A huge terrace on Place de Valois (the very one where Emily in Paris’s office is located!), hearty French bistro fare, not a car in sight and the Palais-Royal as a neighbor: we spotted this new opening from a mile away. Michel Puech and Adrien Villalba (Biche, Margaux, Bistro Blandine) are betting on picture-perfect Paris, unveiling a new, highly desirable restaurant that is already drawing in all of Le Gratin. That’s actually its name…
The sexiest table of the season
We’ve already been several times this summer to soak up the sunshine from its dreamy terrace, straight out of a deliciously cliché Parisian TV series. Taken literally, savoring the beauty of Paris around the white-tablecloth tables at Gratin feels almost like a new ritual. Red gingham banquettes and armchairs beckon from the glass-covered veranda, while strings of lights bring a hint of guinguette spirit that loosens up the otherwise wood-panelled atmosphere: we can’t wait for winter to come and feast here with friends.
Gratin à la Gratin
The Parisian bistro experience naturally continues on the plate, with a playful menu that celebrates the flavors and codes of the old-school French bistro. To start, the gigantic bone marrow, made for sharing (€14), is a must, as are the sea bream carpaccio (€16) and the cheeky little toasted brioche buns topped with beef tartare (€14). We were highly recommended the cordon bleu (€26), but we’d still choose the knife-cut beef tartare (€21) or the Béarnaise rib steak (€29) when craving meat. Otherwise, go for the original lobster gratin, served in its little copper dish (€28), the reliable Caesar salad (€22), or the comforting tagliatelle with morels (€22). P.S.: for a true taste of France, gratin dauphinois is the obvious side dish (€6).
Finish with a caramelized apple gratin with salted butter caramel (€10), the generous bowl of strawberries and red berries with homemade whipped cream (€14), or the chocolate mousse served by the spoonful (€10). A great option for a group lunch or a birthday dinner: one to remember!
Open Monday to Sunday, continuously from 12 pm to midnight.
© Marie Desprez
Discover also the comeback of Le Grand Véfour and 5 five-star terraces to book for sunny days.
