VENIVIDIPARIS READERS' CHOICE AWARDS
November 6, 2023.
The CN Travellers Readers' Choice Awards 2023 are out, and Paris is nowhere to be found in the best rankings, nor are any other French cities.
We get it: if you've encountered one rude French waiter too many or been caught in yet another strike, the destination is unlikely to rank amongst your favourites for the title of "Friendliest city" or "Friendliest country".
But, if there is one ranking where not having any French cities even mentioned in the top 10 destinations, is surprising, to say the least, is the one for "Best cities in the world for food".
So, instead of just ranting, we thought we'd share with you the VVP Travellers Choice 2023, with a selection of our favourite restaurants, in Paris but also in other cities in France.
It is totally subjective and by no means exhaustive, nor is it a true ranking, just a selection of establishments where we and/or our gourmet clients had fantastic food, experienced friendly and competent service, and generally had a good time.
Shabour, Paris - this Michelin-rated Franco-Israeli restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience, with all customers sitting at the centre of the action, at the chef's table. Assaf Granit and his team merge two very distant gastronomic traditions and the result is delicious.
Mieux, Paris - a local bistro not far from Saint Lazare, frequented by a business crowd at lunchtime and a younger audience in the evening, executing a short menu, with only locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, accompanied by a selection of natural and small producer wines.
French Paradox: Canard et Champagne, Paris - the name says it all. Classic duck dishes paired with a starter and a side of your choice. The restaurant is inside the old arcades of Passage des Panoramas so you feel the history in this intimate dining nook.
Les Enfants du Marché, Paris - a high-concept seafood and natural wines counter within the covered outdoor market. This one’s for the foodie who wants the freshness of seasonal plates with a very relaxed atmosphere. Beware just that they don’t take bookings, so not advisable if you are in a rush.
Les Deux Gares, Paris - a quaint and pretty bistro, straight out of the Amélie Poulain movie, serving excellent French fare with the traditional dishes we all love. The location is not central, sitting as it is next to Gare de l’Est, but it’s worth the detour if you are looking for authentic cuisine and atmosphere.
Vivant 2, Paris - you’ll see the Paris creative type folk dine as the chefs prepare your delicate portions behind the counter. Music fills this small restaurant so if you’re looking to have a conversation, this is more for good times with a night out on the town. It’s worth the hustle and bustle though if you’re craving small plates all packed with flavour and delightful staff.
La Pomme d'Or, Sancerre - in a diminutive restaurant in the heart of the Burgundian countryside, Yann Tournier, originally from Brittany, serves meals that are as unforgettable as they are affordable, the perfect pit stop along a relaxed oenological trip in the region.
Le Serghi, Saint-Martin-en-Ré - the Ile de Ré, aka the French equivalent of the Hamptons, is an upscale destination for a demanding crowd who favour substance over form, and Le Serghi is no exception: the freshest seafood, cooked to perfection, in an informal yet refined setting, with a terrace overlooking the marina.
Le Quatrième Mur, Bordeaux - make sure you book one of the 8 seats at Philippe Etchebest's chef's table, in the vault underneath his Bordeaux brasserie, to witness the magic happen, and, if you are a wine connoisseur, take the test of the blind wine-pairing: you will be surprised!
Spelt, Tourettes-sur-Loup - is a gem in the hills with decadent yet subtle Provençal flavors honoring the season and location. The views on the patio are exceptional so make sure to get seated there if you can. They make you feel special when you visit and take the time to make sure you’re enjoying every bit of the experience.
La Litote, Vence – within the cobblestone streets of this village you’ll find that the guests are usually all made of locals, which is a good sign. The people are charming, and the food is simple sophisticated home-cooking and great vibes.
La Colombe d’Or, Saint-Paul-de-Vence - time stands still, and art connoisseurs will have a field trip admiring the collection of paintings, sketches and installations inside the walls. The menu, served in the original décor, preserved for posterity, offers traditional rustic cooking and the staff is friendly and makes you feel at home.
Le Plongeoir, Nice - Overlooking the harbour atop a cliff reaching out to the sea, it is quite an unusual place to dine outdoors while soaking in the views. The menu, heavy on seafood, offers extraordinarily fresh Mediterranean fish and crustaceans, and the ambience is cool yet relaxed.
It was hard to come up with just 10, in a country where food and wine are so central to the culture and to people’s lives. But, just like the CN Traveller’s Choice Awards come up every year, maybe ours will too, as we discover new gems to share.