Nectar

Cuisine

Chef Aurélien Lasjuilliarias brings his prestigious training to bear on creative French cuisine, executing seasonal dishes with technical precision and zero-waste commitment.

The Vibe

Nectar's atmosphere transforms from bright and welcoming at lunch to intimate and sophisticated at dinner, creating two distinct experiences within the same elegant space.

The atmosphere at Nectar demonstrates remarkable adaptability, shifting its character to match the rhythm of the day. During lunch service, the restaurant embraces a luminous, warm ambiance that encourages conversation and creates an inviting environment for both business meetings and leisurely meals. Natural light fills the space, and the energy remains relaxed yet refined, striking a balance between casual comfort and bistronomic sophistication.

As evening approaches, Nectar undergoes a subtle transformation. The lighting becomes more subdued, creating an intimate, cocooning atmosphere that encourages guests to settle in for a multi-course gastronomic journey. The mood shifts from the accessible energy of lunch to a more contemplative dining experience, where the focus narrows to the progression of dishes and the artistry on each plate.

The restaurant's elegant design supports both identities seamlessly. The young, well-trained service team adapts their approach to match the atmosphere, maintaining professionalism while adjusting their formality level to suit the time of day. On Thursday evenings, live music adds another dimension to the experience, introducing a convivial element that enhances the sophisticated setting without overwhelming it.

The cocktail bar area provides a third atmospheric option, offering a more casual, social space where guests can gather around the counter. This area maintains a friendly, approachable vibe that complements the dining room's refinement, creating opportunities for pre-dinner drinks or post-meal cocktails in a relaxed setting. The overall effect is a restaurant that feels welcoming and accessible while maintaining the polish and attention to detail expected from a Gault&Millau-rated establishment.

Decoration

The elegant interior design creates a refined backdrop that enhances the dining experience without overwhelming the culinary focus.

While specific decorative details aren't extensively documented, Nectar's interior clearly supports its dual identity as both a bistronomic lunch destination and an evening gastronomic venue. The space is designed to maximize natural light during daytime service, creating the bright, welcoming atmosphere that characterizes lunch hours. The layout accommodates both intimate dining and larger groups, with private dining rooms available for parties up to 20 guests.

The restaurant's aesthetic aligns with contemporary Parisian bistronomic design—elegant without being ostentatious, refined without feeling stuffy. The space allows the cuisine to remain the focal point while providing a comfortable, sophisticated environment that enhances the overall experience. The cocktail bar area features a prominent counter that serves as a social focal point, creating a convivial atmosphere distinct from the main dining room.

The lighting design plays a crucial role in the restaurant's atmospheric transformation, with the ability to shift from the luminous daytime setting to the more intimate, subdued evening ambiance. This flexibility in the physical environment supports the restaurant's versatility, allowing the same space to serve different dining occasions throughout the day. The overall impression is one of thoughtful, elegant design that prioritizes guest comfort and culinary presentation over decorative flourishes.

Uniqueness

Nectar's dual identity as both an accessible bistronomic lunch spot and a sophisticated evening gastronomic destination, combined with its zero-waste commitment and Clef Verte certification, sets it apart in the 9th arrondissement.

What distinguishes Nectar from other Parisian restaurants is its successful navigation of multiple identities without compromising quality in any direction. The restaurant functions as an accessible lunch destination with formulas starting at €23, then transforms into a refined gastronomic venue in the evening, offering multi-course tasting menus that showcase chef Lasjuilliarias's technical abilities. This versatility allows the restaurant to serve different audiences and occasions while maintaining consistent standards across all service periods.

The chef's background adds another layer of distinction. Aurélien Lasjuilliarias brings experience from Georges V and Marc Veyrat—two names that represent the pinnacle of French gastronomy—to a more approachable bistronomic setting. This combination of high-level training applied to accessible dining creates a unique value proposition, offering sophisticated cooking without the formality or expense typically associated with such pedigree.

Nectar's commitment to sustainability through its Clef Verte certification and zero-waste kitchen practices demonstrates genuine environmental responsibility rather than superficial trend-following. The kitchen's focus on seasonal products and waste reduction influences menu development and preparation methods, creating a dining experience that aligns with contemporary values without sacrificing culinary quality.

The restaurant's integration of a creative cocktail bar and Thursday evening live music performances extends its identity beyond pure gastronomy. This multifaceted approach creates a complete dining destination where guests can spend an entire evening, moving from cocktails to dinner to post-meal drinks, all within the same establishment. The convivial bar atmosphere provides a counterpoint to the refined dining room, offering different ways to experience the venue's hospitality.

The combination of Gault&Millau recognition (11/20, Table Gourmande), strong customer ratings (9.5/10 on TheFork), and the ability to accommodate groups up to 20 in private dining rooms makes Nectar suitable for various occasions—from casual lunches to special celebrations. This flexibility, paired with consistent quality and a genuine commitment to sustainable practices, positions the restaurant as a distinctive address in the competitive 9th arrondissement dining scene.

Insider Tips

Reserve well in advance for dinner service, consider the lunch formulas for an accessible introduction to the chef's cuisine, and arrive on Thursday evenings to enjoy live music with your meal.

Reservations are strongly recommended for both lunch and dinner service, as the restaurant's reputation and Gault&Millau rating have made it a popular destination. You can book through the restaurant's website at maisonmere.co or via TheFork, where the restaurant maintains a 9.5/10 rating. For first-time visitors uncertain about committing to a full tasting menu, we recommend experiencing the lunch service, where the €23 and €28 formulas provide an excellent introduction to chef Lasjuilliarias's style without the time and financial commitment of evening service.

If you're planning a special occasion or want to experience the restaurant's full gastronomic potential, book for dinner and consider the "Pollen" menu at €59 as a starting point. The more elaborate "Apis" tasting menu offers a deeper exploration of the chef's capabilities. Thursday evenings add live music to the experience, creating a unique atmosphere that combines refined gastronomy with entertainment—an ideal choice for celebrations or when you want something beyond a standard dinner service.

The restaurant's location near Cadet metro station makes it easily accessible by public transportation, and the 9th arrondissement setting near Square Montholon provides a pleasant neighborhood context. If you're interested in the cocktail program, consider arriving early for aperitifs at the bar, where the convivial atmosphere around the counter creates an ideal prelude to dinner. The bar also works well for post-dinner drinks if you want to extend your evening.

For groups, Nectar offers private dining rooms accommodating up to 20 people, making it suitable for business dinners or celebrations. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss group arrangements and menu options. The kitchen accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free requirements, but inform them when booking to ensure the best possible preparation. The restaurant accepts all major credit cards including American Express, eliminating payment concerns.

Note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sunday evenings, so plan accordingly. The lunch service runs from 12h-14h and dinner from 19h-22h Tuesday through Saturday. Given the zero-waste philosophy and seasonal focus, expect the menu to change regularly—this means you can return multiple times throughout the year and discover new dishes, but also that specific items you've read about may not always be available.

Must-try Dishes

Smoked eel aiguillette, Anchovy cream, Pollen tasting menu, Apis tasting menu