Instagram and TikTok are already overflowing with clips of mouthwatering pasta and crispy, cheese-loaded pizzas from Red Sauce, the buzzy new trattoria in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. Mixing classic Italian comfort food with a bold New York attitude, this newcomer is turning heads—and lighting up the algorithms. Naturally, we had to check it out for ourselves. Verdict?
A Masterclass in Vibes
One look at the bold red neon signage and you know exactly what you’re in for. Inside, you’ll find an open kitchen, red velvet booths, ceiling fans, and a crowd of trendy diners snapping pics. It’s giving retro New York Italian joint—but with a Parisian twist. Credit the spot-on design to Olivier Leone, also behind the Insta-famous Onii-San and Cloche. Bonus touch? The Godfather playing on a loop in the bathroom.
Architect Sandra Cannet has made every corner count: there’s a charming little terrace facing the mostly pedestrian Cour des Petites Écuries (yes, it’s as cute as you remember), a few counter-style seats near the kitchen, and a surprise at the back—a large, unexpected dining room that feels like a mash-up between a US diner and a rustic trattoria. The whole concept is inspired by the years founders Lucas Fauroux and Guillaume Nivet (ex-Big Mamma) spent in the U.S.—where they met, of course, in San Francisco.
Comfort Food, Red Sauce Style
Despite the crowds and the soft opening buzz, service and kitchen are running surprisingly smooth. As the name suggests, tomato sauce is front and center—and it delivers. After a toast with a Campari Spritz or the house Red Sauce cocktail (vodka, tomato juice, balsamic, basil, €10), kick things off with a fun “tomato tartare”—seasoned just like a classic beef version (€8)—and juicy meatballs bathed in tomato sauce with ricotta, citrus zest, and a naughty garlic-herb soaked brioche (€15).
We weren’t fully sold on the vodka pasta, but we’re already planning to return for the crispy "all’assassina" spaghetti, promising more heat and texture (€14).
Then comes the viral star: the Detroit-style pizza, served in a steel pan with its signature “frico” crust—those crunchy, caramelized cheese edges—and mozzarella oozing everywhere. The Margherita version (€14) is everything: thick, airy dough, square slices, crispy cheddar all the way to the edges, and a bright pesto that screams garlic and herbs. Other flavors include a spicy pepperoni, jalapeño, stracciatella and hot honey version (€17), or a summery zucchini scapece with salsa verde and mint (€14).
The only downside? The plant-based frozen desserts didn’t quite live up to the rest of the menu.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
© Felix Dol Maillot
Also check out three new Italian restaurants to try now, and where to find the best pesto pasta in Paris.
