I never got the chance to go to Astrance when it first opened on a sleepy street in the 16th, quietly hustling without the weight of so many Michelin stars. But I imagine it must have felt a lot like dining at Alliance. What the two restaurants have in common is the partnership of an exceptionally talented chef (Toshitaka Omiya) with a masterful and welcoming mâitre d’hôtel (Shawn Joyeux).
The service experience is always important, but it carries extra weight in the context of fine dining. We go to these places for celebratory occasions, not only for the food. Making us feel special, ensuring things go smoothly, steering us toward the right menu and wine – these are the (often un-heralded) tasks of the front-of-house.
The spartan dining room restaurant near Notre Dame doesn’t offer much to look at, but all your attention will be focused on Omiya’s food. It’s exceptionally personal cooking with a sense of urgency – Omiya is going for it. Alliance is understandably a little more expensive since they earned a Michelin star (dinner menus at 175€ and 245€), but lunch remains an absolute steal at 95€.
Alliance is included among our favorite restaurants in Paris.
ALLIANCE
5 Rue de Poissy, 75005
Open Monday-Friday for lunch & dinner
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Reservations online or at +33 1 75 51 57 54
Their Instagram / Our Instagram
OUR PHOTOS OF ALLIANCE
IN OTHER WORDS
John Talbott (2016) calls Alliance a “revelation,” calling it “a mind-blowing, head-snapping, tongue-tingling meal that cannot be described.” (Granted, he doesn’t try very hard… but there are photos!)
Le Figaro (2016) compares chef Toshitaka Omiya to a composer, applauding his “few notes, but each in its place.”
L’Express (2016) is “seduced” by chef Omiya’s approach to classic French gastronomy, despite one dish more aesthetically impressive than palate-pleasing. With classic French ingredients like ris de veau and foie gras given the royal treatment, this restaurant is a true love letter to French cuisine.