The talented chef Youssef Marzouk steps into the spotlight, finally letting his culinary brilliance shine at his own restaurant! At this debut establishment with its intriguing name, nestled in Le Marais, he delivers the generosity and flair of French cuisine, enhanced by the bold flavors of Tunisian gastronomy. A revelation.
A Scientist in the Kitchen!
Aldehyde—a name that sounds like a first name—is actually a molecule found in various plants and flowers (e.g., cumin, orange blossom). Youssef Marzouk chose it for his restaurant’s name because, before sharpening his knives, he graduated top of his class in chemistry! A restaurateur’s son, eventually drawn back to his culinary passion, he trained alongside prestigious chefs, joined Nicolas Sale at the Ritz, worked with Tomy Gousset at Tomy & Co, and was part of the team at Tout-Paris at Cheval Blanc. In 2024, he takes flight, opening his first restaurant in a charming street in Le Marais, near the Seine.
A Bistro Aesthetic
Simplicity reigns, with a nod to the chef’s Tunisian roots (spot the small blue lucky fish!). The dining room, infused with a soft green hue, features elegant wooden furniture and beige-upholstered chairs. A fully open kitchen and a counter adorned with jars labeled with vinegars, oils, and house-made fermentations complete the picture. The true charm? The warm smiles and genuine hospitality that fill Aldehyde. There’s an art of hosting here—heartfelt and sincere.
Electrifying Dishes
Poetic, precise, and creative, Youssef Marzouk’s cuisine serves up plates that are unique in flavor, drawing on his roots, travels, and childhood memories. To set the tone, the meal begins with semolina bread and Tunisian olive oil—bringing the Mediterranean to the table! Two canapés open the dance: one with mushrooms, the other with tomato, elevated by a glass of tomato water infused with orange blossom and basil. Next come delicate, jewel-like duck ravioli, served with an Asian-inspired surf-and-turf broth poured tableside.
The fish of the day is pollock, confit in lemon oil, and served alongside a medley of turnip textures: as a puree, in a spice-laden tatin, and pickled on top.
Dessert takes a nostalgic turn, diving into the chef’s family memories with a nod to his grandfather’s obsession with After Eight chocolates. Youssef Marzouk reimagines it with smoky dark chocolate prepared in three ways, elevated by a touch of tagetes for a graceful, herbal note—an absolute triumph!
The Good News
Aldehyde offers a lunch menu at €35 and €45, an excellent way to explore this vibrant cuisine. In the evening, guests can indulge in a five- or seven-course tasting menu (€95 and €120), showcasing signature dishes like the already-famous Lamb Two Ways, which is not to be missed.
Aldehyde, 5 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, Paris 4th. +33 9 73 89 43 24. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00–3:00 PM, and 7:30–11:00 PM; Tuesday 7:30–11:00 PM.
©Ilya Kagan
Discover also the mexican brunch at Hôtel Dame des Arts and three festive, non-cliché jazz clubs.
