© Ilya Kagan © Meïda © Johanna Alam
Between the freezing cold and the slight January blues, why not treat yourself to a mini-vacation over a sunny meal? These three new Mediterranean-inspired restaurants transport you to North Africa, Corsica, or Italy in just a metro ride, offering a much-needed joy boost to start the year off right.
Meïda
The promise: This is probably the most anticipated opening in recent years! After a top-notch residency near the Jardin des Plantes (Manzili), a fantastic cookbook, and another stint at La Réserve, Top Chef winner Mohammed Cheikh finally opens his own restaurant, supported by his chef partner Alain Grandt. Needless to say, we were already expecting to savor his sunny cuisine, which is as generous as it is refined—just the way we like it.
The place: A spacious address right at the exit of Mairie de Saint-Ouen metro station. Wow: in this former library, you can settle by the large windows to soak up the light, at the bar, or on the mezzanine level for a panoramic view of the dining room. The decor transports you with its ochre tones, a mix of wood, leather, and terracotta, and even a suspended lounge where you can sip tea at any time (shoeless) on low sofas directly on the carpets. Stunning!
Menu highlights: Yum, start with the divine eggplant caviar (recipe, anyone?) (€7.50), a potato tortilla with garlic yogurt and smoked piquillos (€9), or the lamb and beef chorba with orzo pasta and olive oil vegetables (€11.50). For mains, go for the impressive braised lemon-cumin mackerel, dramatically presented (we'll keep the surprise) and served with a fattoush salad, sumac vinaigrette (€22.50), or the roasted chicken with mild spices, tlitli orzo pasta, almonds, and raisins (€19.50). Dessert? The orange blossom rice pudding with puffed rice, orange molasses, and fresh orange supremes (€8).
Meïda, 10 place de la République, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine. 01 77 37 85 33. Open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (snack menu available between services).
© Meïda
Pizi
The promise: The little sister of Zapi, Pizi has already established itself as the new-age trattoria to book near the Bourse de Commerce. Inspired by Italian pizzicherie—shops where you grab cheese, wine, and charcuterie (there’s even a deli corner at the entrance)—this spot brings the flavors of Italy to the table, thanks to chef Martin Gomès-Léal.
The place: We immediately love the chic orange decor, reminiscent of diving into a Spritz. Right at the entrance, a pizza oven sets the tone and spreads mouthwatering aromas while showcasing the pizzaiolo in action. Upstairs, a gorgeous room with green accents features striped banquettes, floral wallpaper, and a bar ready to shake up cocktails (try the Zapi Spritz with orange bitter and elderflower liqueur, €13).
Menu highlights: The chef delivers greatness with antipasti like arancini cacio e pepe (€13), soft polpette alla marinara (€15), vitello tonnato (€19), or carpaccio di polpo (€22). While the menu includes fresh pasta dishes (ziti al tartufo, campanelle al pesto e pistacchio), the house Roman pizza steals the show with its perfect crunch—try the divine Margherita (€14) or the Calabrese with stracciatella and cherry tomatoes (€18). Cool: the lunch menu at €25 includes a pasta dish or pizza + dessert (panna cotta or chocolate mousse).
Pizi, 58 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris 1er. Open Monday to Saturday, 12 p.m.–3 p.m. and 7 p.m.–11 p.m. Online reservations available.
© Ilya Kagan
Wagon Bleu
The promise: You’ve probably walked past Le Wagon Bleu, the restaurant perched above the train tracks on Rue de Rome. Maybe you’ve even danced there until dawn. This iconic Batignolles spot, which embraced Corsican cuisine years ago, continues to serve the best specialties of the Île de Beauté. After a major revamp, now under the care of Pietra Brewery and led by Christophe Poligani (remember Gustu at La Rotonde Stalingrad?), Le Wagon Bleu champions small producers and comforting dishes that transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
The place: It doesn’t get more unique than dining in a real Orient Express train car, 100 years old to the day! While the banquettes have been swapped for chic green velvet chairs, the magic remains as you slip into this piece of train history overlooking the tracks. Corsican touches abound, from vintage posters to a small deli corner near the bar where you can grab wine, oils, and condiments to bring a touch of sunshine to your dinners.
Menu highlights: Celebrate Corsican small producers who care for their animals! Share starters like eggs mayo with bottarga (€11), pork and veal meatballs with Corsican herbs and tomme in homemade tomato sauce (€11), or house-made terrine with pork, figatellu, and P&M Corsican whisky (€12). For mains, try the organic Corsican veal sausage with homemade mashed potatoes and red Cap Corse Mattei jus (€20), or the delightful pumpkin stuffed with chestnuts, mushrooms, and quinoa, drizzled with Corsican chestnut honey and a rich veggie jus (€18). Desserts include the chocolate fondant with chestnut cream (€9) and pastizzu, a traditional cake somewhere between flan and crème caramel (€9).
Wagon Bleu, 7 rue Boursault, Paris 17e. 01 45 22 35 25. Open Tuesday-Wednesday 4 p.m.–12 a.m., Thursday-Saturday 4 p.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Online reservations available.
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