Lasserre

17 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 75008 Paris, France

Moments from the Seine and the ever-glam Grand Palais in the capital’s 8th arrondissement, Lasserre is the real deal when it comes to Parisian fine dining. From its downplayed entrance to the elegant, Oriental style of the waiting room and the traditional French cuisine that emerges from the kitchen, expect an entirely classy experience from the start. A richly decorated elevator, festooned in silk wallpaper, whisks guests up to the first-floor dining room, opening on to warm yellow tones, pristine white linens, a flood of orchids and the welcoming sound of a piano twinkling gently in the background – you’re invited to play, if so inclined. The Michelin-starred kitchen, led by Adrien Trouilloud, uses gold leafed plates to present the likes of roasted prawns with fennel and grapefruit, perfectly cooked sea bass with fresh almonds, chanterelle mushrooms, edible flowers and crunchy buckwheat. Desserts are a veritable feast of pâtisserie and crêpe Suzettes, flambéed à table. Staff are exemplary and helpful, without a hint of arrogance. In the warmer months, an intricate muralled ceiling opens theatrically – as much a part of the experience of the meal as the food. BG. 00 33 01 43 59 02 13, restaurantlasserre.com