The new Parisian wine bars

© Adrien Zunino Trois Février ©Clemence Sahuc ©Noé Vivés

Until now, cellar dining room were rather the monopoly of the cool boho chic of Eastern Paris who swear only by biodynamic bottles and locavorisme. Now flourishing all over Paris, even in chic neighborhoods, these friendly wine bar where one shares creative plates until late while uncorking bottles from small producers delight with their friendly and accessible atmosphere. Zoom in on the new Parisian caves à manger where one meets in a group for long tanic aperitifs. 

The place. After his restaurant Les Résistants and its almost adjoining grocery-wine shop, the Parisian group of the same name, founded by Florent Piard, takes a bit more of rue du Château d’Eau with Comptoir des Résistants: a warm wine bistrot to try just as well at lunch (cool: the starter-main-dessert set at €25) as at dinner to taste sharing plates.

The plates. In the kitchen, from the open kitchen, the chef duo Marc-Hippolyte Jandrain and Céline Ripoll are busy offering simple but refined dishes, 100% from peasant and ecological agriculture. A lunch menu and a dinner menu change every day to maintain the surprise effect. At lunch, one devours for example roasted cauliflower, gwell, mint and candied lemon or deliciously addictive mayonnaise eggs. Then comes a flavorful pork roast, mashed potatoes and stewed cabbage in jus, or spelt tagliatelle bathed in a delicious blue cheese and shiitake sauce. For dessert, spotlight on buckwheat with a delicious tarte tatin with gwell cream or a lemon curd crumble style.

To drink. Louise Guillet, head of sommelier for the Les Résistants group, strikes again. On the menu: 1,000 references including nice natural and biodynamic wines. As good oenophiles, one notes the “wet lunches” from Tuesday to Saturday, with 150 references on the menu, because here the pleasure of wine is shared at all hours.

Le Comptoir des Résistants, 18 rue du Château d’Eau, Paris 10e. 09 50 08 08 67. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm.
© Géraldine Martens

The place. Installed near Jules Joffrin, a few steps from the first restaurant Crème, this “repaire canaille” thought up by the lovebirds Camille Coiffard and Maxime Guillemet, is probably your next favorite HQ. The idea of this cave à manger where one feels like at home? Share as many small plates as possible and get great quilles recommended in a countryside-style decor with high tables and candles, where everything was sourced and designed by Demain Design agency and architect Maurine Maccagno.

The plates. We love the mischiefs of chef Severino Malerba! Chorizo and reblochon croquettes with spicy sauce (€11), roasted fennel, labné and pistachios (€12), roasted camembert, honey and thyme (€13), truffle croque (€15), pulled pork tacos, spices, wasabi mayo and curry (€14) or mushrooms, gremolata, goat cheese cream and dried fruit pesto (€11): mmhh, we’d recommend everything!

To drink. Start with an amazing Italian Chardonnay at a nice price (€7 per glass, €29 per bottle) or a Bordeaux by the glass from Domaine Chibaou. Too cool: bottles are offered at nice prices, starting from €24 for an “insoumis Chardonnay” and €35 for a sparkling natural “Bulle d’oseur”.

Comptoir de Crème, 5 rue Versigny, Paris 18e. 01 42 55 61 64. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 6pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday until 1am.

The place. It’s a new chapter for Grain(s), the intimate germanopratine address cooked up by les Becs Parisiens (Chocho, Les fous de l’Ile, Colvert, Le Christine). On two narrow levels, this pocket address located in front of the Marché Saint-Germain can’t accommodate more than fifteen guests: booking is strongly recommended! On the ground floor, a wine cellar lit by red neon and a massive ham slicer. It’s in the basement, invisible from the street but opening onto a courtyard, where it really happens: a smooth mix of materials and colors, exposed stones, marble bar, seventies pendant lights, dripping candlelight, terracotta tiles on the floor and good music in the speakers – the evening kicks off with Adrien Zunino, the new director and sommelier who welcomes us with wide open arms, and a cap on his head.

The plates. In the kitchen, it’s Henry Baldiviezo Caceres, a Brazilian chef, who cooks up wonderful plates to share – or not – mixing flavors from here and elsewhere. Recommended: halloumi pillows with tapioca pearls (€12), Croq’Truffes with comté, truffled white ham (€16), stunning jeow som sauce oysters with coriander and pickled radish, or patatas bravas to dip in an irresistible sauce. For mains, share the caramelized pork belly that melts perfectly or smoked asparagus, beurre blanc, and leek oil... Also to nibble on while sipping wines from afar: a 4-star selection of Iberian cold cuts from Dehesa (€18) and cheeses from Cow (€14).

To drink. At Grain(s), the drinks are at the heart of the taste experience. Adrien tells us about his grape varieties with a sincere desire to democratize oenology, to teach us about harvest methods and to place bottles within distant geographic universes. Léo Duthet, his right-hand man, is the beer master, with a zythology degree. Originally from Brittany, he loves to travel and bring back his hoppy discoveries from across Europe.

Grain(s), 6 rue Mabillon, Paris 6e. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. 07 64 44 30 75.

©Troisfevrier
© @dajasp – Instagram / © @grains.paris – Instagram / © Thomas Jaspers / © Leo Kharfan

The place. Perched in the heart of Montmartre, this small neighborhood spot with a relaxed vibe fuses natural wine bar and shareable dishes in a raw setting. Simple but pleasant, it’s the ideal address to unwind with friends over a glass and revisited Asian cuisines. Whether you settle at the counter facing the kitchen, on the terrace for long evenings, or inside to taste in peace, the atmosphere is warm and invites you to enjoy a few glasses chill-style.

The plates. Nothing better than regularly changing the menu to keep guests loyal! At Sobremesa, we enjoy small dishes cooked by guest chefs, changing each week or each month. Plus, there’s always a tasting menu under €50. This week of April 14th, it was Cheynese in the kitchen! Her cuisine mixes Oriental flavors from Malaysia and Singapore with her Portuguese and Moroccan roots. We devoured her tofu cream with apricot mushroom confit (€12), and her tempeh Nasi Lemak (€15).

To drink. No need to ask for the wine list: the sommelier will choose the most suitable bottle based on your tastes and your dishes. Trust them: Marie and Emilien, the owners, are passionate about personally selecting the vineyards and wines they offer. And only quality, please! A selection of around sixty references, guaranteed natural, organic, and chosen with love.

Sobremesa, 127 rue Caulaincourt, Paris 18e. 07 82 93 77 56. Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The place. Located in a smart street of the 18th, this new epicurean spot shows off a green-dressed bar star posing in a cute wooden room. At the controls, two friends. Driven by their passion for wine and good food, Alexis Petit and Gautier Bouchart, ex-La Défense regulars, gave life to this hideout for buddies and oenophiles. Everything vibes to good tunes ranging from jazz to electro, making the tables dance on weekends!

The plates. Euphorie offers a menu for all cravings, with classic bites pierced with finesse like the cheese plate in size S or L (€13 and €19) or the charcuterie with country terrine, smoked speck, and truffled white ham (€13). But also and above all, savory and creative small plates to share including a smooth Jerusalem artichoke cream, tahini and crushed hazelnuts (€8), beef meatballs with lemon and celery (€16), and a spicy salmon tartare with Espelette pepper (€14). Psst: save room for the orange and speculoos tiramisu (€9).

To drink. A 100% French wine list covering all corners of the Hexagon, offering around sixty references of beautiful notes. Among the must-haves: Pourquoi faire sans blanc, a Loire white very fresh with great acidity (€6.50 per glass). The Brouilly, château de la Chaize, a light red with a hint of crushed strawberry (€6.50 per glass). And the Gaillac, a natural sparkling wine with apple and pear aromas, a great alternative to champagne (€7.50 per glass).

Euphorie - Wine bar, 61 Rue Ramey, Paris 18th arrondissement. Open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30 pm to midnight, and from Thursday to Saturday from 6:30 pm to 2 am. Tel: 06 14 29 44 12.

The place. Everyone cool from North Paris gathers at Doublevie, which in just a few months became the HQ of groups of friends coming to feast, toast, and dance. Dance, yes, because on the ground floor, just a step down, the vinyls make the crowd swing with banging sounds. But upstairs and the next floor up, near the gigantic host table, it’s the Mediterranean dishes and bottles of wine that go into overtime in this incredible 1940s glass-covered building, whose soul has been revived by the artistic director and emperor of chill Laurent Laporte, founder of the magazine Whereisthecool.

The plates. Dishes are shared in glorious disarray, small and large plates ultra-well thought out, from great produce to the perfect condiment: eggplant spinach pecorino arancini (€14), melting pumpkin gnocchi with parmesan served in an XXL dish (€29), a tuna tataki with pomegranate and basil (€36), and for dessert, chocolate mousse with fleur de sel and olive oil you’ll rave about (€11).

To drink. A lovely southern selection of natural, organic, or biodynamic wines among 50 references from the South of France, Italy, and Greece. Expect €7 for a glass (Vinoceros, La Grange Saint-André, the pet’nat Amos Baneres...) or from €29 for a bottle, with a soft spot for the Tetramythos, a mineral and salty white from Greece (€38).

Doublevie, 2 rue Poulet, Paris 18th. Open every day. Kitchen service every evening from 7:00 pm to 12:30 am. Lunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

© Géraldine Martens

The place. Impossible not to fall for this little gem of a neighborhood restaurant with a raw and minimalist decor imagined by the famous Neri&Hu studio. Papi declares its love for design, second passion after cuisine for the restaurateur and host Etienne Ryckeboer. The best table? Next to the big bay window. And at night, romantic vibes under the glow of candles...

The plates. Labeled Ecotable 2 stars, Papi is first of all about great local sourcing. It’s also an Italian chef, Anuar Laghlimi, who makes his fresh pasta on site every morning. Stars of the menu, they shine in many variations: Tagliolini with squid ink, Sicilian tomato, crunchy breadcrumbs, and lemon zest (€25). With a bouquet of starters and cheeses that smell like the Boot: Herb-cooked ham and Sardinian Carasau bread (€12), burratina with pea cream (€15), grilled octopus (€24)... And charming desserts including the surprising Cannolo Siciliano, biscuit stuffed with ricotta and pistachio (€10).

To drink. Natural wines, sometimes organic, often French but also from elsewhere. Among them: Nero D’Avola Morgante Doc, a powerful, deep Sicilian red (€45 a bottle). A Rosé Maremma, organic, from Tuscany, tasty and gourmet (€33 a bottle). And since the sunny days are here, we fall for a bottle of Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene? (€42 a bottle).

Papi, 46 rue Richer, Paris 9th. Open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. 01 71 27 77 65.

© @papi_restaurant - Instagram

The place : Heading towards Spain in a setting reminiscent of a bodega located in the Batignolles area. We love the retro XL stained glass window behind the counter filled with ready-to-eat tapas, not to mention the bright veranda filled with beautiful plants: a cozy corner to lounge on the large, plush velvet sofas... ¡Olé!

The plates : Ultra-generous tapas including classic pan con tomato (€4.50) or the creamy tortilla with mayo (€12). For an after-work aperitif, the mixed platter is a must, with slices of Iberian ham and sheep cheese (€35). To continue, small shared or solo dishes are presented on the menu, such as the ensalada rusa (€12) or New Caledonia prawns (€12).

To drink : A lovely cocktail menu including a pimped-up sangria with apricot syrup and tonic (€12) or a tangy daiquiri with fine salt, a delight (€12). Naturally, you'll also find natural wines from the Mediterranean region, such as the fruity orange wine (€9 per glass) or the Indigeno, an Italian red wine with hints of red fruits that pairs perfectly with the platter (€9).

Montijo, 167 Rue de Rome, Paris 17th. Open every day from noon to midnight. 01 44 29 06 07.

© Montijo

The Place : Part tapas bar, part izakaya (the Japanese equivalent of a bistro), Otto brings a burst of energy to the long-neglected Mouffetard district, which has been dominated by touristy addresses for too long. Whether at the bar or around the central kitchen counter, patrons come to test their elbow lifting skills as well as their fork skills. Behind this minimalist and festive establishment hides a trio: friends Stéphane Offner and Tony Alvarez-Parage, who have teamed up with Eric Trochon, a MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) and Michelin-starred chef from Solstice located nearby. Good to know: for groups of friends, there is a large table available in the downstairs area.

The Plates : Creative dishes are announced on bits of paper displayed all over the place and prepared on the spot in front of diners. The highlight? Raw cooking on Japanese binchotan charcoal and masterfully crafted condiments. A feast is guaranteed with meats, fish, and vegetables that burst with flavor according to the seasons: garlic butter razor clams (€10), chimichurri flank steak (€14), sweet potato and hazelnut fritters (€9), teriyaki chicken skewers (€13), grilled sea bream (€14), roasted butternut squash with creamy cauliflower (€9)... It's so delicious that you won't really want to share these little wonders that arrive in no particular order!

Drinks : While Otto is open for lunch with a great €19 set menu, the evening is still the best time to gather at Otto for a selection of French wines that are natural, organic, or biodynamic, carefully curated. When it comes to wine, you can eye a Larzac terrace from Domaine du Pas de l'Escalette (€10 per glass), or a white wine from Southwest France, Domaine de la Pierre Levée (€9 per glass). Feeling adventurous? Why not try a sake (€14 to €16 per glass) for a new taste sensation?

Otto, 5 rue Mouffetard, Paris 5th. Open every day from 12pm to 2am. No reservations.

© Sadiksansvoltaire

The Place : After their bustling wine bar, Loic Minel - aka Lolo - and Christophe Juville, the mastermind behind popular chef canteens Spok, have opened their bistro in the vibrant 9th arrondissement. Our hearts are torn between the two addresses, so why not start with an aperitif in one and continue the culinary festivities with a 10-minute walk? In the evening, the place comes alive, the speakers pump out music, and the shareable plates are paired with natural wines. In these two cozy spots designed by Atelier Calcaire, the interior design studio of Jeremy Chaillou and Christophe Juville - once again! - you feel as comfortable as at home, with a view of the kitchen as an added bonus.

The Plates : Remember this name: Zac Gannat. This former member of Grégory Marchand's team (Frenchie Covent Garden & Pigalle) first made a name for himself at the wine bar, which just celebrated its third anniversary, before handing over the reins to talented chef Maud Saddok. Aware of their chef's talent, the two owners entrusted him with the kitchen at Lolo Bistrot, where he expresses his unbridled creativity with land and sea ingredients. Here, pork is paired with mussels, chicken wings are served with trout eggs, flatbread combines clams and burrata (€14) and the Scotch egg is accompanied by a spicy 'nduja sausage (€11). The chef also creates astonishing culinary masterpieces with omelettes and pasta.

Drinks : Freedom is key when it comes to the wine list and bistro menu! No strict food and wine pairings, so you'll need to let go and trust the expert advice. French natural winemakers dominate the list to reduce the carbon footprint. And the prices remain reasonable: a Chenin from the Vaillant family at €36 a bottle, or a La Sorga at €46, it's almost a steal! Not to mention the little gems always handpicked by Lolo, of course!

Lolo Bistrot, 53 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 9th. Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday by reservation.

Lolo Cave à Manger, 12 Rue Châteaudun, Paris 9th. Open from Monday to Saturday, 7pm to midnight, no reservation required.

© Valentin Le Cron

The place : The latest addition to Vertbois in the trendy 3rd arrondissement. A "new wave" bistro bar opened by two young chefs, Giuseppe Craparotta and Alessandro Allegri, who brilliantly reinterpret classic dishes from Northern to Southern Italy on the plate and in the glass. Special mention for the two-tone decor worthy of a movie set, with black and white tiles, designed by Italian star designer Paola Pavone, making you feel like you're in a retro club...

The dishes : In summary: the perfect fusion of Italian haute cuisine with a French twist. Start with the melting ANNA apples with white butter (12 €) or the original celery root and smoked eel pain perdu cooked to perfection (17 €). The à la carte dishes are outstanding, with options like rabbit tagliatelle (24 €) or octopus maccheroni (25 €). Ultimate favorite: the whahou osso buco, tender and crispy, an incredibly delicate Milanese classic (24 €). For dessert, sweet toothed diners will find happiness with the old-fashioned panna cotta - apple-pear CRUfiture or tiramisu (10 €).

To drink : Start with a good cocktail, like the iconic Negroni Sbagliatissimo (11 €) or the non-alcoholic Crodino (6 €). The extensive wine list features rare gems that only connoisseurs would recognize, such as Pietra Nera by Marco de Bartoli from Pantelleria (55 € per bottle) or an orange wine by Krasna Hora from Moravia, Czech Republic (45 € per bottle). Note: the opening of the shop next door for stocking up on European origin bottles, followed by the arrival of Enzo, still in Vertbois, a sandwich shop with street food style, offering caponata-filled bread (11 €) or panelle-filled bread (5 €). We won't say more...

Anna wine bar, 13 rue du Vertbois, Paris 3rd arrondissement. Open from Monday to Saturday, 7pm to 11pm.

The place :  "Bistro - Friends - Grapes." It's all said. Perched at the top of Le Marais near Cirque d'Hiver, Arlette first catches the eye with its polished decor reminiscent of a chic country house (old red tiles, woodwork, vintage furniture...) and, a rare find in a wine bar: space! We admire the Brazilian chef Ricardo (also behind the Boteco cocktail bars) behind the bar, live from the dining room, and already dream of being able to sit on the terrace as soon as the first rays of sun appear.

The plates : As a first discovery for aperitif, the playful bites of pork rillons without pork (€9), sweet and savory vegetable-based variants made with tapioca and coconut. For starters, we opt for the soft-boiled egg with Jerusalem artichokes and Parmesan emulsion, and continue with the tender pork loin and confit potatoes. Ultimate joy: the chocolate mousse with fleur de sel and olive oil. Expect €36 for the three-course combo.

To drink : Around 40 wine references, including 10 by the glass or pitcher, chosen by Ricardo's associates who are also independent wine merchants, with the main goal of representing all French regions with an original selection. Special mention for the Pouilly-Fumé Tronsec (€55) or the Château de Passavant (€38 per bottle, €7 per glass) for whites, or the Pinot Noir from Alsace Les Sens (€42 per bottle, €8 per glass).

Arlette, 143 rue Amelot, Paris 11th. Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday. 09 84 02 65 95.

© @arlette_bistro - Instagram