City Guide: Paris
Pain de Sucre
Precious pastries and buttery breads at this contemporary patisserie are next door to one of Paris best coffeehouses.
Nathalie Robert and Didier Mathray trained with master chef Pierre Gagnaire before opening these two neighboring shops—one specializing in multigrain breads and savory prepared gourmet items, and the other featuring pastries and sweets so beautiful that they glitter like precious jewels in the shop window. Come here for very contemporary riffs on classic French pastries: a Baba au Rhum topped with a tiny flask of rum ensures that the texture and alcohol level will be perfect upon serving, the almond-paste Galette des Rois (King’s cake) for Epiphany is served-up in variations such as apricot and pistachio, and everyone swoons for the pastel square Guimauves (marshmallows). The savory boutique serves up and extra buttery croissant and Pain au Chocolat. A few spots are available outside, if you can score one.
Baba au Rhum
- Metro: Rambuteau
Ideal for:
You Might Also Like
-
Bistrot Paul Bert
An authentic Paris bistro that bests most others in town. -
Le Mary Celeste
A hip bar with tremendous cocktails makes this venue packed for good reason. -
Café Coutume
Ideal for petit déjeuner, Sunday brunch, and expert espresso anytime. -
Le Petit Célestin
A classic bistro that provides an authentic French dining experience you yearn for. -
Abri
Exquisite and inventive dishes in this slip of a restaurant off the beaten path. -
La Belle Hortense
A little book shop with a zinc bar and interesting wine list. -
La Table du 11
After touring Versailles and its gardens, refuel at this upscale bistro from a super star young chef. -
Du Pain et des Idées
If you visit one patisserie in Paris, make it this one.