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Not Terrible Near the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most historic and beautiful promenades in all of Paris. Chestnut trees line the streets, as do some of the most astronomically expensive restaurants in the city. The high-rent real estate also means that there is an abundance of large, mediocre multinational chain restaurants. It’s slim pickings here, but these are our pickings for what’s actually worth seeking out along and around la plus belle avenue du monde. 

Casual Dining, Walk-Ins and Last-Minute Reservations OK

Le Relais de L’Entrecôte – At Le Relais de L’Entrecôte, the choices are steak or steak, and the supply of golden fries is unending. Which is how the line to be seated will seem unless you go early.

La Maison de l’Aubrac – This classic around the corner from the Champs-Elysées is open 24 hours a day, serving up burgers, tartare, and aged steaks that will please carnivores.

Bread and Roses 2 – An English-accented bakery, lunch spot and tea salon featuring fresh tarts (savory and sweet), sandwiches, and lively salads, plus flaky scones, serious cheesecake, and a few grocery items.

Posh Tables to Book in Advance

Pages – A short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe, you  have this modern French restaurant from chef Ryuji Teshima, who was awarded a Michelin star in 2016.

Mini Palais – Eric Frechon of the Bristol is the consulting chef of this contemporary, chic brasserie. Book a table on the terrace when weather permits. Open every day, all day.

Ledoyen – The neo-classical pavillion that houses Ledoyen is owned by the city of Paris, which seems to make sense given that this is one of the city’s oldest and most grand restaurants. Yannick Alleno has recently taken over the kitchen.

Laurent – Luxury and history come together at Laurent, where you can dine in the former hunting lodge of Louis XIV or, better yet, at a table in the garden. Fine dining, fine setting.

Lasserre – If the walls at Lasserre could talk, they would tell stories about white doves, Marc Chagall, ortolan, and Audrey Hepburn, stories of glitterati and résistants taking their truffled macaroni under the retractable roof.

L’Atelier Etoile de Joël Robuchon – Joël Robuchon’s empire expands again with the opening of another Atelier, this time on the Champs Elysées. This one is bigger than the left bank outpost, with an actual dining room in addition to the trademark counter seating.

Le Cinq – Haute cuisine in the George V hotel.

Epicure (formerly Le Bristol) – The gastronomic table at Le Bristol hotel has been renamed, but revered chef Eric Frechon remains at the stove. The dining room has been renovated, too, offering a view onto the hotel gardens. Three Michelin stars.

Jean-François Piège, Le Grand Restaurant –  Jean-François Piège was awarded two Michelin stars in 2016 for his haute cuisine here.

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Photo by Subharnab via Flickr

3 thoughts on “Not Terrible Near the Champs-Élysées”

  1. These “Not Terrible Near” lists are great, and also reminded me that Elaine Sciolino’s La Seduction says “pas terrible” has the exact opposite meaning in French, lol

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