Photos: © Raphaël Flipo x Faaï - Andaaz - TheTravelBuds x Hanaa
With summer holidays just around the corner, wanderlust is kicking in! To satisfy your travel cravings, take off immediately for the Balkans, India, or Thailand with these three new hotspots that deliver serious flavor. Three destinations, zero carbon footprint: get your reservations ready!
Andaaz
The Vibe: Overlooking Place Pereire, this new Indian restaurant brings a welcome burst of energy to a traditionally quiet neighborhood. Open non-stop from 8 AM to midnight, Andaaz is buzzing from breakfast to dinner in a sleek setting designed by Charlotte Charbonneau, pimping up the space with leopard accents, opulent chandeliers, velvet banquettes, and a charming terrace. The concept? Making Indian cuisine sexier than ever, inspired by the trendy London hotspots loved by the two founding brothers of Andaaz.
On the Menu: Start by sharing the vegetable samosas (€9), a beautifully roasted and delicately smoked aubergine (€12), and crispy prawns with a spicy marinade and mint-coriander chutney (€16). Exceptionally comforting, the butter chicken keeps you coming back for more with its creamy tomato, cashew, and spice sauce (€22). Alternatively, go all out with the Mixed Grill platter, which lets you sample chicken tikka, tandoori king prawns, and lamb chops all at once (€24). Absolutely essential: mop up every last drop of sauce with a generous supply of naans (available in garlic, cheese, truffle, or chili cheese, from €4 to €10).
The Little Extra: Its new Sunday brunch, perfect for recovering from long summer parties around all-you-can-eat buffets (€36 per person) loaded with naans, samosas, skewers, and other cold and hot delicacies.
Andaaz, 6 place du Maréchal Juin, Paris 17th. Open every day from 8 AM to midnight.
Holy Bureks Paris
The Vibe: Unless you grew up in the Balkans or regularly travel to Croatia or Serbia, it is highly unlikely you have ever tasted a burek. The reputation of this elongated snack (a whopping 42 cm long), born in grandmothers' kitchens and later industrialized, has been completely revitalized by a Croatian restaurateur and hotelier. After traveling across the region in search of the "true" recipe—a filo pastry stretched out until it is almost translucent, then worked by hand and filled with premium ingredients—Sedi opened his first Holy Burek in Dubrovnik. It was a massive success, leading to openings in Dubai, Miami, and now… Paris, near Cadet.
On the Menu: As a single-product concept, you will find very few recipes in this pocket-sized, vibrant yellow canteen, but each is more devilishly good than the last: the ultra-melting classic potato and onion burek, seasoned with black pepper (€4.50); the cheese version, where the elastic texture of the ricotta feels beautifully like halloumi (€6); the spinach and cheese option, our personal favorite (€6.50); or the chicken-onion (€8) and veal-onion (€9) versions.
The Little Extra: Just like in a specialty coffee shop, you can pair your meal with a café latte (€5.50) or a matcha (€5.80).
Holy Burek Paris, 66 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 10th. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Hanaa
The Vibe: To satisfy our sudden (and frequent, we admit) cravings for couscous and kemias, this brand-new spot in the 11th arrondissement completely won our hearts. Head to Hanaa, where Chef Mahdi Abid sets out to "tell the story of Algeria differently, with elegance and precision." From the street, the restaurant catches the eye with its Oriental storefront and light-toned arches. Inside, the warm atmosphere takes over: terracotta shades, golden lighting, natural materials, and a curated playlist instantly plunge you into a cozy, welcoming space. The restaurant is designed like a grand contemporary Algerian home, where guests come as much for comfort as they do for the journey.
On the Menu: No fuss here, just generous and beautifully balanced plates. Start with the crispy beef boureks (€8) to dip with your fingers into a refreshing lemon-mint cream, accompanying delicious grilled aubergines with Oriental spices and roasted tomatoes flavored with cinnamon and parmesan. Follow up with the timeless beef, farmhouse chicken, or lamb couscous (between €20 and €24), served with its own pitcher of flavorful sauce (yes, a whole pitcher). The second option: the jwaz, a melt-in-your-mouth beef chuck that is absolutely to die for, escorted by a variety of seasonal vegetables (€25). If you still have room for a sweet note, we highly recommend the Constantinian mehalbi (€9)—a smooth cream scented with orange blossom, served with a drizzle of honey and crushed, crunchy pistachios… Mic drop.
The Little Extra: Hanaa also features a delicatessen corner stocked with refined local products. Plus, on certain evenings, the restaurant comes alive to the rhythm of Algerian music, channeling the spirit of large family gatherings where hospitality is second nature.
Hanaa, 123 rue du Chemin Vert, Paris 11th. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 10 PM.
Karamna
The Vibe: Need a break amidst your holiday feast preparations? Head to the ultra-chic 16th arrondissement at Karamna to enjoy a relaxing meal before the hustle and bustle of long Christmas dinners. This family-run Lebanese restaurant truly lives up to its name (generosity in Arabic), offering an authentic culinary journey to the heart of the Levant.
On the Menu: Mezzes come in various forms—hot, as dips, or finger-food style—including the indulgent grilled halloumi (€9), aubergine caviar, the essential hummus (€8), and the legendary falafels (€8 for 4 pieces). To embrace the joy of sharing, opt for the menus for 2 people, which perfectly compile the house specialties. If you are part of the "don't touch my plate" team, choose between the lemon chicken (€22), the roasted Shawarma-style meat (€25), or the combo menus to taste a bit of everything (from €10).
The Little Extra: The desserts are well worth the detour, from the legendary Baklawa (€4.50 for two pieces) to the Mouhalabieh—a milk pudding with orange blossom and crushed pistachios (€5).
Karamna, 77 rue Boissière, Paris 16th. Open Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM and 6:30 PM to 10 PM, and Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM.
Faaï
The Vibe: After delighting the 20th arrondissement with Naam, Chef Anne Coppin delivers a new address near Bastille that is as elegant as it is warm. Here, Thai cuisine is celebrated around the fire—"faaï" meaning fire in Thai—inside a cozy, velvety setting designed like a true sanctuary. With green armchairs, dimmed lighting, and an intimate atmosphere, the venue blends refinement and conviviality without ever falling into clichés. It is a place that makes you want to linger just as much for the vibe as for the food.
On the Menu: The menu celebrates both traditional and lesser-known dishes, from stir-fried vegetable phad (€14) to green papaya salad (€12). True to tradition, all dishes are served at the same time to ensure a perfect balance of flavors. Our recommendation: the Yam-Som o-Kung salad with Asian pomelos, glazed king prawns, and coconut. Pair it with a Khao Phad Het—an incredibly savory stir-fried rice with mushrooms. The must-eat? The beef Massaman, meltingly tender and absolutely divine (€26), or the braised Yang-Isan chicken that borders on perfection (€24). Accompany it all with a sharp selection of natural wines or non-alcoholic options, like a refreshing glass of hibiscus juice (€5.50). Finish on a high note with the Peanut Mystère, a completely addictive dessert. You will leave this sensory boudoir with only one urge: to return as soon as possible. The Thai flavor punch Paris was waiting for.
The Little Extra: Enjoy a direct view of the open kitchen from the dining room, where the dancing flames and precise movements of the kitchen brigade are part of the show.
Faaï, 15 rue Trousseau, Paris 11th. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM. Tasting menus at €59.
And Still...
Liza Panache
The Vibe: Liza's dining room feels like the trendiest spot in Beirut. A true institution of cool and delicious dining, its Parisian location in the 2nd arrondissement has been delighting the capital’s happy few for 20 years. Its signature? Author-style Lebanese cuisine with legendary mezzes. Recently settled at the Hôtel Panache near the Grands Boulevards, Liza serves smart daily specials for lunch and a large menu to share in the evening, all set in an elegant lounge-style decor.
On the Menu: Hit after hit lands on the table, including the zaatar brioche (€8), the signature hummus (€8), moussaka with confit aubergines (€10), beef kebbé (€22), confit lamb tacos (€26), classic falafels (€9), and Wagyu beef kefta (€22). Wash it down with a divine homemade orange blossom lemonade (€5). Finish gently with the chocolate and zaatar mousse (€10) or the Lebanese baklawa (€12).
The Little Extra: A €26 lunch menu including a daily special / fatte / solo + dessert, alongside a weekly rotating daily special at €22. Friday is shawarma day!
Liza at the Hôtel Panache, 20 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris 9th. 06 70 61 46 44. Open Tuesday to Saturday, lunch and dinner.
Mumbai Café
The Vibe: Inspired by Belle Époque Parisian spots, "Irani cafés" are flourishing in Mumbai. The team behind Delhi Bazaar brings this popular Indian restaurant style back to Paris with their second location on Rue de Trévise. The Art Deco setting designed by Dorénavant Studio is breathtaking, centered around an XXL bar and a large open kitchen that injects an electric energy into the dining room. Large groups of friends will love this culinary escape in the heart of Paris, while smaller groups will fight over our favorite spot: the striped velvet banquettes that evoke London design codes dear to the Tandoor Club group, giving the illusion of boarding a train through Indian landscapes.
On the Menu: Fall in love with the keema pav—delicious brioche buns to dip into a spicy chicken curry (€8)—or the kolidawa, fried fish paired with a mint and coriander chutney (€9). Next, rush for the tandoor-cooked butter chicken with its buttery tomato, cashew, and fenugrec sauce (€14) or the Tandoori Jingha, tandoor-roasted king prawns (€19). For a cool dessert, try the profiteroles filled with chai ice cream (€11 for three) or the cardamome Kulfi Sundae Style (€5), and the unforgettable green chili sorbet, delightfully spicy (€7).
The Little Extra: Visit in the morning for an Indian-style breakfast, perfect for remote working or business meetings over bhurjis (scrambled eggs with onions), toasted maska brioches, or naan rolls.
Mumbai Café, 6 rue de Trévise, Paris 9th. Open daily from breakfast to dinner.
UNI
The Vibe: Imagine a sleek, cozy sanctuary styled like a Japanese boudoir, reminiscent of an alluring yet mysterious James Bond scene. Waitresses in kimonos, a cheeky menu celebrating shibari (the Japanese art of bondage)… Everything here feels straight out of a movie. The clientele itself is undeniably glamorous, opting to see and be seen in the grand main room or to hide away in the intimacy of the counter to watch the sushi master perform. Best of all, a hidden room at the very back is reserved for larger parties, hosting around ten guests in a transportive tatami atmosphere. Note: Live DJ sets turn up the energy every Friday and Saturday night.
On the Menu: Among the raw fish and cooked delicacies, several favorites stand out, such as the Wagyu carpaccio with foie gras and truffle (€42), spicy salmon sushi rolls (€19), the scallop handroll (€24), or the delicious tuna nigiris (featuring three cuts of fish from leanest to fattest, from €17 to €20). For main courses, try the miso black cod (€49) or the Wagyu ramen (€39). A small fortune, admittedly, but justified by a prime position in the Golden Triangle and top-tier ingredients.
The Little Extra: Brendan, the handsome Irish bartender, crafts divine cocktails using umeshu, sake, matcha, Japanese whisky, and yuzushu (€23). Hot tip: You can also drop by just for a drink and share a few small plates for a quick date.
UNI, 10 rue de la Tremoille, Paris 8th. 01 89 40 54 34. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 PM to 1 AM (until 2 AM on weekends).
Ypseli
The place: One tastes the Greece of terroirs with a modern twist at the sunny gastrotaverna Ypseli, which has just landed in Montorgueil. Delphine Pique, Symeon Kamsizoglou, and Fragiskos Dandoulakis are behind this restaurant with a hyper-design setting featuring a red and green polychromy, where the overall atmosphere blends the codes of tradition and modernity. Marble, white brick walls, and tableware in the colors of Athens: one gets a ticket to the land of the Hellenes and enjoys mezzés, traditional dishes, and desserts to die for. An ultra-gourmet epic to discover for the beautiful days ahead.
On the menu: One indulges in epicurean pleasures and savors the taste of the Mediterranean. At lunchtime, one enjoys a Mezzés / Main Course / Dessert menu for €28. Slow-cooked chicken Giouvetsi, cuttlefish with wild herbs, and to end on a high note, Ekmek, Greek brioche, cream, and pistachios: absolutely delicious (€12 à la carte). For mezzés, on the menu or à la carte, one orders the must-have zucchini fritters to dip in tzatziki (€12), or the 24-hour marinated peppers (€9). For the evening menu, one is tempted by the ultra-fresh Seabass Crudo (€17) or the melt-in-the-mouth braised beef cheek (€24).
The extra touch: The restaurant’s grocery and catering section, hidden behind its sumptuous bar. One can shop for the best typical Greek products, tableware, and cookbooks.
Ypseli, 88 rue Réaumur, Paris 2nd. 06 99 33 60 13. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 AM to 11 PM.
Hando Marais
The place: We had already widely praised the merits of its first two addresses, first in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, then near Place Vendôme. Hando is back at it (or rather, the chopsticks) with this third establishment in Le Marais, conveniently just a stone’s throw from the Do It In Paris office, which has made it their favorite canteen. It must be said that Adrien Albou's concept is highly appealing, with handrolls that are as healthy as they are addictive and interiors that are wildly zen, bright, and design-inspired by the work of Tadao Ando, which inspired the restaurant’s name. The result: the district’s fashion crowd is already flocking to its large counter to admire chef Chiharu Takada and her team master the art of nigiri like no other.
On the menu: A small menu and a pencil are provided to select the desired dishes. Among the must-haves: Wagyu, Black Cod, Bottarga, or Yellow Tail and Fried Tofu handrolls (€7–€19), nigiris like Toro Uni (tuna and sea urchin), King Crab, or Aburi Wagyu (€8–€16), and an excellent miso soup with a delightful aroma (€7). Our recommendation? Go for the handroll menus, ranging from three to six pieces (€19–€45) to avoid breaking the bank. But oh, how delicious it is… One finishes with genmaicha ice cream (green tea with roasted rice, €6) or matcha or black sesame mochis (€8).
The extra touch: The adorable tableware, with handmade Japanese ceramics featuring irresistibly cute kawaii animals. We want them too!!
Hando Handroll Marais, 14 rue de Bretagne, Paris 3rd. 01 86 04 57 49. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Jamrock
The place: Nestled in the 11th arrondissement, Jamrock stands out as one of the (very) few Jamaican cuisine spots in Paris. Despite being widely popular in England and, of course, the USA, Caribbean gastronomy has taken its time to reach our shores! Jamrock is the perfect opportunity to finally discover the island’s flavors (Jam) and its nickname, the "unshakable rock" (rock). Behind the project are Kelly Schaal and Vincent Durupt, two passionate friends, and chef Camille Le Breton de la Perrière, a Franco-Jamaican talent (ex-Shangri-La Paris, Traiteur Té), joined in the kitchen by Jason, a Jamaican expat who has lived in Paris for a decade. This is sunshine on a plate, elevating street food with refined dishes in a chic, 70s-inspired Jamaican setting.
On the menu: The must-try jerk chicken—Jamaica’s signature dish—featuring a chicken thigh marinated for 24 hours (at least!) in a blend of a dozen spices, then slowly cooked twice, including once over charcoal (€15). The Coco Bread burgers, a coconut brioche bun that makes all the difference, are equally delicious, whether filled with pulled beef or grilled fish (€15). As starters, don’t miss the best fish fritters you’ll ever have (€5) or the avocado-marinated shrimp (€9). For dessert, one succumbs to the divine rum-soaked bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and pecans, best paired with a refreshing, exotic cocktail.
The extra touch: A great selection of vegetarian options, including plantains with mango salsa (€4), grilled corn on the cob (€6), and vegetable curry (€15).
Jamrock, 16 rue de Candie, Paris 11th. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Bomaye 2
The place: After the success of Bomaye on rue de Paradis, Camille Gozé and Laurent Kalala open a second restaurant on rue de Charonne. In a small, colorful space inspired by wax fabric boutiques, Bomaye continues to celebrate African cuisine with dishes from across the continent, revisited and modernized. Designed by Laura Chavy in collaboration with Laurent Badier, the restaurant is small but unique, vibrant, ultra-pop, and stylish. Perfect for an affordable dinner for two or a group of six on the outdoor tables after a concert at Badaboum or a drink on rue de Lappe.
On the menu: The best bissap in Paris (€5) and Bomaye’s signature burgers, inspired by Senegalese, Ivorian, and Congolese gastronomy. Our favorite? The Babi La Douce with grilled fish and chili (€15.90) and the Kin La Belle with fried chicken and spicy mayo (€13.90). For starters, go for the delicious buttermilk-marinated chicken (€12 for six pieces) or the klaklos—plantain fritters with onion, garlic, and spices (€8). For lunch, unique bowls with chicken, falafel, or tuna are served with plantains, roasted sweet potatoes, and onion (€14.90).
The extra touch: Currently on the menu, the Saha Majouja burger, inspired by Hmiss (Machouia), created in collaboration with Chef Nora from the Algerian restaurant Majouja. And for students: a special meal deal at €9.90.
Bomaye 2, 15 rue de Charonne, Paris. Open Monday to Thursday for lunch and dinner, and all day Saturday (12 PM–11 PM).
SPITI SOU: A DIRECT FLIGHT TO ATHENS
The Place: Facing Pont Neuf on the Left Bank, the chicest Greek table in Paris has just landed, open exclusively in the evening. While chef Paul Evangelopoulos’s divinely comforting dishes make you feel like you're dining with family by the sea, Spiti Sou—which translates to "My home is your home"—welcomes guests in an elegant setting with blue banquettes and refined light wood paneling. At the helm are three connoisseurs of Hellenic cuisine: the charismatic Melina (a Greek-American, ensuring authenticity), her husband Alexandre, and Hugo. They scoured Greece to source the country’s finest sun-kissed products.
On the Menu: Kick things off with sublime sunflower seed breadsticks, perfect for dipping into next-level bottarga tarama (€12). Share-worthy starters include crab tartare with finger lime (€42), zucchini fritters (€15), and fried kasseri cheese served with a surprising lemon jelly (€10). For the main event, indulge in the already-iconic Fisherman’s Pasta with shellfish and Greek saffron (€38) or the braised osso buco (€38). And for dessert? The orange cake with olive oil ice cream (€14) is so good, it’ll have you booking the next flight to Athens.
The Extra Touch: A tiny cocktail bar at the heart of the space tempts guests to linger with creations like the Greek Tonic with Mastiha or the velvety MetaXour featuring Metaxa and Amaretto (€14).
The extra touch: Taking center stage, a pocket-sized cocktail bar invites you to extend your dinner with creations right in theme, such as the Greek Tonic with Mastiha or the very gentle MetaXour with Metaxa and amaretto (€14).
Spiti Sou, 53 quai des Grands Augustins, Paris 6th. 01 42 03 00 31. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM. Bar open until 1 AM. Sunday brunch available.
MISU: KOREAN GASTRONOMY
The location: Tucked away on a quiet street just a stone's throw from Gare Montparnasse, this charming spot is worth the visit! Orchestrated by Linda Lee, already at the helm of six renowned restaurants in the United Kingdom and a Parisian street food spot (On the Bab), this little piece of Korea ticks all the boxes for beauty and excellence. Resolutely sleek, soothing without being cold, the décor unfolds with wise dark green banquettes, light wood tables, exposed stone walls, and abundant greenery. At Misu, it's easy to imagine yourself in Seoul, especially when the first dishes arrive!
On the menu: Far from being limited to the famous Bibimbap, offered here in an egg and beef version (€16), Misu's menu offers some incredibly exciting and creative proposals, signaling a beautiful modernity. From the starters, the tone is set with crazy squid and vegetable fritters (€8), delicate grilled pork and shrimp dumplings (€8), and a devilish knife-cut beef tartare with pear and a quail egg yolk (€13). Follow up with a bansang, an elegant platter served to the kings and nobles of the Joseon era, combining a main dish and 5 small side dishes. On that day, indulge in the Braised Chicken Bulgogi bansang with soy sauce (€20). To finish this feast rich in flavors, don't miss the simply perfect black sesame beignet filled with white anko (€8).
The extra touch: A divine signature drink made with roasted cereal milk, to be sipped before the meal or as a dessert instead of the traditional coffee (€7).
Misu, 8 bis rue Falguière, Paris 15th. 09 78 80 65 09. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30am to 2:30pm and from 6pm to 10pm.
QASTI GREEN: VEGETARIAN LEBANESE
The location: After tantalizing the appetite on Rue Saint-Martin (Qasti Bistrot, Faurn), our beloved chef Alan Geaam is now at the bustling Sentier, introducing a new green restaurant in heart and soul. Nestled on Rue des Jeûneurs, this charming spot adorned with leaves on the walls and punctuated with olive green accents, features a counter, banquettes, and hides a basement room for group feasting. Note: come summertime, the establishment will offer a small terrace on the sidewalk and will open its wide windows. Let the apéros begin!
On the menu: 100% vegetarian offerings paying a gourmet ode to plants. It's simple, we loved everything: from the basil & pistachio hummus (€12) to the fried cauliflower with tahini sauce (€10), passing through the little feta & mint turnovers (€12) to the mind-blowing vegetarian shawarma arriving on its small wooden tray, drizzled with tahini that we finished off with our fingers (€14)! With the appetite satiated but the craving for indulgence still flashing, we couldn't resist the sweets: adorable kneffey with rose ice cream (€10) and a scoop of Atcha ice cream (milk cream and orange blossom) signed by Bachir (€10).
The extra touch: On Sundays, Qasti Green switches to brunch mode with a generous buffet (€38/person).
Qasti Green, 41 rue des Jeûneurs, Paris 2nd. Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2:30pm and from 7pm to 10:30pm. Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.
SONIA: ORIENTAL CUISINE
The location: With velvety banquettes, black and white zelliges, golden metal suspensions, and plenty of plants, Sonia's decor, conceived by interior architect Jordane Arrivetz (Bonnie, Noti Club), skillfully blends Parisian and Moroccan aesthetic codes. Nestled in the calm 17th arrondissement, this sunny brasserie welcomes chef Stéphane Lemarchand, who has worked in the kitchens of the Crillon and the Élysée, and Fatéma Hal, the Moroccan queen behind Mansouria, who designed Sonia's menu.
On the menu: Dishes that take you on a journey with stops in Greece, Spain, and a major stopover in Morocco! Among the starters, cheeky goat cheese and fresh mint briouates (€12), tender falafels with yogurt herb sauce (€15), homemade tzatziki (€12), and a delightful eggplant caviar enhanced with lemon and coriander (€12). For mains, the star remains the couscous with perfectly buttered semolina. It comes in all flavors here, including a royal version with lamb skewers, chicken, merguez, and beef meatballs (€28), with sea bass fillet (€28), and even vegetarian (€23). If you're inclined towards tagines, the one with free-range chicken, Kalamata olives, and preserved lemon will melt your heart (€27). Feeling a bit peckish? The perfect option is the grilled lamb skewers served with fresh green beans (€26). And even if you have to loosen your belt a few notches, finish with the thin pear and pistachio tart and Berthillon vanilla ice cream: absolute bliss! (€14).
The extra touch: Regarding sourcing, all meats come from Hugo Desnoyer.
Sonia, 115 avenue de Villiers, Paris 17th. 01 53 81 56 78. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm.
Also discover the new cocktail bars that are awakening Paris and Kapara, Assaf Granit's new restaurant.
