© Pierre Monetta pour Le Jardin Ducasse Baccarat / Baronne / Café Gabrielle
The favorite activity of Parisians as soon as the nice weather arrives? Snagging a table at one of the newest, trendiest terraces in the capital. The key criteria: a central location, convenient for everyone, away from cars, half-shade, half-sun, and a place where you can indulge. Sounds like a lot? And yet, these five chic new addresses tick all the boxes. Book your reservations!
The most elegant: Baronne
The terrace: The latest Paris Society opening can finally unveil its best asset. Opened last October, the graceful Baronne now extends outdoors, continuing the dream with an unbeatable view: that of the magnificent Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild, which houses it. At lunch, you’ll spot a few celebrities in disguise and the business crowd from the 8th district. In the evening, the atmosphere picks up a notch and gives off vacation vibes from the Riviera. On weekends, it’s the chic families of the neighborhood who gather here for brunch, with discreet entertainers managing the kids indoors, in a Disneyland-like setting that almost makes you want to join them!
On the menu: You’ll find the classic dishes done right, signature offerings of the group that delight regulars of their addresses. Sériole carpaccio (€28), marinated octopus (€24), quinoa salad (€20) or lobster salad (€49) please those obsessed with their figure, while heartier appetites opt for the XXL sharing dishes (poultry, wagyu, whole bass, tomahawk…). Yum: the beef tartare, with a runny egg yolk and addictive pommes allumette fries (€32). At brunch time, indulge in a smoked salmon bagel (€24), bacon eggs Benedict (€16), or a grilled cheese with pastrami (€28). Also note: the lunch menu at €50 or €60 for two or three courses.
Baronne, 11 rue Berryer, Paris 8th. 01 42 25 73 35. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
The most garden-like: Ducasse Baccarat
The terrace: We've already praised Ducasse Baccarat, the chic new gem of Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, set in the former crystal house museum. It was highly anticipated, and this new Parisian elegance hotspot has just unveiled its Jardin (almost literally in the grass). While we expected a bit more refinement in the outdoor furniture, the tranquil atmosphere really gives the impression of having left Paris for a countryside lunch. Open continuously, the terrace offers a special afternoon snack menu and, of course, exclusive cocktails crafted by the queen of the shaker, Margot Lecarpentier.
On the menu: We tried the spring menu at lunch, featuring a beautiful burrata, fava beans, peas, and mint (€24), a crudo of tuna with sweet pepper and goji berries (€32), an artichoke and nduja croissant roll (€22), or as a main, lobster brioche French toast with raw fennel (€48) and yellow marinated chicken with yogurt and smoked paprika (€32). For dessert, the Ducasse ice cream sundaes are divine! It’s hard to choose between the roundness of an affogato and the delicacy of a strawberry sundae with herb sorbet and raw cream (€18). Also note: afternoon snacks, a Sunday brunch (€85), and cocktails by Margot, including an exquisite Andalusian Sangria (€18) or alcohol-free options like La Route Rouge with orange, grape verjus, spices, and red fruits (€16).
Le Jardin de Ducasse Baccarat, 11 place des États-Unis, Paris 16th. 01 84 75 13 15. Open daily from 12pm to midnight.
© Pierre Monetta - Bertille Chabrolle
The most 5-star: Café 52 at the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
The terrace: Just steps from the Comédie-Française at the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, Café 52, the healthy restaurant by chef Maxime Raab, occupies a postcard-perfect terrace open all day. Fun fact: it’s located on the same lively Parisian square as Savoir, Emily in Paris' office, which you can admire live from your table! With its cozy, car-free café vibe, it offers luxury service at surprisingly reasonable prices.
On the menu: Start with a rainbow bio egg, topped with bear’s garlic mayo, toasted buckwheat, and mustard seed pickles (€16), or green asparagus with Thai dressing, sweet lettuce, confited egg yolk, and pickles (€18). Follow with a sexy healthy bowl (quinoa, marinated salmon, grilled broccoli, pomegranate, sesame, cilantro… €27), fusilli al limone (€26), or Carrot “Star” (steamed and roasted, served with green lemon yogurt chimichurri and black rice, €25). For a cool treat, try the Beauty Drinks with lattes or detox juices, plus an optional collagen, spirulina, or CBD boost (€5). This summer, look out for a collaboration with Domaines Ott from the Roederer family offering a Rosé Hour from 3pm, with a special menu: crispy shrimp with sweet-and-sour sauce (€15), arancini with scamorza (€11), focaccia with dip in tarragon hummus and confited lemon (€11), or an assorted mezze platter for sharing (€36).
Café 52 at the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, 4 rue de Valois, Paris 1st. 01 42 96 15 35. Open daily from 7am to midnight.
The most secret: Chez Suzy
The terrace: Behind the revolving door of the Hôtel Régina Louvre, away from the noise and crowds, the new restaurant Chez Suzy unveils a lovely flower-filled courtyard garden. A 5-star hideaway, dressed in plants and accompanied by the soothing sounds of a fountain, it’s the perfect spot for sipping a drink between meetings, enjoying a peaceful lunch, or a romantic dinner. With its name and the hotel’s history, which served as a backdrop for many French films (including Nikita!), the atmosphere at Chez Suzy exudes a nostalgic charm that tugs at the heartstrings.
On the menu: True to its ambiance, classic French dishes are given a twist by chef Jonathan Colin, reviving memories with a beautiful selection of impeccably served traditional dishes. From the starters, the tone is set: celeri remoulade with egg mimosa (€15). Frog legs in parsley sauce? A guilty pleasure (€20)! Sunday pâté en croûte? Essential (€16)! As for the main courses, it's a tough choice between the new vegetable pot-au-feu (€26) and sole meunière (€54) or the 7-hour leg of lamb with rosemary jus (€36). For dessert, head straight for the Crêpes Suzy, an experience that’s almost hypnotic (€16). For something lighter, opt for fresh fruit and whipped cream (€16) or homemade sorbets (€14). At Chez Suzy, tea time is sacred, and every afternoon you can indulge in a selection of sweet treats from the menu.
Chez Suzy, Hôtel Régina Louvre, 2 place des Pyramides, Paris 1st. 01 42 60 35 50. Open daily from 12pm to 2:30pm and 7pm to 10:30pm.
The most Parisian: Café Gabrielle
The terrace: Action is happening around Wagram! Recently redecorated by Emma Roux and Christopher Matignon, Café Gabrielle now features a beautiful, colorful room with dark wood and glossy red ceilings, plus upholstered seating. Awesome! A neighborhood hotspot, it welcomes early risers from breakfast onwards, serves continuously, and boasts a charming, peaceful terrace that can seat 40 guests.
On the menu: At Café Gabrielle, expect pretty, colorful, seasonal dishes made from carefully sourced ingredients. Try mimosa eggs (€10), burnt avocado with smoked ricotta and herb crackers (€12), or gravlax trout with wasabi mousse (€14) for starters. For the main course, enjoy crispy fried octopus, tomato kefta, and pea cream (€27), generous gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, smoked ricotta, and pesto (€23), or a croque-monsieur with salad (€19). For dessert, indulge in the hefty Paris-Brest (to share… or not, €14)! There’s also a cool weekday lunch menu for €28.
Café Gabrielle, 70 avenue de Villiers, Paris 17th. 01 47 63 35 75. Open daily from 7am to 1am.
Also, discover the must-visit Parisian terraces and the most beautiful terraces in Paris.