It is said that Zeffirino is the Genoese restaurant that has welcomed every Pope since its opening in 1939 (and also Céline Dion, our very own pop queen), who come to enjoy its signature pesto pasta. A must-try dish that you can now savor in Paris, specifically on Rue Marbeuf, where Riccardo Giraudi (Beefbar) has just inaugurated a sort of eponymous extension, transposing the concept into a lavish setting designed by Cédric Capron.
The Meeting Place for the Elegant
In Genoa, Zeffirino is a legendary institution that attracts celebrities from around the world, drawn to one particular dish: the pesto pasta, considered among the best in the world. This family-run restaurant’s incredible success clearly piqued the interest of Riccardo Giraudi, the Monegasque restaurateur whose Parisian venues (Beefbar, Anahi, Petit Beefbar) continue to draw the beautiful people. Nestled on Rue Marbeuf, in the heart of the Golden Triangle, this collaboration, both obvious and unexpected, benefits from the VIP contacts of Mehdi Abdelhedi (César, Siena).
The result is a decidedly upscale venue, with a cinematic and opulent decor envisioned by MOF Cédric Capron, featuring velvet, woodwork, marble, and walls lined with black-and-white celebrity photos, beautiful painted plates, shelves filled with trinkets, fringe appliques, and mirrored ceilings, perfect for that "head-up" selfie. The festivities kick off with a must-have Bellini or Negroni (€20), the perfect companions for Italian-inspired antipasti like focaccina al formaggio (€21), raw gamberi (€39), caramelized eggplant (€23), or perhaps a chic salad of fresh peas and smoked ricotta (€27)?
The true stars of the menu are the fresh pastas, which will leave even the most indecisive diners torn. You can’t go wrong: you absolutely must order the silky trofie or mandili al Pesto di Zeffirino, prepared before your eyes and responsible for the restaurant’s stellar reputation (€35). Also noteworthy are the bucatini with spicy octopus ragout (€36) and the lemon veal escalope (€36), accompanied by sautéed potatoes or zucchini with almonds.
To share for dessert, try the pistachio ice cream made to order, topped with caramelized pistachios—a delight (perfect for sharing, €30). For those on a tighter budget, the weekday lunch menu at €34 includes a starter, pasta, and a glass of wine. Clever!
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
© Zeffirino by Florian Domergue
Also discover Fellows, the new 100% pasta veggie restaurant, and the chic spots to remember around the Champs-Élysées.
