Discovering the best restaurants and most unusual bars of Paris

Enjoying great food and refreshing drinks in the restaurants and bars of the capital must be on your itinerary during your summer holiday in Paris. For your convenience, the Hotel Relais du Marais offers its selection of the city’s finest restaurants and most intriguing bars to discover with family or friends.

The best restaurants in the streets of Paris

Located not far from our Hotel, these three restaurants distinguish themselves by their warm welcome, their special and traditional menus, as well as their exceptional settings.

Brasserie Julien is a fabulously ornate restaurant in the heart of Paris. A listed historical monument, it offers fine cuisine served amidst a lush Art Nouveau setting. The large mirrors reflecting into infinity, gloriously intricate mouldings and the restaurant’s famed Flower Ladies painted on pate de verre all contribute to the unique charm of Brasserie Julien.

Enfants Rouges is a former convent building converted into a restaurant and wine bar, where subtly lit contemporary paintings adorn the walls. The place serves traditional French cuisine, but Dai Shinozuka, the Japanese chef, does not hesitate to blend flavours to sublimate his expert cuisine.

Finally, a superb bistro with a terrace, located near the theatre district, L’Artiste has a cosily welcoming ambience that matches perfectly the refined and traditional cuisine on offer. Concert evenings are organised regularly in this place brimming with conviviality and a pleasingly relaxed feel.

Unusual bars awaiting your pleasure

Bars are numerous in Paris, so it’s always fun to find one that stands out from the rest by way of its intriguing theme or inspired decor. During your summer stay in the heart of the capital you’ll want to discover some places that are out of the ordinary. To give you some ideas, here are our special choices: the Vénus Noire, the Truc Mush and L’Entre Potes.

The Vénus Noire is an intimate bar nestled in an old vault. The feel is something like that of an ancient castle with bare stone walls, wall sculptures and arches. Once a haunt of literary giants, it’s now fashionable among a younger crowd. There’s delicious charcuterie and cheeses, and you’ll certainly want to try the cocktails made with Chartreuse Verte.

From the Vénus Noire, continue your way to the Bastille. A few steps away is the psychedelic bar called Truc Mush, which boasts extremely colourful décor and a great Austin Powers vibe. Don’t miss the mojitos served in a tall glass, and the good humour of the bartenders.

If you’re still in the mood for nightlife with a twist, you might wish to finish the evening at L’Entre Potes. This is another bar full of surprises, with a relaxed atmosphere, where it’s fun to meet friends for a chat or a celebration. At L’Entre Potes you can immerse yourself in a vintage retro universe housed in a former upholstery factory, with graffiti painted walls and comfortable sofas.

Hotel Relais du Marais, a three star hotel with historic charm in a contemporary setting in the heart of the Marais