You’ve probably seen stunning videos on social media showcasing the dazzling decor of Ducasse Baccarat. Located on the elegant Place des États-Unis in the 16th arrondissement, the former Baccarat museum (now cleverly moved to the city of… Baccarat) features a gourmet restaurant by Alain Ducasse and the Midi-Minuit bar—a more affordable alternative to enjoy craft cocktails and delightful small plates. That’s the option we chose to test for you!
A Cinematic Decor
It wouldn’t be surprising to see a movie star in a gala outfit descending the grand staircase of this mansion, which once hosted the most lavish parties of the Belle Époque. Owned by the Baccarat house since 2003, it first houses a boutique dedicated to crystal craftsmanship, and further along, the next restaurant set to open in the spring, whose terrace overlooking the garden already piques our curiosity.
At the top of the stairs, guarded by a monumental chandelier (no less than 9,000 crystal pendants), two options await. Take the right to experience the fine dining table we imagine to be of exceptional quality (lunch menu €90), helmed by a trio of chefs transcending generations: Alain Ducasse the King, Christophe Saintagne the mentor, and Robin Schroeder the promising talent leading the daily kitchen. They are also the creators behind the Midi-Minuit bar menu, our evening destination, just across from the final steps.
Outstanding Cocktails
When excellence is promised on the plate, the cocktails must follow suit! This is achieved thanks to the inventive creations of Margot Lecarpentier, Parisian mixology queen (Combat) and Alain Ducasse’s go-to bar expert. With Baccarat chandeliers, leopard carpet, and soft red lighting, it’s set to become the go-to spot for your romantic dates. Behind the bar, Raphaël shakes up and serves the signature love potions of Midi-Minuit: JMF Negroni (gin, sake, Campari, amaro, mushrooms, €24), 54120 (Caribbean rum, apricot cream, fino sherry, lime, green shiso, €24) or Zenith (espresso, Cuban rum, gum and coffee liqueur, olive oil, lime zest, €24), as well as three non-alcoholic options (€18).
To accompany, there’s a crispy bread like a pissaladière (€22), a playful brioche with artichokes, pecorino, and arugula (€24), flaky rye bread with smoked beef and tartar sauce (€28), or an octopus carpaccio with cucumber and carrot condiment (€36). For dessert, don’t miss the three-vanilla ice cream drowned in coffee, all atop a praline (€18)—simply divine, perfect to revive your +1 before you leave arm in arm.
Midi-Minuit Bar-Restaurant, open daily from 12 p.m. to midnight. Reservations on thefork.com.
© Bertille Chabrolle et Mickaël Bandassak
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