You're about to board the Eurostar for Art Basel after an exceptional run eating your way through the best restaurants in London. But wait, how are you going to top that when you get to Paris?
You're in luck. The duo behind the art-world insider podcast Nota Bene has assembled a restaurant guide for those traveling to the first edition of Art Basel Paris held in the Grand Palais. Hosts Benjamin Godsill and Nate Freeman reveal six must-visit dining spots across the French capital, from classic establishments to low-key Marais gems, essential for art lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Chez Omar
47 rue de Bretagne, 75003
Are there better Moroccan restaurants in Paris? Certainly, but the vibe at Chez Omar is unparalleled, as is the mix of art world denizens: mega-collectors BYO-ing crazy bottles, local gallery owners taking out their artists, local curators working their way through kefta tajine, the slumming celebrity—Nate once had an incredibly memorable meal here with a pre-megafame Benedict Cumberbatch, who loves the merguez and the couscous. We sat outside and smoked through dinner.
Chez L’Ami Louis
32 Rue du Vertbois, 75003
Chez L’Ami Louis might have the best roast chicken in Paris, and it’s beloved by celebrities and visiting Brit elites. On the other hand, A. A. Gill once called it the worst restaurant in the world. But these days you aren’t really going to Chez L’Ami Louis for the food anyway—you’re lining up because art collecting billionaire Bernard Arnault bought the restaurant this year, and, if there’s a chance you run into the French luxury magnate or his family, you take it. (But honestly, Bernard, maybe stop buying new spots and focusing on reopening the LVMH-owned spot we all really miss in New York: The 21 Club.)
Le Bistrot Paul Bert
18 rue Paul Bert, 75011
Some of the so-called classic Paris bistros can disappoint: They dumb it down for Americans, or just decide not to give a shit that night. But Le Bistrot Paul Bert is probably the most consistently fantastic place to get steak au poive in Paris, and worth the hassle of making a reservation weeks in advance. Don't get us started on the TikTokers that have taken over, or the fact that they blasphemed and did a popup in Brooklyn last year. Not ideal, but when you make a steak like that, you can put up with some dumb influencer stuff.
Harry’s New York Bar
5 rue Daunou, 75002
One of the world’s great expat watering holes. They invented the Bloody Mary and the French 75 here. We opt for the martinis—and the hot dogs, undoubtedly the only good American franks made on the continent. One more reason to go this year: Harry’s conducts a straw poll before every presidential election, and if you have your U.S. passport you get to vote. Enfranchise yourself at Harry’s.
Le Progrès
1 rue de Bretagne, 75003
Yes, we included La Perle in our definitive list of art world hotspots in CULTURED's Art and Food issue, but this time we'll shine a light on Le Progrès, a fairly perfect bar tabac. It's interchangeable with many other Marais spots, distinguished mostly by the patina of lefty politics that for the most part faded when art galleries moved in around the corner. A great place to spend a few hours over a few glasses of wine.
Bar Hemingway
15 Place Vendôme, 75001
You might have to wait in line, and you might have to sit next to tourists—but for the most part Bar Hemingway is reliably filled with art folk the whole week of Basel. Why is that? Well, certain personalities like staying at the Ritz, and this is the grand hotel’s canteen.
