The insider’s guide to eating out in Paris: 4 celebrity chef restaurants not to miss

When it comes to eating out in Paris we love to be in-the-know! When it comes to food and wine, we like to listen to and take advice from our partner, Wendy Lyn: the insider’s insider.

Come with us as we go to four of the best restaurants in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. All four have celebrity chefs: Yard, Pierre Sang on Gambey, Le Servan and Clamato. 

Bon appetit !

Yard

“It is a good thing that I am a fan of Nye Smith’s cooking (former St John/Moro London), because his new post at Jane Drotter’s restaurant is literally my front yard. It isn’t fancy cuisine, but it is satisfying home cooking which makes it a fantastic and reliable corner canteen.” Read more here.

The Dish to Get: Roasted lamb & green pea bouillon
The Scene: Lively, Local, Friendly
The Look: New England bistro with an open kitchen & fireplace
Who Goes: Chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, local artist residents
Reservation Policy: Lunch No Reservations, Dinner Reservations Necessary
The Soundtrack: Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Nina Simone
If You Cannot Get In, Try: Le 6 Paul Bert, Pulperia

Pierre Sang on Gambey

“Korean-French Chef Pierre Sang’s fun new restaurant serving modern and soulful tasting menus in an urban wine shop setting…” Read more here.

The Dish to Get: Kimchi Noodles
The Scene: Lively, Good Vibes
The Look: Former printing shop with exposed brick and metal
Who Goes: Foodies, Paris Chefs, 20 somethings to 60 somethings
Reservation Policy: No Reservations
The Soundtrack: Custom iTunes Playlist, Funk, Rock & Soul
Insider Tip: Oberkamp metro is closed for renovations until end of Sept. For private groups/parties, book the table upstairs if possible
If You Cannot Get In, Try: Frenchie Wine Bar

Le Servan

“Sisters Tatiana (L’Arpege & L’Astrance) and Katia Levha have transformed a gritty 11th arr coffee bar into a pretty new bistro, bustling with cheerful food industry folks who are crossing town for Tatiana’s Philippine infused menus & Katia’s natural wine list.” Read more here.

The Dish to Get: Harissa-Butter Lieu Fish
The Scene: Buzzing with people who all know each other, Lively
The Look: Minimalist Art Deco
Who Goes: Wine Growers, Locals, Food & Wine Journalists, Natural Wine Geeks, Food Industry
Reservation Policy: Call for a reservation
The Soundtrack: You can’t hear the music, there are so many people talking & laughing under high ceilings
Insider Tip: Solo diners can request the bar. There are both tables and banquettes for groups of 4, if you prefer one over another

Clamato

“Chef Bertrand Grébaut and Théo Pourriat’s modern seafood tapas bar next door to their much hyped Septime restaurant offers daily-changing plates in an ultra-relaxed vibe… rare for Paris it is actually open all day Saturday & Sunday.” Read more here.

The Dish to Get: Razor clams dressed up in crushed peanuts and herb butter
The Scene: Relaxed, Cool
The Look: Clean, polished & modern
Who Goes: Food Industry, Locals, Visiting Foodies, Celebrity Chefs
Reservation Policy: No reservations, first come first served
The Soundtrack: Jazz, Aretha Franklin
Insider Tip: Booking a table isn’t an option, so the secret on this spot is getting there early or late
If You Cannot Get In, Try: Le 6 Paul Bert in the same neighborhood