Sourire

Cuisine

Chef Justin Brohm's homemade French tapas blend seasonal ingredients with global influences, offering creative sharing plates and traditional dishes reimagined for contemporary palates.

The Vibe

A convivial, relaxed atmosphere perfect for friends gathering or romantic dinners, where the spirit of sharing transforms every meal into a social celebration.

Sourire cultivates an atmosphere that lives up to its name—French for "smile"—creating spaces where conviviality reigns supreme. The restaurant's dual locations offer variations on this welcoming theme, but both prioritize the kind of relaxed, friendly environment that encourages lingering conversations and multiple rounds of sharing plates.

The Galande location embodies a casual, neighborhood charm that makes it equally suitable for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends. The tapas format naturally fosters interaction and sharing, creating an informal yet engaging dining rhythm. There's an easygoing energy here that reflects the 5th arrondissement's student quarter character—unpretentious, warm, and genuinely welcoming. The space invites you to settle in, order progressively, and let the evening unfold organically.

At the Rue de la Santé address, the vibe shifts slightly upward while maintaining that essential warmth. The "Table de Chef" concept suggests a more intimate, focused dining experience, though the restaurant's pet-friendly and accessible policies signal an inclusive approach that never feels stuffy or overly formal. Both locations share a commitment to making guests feel at home, whether you're discovering French tapas for the first time or you're a regular who knows the menu by heart.

Decoration

While specific décor details aren't extensively documented, both locations reflect contemporary Parisian bistro aesthetics suited to their respective neighborhoods and dining concepts.

The decoration at Sourire's two locations remains somewhat understated in available descriptions, allowing the food and atmosphere to take center stage. What we know suggests spaces designed to support the convivial, sharing-focused dining experience that defines the restaurant's identity.

The Galande location likely embraces the intimate scale and historic character typical of Latin Quarter establishments, where centuries-old buildings provide natural charm and architectural interest. The space would need to balance the casual tapas bar concept with enough refinement to support the quality of Chef Brohm's cooking—think contemporary touches within a classic Parisian framework.

The Rue de la Santé location, positioned as a more elevated "Table de Chef," presumably offers a more polished environment while maintaining accessibility and warmth. The fact that it accommodates wheelchairs and welcomes pets suggests thoughtful spatial planning that prioritizes comfort and inclusivity over formal dining room conventions.

Both venues appear to let the food, the company, and the spirit of sharing create the memorable moments, with décor serving as a supporting element rather than the main attraction.

Uniqueness

Sourire's dual-location concept offers two distinct expressions of French tapas culture, from casual sharing plates to refined chef's table experiences, all under one culinary vision.

What sets Sourire apart is its successful execution of a dual-concept approach that serves different dining occasions while maintaining a cohesive culinary identity. Chef Justin Brohm has created not just one restaurant, but two complementary expressions of his cooking philosophy, each tailored to its neighborhood and intended experience.

The Galande location's French tapas concept with global influences represents a relatively unique positioning in Paris, where tapas bars typically lean Spanish and French bistros rarely embrace the small-plates format so completely. By combining these elements, Sourire creates a dining experience that feels both familiar to Parisians and refreshingly different from standard neighborhood offerings. The commitment to keeping everything homemade, even in a tapas format that could easily rely on purchased components, demonstrates serious culinary ambition within an approachable framework.

The two-location strategy itself is distinctive—rather than simply replicating a successful concept, Chef Brohm has created venues that serve different purposes. The Galande address functions as an accessible entry point and neighborhood gathering spot, while the Rue de la Santé location offers a more elevated experience for special occasions. This allows the restaurant to serve a broader audience and provide a natural progression for guests who discover Sourire at one location and want to explore its more refined expression.

The restaurant's year-round operation, including summer service when many Parisian establishments close, shows a commitment to consistency and accessibility that regular guests appreciate. Combined with vegetarian options, pet-friendly policies, and wheelchair accessibility, Sourire demonstrates that quality dining can be inclusive and welcoming without sacrificing culinary standards.

Insider Tips

Reserve ahead for both locations, explore the tasting menu at Galande for the full experience, and take advantage of weekend brunch service for a different perspective on the cuisine.

Reservations are essential at both Sourire locations, particularly for weekend service. For the Galande address, you can book through TheFork, while the restaurant's website handles reservations for both venues. Given the intimate scale typical of Parisian restaurants and Sourire's growing reputation, booking several days in advance is advisable, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.

At the Galande location, the 89€ tasting menu represents the best way to experience the full range of Chef Brohm's cooking. While ordering à la carte allows you to customize your experience, the tasting menu takes the guesswork out of ordering and ensures you'll encounter dishes you might not have selected independently. For a more casual visit, the cheese and charcuterie boards at 16€ provide an excellent starting point, especially when paired with a few carefully chosen tapas.

Weekend brunch service (Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 2:30 PM) at the Galande location offers a different perspective on the kitchen's capabilities at 29€ per person. This represents good value and a more relaxed way to discover Sourire if you're uncertain about committing to a full dinner experience.

The restaurant's summer operation is particularly noteworthy—while many Parisian restaurants close in July or August, Sourire remains open, making it a reliable option during the typically challenging summer dining season. If you're visiting Paris in summer, this consistency is worth noting.

For the Rue de la Santé location, the lunch service provides a more accessible price point to experience the "Table de Chef" concept. The daily lunch and dinner service means you have flexibility in timing, though the more refined nature of this location makes it better suited to occasions when you want a more focused, elevated dining experience.

Both locations offer vegetarian options, but calling ahead to discuss specific dietary requirements ensures the kitchen can prepare appropriately, especially if you're opting for the tasting menu.

Must-try Dishes

Grilled beef ribs, Watermelon-tomato gazpacho, Cheese and charcuterie boards, Sea urchin tongues, Red mullet, Suckling pig