center stage, while still providing enough character to make the space feel distinctive and intentional. The layout facilitates both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, with the privatizable Mojo Club space offering flexibility for events while maintaining the restaurant's overall design coherence.

The basement MOBA bar presents a striking contrast to the main dining room's openness. True to its speakeasy inspiration, this lower level embraces a more intimate, enclosed aesthetic. The design here plays with lighting and spatial arrangement to create a sense of discovery and retreat—a hidden gem beneath the main restaurant where the atmosphere shifts from transparent and energetic to cozy and slightly mysterious.

Throughout both levels, the decoration supports Mojo's identity as a contemporary establishment that respects tradition without being bound by it. There's no attempt to recreate a classic Parisian bistrot aesthetic, nor does the space chase fleeting design trends. Instead, the décor reflects the same balance found in the cuisine: rooted in quality and craftsmanship, executed with modern sensibility, and always in service of creating a memorable dining experience.

Uniqueness

The marriage of French bistrot tradition with Japanese barbecue technique, complemented by a hidden speakeasy bar and flexible private dining spaces.

Mojo distinguishes itself through several interconnected elements that create a dining experience unlike typical Parisian bistros. The most immediately distinctive feature is the Japanese barbecue at the heart of the kitchen—a cooking method that remains relatively rare in Paris despite its ability to coax extraordinary flavor from premium ingredients. This isn't a gimmick but rather a fundamental culinary philosophy that shapes the entire menu and dining experience.

The restaurant's commitment to exceptional meat sourcing sets it apart in a city where quality ingredients are expected but not always delivered at this level. The selection of wagyu beef, Bellota pork, and Southwest French duck represents a curated approach to protein that spans continents while maintaining uncompromising standards. Each meat is chosen not just for its quality but for how it responds to the specific cooking method, creating a synergy between ingredient and technique.

The dual-level concept adds another layer of uniqueness. While the main dining room operates as a contemporary bistrot with its engaging open kitchen, the MOBA bar in the basement offers a completely different experience. This speakeasy-style space provides versatility—you can begin your evening with cocktails in an intimate setting before moving upstairs for dinner, or retreat downstairs after your meal for a nightcap. Few restaurants in the Ternes district offer this kind of spatial variety within a single establishment.

The privatization options further distinguish Mojo from neighborhood competitors. The Mojo Club space accommodates groups of varying sizes, with capacity for 50 guests at cocktail receptions or 30 for seated dinners. Weekend availability for private events means the restaurant can transform from a weekday dining destination to a venue for celebrations, offering flexibility that appeals to both individual diners and those planning special occasions.

Chef Baptiste Gournay's background brings credibility and expertise that elevates the entire operation. His experience at establishments like 39V and Le Plaza informs the technical precision evident in every dish, while his willingness to embrace Japanese grilling techniques demonstrates an openness to innovation that keeps the menu exciting and relevant.

Finally, the eco-responsible sourcing philosophy represents a commitment that goes beyond marketing speak. In an era where sustainability claims are common but not always substantiated, Mojo's focus on responsible ingredient selection reflects values that resonate with increasingly conscious diners. This approach doesn't compromise flavor or quality—rather, it enhances both by ensuring that every ingredient arrives at the kitchen at peak freshness and quality.

Together, these elements create a restaurant that feels both familiar and novel—a place where you can enjoy the conviviality of bistrot dining while experiencing cooking techniques and ingredient quality that push beyond traditional boundaries.

Insider Tips

Reserve ahead for dinner service, consider the lunch formula for exceptional value, and don't overlook the MOBA bar for pre- or post-dinner drinks.

Timing your visit strategically can significantly enhance your Mojo experience. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Friday for both lunch and dinner, with weekend availability limited to private events. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for dinner service when the intimate space fills quickly. You can book through their website or via platforms like TheFork, which sometimes offer additional benefits.

The lunch formula represents exceptional value for the quality delivered. At €39 for two courses or €55 for the complete three-course menu, you're accessing the same kitchen, ingredients, and expertise as dinner service but at a more accessible price point. The lunch crowd tends toward professionals from the surrounding Ternes neighborhood, creating a slightly different energy than evening service—more business-casual but no less convivial. If you're budget-conscious or simply want to experience Chef Gournay's cooking without the full dinner commitment, lunch is your best strategy.

Don't treat the MOBA bar as an afterthought. This basement speakeasy offers a distinct experience that complements the main dining room perfectly. Arriving early for aperitifs allows you to ease into your evening in a more intimate setting before transitioning upstairs for dinner. Alternatively, concluding your meal with drinks in MOBA extends the experience and provides a change of scenery without leaving the building. The bar operates as a destination in its own right, not merely an adjunct to the restaurant.

When ordering, embrace the sharing-plate philosophy that defines much of the menu. The dishes are designed to be enjoyed communally, allowing you to sample a broader range of preparations and flavors. This approach works particularly well with the grilled meats, where you can compare the characteristics of wagyu, Bellota pork, and duck magret side by side. Don't hesitate to ask your server for guidance on portions—they can help you calibrate your order to ensure you're neither overwhelmed nor left wanting.

The wine list, while concise, deserves attention. With options starting at €12 per glass, the selections reflect serious curation rather than padding with budget choices. Trust the recommendations—the wines are chosen specifically to complement the bold, smoky flavors that come from the Japanese barbecue. If you're uncertain, ask for pairing suggestions based on your food choices.

For those with dietary restrictions, communicate your needs when booking. The kitchen accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free requirements, but advance notice allows them to prepare more thoughtfully rather than making last-minute substitutions. This consideration ensures you receive dishes that feel intentional rather than improvised.

If you're considering Mojo for a private event, explore weekend availability. The Mojo Club space offers flexibility for celebrations, and having the restaurant available for private use on weekends when it's otherwise closed to the public creates an exclusive atmosphere. Contact them directly to discuss options and pricing for privatization.

Finally, the Ternes location means you're slightly removed from the typical tourist circuits, which contributes to the neighborhood feel. Plan your transportation accordingly—while the area is well-connected by metro, it's not as central as districts like the Marais or Saint-Germain. This relative remoteness is part of the charm, offering a more authentic Parisian dining experience away from the crowds.

Must-try Dishes

Wagyu beef, Bellota pork, Duck magret from Southwest France, Gambas, Duck breast