L’Atelier Saint-Germain de Joël Robuchon

The original L’Atelier, in what’s now a global empire, was Joël Robuchon’s big move toward accessible fine dining. The red and black space features counter dining on high stools and, in keeping with the franchise vibe, branded paper napkin rings. Fifteen years ago, it featured on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and it still holds a Michelin star. Don’t be fooled – it’s not worth your time. This Saint-Germain location is tolerable (if wildly expensive for what they deliver) and useful on holidays (they’re open 365 days a year). The Étoile (Champs-Élysées) location should be avoided at all costs, unless you feel like dropping 1000 euros for what feels like a nouveau riche Applebees.

5 rue Montalembert, 75007
Open every day for lunch & dinner
Reservations online or at +33 1 42 22 56 56

OUR PHOTOS OF L’ATELIER DE JOËL ROBUCHON

IN OTHER WORDS

Condé Nast Traveler (2015) “When he opened the first L’Atelier in 2003, Robuchon didn’t know he would one day oversee an empire with outposts in nine capitals. He manages to maintain the high quality with addictive dishes like deep-fried langoustines wrapped in Moroccan brick pastry and his unequaled potato purée.”

Food Snob (2009) “Service was very pleasant… Unfortunately, I found the food unimpressive…”