The insider’s guide to eating out in Paris: 3 open kitchen restaurants not to miss

When it comes to drinking and eating out in Paris we love to be in-the-know! And, when it comes to food and wine, we can never go past a recommendation from our partner, Wendy Lyn: the insider’s insider.

Come with us as we go to three of the best celebrity chef restaurants on the right bank of Paris: where you’ll be sure to find those in the know about food, any night of the week. Leave space on your Paris to-do list for L’avant Comptoir Hors d’Oeuvres, Chez L’Ami Jean and La Pointe du Groin.

Bon appetit !

L’avant Comptoir Hors d’Oeuvres 

“Chef Yves Camdeborde’s wildly popular hors d’oeuvres & wine bar is open 7 days a week for fantastic nibbles and glasses of natural wine.” Read more here.

The Dish to Get: Duck confit sausage hot dog. Artichoke-ham waffle.
The Scene: Lively, Boisterous, Friendly
The Look: Industrial Chic, Zinc Bar, No Chairs – Standing room only
Who Goes: Wine Growers, Wine Shop Owners, Food Industry, Locals, Celeb Chefs & Foodies
Reservation Policy:First-come, first-serve
The Soundtrack: Moby, Yannick Noah, Santana
Insider Tip: Arrive by 12 noon or between 2 – 6pm for more elbow room. Otherwise, it may be so packed that the only way to get out is to body surf out the door
If You Cannot Get In, Try: This is the only bar of its kind in Paris.

Chez L’Ami Jean

“Stephane Jego is serving modern & classic bistro fare in take no-prisoners portions to a diverse rock and roll crowd – and it is not for the faint of heart. I’m not kidding, this place comes with a warning label: Jego’s mission is to feed you like nobody’s business. If you think there can never be too much butter in pureed potatoes, then this is your kind of place.” Read more here.

The Dish to Get: Anything foie gras, mushrooms & wild game
The Scene: Boisterous, Lively, Busy
The Look: Brick, Zinc Bar, Cartoon Wall Murals
Who Goes: Food Industry, Serious Foodies, Locals
Social Media: Facebook
Reservation Policy:Call well in advance at least 2-3 weeks
The Soundtrack: Chef yelling out from the kitchen, animated conversation
Insider Tip: STOP! If you are on a diet or strict vegetarian, this is not for you. Gut busting portions. Sending back plates half finished to the kitchen, a serious offense!
If You Cannot Get In, Try: Les Papilles, Le Comptoir, Cantine de la Troquet

La Pointe du Groin

“Chef-Owner Thierry Breton’s new kitsch and charmingly chaotic wine bar is a favorite late night hangout to chefs and winemakers. There is no telephone, no servers, no reservations and euros must be exchanged at the change machine for the bar’s own currency.” Read more here.

The Dish to Get: Thierry’s native Brittany oysters, his gourmet sandwiches made w/his house baked bread
The Scene: Music, rowdy late night crowd
The Look: NYC loft meets Brittany docks meets piano bar
Who Goes: Loyal Regulars, Food Industry, Wine Makers
Reservation Policy: No reservations, first come first served.
The Soundtrack: Everything from Sinatra to Guns & Roses, and whomever is playing the piano
Insider Tip: Lunch is a civilized affair, drinks and late-night are rowdy
If You Cannot Get In, Try: Glass, Mary Celeste