Photos: © Raphaël Flipo x Faaï - Andaaz - TheTravelBuds x Hanaa
With summer holidays just around the corner, wanderlust is kicking in! To satisfy your travel cravings, take off immediately for the Balkans, India, or Thailand with these three new hotspots that deliver serious flavor. Three destinations, zero carbon footprint: get your reservations ready!
Andaaz
The Vibe: Overlooking Place Pereire, this new Indian restaurant brings a welcome burst of energy to a traditionally quiet neighborhood. Open non-stop from 8 AM to midnight, Andaaz is buzzing from breakfast to dinner in a sleek setting designed by Charlotte Charbonneau, pimping up the space with leopard accents, opulent chandeliers, velvet banquettes, and a charming terrace. The concept? Making Indian cuisine sexier than ever, inspired by the trendy London hotspots loved by the two founding brothers of Andaaz.
On the Menu: Start by sharing the vegetable samosas (€9), a beautifully roasted and delicately smoked aubergine (€12), and crispy prawns with a spicy marinade and mint-coriander chutney (€16). Exceptionally comforting, the butter chicken keeps you coming back for more with its creamy tomato, cashew, and spice sauce (€22). Alternatively, go all out with the Mixed Grill platter, which lets you sample chicken tikka, tandoori king prawns, and lamb chops all at once (€24). Absolutely essential: mop up every last drop of sauce with a generous supply of naans (available in garlic, cheese, truffle, or chili cheese, from €4 to €10).
The Little Extra: Its new Sunday brunch, perfect for recovering from long summer parties around all-you-can-eat buffets (€36 per person) loaded with naans, samosas, skewers, and other cold and hot delicacies.
Andaaz, 6 place du Maréchal Juin, Paris 17th. Open every day from 8 AM to midnight.
Holy Bureks Paris
The Vibe: Unless you grew up in the Balkans or regularly travel to Croatia or Serbia, it is highly unlikely you have ever tasted a burek. The reputation of this elongated snack (a whopping 42 cm long), born in grandmothers' kitchens and later industrialized, has been completely revitalized by a Croatian restaurateur and hotelier. After traveling across the region in search of the "true" recipe—a filo pastry stretched out until it is almost translucent, then worked by hand and filled with premium ingredients—Sedi opened his first Holy Burek in Dubrovnik. It was a massive success, leading to openings in Dubai, Miami, and now… Paris, near Cadet.
On the Menu: As a single-product concept, you will find very few recipes in this pocket-sized, vibrant yellow canteen, but each is more devilishly good than the last: the ultra-melting classic potato and onion burek, seasoned with black pepper (€4.50); the cheese version, where the elastic texture of the ricotta feels beautifully like halloumi (€6); the spinach and cheese option, our personal favorite (€6.50); or the chicken-onion (€8) and veal-onion (€9) versions.
The Little Extra: Just like in a specialty coffee shop, you can pair your meal with a café latte (€5.50) or a matcha (€5.80).
Holy Burek Paris, 66 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 10th. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Hanaa
The Vibe: To satisfy our sudden (and frequent, we admit) cravings for couscous and kemias, this brand-new spot in the 11th arrondissement completely won our hearts. Head to Hanaa, where Chef Mahdi Abid sets out to "tell the story of Algeria differently, with elegance and precision." From the street, the restaurant catches the eye with its Oriental storefront and light-toned arches. Inside, the warm atmosphere takes over: terracotta shades, golden lighting, natural materials, and a curated playlist instantly plunge you into a cozy, welcoming space. The restaurant is designed like a grand contemporary Algerian home, where guests come as much for comfort as they do for the journey.
On the Menu: No fuss here, just generous and beautifully balanced plates. Start with the crispy beef boureks (€8) to dip with your fingers into a refreshing lemon-mint cream, accompanying delicious grilled aubergines with Oriental spices and roasted tomatoes flavored with cinnamon and parmesan. Follow up with the timeless beef, farmhouse chicken, or lamb couscous (between €20 and €24), served with its own pitcher of flavorful sauce (yes, a whole pitcher). The second option: the jwaz, a melt-in-your-mouth beef chuck that is absolutely to die for, escorted by a variety of seasonal vegetables (€25). If you still have room for a sweet note, we highly recommend the Constantinian mehalbi (€9)—a smooth cream scented with orange blossom, served with a drizzle of honey and crushed, crunchy pistachios… Mic drop.
The Little Extra: Hanaa also features a delicatessen corner stocked with refined local products. Plus, on certain evenings, the restaurant comes alive to the rhythm of Algerian music, channeling the spirit of large family gatherings where hospitality is second nature.
Hanaa, 123 rue du Chemin Vert, Paris 11th. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 10 PM.
Karamna
The Vibe: Need a break amidst your holiday feast preparations? Head to the ultra-chic 16th arrondissement at Karamna to enjoy a relaxing meal before the hustle and bustle of long Christmas dinners. This family-run Lebanese restaurant truly lives up to its name (generosity in Arabic), offering an authentic culinary journey to the heart of the Levant.
On the Menu: Mezzes come in various forms—hot, as dips, or finger-food style—including the indulgent grilled halloumi (€9), aubergine caviar, the essential hummus (€8), and the legendary falafels (€8 for 4 pieces). To embrace the joy of sharing, opt for the menus for 2 people, which perfectly compile the house specialties. If you are part of the "don't touch my plate" team, choose between the lemon chicken (€22), the roasted Shawarma-style meat (€25), or the combo menus to taste a bit of everything (from €10).
The Little Extra: The desserts are well worth the detour, from the legendary Baklawa (€4.50 for two pieces) to the Mouhalabieh—a milk pudding with orange blossom and crushed pistachios (€5).
Karamna, 77 rue Boissière, Paris 16th. Open Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM and 6:30 PM to 10 PM, and Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM.
Faaï
The Vibe: After delighting the 20th arrondissement with Naam, Chef Anne Coppin delivers a new address near Bastille that is as elegant as it is warm. Here, Thai cuisine is celebrated around the fire—"faaï" meaning fire in Thai—inside a cozy, velvety setting designed like a true sanctuary. With green armchairs, dimmed lighting, and an intimate atmosphere, the venue blends refinement and conviviality without ever falling into clichés. It is a place that makes you want to linger just as much for the vibe as for the food.
On the Menu: The menu celebrates both traditional and lesser-known dishes, from stir-fried vegetable phad (€14) to green papaya salad (€12). True to tradition, all dishes are served at the same time to ensure a perfect balance of flavors. Our recommendation: the Yam-Som o-Kung salad with Asian pomelos, glazed king prawns, and coconut. Pair it with a Khao Phad Het—an incredibly savory stir-fried rice with mushrooms. The must-eat? The beef Massaman, meltingly tender and absolutely divine (€26), or the braised Yang-Isan chicken that borders on perfection (€24). Accompany it all with a sharp selection of natural wines or non-alcoholic options, like a refreshing glass of hibiscus juice (€5.50). Finish on a high note with the Peanut Mystère, a completely addictive dessert. You will leave this sensory boudoir with only one urge: to return as soon as possible. The Thai flavor punch Paris was waiting for.
The Little Extra: Enjoy a direct view of the open kitchen from the dining room, where the dancing flames and precise movements of the kitchen brigade are part of the show.
Faaï, 15 rue Trousseau, Paris 11th. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM. Tasting menus at €59.
And Still...
Liza Panache
The Vibe: Liza's dining room feels like the trendiest spot in Beirut. A true institution of cool and delicious dining, its Parisian location in the 2nd arrondissement has been delighting the capital’s happy few for 20 years. Its signature? Author-style Lebanese cuisine with legendary mezzes. Recently settled at the Hôtel Panache near the Grands Boulevards, Liza serves smart daily specials for lunch and a large menu to share in the evening, all set in an elegant lounge-style decor.
On the Menu: Hit after hit lands on the table, including the zaatar brioche (€8), the signature hummus (€8), moussaka with confit aubergines (€10), beef kebbé (€22), confit lamb tacos (€26), classic falafels (€9), and Wagyu beef kefta (€22). Wash it down with a divine homemade orange blossom lemonade (€5). Finish gently with the chocolate and zaatar mousse (€10) or the Lebanese baklawa (€12).
The Little Extra: A €26 lunch menu including a daily special / fatte / solo + dessert, alongside a weekly rotating daily special at €22. Friday is shawarma day!
Liza at the Hôtel Panache, 20 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris 9th. 06 70 61 46 44. Open Tuesday to Saturday, lunch and dinner.
Mumbai Café
The Vibe: Inspired by Belle Époque Parisian spots, "Irani cafés" are flourishing in Mumbai. The team behind Delhi Bazaar brings this popular Indian restaurant style back to Paris with their second location on Rue de Trévise. The Art Deco setting designed by Dorénavant Studio is breathtaking, centered around an XXL bar and a large open kitchen that injects an electric energy into the dining room. Large groups of friends will love this culinary escape in the heart of Paris, while smaller groups will fight over our favorite spot: the striped velvet banquettes that evoke London design codes dear to the Tandoor Club group, giving the illusion of boarding a train through Indian landscapes.
On the Menu: Fall in love with the keema pav—delicious brioche buns to dip into a spicy chicken curry (€8)—or the kolidawa, fried fish paired with a mint and coriander chutney (€9). Next, rush for the tandoor-cooked butter chicken with its buttery tomato, cashew, and fenugrec sauce (€14) or the Tandoori Jingha, tandoor-roasted king prawns (€19). For a cool dessert, try the profiteroles filled with chai ice cream (€11 for three) or the cardamome Kulfi Sundae Style (€5), and the unforgettable green chili sorbet, delightfully spicy (€7).
The Little Extra: Visit in the morning for an Indian-style breakfast, perfect for remote working or business meetings over bhurjis (scrambled eggs with onions), toasted maska brioches, or naan rolls.
Mumbai Café, 6 rue de Trévise, Paris 9th. Open daily from breakfast to dinner.
UNI
The Vibe: Imagine a sleek, cozy sanctuary styled like a Japanese boudoir, reminiscent of an alluring yet mysterious James Bond scene. Waitresses in kimonos, a cheeky menu celebrating shibari (the Japanese art of bondage)… Everything here feels straight out of a movie. The clientele itself is undeniably glamorous, opting to see and be seen in the grand main room or to hide away in the intimacy of the counter to watch the sushi master perform. Best of all, a hidden room at the very back is reserved for larger parties, hosting around ten guests in a transportive tatami atmosphere. Note: Live DJ sets turn up the energy every Friday and Saturday night.
On the Menu: Among the raw fish and cooked delicacies, several favorites stand out, such as the Wagyu carpaccio with foie gras and truffle (€42), spicy salmon sushi rolls (€19), the scallop handroll (€24), or the delicious tuna nigiris (featuring three cuts of fish from leanest to fattest, from €17 to €20). For main courses, try the miso black cod (€49) or the Wagyu ramen (€39). A small fortune, admittedly, but justified by a prime position in the Golden Triangle and top-tier ingredients.
The Little Extra: Brendan, the handsome Irish bartender, crafts divine cocktails using umeshu, sake, matcha, Japanese whisky, and yuzushu (€23). Hot tip: You can also drop by just for a drink and share a few small plates for a quick date.
UNI, 10 rue de la Tremoille, Paris 8th. 01 89 40 54 34. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 PM to 1 AM (until 2 AM on weekends).
Ypseli
The Vibe: Taste regional Greece with a modern twist at the sun-drenched gastro-taverna Ypseli, which has just landed in Montorgueil. Delphine Pique, Symeon Kamsizoglou, and Fragiskos Dandoulakis are the minds behind this hyper-designed restaurant featuring a striking red and green color scheme, seamlessly blending tradition and modernity. With marble accents, white brick walls, and tableware echoing the colors of Athens, secure a ticket to Greece and savor mezzes, traditional dishes, and heavenly desserts. An ultra-gourmet journey perfect for the sunny days ahead.
On the Menu: Indulge in epicurean pleasures and savor the flavors of the Mediterranean. At lunchtime, enjoy a Mezze / Main / Dessert menu for €29. Try the aubergine caviar, pan-seared prawns, and finish with the absolutely delicious pistachio semifreddo (€12 à la carte). For mezzes, order the essential 24-hour marinated peppers (€12) or the split peas with confit onions and Syros capers (€10). On the dinner menu, let yourself be tempted by the chicken souvlaki with fries (€27) or the meltingly tender Cretan-style rack of lamb (€33).
The Little Extra: The restaurant's grocery and deli corner hidden behind its gorgeous bar. Shop for the finest authentic Greek products, tableware, and cookbooks.
Ypseli, 88 rue Réaumur, Paris 2nd. 06 99 33 60 13. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 AM to 11 PM.
Hando Marais
The Vibe: We have already sung the praises of its first two addresses, first in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, then near Place Vendôme. Hando does it again (bringing its chopsticks) with this third location planted in the Marais—conveniently just a stone's throw from the Do It In Paris editorial office, making it our ultimate lunch canteen. Adrien Albou’s concept has everything to love, from healthy yet addictive handrolls to serene, bright, zen interiors inspired by the minimalist architecture of Tadao Ando (the inspiration behind the name). Consequently, the neighborhood’s fashion crowd is already packing the large counter to watch Chef Chiharu Takada and her team masterfully slice nigiris live.
On the Menu: You are handed a small menu and a pencil to tick off your choices. Among the absolute must-try dishes: Wagyu, Black cod, Bottarga, Yellow Tail, or Fried Tofu handrolls (between €6 and €28), toro nigiris (€9), King Crab or Aburi Wagyu (between €9 and €16), and an excellent, beautifully aromatic miso soup (€7). Our advice? Stick to the handroll menus of three to six pieces (between €19 and €45) to avoid breaking the bank. But heavens, it is worth it… Finish with matcha or black sesame mochis (€8).
The Little Extra: The adorable tableware, featuring artisan-crafted Japanese ceramics decorated with ultra-cute, kawaii animals. We want the exact same ones at home!
Hando Handroll Marais, 14 rue de Bretagne, Paris 3rd. 01 86 04 57 49. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Jamrock
The Vibe: Tucked away in the 11th arrondissement, Jamrock stands out as one of the very few Jamaican restaurants in Paris. While heavily popularized in England and the USA, Caribbean gastronomy took its time traveling to our shores! Jamrock is the perfect opportunity to finally discover the flavors of the island paradise (Jam), also known as the "unshakable rock" (rock). Behind the project are Kelly Schaal and Vincent Durupt, two passionate friends, alongside French-Jamaican Chef Camille Le Breton de la Perrière (formerly of Shangri-La Paris, Traiteur Té), supported in the kitchen by Jason, a Jamaican expat living in Paris for a decade. Soak up the sun with a cuisine that elevates street food through beautifully crafted plates, set in a chic space with 1970s Jamaican influences.
On the Menu: The absolute staple is jerk chicken—THE definitive Jamaican dish, featuring a chicken leg marinated for at least 24 hours in a dozen spices, slowly cooked in two stages, including over charcoal (€16). Fall for the saltfish fritters paired with a spicy pineapple sauce (€6), the beef or veggie burger on homemade coconut leavened bread (€17), and for dessert, the heavenly french-toast style rum cake with vanilla ice cream and pecans (€8), naturally washed down with an ice-cold, exotic cocktail.
The Little Extra: The restaurant has just launched its Sunday brunch, which we absolutely loved—particularly "the full breakfast plate" with fried eggs, crispy bacon (a total hit), crunchy hashbrowns, and fried plantains (€18), alongside ultra-melting fruity pancakes topped with generous strawberry and banana slices and a good drizzle of maple syrup.
Jamrock, 16 rue de Candie, Paris 11th. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Bomaye 2
The Vibe: Following the success of Bomaye on Rue de Paradis, Camille Gozé and Laurent Kalala are opening a second restaurant on Rue de Charonne. Inside a colorful little dining room inspired by wax-print fabric shops, Bomaye continues to celebrate African cuisine by serving dishes from across the continent, beautifully updated and modernized. Designed by architect Laura Chavy in collaboration with designer Laurent Badier, the restaurant is small but unique, colorful, ultra-pop, and stylish. It is ideal for an affordable dinner for two, or for six on the outdoor tables, right after a concert at Badaboum or a drink on Rue de Lappe.
On the Menu: Order the best bissap fizz in Paris (€5) alongside Bomaye’s signatures—burgers inspired by Senegalese, Ivorian, and Congolese gastronomies. We love the Babi La Douce with grilled fish and chili, inspired by the flavors of Ivory Coast (€14.90), and the Kin La Belle with fried chicken and spicy mayonnaise, straight out of the DRC (€11.90). To start, do not hesitate to order the delicious marinated and braised chicken bowl (€12.90) or the klaklos—plantain fritters made with onions, garlic, and spices (€6.90).
The Little Extra: A genuinely win-win weekday and weekend lunch menu at €13.90, which includes a burger, side, and drink.
Bomaye 2, 15 rue de Charonne, Paris. Open Monday to Thursday for lunch and dinner, and all day Saturday (12 PM–11 PM).
SPITI SOU: A DIRECT FLIGHT TO ATHENS
The Vibe: Facing Pont Neuf on the Left Bank now stands the chicest Greek restaurant in Paris, open for dinner only. While the wonderfully comforting dishes by Chef Paul Evangelopoulos give you the feeling of being invited to a family dinner by the sea, the setting is deeply refined. Spiti Sou (interestingly, the expression "Spiti Mou Spiti Sou" means "My home is your home") has just opened featuring plush blue banquettes and elegant light wood paneling. At the helm are three friends: the lovely Melina (Greek-American, ensuring the authenticity of every dish), her husband Alexandre, and Hugo—all experts in Hellenic cuisine who traveled across Greece to source its finest sun-drenched products.
On the Menu: Start right away by dipping sublime sunflower seed breadsticks into a legendary bottarga tarama (€12), perfect to share in the middle of the table, alongside crab tartare with finger lime (€42), zucchini fritters (€15), or fried kasseri cheese to dip into a surprising lemon jelly (€10). For the main course, dive your spoon into the already cult-status fisherman's orzo with shellfish and Greek saffron (€38) or the braised beef giouvetsi (€38). For dessert, it is impossible to skip the orange cake served with a scoop of olive oil ice cream—a sweet treat that will make you want to jump on the next flight to Athens (€14).
The Little Extra: Taking center stage, a pocket-sized cocktail bar invites you to extend the evening with themed creations like the Greek Tonic with Mastiha or the smooth MetaXour made with metaxa and amaretto (€14).
Spiti Sou, 53 quai des Grands Augustins, Paris 6th. 01 42 03 00 31. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM. Bar open until 1 AM. Sunday brunch available.
MISU: KOREAN GASTRONOMY
The Vibe: Tucked away on a quiet street just a short walk from Montparnasse station, this cute spot is well worth the trip! Orchestrated by Linda Lee, who already runs six renowned restaurants in the UK and a street food hotspot in Paris (On the Bab), this little piece of Korea checks every box for style and flavor. Sleek and calming without feeling cold, the decor rolls out forest-green banquettes, light wood tables, exposed stone walls, and plenty of botanical touches. At Misu, it is easy to imagine yourself in Seoul, especially when the first dishes arrive!
On the Menu: Far from being limited to the famous Bibimbap—offered here in a beef and kimchi version (€17)—Misu's menu delivers exciting and highly creative options highlighting modern flair. The tone is set right from the appetizers with amazing prawn fritters (€12), delicate grilled pork and prawn dumplings (€8), and a devilishly good hand-cut beef tartare garnished with pear and a quail egg yolk (€13). Follow it up with a bansang, an elegant platter historically served to royalty and nobility of the Joseon era, bringing together a main dish and 5 small side dishes. On our visit, the Boulgogui bansang with braised chicken and soy sauce was an absolute feast (€20). To wrap up this flavorful banquet, do not miss the black sesame fritter filled with white anko paste, which is simply perfect (€8).
The Little Extra: A divine signature drink made with toasted cereal milk, perfect to sip before the meal or at dessert instead of the traditional coffee (€7).
Misu, 8 bis rue Falguière, Paris 15th. 09 78 80 65 09. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30am to 2:30pm and from 6pm to 10pm.
QASTI GREEN: VEGETARIAN LEBANESE
The Vibe: After waking up the appetite of Rue Saint-Martin (Qasti Bistrot, Faurn), our favorite Chef Alan Geaam arrives in the bustling Sentier district, establishing a new restaurant that is green in both heart and soul. Nestled on Rue des Jeûneurs, this beautiful spot adorned with leaves on the walls and olive-green accents features a counter, banquettes, and a basement dining room perfect for group feasts. Note: For sunny days, the venue will offer a small sidewalk terrace and open its large glass windows wide. Hello, aperitivo hours!
On the Menu: 100% vegetarian options offering a gourmet ode to plant-based dining. Simply put, we loved everything: from the traditional hummus (€10) to the fried cauliflower with tahini sauce (€10), extending to the falafels and their condiments (€12), all the way to the insane vegetarian shawarma arriving on a small wooden platter, drizzled with tahini that we literally licked off our fingers (€22)! With appetites satisfied but sweet tooths still tingling, we couldn’t resist the desserts: a lovely honey and pistachio baklava (€10) and a cup of Atcha ice cream (milk cream and orange blossom) by Bachir (€10).
The Little Extra: On Sundays, Qasti Green switches to brunch mode around a highly generous sweet and savory buffet (€34 per person).
Qasti Green, 41 rue des Jeûneurs, Paris 2nd. Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2:30pm and from 7pm to 10:30pm. Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.
SONIA: ORIENTAL CUISINE
The Vibe: Velvet banquettes, black and white zellige tiles, gold metal hanging lamps, and plants galore—the decor of Sonia, imagined by interior architect Jordane Arrivetz (Bonnie, Noti Club), masterfully plays with Parisian and Moroccan aesthetic codes. Tucked away in the quiet 17th arrondissement, this sun-kissed brasserie welcomes Chef Stéphane Lemarchand (formerly of the Crillon and Élysée kitchens) alongside Fatéma Hal, the Moroccan culinary queen behind La Mansouria, who designed Sonia’s menu.
On the Menu: Dishes that embrace travel with stopovers in Greece and Spain, plus a major focus on Morocco! Among the starters, try the naughty goat cheese and fresh mint briouattes (€14), a smooth homemade hummus (€12), and a fresh king prawn salad (€22). For mains, the star remains the couscous with its perfectly tender, buttered semolina. It comes in various styles, including a royal version with lamb skewers, chicken, merguez, and beef meatballs (€33), a lamb skewers version (€32), and even a vegetarian option (€23). If your heart leans toward tagines, the farmhouse chicken tagine with Kalamata olives and preserved lemon will make you melt (€27). Not too hungry? The perfect option is the grilled lamb skewers served with fresh green beans (€28). Even if you have to loosen your belt by three notches, finish with the fine pear and pistachio tart with Berthillon vanilla ice cream: pure bliss! (€18).
The Little Extra: Sourcing-wise, all meats come from the renowned butcher Hugo Desnoyer.
Sonia, 115 avenue de Villiers, Paris 17th. 01 53 81 56 78. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm.
Also discover the new cocktail bars that are awakening Paris and Kapara, Assaf Granit's new restaurant.
