Mer & Coquillage is no more—long live L’Italien de la Belle Époque! Franck Maillot bids farewell to seafood and welcomes the flavors of Italy to his table. Say benvenuto to this updated gem near the Palais-Royal gardens, preserving the chic of its décor while leaving Chef Matthieu Poirier at the helm. Does it impress ? Ma certo !
Italy is always a good option!
“When Franck told me we were going Italian, I immediately went online and ordered a pasta-making machine!” reveals Chef Matthieu Poirier. A close collaborator of Franck Maillot for five years, this lover of quality ingredients, with Michelin-starred expertise honed at prestigious establishments (Pré-Catelan, Royal Monceau, Divellec), seems happier than ever in this Italian annex of the neighboring La Belle Époque brasserie. Here, he crafts fresh pasta and other cult specialties of the Italian Botte daily a mano.
La Dolce Vita in Paris
Fans of Mer & Coquillage will feel at home at L’Italien de la Belle Époque: the chic retro decor remains untouched with its romantic charm, wood paneling, and moldings, now enlivened with lush greenery throughout the room. The vibe, however, is different! A 100% Italian playlist sets the mood, even inspiring guests to sing and dance on some evenings. Paris nightlife figure Franck Maillot, always surrounded by the city's elite, remarks, “It’s not planned, but it’s great when it happens!”
Italian verve on the plate
This is the Italy we love—honest, sunny, and straightforward. It all starts with familiar notes of homemade focaccia paired with delicately fragrant olive oil. The starters include delectable spinach, ricotta, and gorgonzola gnudi, green, round, and irresistibly delicious (€15), and a silky vitello tonnato generously topped with sauce and black olive powder (€17).
For mains, pasta takes center stage, though the Milanese veal cutlet also beckons (€29). The star? Chef Poirier’s conchiglie rigate with organic tomatoes, eggplant, pecorino, capers, and Taggiasca olives—a dish you’ll want to return for (€24). The famous but often heavy cacio e pepe is a pleasant surprise here, featuring a light and perfectly textured sauce with just the right kick (€25).
The dolci hour arrives! Naturally, there’s tiramisu, elegantly presented in a bowl and deliciously airy—a true treat (€13). Alongside it, a Paris-Brest reimagined with pistachios steals the show: mamma mia (€15).
In vino veritas
Chianti, Montepulciano, Valpolicella, Barolo—happiness in a glass! The wine list offers Mediterranean treasures, with bottles priced between €36 and €115.
The deal: Pasta of the day for €21 at lunch, available every weekday.
L’Italien de la Belle Époque, 36 Rue des Petits-Champs, Paris 2e. +33 1 42 33 00 22.Open Monday to Friday, 12:00–2:30 PM and 7:00 PM–2:00 AM; Saturday, 7:00 PM–2:00 AM.
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