Three New Italian Restaurants to Try Right Away!

The best italian restaurant in Paris

Where to enjoy pasta alle vongole, a Spritz like in Venice, and a creamy tiramisu in Paris? Let's take a closer look at these new Italian spots that are making waves.

 

The Gastronomic Choice : Penati al Baretto

Penatti al Baretto restaurant in Paris

After delighting diners for almost 10 years at his eponymous table nestled near the Champs Elysées and earning a Michelin star along the way, Milanese chef Alberico Penati moves to the Left Bank and showcases his talent at the foot of Les Invalides. In a space that has gained in grandeur, the new Penati al Baretto embraces classicism with wooden walls, neatly set tables, and heads towards elegance, culminating in its lovely green terrace. Best spot ? Under the glass roof to enjoy the light and the view.

On the menu : Firmly rooted in tradition and following in the footsteps of his previous establishment, Chef Alberico Penati's cuisine offers a taste of refined and decidedly gourmet Italy. The level is set from the antipasti, featuring the essential buffalo mozzarella served with black truffle (€38), and the freshness of a Sériole alla marinara crudo with tuna bottarga and zucchini (€32). Next, crab ravioli celebrating the sea in all its splendor, drizzled with a langoustine stew just like in Naples (€50). And irresistibly flavorful cannelloni with tender meat, gratinated with cheese, mushrooms, and truffle, bringing a smile with the first bite! (€45). Showcasing the chef's talent, the meats and fish also burst with flavors : John Dory fillet with artichokes and pesto (€48), veal sirloin Milanese style (€49). Then comes the sacred hour of desserts, concluding this Italian escapade with a memorable tiramisu served in a cup (€16) and a divine homemade fior di latte ice cream with wild strawberries (€22). Before you leave, coffee is a must!

The extra touch : The superb wine cellar boasting over 360 selected references of Italian wines curated by sommelier Massimo Lacono.

Penati al Baretto, 94 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, Paris 7th. Open Monday to Friday from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM and Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.

 

The Cozy Choice : Prima

Prima italian restaurant in Paris

Neapolitan pizza continues to conquer the Parisian food scene, but this one is set to take the lead! Head to the 17th arrondissement, where Prima has a charming address designed by the Via Flaminia studio. The decor unfolds tasteful Neapolitan attributes, aligning bistro tables in Carrara marble, showcasing from the room its star oven adorned with a golden mosaic, and setting the ambiance with a 100% Italian playlist. The concept ? Gourmet Pizza that rubs shoulders with gastronomic spheres, adorned with premium seasonal products that ignite creativity. Leading the way is Chef Marco Cristofaro, a Neapolitan master pizzaiolo (formerly at Big Mamma), who takes great care in preparing his dough: plump, light, and digestible!

On the menu : The reading immediately tantalizes the taste buds ! Although classic pizzas are on the menu (Margherita €13.50, Napoletana €15), we recommend diving into the gourmet category. They delighted us: the insane Elena Tartufissima, an autumnal edition of the famous Regina heightened with truffled ham and fresh truffles, featuring San Marzano DOP tomatoes, button mushrooms, black olives, and parsley (€24). And the Bari, topped with a delicious artichoke cream, fiordilatte, speck, and 24-month-aged Parmesan petals (€23). Save a little room for the explosive Scugnizzi, devilish little ricotta cream-filled fritters with apricot marmalade (€18).

The extra touch : The menu suggests a wine pairing for each pizza (starting from €6 per glass).

Prima, 103 Rue des Dames, Paris 17th. 01 44 90 98 49. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 PM to 2:30 PM and 7 PM to 10:30 PM. 

 

The Casual Choice : Pomelo

Pomelo italian restaurant in Paris

After Café d'Italie, Chez Bartolo, and I Grappoli, the two cousin-comrades Nicolas and Alexis bring their Italo-Mediterranean touch to the Grands Boulevards. In this sunny bistro with vibrant tones, there's a vacation vibe, akin to a small southern village square, complete with fruit trees! Aptly named Pomelo unfolds a charming terrace, welcomes guests in an ultra-fresh room adorned with banquettes, and doubles the pleasure upstairs in a beautiful space for large gatherings.

On the menu : Classic Italian cuisine staples with a great selection of pasta : penne all'arrabbiata (€15), fusilli with gorgonzola and poached pear (€18), lemon spaghetti with prawns (€24). Enjoyable pizzettas (margherita, €12, four seasons €15) and some iconic dishes like beef carpaccio/fries (€18) and grilled octopus (€29). The menu also allows for Mediterranean excursions : chakchouka (€16), lamb skewers (€24). And it delights with comforting sweets: delightful pistachio crème brûlée (€9) and XL profiterole generous in chocolate (€12). Note : an attractive lunch formula at €16.50 with salad/pizzetta or main course/gourmet coffee.

The extra touch : Open all day, Pomelo can also be enjoyed in a relaxed mode in the afternoon with a latte and a pastry, or at aperitif time combining cocktails and tapas (mozzarella fritters, €8).

Pomelo, 153 Rue Montmartre, Paris 2nd. 01 40 13 07 31. Open daily from 8 AM to 1 AM. 

AND ALSO...

 

The Roman Gem: Aglio e Olio

Aglio e Olio italian restaurant in Paris

Right next to his bistro Massale, which focuses on great wine bottles, Thomas Chapelle has just opened a charming Italian neighbor with a name that will instantly make you crave pasta. Aglio e Olio (for garlic and olive oil pasta) takes inspiration from Roman canteens like Rimessa Roscioli, where you can indulge in delicious simmered dishes and heavenly pasta. The chef, who previously worked at Taillevent (a renowned restaurant in Paris), prepares mouthwatering pasta dishes that are worth every penny.

On the menu : A selection of cucina povera dishes that you could order in a small restaurant in Rome. Start with tripe (€10), artichokes with mint, olive oil, and anchovies (€13), or seppie in zumino, small cuttlefish in tomato sauce—delicious (€13). Then share a plate of their signature aglio e olio pasta (€29), melt-in-your-mouth mussel gnocchi with yellow wine and citron (€23), or beef flank steak with white asparagus, panisses fries, and cacciatora sauce (€23). For dessert, indulge in a perfectly crafted tiramisu (€9), unless you prefer the chocolate millefeuille with tarragon ice cream (€9). A great option for budget-conscious diners is the 4-course menu priced at €45.

Aglio e Olio, 5 rue Guillaume Bertrand, Paris 11th. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Lunch menu: starter, main course, and dessert for €22.

 

The VIP Spot: Siena

Siena italian restaurant in Paris

Its fashionable location in the 8th arrondissement has become the go-to place for football players and A-list music celebrities (Rihanna, Ciara, DJ Khaled...). Just a few weeks after its opening, their new Italian venue on Place du Marché Saint-Honoré (replacing Maison Plisson) has managed to attract fashion icons like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, as well as Selena Gomez, Novak Djokovic, and many other not-so-incognito beautiful people. It's no surprise, as Siena's opulent decor exudes a Gatsby-esque vibe, creating a glamorous and Instagram-friendly ambiance where being seen is a must. A surprise awaits on the upper floor, at the end of a beautiful corridor of mirrors: a cozy piano bar, perfect for enjoying a chic drink accompanied by DJ sets and live concerts on weekends.

On the menu : Following the trend of fashionable establishments where la dolce vita becomes a culinary model, Siena offers beloved classic recipes from Italy. Indulge in salmon gravlax arancini (€16), daurade carpaccio (€24), aromatic lobster linguine (€42), and perfectly executed veal milanese (€32). A must-try for next time is their Margherita pizza with thick crust, Napolitan-style (€16).

Siena, 35 place du Marché Saint-Honoré, Paris 1st. Open every day from 11:30 AM to 2 AM.

 

Dandino

Dandino italian restaurant in Paris

Ciao a tutti! Welcome to the trendy new Italian restaurant on Rue de Buci. Dandino's standout feature? Its brightly lit Art Deco ambiance, complete with beautiful red velvet chairs and fringed chandeliers, courtesy of Bureau Lacroix, the same architectural studio behind Siena! Choose to dine in the cozy room at the back, adorned with a stunning glass roof, or embrace a vacation-like atmosphere on the terrace where, due to the bustling street, you'll feel like you're in Positano in August. Behind an elegant lacquered bar, expertly crafted cocktails are shaken while the open kitchen allows you to observe the chefs in action, especially when it comes to the pizza oven.

On the menu : Start your aperitivo with a Spritz, a not-so-easy-to-find Frozen Margarita in Paris (€12), or an effective Pornstar Martini (€15), accompanied by mini pizzas and olives. Start the feast with avocado and buffalo mozzarella carpaccio with grapefruit notes (€16), followed by perfectly simmered meatballs (€18) and creatively sliced pizzas, such as the parme e burrata with tomato sauce, Parma ham, cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and burrata (€19). The risotto, unfortunately, falls short. For dessert, go for the delicious tiramisu (€14), but keep in mind that the portions are small, so it's just one spoonful! Alternatively, treat yourself to a Nutella calzone that can be garnished with bananas (€11) or pistachios (€10). For those seeking a lighter option, there's a plate of seasonal fruits (€18).

Dandino, 8 rue de Buci, Paris 6th. Open every day from 7:30 AM to 2 AM.

Also discover Riviera Fuga : the fashionable barge and  the curtain rises of Brasserie des Près : are you ready ?

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