City Guide: Paris
David Toutain
At this star chef's restaurant, it's hard not to lick your beautifully contemporary ceramic plate.
Chef David Toutain is the most exciting chef working in Paris. His Michelin-starred restaurant is a wonderful blend of rustic chic, which matches his cooking style—perfect raw ingredients polished and combined with a level of mastery. The combinations are both cerebral but sensorial, and it’s hard not to lick your beautifully contemporary ceramic plate. Presentation is museum-worthy. Case in point: a magical toasted sesame paste paired with a smoky fish was not just divine tasting, it was visually stunning plated inside a delicate eggshell. Even the buckwheat bread is exceptional. But the standout is surely the unexpected white chocolate and cauliflower sorbet. The staff fits in with this very singular vibe—they are present and attentive and they seamlessly amp up or down their effusive knowledge about the ingredients according to the wishes and interest of the guests. The set menu requires you to trust the chef, but there should be no fear. This is an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience to be had.
Smoked Fish in a Toasted Sesame Purée
- Metro: Invalides / La Tour-Maubourg
Ideal for:
You Might Also Like
-
La Cigale Récamier
The place in Paris to savor soufflé, France’s iconic dish. -
La Table du 11
After touring Versailles and its gardens, refuel at this upscale bistro from a super star young chef. -
Frenchie
Anthony Bourdain dined here with chef Eric Ripert for good reason. -
Le Hibou
A welcoming eatery with plenty of seating inside and out to enjoy all the people watching. -
Du Pain et des Idées
If you visit one patisserie in Paris, make it this one. -
La Caféothèque de Paris
Coffee aficionados will not be disappointed by the baristas' aptitude at this pioneering café. -
Claude Colliot
Innovative and sophisticated menu in a comfortable, modern setting -
Bistrot Paul Bert
An authentic Paris bistro that bests most others in town.