As soon as the weather warms up in Paris, the banks of the Seine buzz with energy — a sign summer has officially begun. While picnicking with a baguette and cheese near the river or under the Eiffel Tower may exude Emily in Paris vibes, slip away from the heat and indulge in an elegant meal somewhere Emily actually dined in the show.
From oasis-like courtyards tucked behind the Champs-Élysées to rooftop gardens offering some of the best views of the city’s skyline, here are five stylish spots to dine and drink in Paris this summer.
Le Jardin at Cheval Blanc Paris
Hovering over the Seine, the seventh floor of Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Cheval Blanc Paris is one of the few spots in the city to claim a coveted view over both the river and the Eiffel Tower, which glows during summer’s late, fiery sunsets.
The seasonal Le Jardin is a Parisian take on Provence, complete with chef William Béquin’s gastronomic spins on a cherry tomato tart paired with basil sorbet, as well as beef mille-feuille and grilled octopus. You’ll feel like you’re on the Mediterranean without ever having to leave the city. The ice cream sundae desserts are just as much of a draw, thanks to toppings like vanilla Chantilly and pistachio praline.
Le Joy at Fouquet’s Paris
A serene escape from the bustle of the Champs-Élysées, Le Joy unfolds in the sun-drenched courtyard garden terrace of legendary Four-Star Fouquet’s Paris.
Chef Claudia Rivera Valdez weaves touches of her Mexican heritage into avocado tarts and wagyu beef tacos. Other plates spotlight seasonal French cuisine, like veal filet with wild garlic and peas, and sea bass with tomato and basil.
This season, Fouquet’s also transforms the fifth-floor rooftop into a Tokyo-inspired cocktail lounge with DJs spinning Japanese deep house at sunset; libations blended with yuzu, ginger and wasabi; a selection of Japanese whiskeys; and shareable plates of gyoza, sashimi and tataki designed to pair with the vibrant flavors of the drinks.
Terrasse Eden at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Nothing signals the start of summer like the seasonal debut of Five-Star Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s La Terrasse Montaigne, elegantly shielded under the property’s signature rouge awnings with the Eiffel Tower dominating the view. Through October, the streetside terrace hosts pop-up restaurant Terrasse Eden, a collaboration with Roman sister spot Five-Star Hotel Eden and its chef, Salvatore Bianco.
Embracing a taste of Italy, the menu ranges from shareable favorites like bruschetta and antipasti to cacio e pepe, guanciale-topped pizzettas and Roman-style veal meatballs. Of course, caviar can be added to any dish, and we highly recommend a dollop on the spaghetti al pomodoro.
Terrasse Espadon at Ritz Paris
Espadon is perhaps Five-Star Ritz Paris’ best-kept secret. Start the evening with a drink at the temporary Ritz Bar in the Grand Jardin, which hosts weekend binchotan barbecues and serves a whimsical menu of gastronomically inspired drinks crafted with notes from Casablanca to Veracruz.
Dubbed “Gardens of the World,” these lush libations incorporate elements like marigold, elderflower and cut-grass distillate for fresh and floral takes on summer spritzers. Then, take a seat on the tree-filled terrace of Espadon overlooking the hotel’s garden, which feels like a villa plucked from Provence with its elegant outdoor wrought-iron furniture and beautifully manicured greenery.
Chef Eugénie Béziat, who grew up in Africa and spent summers in Provence, reimagines seasonally driven French classics through dishes like white asparagus with patchouli and hazelnut and sweetbreads with sorrel and tobacco leaf.
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
For the French Open, Four-Star Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris embraced a tennis theme, complete with a Lacoste cocktail and pastry menu at Le Bar Long and an ocher clay tennis platform transforming the Terrace pool into a court.
Throughout the summer, the centerpiece Terrace will continue the bright themes with yellow sunflowers, exuding an urban garden feel complete with cocktails like the playful Parisian Sling (gin, cherry eau de vie, yellow Chartreuse and pineapple). Indulge in house favorites like the towering chicken club sandwich or the Royal Monceau lobster roll and save room for something sweet, like fruit-shaped ice cream or sorbet.
