You no longer need to empty your bank account to enjoy a taste of Parisian palace luxury. This summer, three of the city's most prestigious hotels are inviting locals and visitors alike to indulge in chic dining experiences without the eye-watering bill. From gourmet pizzas and artisanal gelato to elegant takeaway lunches and lobster-focused pop-ups, here are the latest affordable foodie experiences at Bvlgari Hotel Paris, Le Meurice and La Réserve Paris.
Bvlgari Hotel Paris Brings the Italian Summer to Paris
On the elegant Avenue George V, the city's most Italian luxury hotel—freshly awarded the prestigious Palace distinction—unveils its Estate Italiana ("Italian Summer"), featuring two irresistible new gourmet experiences.
First up is the Pizza Bar, taking over part of the hotel's terrace in collaboration with celebrated pizzaiolo Pier Daniele Seu. The menu features eight refined gourmet pizzas, including the standout Super Capricciosa topped with black olive cream and roasted artichokes (our favorite), Formaggi e Limone with cheeses, lemon preserve and Champagne, Cocktail di Gamberi with shrimp bisque and red prawn tartare, and even a sweet strawberry-and-ricotta pizza. Prices range from €36 to €58.
Outside the hotel, a charming Il Gelato cart serves handcrafted gelato created by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito, once again showcasing his passion for exceptional ingredients and traditional craftsmanship. Flavor highlights include apricot, lemon basil and raspberry sorbets, alongside creamy pistachio and hazelnut ice cream (from €12 for one scoop, €15 for two). The ultimate indulgence? Skip the cone and enjoy your gelato inside a soft traditional brioche scented with lemon and orange zest. Absolutely unforgettable.
Bvlgari Hotel Paris, 30 avenue George V, Paris 8th. Pizza Bar by Pier Daniele Seu, served daily at the Bvlgari Bar from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations recommended. Il Gelato cart available daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. outside the hotel.
Le Meurice's €28 Gourmet Lunch Box
Fine dining from Le Meurice for just €28? That's hard to beat.
For the summer season, chef Clémentine Bouchon has created a takeaway lunch box available Monday through Friday—perfect for enjoying beneath the trees of the nearby Jardin des Tuileries.
Inside, everything feels fresh, colorful and seasonal. The crisp salad combines little gem lettuce, radicchio, cucumber, artichokes, radishes, green beans, cherry tomatoes and spring onions, all tossed with an addictive lemon vinaigrette. For the main course, choose between a generously filled veal pastrami bun with arugula, Parmesan shavings, basil oil and honey mustard, or an equally tempting vegetarian version with grilled zucchini, mozzarella, toasted pine nuts, basil, oregano and homemade ketchup.
Dessert, naturally, comes courtesy of Cédric Grolet: two honey-vanilla madeleines and two cookies, accompanied by a bottle of water. Considering the quality, it's an outstanding deal. Just remember to order your lunch box at least 24 hours in advance before collecting it from the reception of Le Dalí restaurant.
Le Meurice Paris, 228 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st. Lunch box available until September 15, Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Order online at least 24 hours in advance for collection.
La Réserve Paris Launches a Summer Lobster Club
While the hidden courtyard at La Réserve Paris remains one of our favorite secret terraces near the Champs-Élysées, the hotel's intimate street-side terrace—shielded by tall hedges and equipped with cooling misting systems—is just as appealing.
This summer, Bar Le Gaspard introduces its Lobster Club, a lobster-focused pop-up imagined by chef Jérôme Banctel, whose passion for the luxurious crustacean is unmistakable.
The temporary menu is entirely dedicated to lobster, starting with what may well be the best lobster salad you'll ever eat, featuring romaine lettuce, confit vegetables and an aromatic herb dressing (€69). Four mini lobster rolls are served together (€45), while a crispy brick pastry version with rich cardinal sauce costs €48.
Heartier appetites can opt for blue lobster pasta (€85) or the generous lobster club sandwich served with fries (€65). Pair your meal with one of the house signature cocktails created in partnership with The Macallan and Brugal, or cool off with the refreshing alcohol-free Sumbawa mocktail, blending apricot, kaffir lime, lemon verbena, lemon, agave and sparkling water (€25).
La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa, 42 avenue Gabriel, Paris 8th. Lobster Club at Bar Le Gaspard, open seven days a week without reservations. Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday and Sunday: until midnight.
Also discover: 5 five-star hotel terraces to book this summer and the romantic restaurant everyone should know in Paris's 8th arrondissement.
