I would like to start the description of restaurants with Michelin stars in Paris since the attitude to food in France has always been very serious. Sometimes, perhaps, too much. For example, in 1671, a cook named Walter committed suicide due to the fact that for lunch in honor of King Louis XIV did not bring fish in time. But what’s the most annoying, carts with missing ingredients arrived at the castle almost an hour after the suicide.
And here is a more recent story. In 2003, Bernard Luazo took his own life after the news that in the next issue of the Red Guide, his restaurant will receive only 2 stars, and not 3 as before. This case is not spoken about so often. However, it is worth recognizing: this story, although tragic, is beautiful in its own way. Honor for French cooks is above all ... even life.
Le guide rouge
Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris can rightfully be called a special caste. They are famous for their original cuisine, and each dish is a real work of art. However, no matter how fashionable and popular the institution may be, he should not dream of treasured little stars until in his kitchen there is a chef capable of creating a masterpiece from ordinary products.
Restaurants marked with the "Red Guide" - the best place to realize a culinary dream. Star chefs such as Guy Savoy and Alain Ducasse guarantee every visitor an unforgettable taste experience. However, we will be frank: it costs a lot. However, it's worth it!
For which the "Red Guide" awards its awards:
- 1 star - a serious restaurant with a claim to original cuisine;
- 2 stars - a gourmet restaurant that has no analogues;
- 3 stars - an institution worthy of being considered the best in the world.
To date, 98 Michelin stars own restaurants in France, second only to Tokyo. The capital of Japan - 191.
Of course, the described criteria are very vague and they don’t talk about anything to the average person. The experts of the "Red Guide" keep in the strictest confidence information on how they evaluate restaurants. One thing is known: points are awarded for serving dishes, designing copyright recipes, the interior of the hall, and even for the music that sounds there. By the way, the focus is still on the kitchen.
The most colorful about the work of experts was told and shown in the movie "Chef Adam Jones" (2015). Below is a small trailer.
Top 3 Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris
True gourmets must visit at least one of the institutions listed below in order to personally feel the latest innovations in culinary art.
1. Le Meurice - the interior resembles the luxurious decoration of Versailles: old mirrors, crystal chandeliers and a beautiful view of the main attraction of the capital. The average cost of lunch is 5400 rubles.
2. L'Ambroisie - located in the Marais district of Vosges Square - the oldest in the city. Agree, a very good place for a restaurant. By the way, he has something to be proud of, and even more so there is something to take money for, because he received the first 3 stars back in 1986. The average cost of a meal is 14,500 rubles, and you need to book a table no later than a month before visiting.
3. Arpège. This Michelin restaurant in Paris can be described with the phrase "sophisticated simplicity". However, the last word does not apply in any way to the kitchen, which is supervised by Alain Pasar. The cost of lunch varies from 3600 to 13 000 rubles.
Owners 3 *
Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée. Alena Ducasse can be safely called the star of the world of culinary. After all, the number of his "awards" from Le Guide Rouge is greater than that of other chefs. In general, as many as 9 pieces! Therefore, critics call the lunch at the Plaza Athénée perfect and elegant. The cost of pleasure will cost 22,000 rubles or more.
Pierre Gagnaire. An unforgettable culinary experience (many call it innovative) can be obtained at this Michelin restaurant in Paris. A separate word needs to be said about the signature dessert, reminiscent of a potpourri of 9 traditional French pastries. The cost of lunch varies from 7,000 to 12,000 rubles.
Pavillon LeDoyen. Located literally a stone's throw from the Champs Elysees. View of the Small Palace, high ceilings, many panoramic windows and a huge hall - as practice shows, such an interior has a beneficial effect on appetite. The kitchen is hosted by Christian Lexver (ex-chef Ritz), who is known for his talent to correctly compose the menu.
L'Astrance. Opened in 2000, by the standards of the capital, this is a very young institution. However, over 10 years it has gone from one to three stars of the "Red Guide", so there is no doubt in the experience of the chefs and the team. The average bill is 15,000 rubles.
Bristol ***
Today in Paris (in France) there are 10 Michelin-starred restaurants with three stars. Let's talk about the three most popular.
Bristol is located in the hotel of the same name. The institution works daily, but you can try the main dishes strictly at certain hours:
- breakfast - 7:00 to 10:30;
- lunch starts at noon and lasts 2 hours;
- dinner - 19:00 to 22:00.
It is worth noting that an evening meal after a tiring walk in Paris just does not work here. At the entrance you will find a dress code, which will be held by ladies in evening dresses and men in formal suits. By the way, having a tie is optional.
Prices are pretty high. For example, for an appetizer you will have to pay from 8500 rubles, and for the main course up to 11 000.
Le Cinq ***
Located next to the Champs Elysees in Paris, the Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the building of the Four Seasons Hotal Georg V. When you get into the main hall it seems that you were at a royal reception. The richness of the gilding of the interior, the transfusion of crystal, the waiters dressed from the needle and the presence of three stars - all this guarantees impeccable service and excellent cuisine.
Tables are served in expensive porcelain and silver, and the dishes, like real masterpieces, entail their views on a journey through a rich flavor range, which is revealed gradually.
As befits a luxury establishment, the prices at Le Cinq are appropriate. Be prepared to pay less than 14,000 rubles for dinner, and about 7,000 rubles for lunch. Cheeses here cost from 3,000 rubles, what can we say about rare black truffles, red trout, venison ...
Guy Savoy ***
Want to taste talent? When it comes to Guy Savoy - everything is possible! One has only to visit his gourmet bistro, and you will not notice that, being in gastronomic shock (in the best sense of the word), you paid from 7,500 rubles. However, it is worth adding that this price includes the following set of dishes:
- mini snacks:
- main course;
- dessert.
All? Yes all. For a better shot you will have to pay even more. By the way, the menu in Guy Savoy changes every season. For example, in winter, cooks "specialize" in pheasants and venison, in the spring, preferences are already changing. The only thing that remains unchanged is the truffle and artichoke soup, which is highly recommended to try.
As for the interior, the restaurant seems to be wrapped in leather and dark wood. You think boring? Not at all! The hall will surely seem very stylish and modern.
Le Grand Vefour **
This institution is not only conveniently located in a mansion of the 18th century, but also managed to become a neighbor for the beautiful gardens of the Palais Royal. Therefore, get ready to get from the dinner not only taste, but also visual pleasure. Moreover, the most heated debate on politics and literature has been held in the restaurant for more than two hundred years.
Today Le Grand Vefour works under the strict guidance of chef Guy Martin and boasts not only a rich history, but also excellent cuisine, which reflects the modern culinary traditions of France.
Now about the bad ... In 2008, the restaurant lost one of Michelin's precious stars, but even with the two remaining, it still remains one of the best places in the capital, which serves extremely tasty dishes.
The cost of lunch is from 5,400 rubles, and for lunch you will have to pay at least 14,500 rubles.
Le Meurice **
Walking along Rivoli street, 228, not far from the Tuileries gardens, discover a truly unique establishment where there is no place for haste. Creating the interior of the restaurant, the designers were inspired by the luxury of Versailles, so there is so much luxury and grandeur.
All this is expressed through sculptures, marble, antique mirrors, frescoes, elegant furniture, large windows with a wonderful view of the park, built during the time of Catherine de Medici.
The main rule of the restaurant's cuisine: grace, excellence and experience. All dishes are very light. Even desserts are prepared with a minimum amount of sugar and fat, while they do not lose amazing taste.
Everyone who decides to visit Le Meurice will have a truly royal dinner. True, he will have to pay at least 15,000 rubles.
Michelin Restaurants in Paris with 1 Star
Sola is a gourmet establishment offering guests original, modern cuisine. The windows offer stunning views of Notre Dame and the River Seine, but they come here not only for the sake of panorama, but for delicious dishes made from French ingredients with oriental sauces. Not surprisingly, the author of such an excellent combination was a chef from Japan.
Drouant is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris that opened in 1880. A modest establishment was glorified by Charles Druant, who prepared delicious oyster dishes for local residents. Now, thanks to its convenient location, Drouant is a success among tourists and those who want to eat, take a break between excursions. The cuisine is very tasty, but, like more than 100 years ago, oysters remain the main dish. In the evening, it is crowded, so go to the bar and get the opportunity to take a few free cocktail lessons.