The New Latin Restaurants in the Capital

No need to book a round trip to Madrid, Barcelona or even Bogotá to treat yourself to a little escape: all you have to do now is book a table at one of the new Latin restaurants that have just opened in Paris. Between an address where dishes are prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, a Spanish cantina, the big sister of the coffee shop Cortado, or even a trip to Colombia: here’s a focus on our three favorite spots, perfect for satisfying a sudden craving for tortilla or other dishes that taste like sunshine.

The place: dreaming of a round trip to Spain without leaving Paris? Head to Rosario, a new Iberian restaurantlocated just a few steps from the Grands Boulevards. Spread over two floors, Parisian bistro codes and Spanish influences blend perfectly, creating a place that invites you to travel without falling into clichés. Between the traditional tiles, ceiling fans, wood paneling, red tones and the Barcelona-style tapas bar, you’ll find Spanish authenticity with a modern twist. Upstairs, the atmosphere becomes more intimate yet still convivial: settle into one of the booth banquettes with a beautiful view of the open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs preparing your feast. The little extra? A private lounge, perfect for large tables and special occasions.

The muy caliente dishes: when you say Spain, you say tapas and a table filled with irresistible plates to share all evening long. Here, the recipes are signed by José María Goñi Martinez. This Basque chef, who earned a Michelin star in a Madrid restaurant, is committed to showcasing Spanish cuisine in the most authentic way. We start the feast with pimientos with olive oil and sea salt (8 €), so good they could make even the biggest carnivores eat greens, before moving on to the classic pan con tomate (3,50 €), freshly sliced Iberian ham (24 €), and of course the iconic tortilla with caramelized onions (8 €). Huge favorite for the Galician mussels, escabeche and shoestring fries, an unusual but very tasty combination (13 €). For those who prefer not to share, we recommend the Iberian pork cheeks with red wine, cocoa and homemade mashed potatoes (22 €). On the sweet side, only bangers! Between the tarta de queso, an ultra-creamy Basque cheesecake and house specialty (9 €), and the chocolate mousse infused with Iberian ham, olive oil and sea salt (8 €): we don’t choose — we take both. Everything is of course best paired with a delicious sangria (7 €) for total immersion.

Rosario, 96 rue Richelieu, Paris 2e. Open every day from 12pm to 2:30pm, weekends until 3:30pm, then from 7pm to 10:30pm. Lunch formula main + dessert 22 € or 18 € for the main dish only.
© Benoit Linero

The place: after a first successful year, the Iberian coffee shop Cortado continues to take over Rue Charlot with a second spot just a few steps from its big brother. Opened last summer, La Cantina quickly became a go-to address for Spanish cuisine lovers. The décor? A relaxed cantina-style bar, just like in Barcelona or Madrid, with the same effortlessly cool spirit as Cortado. Between the tiled walls, the large counter where guests can sit and watch the chefs in action, the wooden tables, and the seats facing the open window onto the street, you instantly feel at home.

The muy caliente dishes: the tapas to share start the show with gildas made of green olives, mild peppers and anchovies (3,5 €), boquerones, anchovies generously soaked in olive oil (9 €), or Cecina de León, a smoked cured beef with a deep flavor (8 €). For starters, it’s hard to choose between the pimientos (8 €), the ensaladilla, a mix of potatoes, confit tuna, homemade mayonnaise and pickles (12 €), or the pork loin sandwich (9,50 €). Impossible to miss the classic ultra-creamy tortilla served by the slice (8 €) that you’ll want to order endlessly. For bigger appetites, go for the roasted milk-fed lamb leg with chickpeas and spinach (29 €) or the Guiso del día, a daily stew that changes depending on the day’s ingredients. For dessert, we love the pan con chocolate, bread with chocolate and a hint of salt that reminds us of childhood snacks (11 €).

Cortado Cantina, 24 rue Charlot, Paris 3e. Open every day from 12pm to 3pm, then from 7pm to 10pm, and weekends until 4pm for lunch.

The place: goodbye to Slavic inspirations and hello to the warm Caribbean atmosphere! Datsha becomes Finka and brings a true shot of sunshine to the Marais. Between its many plants, the open kitchen with chefs in action, and the play on heights, shadows, light and textures, the restaurant perfectly lives up to its name: in Spanish, a finca refers to a traditional countryside house or farm, sometimes used as a second home. A unique atmosphere that promises a beautiful journey to the other side of the Atlantic.

The muy caliente dishes: behind the stove, you’ll instantly recognize Colombian chef Esteban Salazar, who stood out in the latest season of Top Chef. To start, the sea takes center stage with a fish crudo of the day (17 €), squid with almond milk, radish and chestnut compote (18 €), or scallops (16 €). Then comes the main course with one of our favorites: the braised chicken served with sweet potatoes, burnt clementines and spinach sancocho a true banger! Impossible to leave the table without a sweet touch. We especially love the sorbet of the day (8 €) or their Tuma Yellow chocolate ice cream with milk siphon and rum dulce de leche (10 €). Unless you go for the arepa de Choclo delicious sweet corn cakes, a classic of Colombian cafeterias served with tamarillo compote and whipped raw cream.

Finka, 57 rue des Gravilliers, Paris 3e. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm to 11pm.

Also discover our 10 favorite addresses on Rue Charlot and 5 trendy new spots in the heart of the Marais.