Drenched in sun by day, Le Réfectoire’s terrace is….


Paris is often said to be a notoriously uptight city, a city where the snobbery could only possibly be overpowered by the inverse snobbery. If you believe the stories, hordes of stuck-up posh types wouldn’t even dream of stepping out of the Golden Triangle near the Champs Elysees, and grunge fashionistas would have to be dragged screaming out of Bastille. It’s like some sort of virtual standoff; 21st Century mods don’t meet Parisian rockers downtown, or – indeed – anywhere in town. Rubbish, obviously. Nevertheless, anything that one group finds refined and hip is instantly snubbed and derided by the other. And so it is that restaurant Le Réfectoire finds itself in that pointless but very Parisian battleground; perfectly delicious and laidback for some, ridiculously pretentious and dear for others. So which team is right? Drenched in sun by day, Le Réfectoire’s terrace is the perfect stop for a bit of wireless surfing, and – let’s face it – just a little posing. By night, the restaurant’s high ceiling, sculptural lighting -Domo Domo- and 900 euros wallpaper -Ugly Home- (and that’s just for one corner) could easily be seen as trying way too hard. And yet, it’s snob credentials just aren’t there.

– waiters and waitresses are smiley and genuine.
– the food is delicious, original and fun.
– we ate three courses, plus wine and coffee, for little over 30 euros each. Hardly pricey.

Don’t expect mounds of food, be prepared for some asymmetric hair crime and a few posers in advertising, but don’t be put off by the (anti)hype; food hasn’t been so inventive and damn good in Paris for ages.

Le Réfectoire
80 boulevard Richard Lenoir
75011 Paris
Tel. +33 1 48 06 74 85

P.S. Like any good new restaurant, don’t forget to book.

Online soon Restaurant Le Réfectoire Paris

The wallpaper!

The lighting!