Élysée - Étoile: Chic Addresses to Remember

© Hôtel Norman Paris / Angela di Paolo for Les Jardins du Presbourg / Studio Magenta for Hando Champs-Élysées

The most luxurious district in Paris lives to the rhythm of the stars! Iconic landmarks come to mind, like its famous square unfolding 12 sublime avenues, but also its grand luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. Festive dining spots, high-flying Japanese tables, discreet museums, sharp concept stores, charming terraces, and sophisticated cocktails: here is a showcase of top addresses to enjoy the beauty of the Golden Triangle, around the Champs-Élysées and Place de l’Étoile.

Its terrace offers the prettiest view in the neighborhood facing the Arc de Triomphe. Located on the Grande Armée side, Les Jardins du Presbourg is a jewel from the Beaumarly group (Thoumieux, L’Aventure, Cassaro’s…), sharing with its sister addresses a distinct sense of style, a great atmosphere, and flavorful dishes. The colorful decor designed by Martin Brudnizki gives pride of place to marine and Parisian details, featuring a garden fresco, Art Deco mirrors, and a sparkling bar that feels tailor-made for a romantic date.

Comfortably seated in this plush dining room or on its lovely outdoor patio, guests can share a pesto pizzetta (€22), steamed shrimp dumplings (€20), or sea bass ceviche (€28), before savoring a perfectly roasted Landes chicken (€31), a classic club sandwich (€26), a "crying tiger" beef dish (€42), or a sole meunière (€65). Finish on a sweet note with an elegant red berry pavlova (€20) or a crème brûlée (€14). Psst: rumor has it that the Sunday XXL buffet-style brunch is a local must-try, serving brunch staples, customizable fresh salads, and a delightful selection of sweet treats, including hearty cookies and pancakes (€65).

Les Jardins du Presbourg, 3 avenue de la Grande Armée, Paris 17th. Open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM and weekends from 10:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Brunch every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The most Mad Men: Norman. We are crazy about its 60s club-style decor featuring ultra-sleek brown leather or ochre velvet armchairs, olive green walls, beautiful rugs, paintings, lamps, and pretty vases. From the quiet Rue Balzac, which opens down onto the Champs-Élysées, you can catch a glimpse of the gorgeous dining room of Thiou—the nickname of Thai Chef Apiradee Thirakomen, who attracts the area's stylish crowd. The ultimate experience is sipping cocktails at the bar directly from a sofa, whispering sweet nothings into your date's ear. 9 rue Balzac, Paris 8th. +33 1 42 99 80 80. Rooms starting from €396.

The most charming: Château des Fleurs. Cannage-patterned carpets or hardwood floors, daybeds, hand-shaped door handles, Murano glass light fixtures, ochre velvet sofas, and red-and-white striped candy-cane bathrooms: we adore its character-filled decor. Our favorite rooms? The bright Corner Junior Suites (overlooking the future neighboring Vuitton hotel) and the Duplex Junior Suite with an upstairs bed—an adorable space that feels like staying in a private townhouse steps away from the Champs-Élysées. 19 rue Vernet, Paris 8th. +33 1 47 20 41 73. Double rooms starting from €480.

The most low-key: Balzac. Just a stone's throw from Étoile, we love this address for its refined, minimalist elegance, sitting right next to Pierre Gagnaire’s three-star restaurant. Neutral tones, clean lines, Festen furniture, and Diptyque bath products: this Relais & Châteaux, built on the site of writer Honoré de Balzac's final residence, offers 58 rooms and suites (some with Eiffel Tower views on the top floor) as well as a bar perfect for romantic encounters. Its Ikoï Spa serves as a true sanctuary worthy of traditional Japanese havens, featuring a shiatsu booth and a cozy wellness space. 6 rue Balzac, Paris 8th. +33 1 44 35 18 00. Rooms starting from €455.

© Norman / Château des Fleurs x Mr. Tripper / Balzac

Hando Champs-Elysées: Adrien Albou has been on a roll since opening his first Parisian venue in 2022, now boasting four restaurants making us addicted to handrolls—the long makis meant to be enjoyed by hand. For this “most accomplished expression of his curatorial vision,” this Japan enthusiast pushed the decor boundaries where every detail matters, brought to life by the Friedman & Versace studio. Around a large central counter seating 33 guests or on a banquet table for groups, guests continue to enjoy addictive nigiris (from €8), handrolls galore (5-piece menu for €35), and a frozen Kome Mango mocktail with a rice-like texture (€14). 63 rue Pierre Charron, Paris 8th.

Aqua Kyoto: With its view of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, this is THE rooftop of the moment. While luxury sushi and maki can be ordered à la carte (california rolls €19, mint-sake salmon Crystal Sushi €20), a reasonable option is to opt for assortments of hot and cold small plates: black cod gyozas (€23), edamame (€9), clam miso soup (€19), Rock Shrimp Tempura to dip in an umami chilli-garlic mayo and seaweed powder (€26), without forgetting silky buckwheat matcha noodles with Japanese wild mushrooms and teriyaki onion (€29), and salmon katsu (€34). Cute for dessert: iced mochis (€15). 26 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8th.

UNI: Imagine a cozy hideaway styled like a Japanese boudoir, akin to the seductive yet mysterious backdrop of a James Bond scene. Kimono-clad waitstaff, an explicit menu honoring shibari—the Japanese art of bondage… Everything here looks straight out of a movie, right down to the hidden tatami-style room for large groups. Among raw fish and cooked dishes, favorites include yellowtail carpaccio with jalapeño sauce (€27), spicy salmon sushi rolls (€19), scallop handrolls (€24), delicious nigiris, and main courses like miso black cod (€49) or wagyu ramen (€39). Special mention for the divine cocktails featuring umeshu, sake, matcha, Japanese whisky, and yuzushu (€25). Bonus: you can also drop by just for a drink and share a few plates for a quick date. 10 rue de la Tremoille, Paris 8th.

© Uni / Robin Le Febvre x Hando / The Travel Buds x Aqua Kyoto

Sir Winston: In an Orient Express-inspired setting designed by Laura Gonzalez, enjoy excellent Indian-influenced creations, ranging in spiciness from the tropical Lad Tiki to the Red Spirit with açaí liqueur, or the Raspberry Mosaïc with Beefeater gin. 5 rue de Presbourg, Paris 16th. Cocktails between €12 and €16.

Monsieur George: We love the bar at this 5-star hotel with a newly starred restaurant. Decked in green zellige tiles and mirrors, it is ideal for impressing a date over a fresh Chequer made with mezcal, coconut liqueur, syrup, and lime sour mix. 17 rue Washington, Paris 8th. Signature cocktails €23.

Mun: A high-flying rooftop on the Champs-Élysées to socialize while clinking glasses filled with refined elixirs, such as the Amaterasu made with Grey Goose vodka, Ninki-Ichi sake, passion fruit, tonka, and mirin, or the Jundo Spicy: Altos Blanco tequila, red shiso, red kosho, agave, and lime. 52 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8th. Cocktails at €22.

© Hotel Monsieur George by Massimo Marcolin and Mun Paris by Salomé Rateau.

Bœuf sur le Toit: No introduction needed for this iconic Roaring Twenties address where Christian Dior, Brigitte Bardot, and Yves Saint Laurent once danced. This haunt is more than ever the HQ for the star system: chic celebrities and fashion crowds flock to the doorway of the most glamorous restaurant in town. Designed by Alexis Mabille, it features a music-hall vibe with a grand piano, aged mirror tables, crystal chandeliers, and patterned carpets. On the menu: deviled eggs, truffle and parmesan rigatoni, sea bass tartare with citrus. 34 rue du Colisée, Paris 8th. Truffle parmesan rigatoni €30.

Chez Gala: The uniquely festive restaurant Paris has been waiting for! With its opulent blue-lacquered decor featuring feather pendant lights, colorful stained glass, velvety fabrics, and a disco ball, Chez Gala brings a refined twist to the genre, instantly transporting guests to the chic Paris of the 1970s. Not to mention live singers and piano players keeping the room dancing until 2:00 AM. On the menu: roasted rack of lamb, truffle cream fettuccine, seared salmon fillet. 6 rue Arsène Houssaye, Paris 8th. Sliced beef tenderloin €36.

Mondaine de Pariso: In a neo-cabaret spirit, this former Roxie spot puts on its finest attire: wall-to-wall carpets, animal prints (leopard leading the pack), sultry mirrors, and provocative canopy beds. Spread over two floors featuring a bar, alcoves, a library, and a smoking lounge where guests can roam freely and clink glasses with new acquaintances. For every party, a live team of musicians and singers sets the soundtrack, tapping into nostalgia with French pop classics and global hits everyone knows by heart. On the menu: truffled grilled cheese, gambero rosso carpaccio, truffle rigatoni, sole meunière. 23 rue de Ponthieu, Paris 8th. Lobster roll €36.

Gigi: Following Ramatuelle and Val d’Isère, Laurent de Gourcuff (Paris Society) brought his festive holiday dining concept to Paris to the delight of his stylish regulars. It took a worthy venue to host its VIP crowd: high on the top floor of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the magic happens with a breathtaking view, two sublime terraces, and a lively orchestra to set the mood for wild nights… Safe to say models and beautiful people fill the room every evening. On the menu: fritto misto, parmigiano, burrata pizza. 15 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8th. Linguine alle vongole €39.

Giulia: Tutto a posto! Steps away from the Champs-Élysées, Italian flavor makes itself home inside this vibrant restaurant filled with live performances and DJ sets. Giulia brings the warmth of a chic and cozy decor with plush carpets, bucolic wallpaper, and soft velvet banquettes that warm up the room. This nightlife beauty opens its arms to groups celebrating special occasions, welcoming them into an XL space filled with alcoves and set to a soundtrack of classic Italian hits. On the menu: sea bass carpaccio, tagliolini al salmone, beef fillet, tiramisu. 20 rue Quentin Bauchart, Paris 8th. Risotto capesante €34.

© Mondaine de Pariso by Romain Ricard and Chez Gala by Raphaël Chêne

© Mondaine de Pariso by Romain Ricard / Giulia / Chez Gala by Raphaël Chêne.

Kith: In ten years, Kith has become the go-to brand for lovers of American-style luxury streetwear. Founder Ronnie Fieg—a marketing mastermind and key player in New York street culture—is among the East Coast's most influential entrepreneurs, idolized by a million followers. Fashion, culture, and design meet across three floors, featuring an indoor Parisian café setting serving brunch from the iconic New York venue Sadelle’s. Here you will find cute summer tops, sharp books on photography or skate culture, Bottega Veneta sunglasses, and, of course, incredible pairs of sneakers. 49 rue Pierre Charron, Paris 8th.

Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées: While its concept has broadened since its splashy 2019 opening, we still love the department store’s beauty floor, showcasing cutting-edge brands and hosting regular pop-ups to follow on Instagram. Across themed floors, discover a food court, a curated jewelry selection, a sunglasses display wall, cool sneakers, Skims loungewear and lingerie, top-tier luxury labels on the upper floor, and even a complimentary personal shopping service by appointment. 60 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8th.

Musée Cernuschi: Located right next to Parc Monceau, this surprising museum specializes in Asian arts, offering a rare collection of artifacts brought back from China and Japan by Italian patriot Henri Cernuschi. Inside his former home, embark on an inspiring journey discovering true masterpieces, including Buddha statues, wooden tigers, fine porcelain, and exquisite prints. 7 avenue Velasquez, Paris 8th. Free admission.

Musée Jacquemart-André: Behind its austere façade, one would never guess an impressive courtyard conceals an architectural gem featuring a winter garden and a monumental Second Empire staircase. Even better: after exploring a (persistently fascinating) exhibition, sit down in the tea room to enjoy a steaming Sencha tea paired with a lovely pastry. 158 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 8th. Full price €19.

Petit Palais: Standing opposite the Grand Palais, this monument is worth a visit first and foremost for its stunning architecture, also built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. You can wander for hours looking up at the vestibule, grand galleries, pavilions, and garden, almost forgetting to admire the artworks in the current exhibition, We are (still) here! Avenue Winston Churchill, Paris 8th. Exhibition "We are (still) here" is free.

© Culturespaces / Sofiacome / Musée Jacquemart-André; © Petit Palais; © Paris Musées / Musée Cernuschi, musée des arts de l’Asie de la Ville de Paris.

Discover our favorite addresses in the 16th arrondissement and 12 chic spots around Place Vendôme.