Paris' Best (New) Small Plate Addresses | HiP Paris Blog — hipparis.com

Parisian dining habits have been changing over the last decade or two, largely in part thanks to innovative international chefs. One trend that is sticking, and becoming increasingly popular also with French chefs, is small plates. Forerunners like Mary Celeste and Inaro are now making way for a new wave of nibbles with both French and foreign influences. Here are some of the best new small plate restaurants in Paris. Top image: A L’Ombre – Pierre-Lucet Penato / Above images: Les Françaises Les Françaises It’s worth trekking to the 17th arrondissement just to go to this fabulous, fun, and stylish new Parisian small plate venue, which has injected a much-appreciated dose of chicness and originality to the Batignolles nightlife scene. The long dining room is both elegant and relaxed, the perfect setting to sample their range of tapas à la francaise and cocktails. Les Françaises The seasonal menu highlights exceptional ingredients in beautifully presented dishes such as organic œuf mimosa topped with trout caviar, bass, and clementine ceviche and confit de canard with roasted pears. Their inventive cocktails are inspired by great French women, such as Françoise Sagan and Simone de Beauvoir, and include original liquors and homemade syrups. 87 Rue Legendre, 75017 Paris A l’Ombre Enjoy the flavors of Provence without having to jump on the TGV at this attractive addition to the vibrant food scene in the 11th. The luminous dining room has an inviting feel with exposed brick walls, colorful cushions, and typical South of France straw accessories—not quite a terrace in Aix or Arles, but close! A L’Ombre – Pierre-Lucet Penato Their menu features traditional Provençal small plates including tapenade, Tomme de Provence with onion confit and exquisite Château d’Estoublon olive oil, pissaladière tart, and pastis-infused terrine. They also have a few seasonal main courses and an épicerie section. 10 rue de la Folie-Méricourt, 75011 Paris A L’Ombre – Pierre-Lucet Penato La Reine Mer Some of the best-quality fish and seafood in Paris is served up at this unique fishmonger/small plate joint also in the 11th arrondissement. Grégory Areinx has scanned the coastlines of France to find the highest level and most sustainable produits de la mer. These can be bought to cook yourself at home or enjoyed around their stainless steel countertops, in keeping with the look of a fish shop. La Reine Mer Small plates on offer at lunch include seafood salads, house-smoked salmon, and their trademark “sandfishes,” spring rolls filled with raw fish and marinated vegetables. Dinner features more elaborate tapas like lobster gyozas, grilled scallops with carrot and Tonka bean purée, or smoked squid with hummus and roasted Datterini tomatoes. 1 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris L’Avant Comptoir du Marché A precursor to the small plate movement in Paris, star chef Yves Camdeborde has expanded on his two popular Avant Comptoir venues with this new branch at the Marché Saint Germain. In line with its location, the focus here is on small plates made of traditional market products with a contemporary twist. L’Avant Comptoir du Marché The chalkboard menu changes often and features shareable portions such as ham croquettes, boudin noir macarons, pig trotters, and even charcuterie made by his brother. These high quality bites are wonderfully paired with a commendable list of mostly natural wines. 14 Rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris L’Avant Comptoir du Marché Raw Saint-Germain After the success of their restaurant in the Marais, Marie and William Pradeleix have crossed the river with this fresh new Left Bank outpost. A concept little explored in Paris, as you might gather from its name, the restaurant only serves food that is either raw or lightly cooked. RAW The  couple’s origins from the Basque country are apparent in their pintxos and jamon iberico, while their love of Asian cuisine is seen in the cod sashimi with pickled mango and the veal tataki with edamame and granny smith apple, and quintessential French is not overlooked with their scallops with foie gras—all of which go very well with the house sangria. 44 rue de Fleurus, 75006 Paris A L’Ombre – Pierre-Lucet Penato / La Reine Mer Related Links Les Françaises Written by Lily Heise for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation, or long term, rental in Paris, Italy, France or elsewhere in Europe.

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