“Indulge in Paris’ Finest: Top Restaurants for Wine Lovers

UNCORK THE MAGIC: PARIS’ PREMIER RESTAURANTS FOR WINE ENTHUSIASTS!

Paris is a city of over two million people and is today France’s undisputed economic, political, artistic, and gastronomic hub. Citizens of Lyon would undoubtedly disagree, but as far as we are concerned, no other city in France offers as much variety of places to eat and drink: high-end haute-cuisine or brasseries off the beaten-track Parisian cuisines offers it all. And, of course, wine lists containing Bordeaux and Burgundy’s big names have always been an honored part of the Parisian high-end restaurant experience.

However, a revolution in the city’s gastronomic scene has occurred over the last few years. A new generation of bistros and bars are making the wines far more important than the food — which has to be up-to-scratch, nonetheless. Still, you choose the wine first, and then the chef will match the appropriate dishes.

So it’s an exhilarating time to be a wine lover dining out in Paris. The classic Encyclopedia size wine lists at venues like La Tour d’Argent still exist for those who love the freedom of choice, which is exactly what a top wine list provides for oenophiles. The other key factor that elevates Paris above most cities is the sheer volume of educated sommeliers in Paris, who will help you quickly navigate those giant-size lists. The new kids on the block join these venues, smaller restaurants that serve a wide section of good value wines by the glass, often specializing in one region or wine style, natural wines being currently in vogue. Their numbers are growing, so we’ve worked hard for you and selected the best below.

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LA TOUR D’ARGENT

Established in 1582, La Tour d’Argent has recovered its top-class status after a slightly shaky period following the death of Claude Terrail in 2006. Besides Chef Laurent Delarbre’s exquisitely refined cooking, the main event is the 15,000-bin wine list, which is undoubtedly one of the world’s largest! Head Sommelier David Ridgway is a true professional and will guide you toward the perfect pairing, as this list has a wine for every eventuality. A must-visit for every wine lover once in their lifetime.

Website: www.latourdargent.com

AU BOURGUIGNON DU MARAIS

Sip a superior wine with your excellent meal here at barely above retail prices in a fantastic atmosphere! This venue is a dream for locals and tourists alike — great food, polite, attentive service (not always a given in Paris), and a wide selection of affordable wines. The owners generally avoid the big names, so expect to find unexpected and hidden gems in their fantastic list.

Website: aubourguignondumarais.fr/

ALAIN DUCASSE AU PLAZA ATHÉNÉE

One for the traditionalists, Alain Ducasse’s restaurant at the Hotel Plaza Athénée serves 3 Starred Michelin cuisine as refined and mind-blowing as any you’ll find in Paris. The opulent, formal surroundings are complemented by a classically styled, elaborate wine list, which is a Bordeaux lover’s delight. Extensive selections of older Bordeaux vintages and an impressive selection of vintage Champagnes are on offer. Sommelier Laurent Roucayrol can assist with your choices but make no mistake; this is a place for a wine splurge, not a place to go on a budget.

Website: www.plaza-athenee-paris.com

FRENCHIE

Blink, and you’ll miss it; Frenchie is a haven of great bistro-style cooking and fantastic wine pairings from small domaines and family enterprises; no big names to be found here! Sommelier Laura Vidal focuses on non-celebrities, so expect lots of natural wine choices and wines from regions you probably won’t have heard of—a great place to seek out the lesser-known.

Website: www.frenchie-restaurant.com

LE GRAND VEFOUR

A monument to Paris’s importance as a capital of Gastronomy, Le Grand Vefour is a 3 Star Michelin restaurant founded in the 18th century. It is considered one of the most beautiful in Paris and has a very long, extensive wine list to match. The bias toward French wines is understandable, considering that every major region in France produces long-lived classics. Burgundy lovers are in for a particular treat, but we would head to the Loire for the best value.

Website: www.grand-vefour.com

EPICURE AT HOTEL LE BRISTOL

Undoubtedly one of the finest hotel dining experiences in Paris, Epicure is a hard act to follow with chef Eric Frechon’s impeccably executed take on the French classics. Locals wait months for a table at this coveted restaurant, which also houses an outstanding wine list with a good mix of French and international wine choices. The sommelier is one of the most helpful and obliging we’ve ever met in this city.

Website: www.lebristolparis.com

LE GARDE-ROBE

Let the sommelier duo Nathalie and Robin pair your wines with your food choices, and you can’t go far wrong at this delightful bistro near the Louvre. They offer over 200 different wines worldwide, but no list. Instead, you ask for a recommendation, and they will gladly serve any wine they stock by the glass. Wines are complemented by the ever-changing Plats du Jour choices and a selection of charcuterie and fresh cheeses.

Website: legarderobe.net