Between grand hotels and quiet courtyards, Rue de Rivoli is home to some of Paris’s most refined tables
Le Meurice Alain Ducasse
Dining at Le Meurice is a little like stepping into a dream, if your dreams come gilded and plated by a Michelin-starred chef. Beneath Versailles-inspired ceilings and chandeliers fit for royalty, rising star Amaury Bouhours brings a modern eye to French gastronomic tradition. His refined, seasonal menu has earned the highest Ecotable rating. Desserts by Cedric Grolet are as sculptural as they are delicious.
Loulou
Perched within the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Loulou has the rare quality of feeling both timeless and perfectly now. The food is Mediterranean; think delicate crudos, handmade pasta and a glass of Sancerre sipped while watching the city pass by. Inside, contemporary design complements the museum’s historic bones. Outside, the terrace has become something of a fashion crowd favourite. It’s where lunch has a way of becoming dinner.
Benoit
Step inside bistro Benoit and you’re stepping into a slice of Paris deliciously untouched by time. Just off Rue de Rivoli, this Michelinstarred bistro still serves hearty, perfectly rendered classics: escargots, beef bourguignon and profiteroles that are unapologetically rich. The space oozes old-world charm – imagine red velvet banquettes, terracotta tiles and even a fireplace. It’s the kind of place where locals bring their parents and tourists wonder why it isn’t better known.
Le Fumoir
Housed in a former tobacco shop, Le Fumoir channels 20th-century New Orleans with dark wood, deep leather armchairs and a library-lined tearoom. The menu, on the other hand, draws inspiration from Nordic kitchens. Plus, with endless bread baskets and a library of books and magazines, what’s not to love?
